Government and political views of business owners
The answer to this question is a resounding no. Freedom to express political views is a right granted under the Constitution and applies to individuals and businesses alike. Events have surfaced surrounding a business whose name is not necessary to identify. We have seen attempts by individuals some in government and some not to initiate action against a business for the political views of their owner. On August 1 I am proud to say such action overwhelmingly failed when individuals came out in droves to support the position of a business owner.
Businesses have the right to express their views on issues whether or not political entities agree or disagree. This is what free speech under the Constitution is all about. We as individuals have our opinions and so do elected officials but when those views result in actions against businesses operating legally it is a step in the wrong direction.
Government entities have the right to take action against businesses when and if they violate the law (e.g. discrimination). Our world today is one which is changing and whether the changes being made are acceptable is up to us. Actions being taken by individuals within government entities must receive feedback from us the voters whether we agree or disagree with their decisions. This election year and elections in the future there are going to be issues for which we as voters must voice our opinion through our votes.
The structure of government at any level whether they have the authority to impact or hinder a business to expand is wrong. The job picture today is a dismal one at best and coming out in opposition to a business wanting to expand is killing the prospect of new jobs. Government should be embracing companies wanting to expand and create new jobs not preventing them.
The mere fact that government at any level can impede or prevent the expansion of businesses boggles my mind. It should not make any difference whether they agree or disagree on any political issue it should be whether the business is legal under the law. This given the fact that the issue in question is one in which all Americans do not agree. The question about some actions being taken to remove certain businesses from specific locations (cities) goes against the free enterprise system and the way it is meant to operate.
The right to own and operate a business is part of the American dream which is culminated in many cases by hard work to achieve success. Government has no right to take action against any business operating within the law and no laws should exists which hinder the success of a business. Rules, regulations or laws which have been created to add power to individuals who can decide whether a business can locate within their jurisdiction should be stricken from the books. Why does an elected official have the authority to accept or reject businesses locating in certain areas giving the fact they have the opportunity to purchase the land to do so. It is within the right of any elected official to have a position on the issues but that position should not interfere with the operation or expansion of any business. Businesses will succeed on their own efforts not but it is true that some laws and/or regulations currently in place at various government levels hinder business profitability.
Another point to make is whether any government entity or individual has the right to hinder or prevent any business from expanding into new locations. This appears to be the case in one situation where an elected city official refuses to allow a company to locate in his district. Clearly it would mean additional jobs for his district.
Granted there are laws on the books which may make sense regarding the operation of business entities but there are also some that should not be in place. The only time where a government entity may have jurisdiction with regards to sale of businesses or property is where there is the potential of creating a monopoly. This clearly appears not to be the case.