Nantucket Sleigh Ride
Well, it's not the Kelo case, but it is a decided assault on consumer choice. The Associated Press reports that "Nantucket Votes to Ban Chain Stores."
In a move endorsed by more than 480 residents at a town meeting Nantucket joined several other historic tourist towns across the country in approving a measure that would ban chain stores from the island's downtown.
"The rule would bar any new chains with more than 14 outlets that have standardized menus, trademarks, uniforms or other homogeneous decor from opening downtown. The ban would not affect gas stations, grocery stores, banks and other service providers."
So, the ban is selective and aimed at particular categories of "bad businesses" that might ruffle the feathers of folks like independent book seller Wendy Hudson, who proposed the ban.
"I'm extremely gratified," said Ms. Hudson, who proposed the ban. "I guess it feels validating ... people saw the balance and need to protect our character rather than this amendment just being another new regulation."
Of course, Wendy, it's not just another new regulation. It's good because it feels validating, and validation is what it's all about, isn't it.
Let's engage in full disclosure, though. Last year, clothier Ralph Lauren paid $6.5 million for a building on Nantucket's Main Street and hung his trademark polo sign outside an upscale boutique. The proposed ban would not affect that store. After all, Ralph Lauren contributes to that warm, happy feeling of validation, whereas the Gap is akin to inviting an house of ill-repute to open up in Disney Land (perhaps an ill-selected analogy for those who have been in the House of Mouse at Halloween).
One wonders where the other 9,560 off-season Nantucket residents were during this voice vote. Perhaps they were out at the Super-Wal Mart on the mainland stocking up on low cost Ralph Lauren goodies. I somehow doubt it, as the average Nantucket house sells for $2.6 million, and it is reported that during "the season" it has become downright difficult for folks to park their aircraft.
Lest you wonder what this seemingly mere reduction in consumer choice has to do with religion, the fastest growing area of legal work for churches is zoning. This is the sort of government action that translates easily into zoning prescriptions against choice in the religious arena when a proposed house of worship might not contribute to "feelings of validation" in a segment of the community.
Worse yet, just suppose that denomination might be viewed by some as intolerant by virtue of a particular viewpoint. Now that certainly wouldn't be validating, would it?
As a footnote, I do admire a quote from Ms. Hudson's Nantucket Bookworks ("THE eclectic, literary chit-chat center for the island.") website,
You know, I did find the site because of the article, and even a book that I wanted on the home page-and, no, it was not Nantucket:The Quiet Season. Then I compared the price on Amazon and found it $11.69 cheaper than Nantucket Bookworks. With apologies to J.M. Barrie, "Time for a lesson in choice in the market, Wendy."
Now, I feel validated.
In a move endorsed by more than 480 residents at a town meeting Nantucket joined several other historic tourist towns across the country in approving a measure that would ban chain stores from the island's downtown.
"The rule would bar any new chains with more than 14 outlets that have standardized menus, trademarks, uniforms or other homogeneous decor from opening downtown. The ban would not affect gas stations, grocery stores, banks and other service providers."
So, the ban is selective and aimed at particular categories of "bad businesses" that might ruffle the feathers of folks like independent book seller Wendy Hudson, who proposed the ban.
"I'm extremely gratified," said Ms. Hudson, who proposed the ban. "I guess it feels validating ... people saw the balance and need to protect our character rather than this amendment just being another new regulation."
Of course, Wendy, it's not just another new regulation. It's good because it feels validating, and validation is what it's all about, isn't it.
Let's engage in full disclosure, though. Last year, clothier Ralph Lauren paid $6.5 million for a building on Nantucket's Main Street and hung his trademark polo sign outside an upscale boutique. The proposed ban would not affect that store. After all, Ralph Lauren contributes to that warm, happy feeling of validation, whereas the Gap is akin to inviting an house of ill-repute to open up in Disney Land (perhaps an ill-selected analogy for those who have been in the House of Mouse at Halloween).
One wonders where the other 9,560 off-season Nantucket residents were during this voice vote. Perhaps they were out at the Super-Wal Mart on the mainland stocking up on low cost Ralph Lauren goodies. I somehow doubt it, as the average Nantucket house sells for $2.6 million, and it is reported that during "the season" it has become downright difficult for folks to park their aircraft.
Lest you wonder what this seemingly mere reduction in consumer choice has to do with religion, the fastest growing area of legal work for churches is zoning. This is the sort of government action that translates easily into zoning prescriptions against choice in the religious arena when a proposed house of worship might not contribute to "feelings of validation" in a segment of the community.
Worse yet, just suppose that denomination might be viewed by some as intolerant by virtue of a particular viewpoint. Now that certainly wouldn't be validating, would it?
As a footnote, I do admire a quote from Ms. Hudson's Nantucket Bookworks ("THE eclectic, literary chit-chat center for the island.") website,
In the meantime, if any visitors to the site have found Bookworks because of my activism, great! Please shop to your heart's content.(emphasis added)
You know, I did find the site because of the article, and even a book that I wanted on the home page-and, no, it was not Nantucket:The Quiet Season. Then I compared the price on Amazon and found it $11.69 cheaper than Nantucket Bookworks. With apologies to J.M. Barrie, "Time for a lesson in choice in the market, Wendy."
Now, I feel validated.