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THE WEIRS TIMES & THE COCHECO TIMES, Thursday, June 14, 2018 shapiro from 6
the commission pilloried the man’s religious viewpoint rather than giving it a respectful hearing; it compared his viewpoint to pro-slavery and pro-Holocaust viewpoints. This was extreme and nasty. Thus, Justice Anthony Kennedy concluded: “The commission’s hostility was inconsistent with the First Amendment’s guarantee that our laws be applied in a manner that is neutral toward religion. ... The outcome of cases like this in other circumstances must await further elaboration in the courts.” I must have missed the “be kind; rewind” section of the First Amendment. Of course, the Supreme Court likely ruled on narrow grounds in order to achieve a 7-2 majority including liberal Justices Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer. But the ruling bodes ill for the future: It doesn’t protect religious Americans, nor does it protect freedom of speech. In reality, the founders would have been aghast at this issue ever rising to the level of the judiciary. Freedom of speech, and, by extension, freedom of association, were designed to allow private individuals to live their lives as they see fit, free of the burden of an overreaching government. Freedom of religion was to be guar-
anteed by a small government unconcerned with the day-to-day matters of business. Free markets were considered enough incentive to prevent mass discrimination in public accommodations. Now, however, the courts have decided that the government can tell you what to say, who to say it to and how to act out your religion. The only holdup is that they have to be nice about telling you what to do. Ben Shapiro, 34, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com. He is The New York Times bestselling author of “Bullies.” He lives with his wife and two children in Los Angeles. To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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stossel from 8
and recommend that you don’t answer the question from this gentleman ... certainly not with that tone, that objectionable tone.” I asked, “Is it true that four of you are getting loans from Mr. Daibes’ bank, and is it true that you (Mayor McPartland) get a discounted apartment in Mr. Daibes’ building?” The lawyer spoke up again, “Mr. Mayor, I don’t think it’s appropriate.” Eventually the mayor, without answering my questions, closed the meeting. The lawyer said, “He’s done.” And that was that. Maybe we’ll get more answers from Edgewater after my video about this
circulates. People everywhere should ask questions of politicians who hand out favors to well-connected big shots. A great thing about capitalism is that the only legitimate way to get rich is to serve your customers well. Customers have choices. To make money, businesses must offer something better than competitors offer. Developers can’t tell other developers “you can’t build here” because they cannot use force. Unless they have cronies in government. Governments can use force. They have the power to ban some developments while approving others. They can use eminent domain law to seize prop-
erty. That’s what’s happened in Edgewater. When politicians favor their friends, that’s not capitalism, that’s crony capitalism. Crapitalism. Corruption. Maxal’s lawsuit alleges “corrupt transactions” by Edgewater’s politicians. I think Maxal is right. John Stossel is author of “No They Can’t! Why Government Fails -- But Individuals Succeed.” For other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.
Red, White & Brew
CRAFT BEER & WINE FESTIVAL
Join us at the 3rd Annual Red, White & Brew to benefit NH veterans, services members and their families! Enjoy craft beer, wine, food, live music, car show, auction, raffles and more!
Admission
$25 General
$40 VIP
Admission includes commemorative mug, while supplies last. Admission does not include cost of food.
For tickets and sponsorships visit,
www.vetscount.org/nh For more than 10 years, Veterans Count has provided critical and timely financial assistance and services when no other resource is available to veterans, service members and their families, to ensure their dignity, health and overall well-being. We continue to ensure that 90% of every net dollar raised for Veterans Count is spent to provide services and grow resources for NH veterans, service members and their families. www.vetscount.org/nh