People should be allowed to decide what is in their own interest. For others to decide someone acted against their own interest is somewhat paternalistic. Everybody does not think acting in their own interest means getting more government benefits.
It is also being brainwashed by their masters when they think those living under capitalism are less educated than others--you just have a different master telling you what is better.
I completely agree here. However, despite how the extremist assholes have twisted it, the main reason for government is to protect the unalienable rights of citizens. This most commonly comes into play when the rights of citizens conflict.
Examples: I have a natural right of self-defense and owning guns is common form of defense. No one should interfere with those rights. Conversely, my owning of firearms doesn't allow me to actively endanger others by shooting into the air over my neighborhood or shooting at squirrels with a 45-70 and risk hitting others in the area. Same goes for a factory that dumps its waste into community drinking water.
Likewise, people should be able to keep the fruits of their labor, meaning capitalism. A private shop owner should be able to deny service to whomever they please - government shouldn't dictate that service. That said, government should be free to entourage "the General Welfare" of the nation by making requirements for small business loans, business taxes and other protections. The only requirement is the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment: the rules should be accessible by anyone who chooses to follow the requirements.
"Hatred is a failure of imagination" - Graham Greene, "The Power and the Glory"
I agree with most of what you say; however, I support using the interstate commerce power to make civil rights laws prohibiting racial (or other types) of discrimination by businesses. Although the commerce clause has been stretched too much, I think it is appropriate in this case.
Assuming those small business loans and taxes are federal, I don't think the 14th Amendment would apply since it only limits states.
Not a lawyer, but Interstate Commerce is certainly within Federal jurisdiction.
Again, not a lawyer, but my understanding is that States can do as they please within the confines of the Constitution. For example; the 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law. All states can do what they want, but they have to apply their laws equally.
As for taxes; yes there are State taxes and Federal taxes. Only Federal would apply in this case.
"Hatred is a failure of imagination" - Graham Greene, "The Power and the Glory"
Yes, interstate commerce is a delegated congressional power. It has bee interpreted to mean anything that "affects" interstate commerce which gives the government greatly expanded powers in that area.
State policy cannot violate equal protection; examples are like state mandated racial or sexual discrimination, or sex discrimination in state marriage laws. The 14th Amendment only applies to state government policy and not private entities.
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