Can The Government Make You Buy Something?

“The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have, taking one with another, no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office.” — H. L. Mencken.

At present there is a pending case before the Supreme Court of the United States regarding the Affordable Health Care Act – ObamaCare. The main point of contention in this case is whether the government can force a citizen to but something they do not wish to buy. The government claims that ObamaCare will not work unless everyone opts in and the plaintiffs (26 State Attorney Generals) claim the federal government has no warrant in the Constitution to force a citizen to buy a product or a service.

For California State Senator Ted Lieu, (D-Torrance) this issue means nothing. He wants legislation to force Lowes Home Improvement Stores to sponsor a TV show that they do not want to sponsor. In essence buy something they do not want to buy — TV advertising.

The show Lieu wants Lowes to sponsor is the TLC network show “All-American Muslim.” Lowe’s Home Improvement, the North Carolina — based retailer, has decided to end its advertising, along with 65 other sponsors, on the reality show. The retailer stated it had received requests from the Florida-based group known as the Florida Family Association to pull their advertising for the show because the group felt the show was “propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values.”

According to an article in the Oakland Press State Senator Lieu wants to take legislative action against Lowe’s if they do not apologize to Muslims and reinstate their advertisements on the show. One of the reader’s responses to the Oakland Press article, Jeff Olejniczak feels Lowes is justified in its decision.

“Am I the only one that thinks the outrage on this subject is outrageous?” said Olejniczak. “Lowes can do whatever it wants. Especially if some of their customers complain. If you don’t like them pulling the ads, then don’t shop there.”

What legislation can Sen. Lieu pass in the state of California that can cause Lowes to buy advertising on a show they do not want to sponsor? There is no warrant in the Constitution forcing them to do so. If, on the other hand, Lowes had a contractual agreement to buy a package of advertisement and has reneged on this agreement it is a civil matter for the courts on the terms of the contract, not an issue for statutory law. It is no business of any government, federal or state, to demand a private business or citizen to purchase something they do not want or need.

Lieu, like a good progressive, liberal, Democrat wants government to intervene in our lives to take action to a support a social cause he supports. This is another example in an ongoing chain of examples of how progressive politicians like Lieu are attempting to destroy the fabric of this nation through their legislative efforts. I am sure there are those in Lieu’s senatorial district who will claim that Lowes is showing insensitivity to Muslims by withdrawing their sponsorship. They will claim that we should force Lowes to show respect and tolerance to Muslims and if they won’t then the government will force them in the name of fairness and political correctness. They will not give a thought to the consequences of such government interference.

Suppose there was a reality show depicting the everyday life of a group of Nazis or the Aryan Brotherhood and one of the sponsors was B'nai B'rith. Would they be required to continue their sponsorship after their members complained? Of course not. How about the government forcing stores like Target or Wal-Mart to place Muslim Brotherhood advocates in front of their stores. You would say this was a ridiculous example. But, once you tread down the path of government intervention there is no retreating and you must accept the unintended consequences.

If you believe Loews should resume their sponsorship of a TV show they wish not to have any connection with then don’t shop there.