What think ye?
There is an uproar in my very own 'small town USA'.
The controversy that has been sparked is over a proposed city ordinance that would restrict commercial establishments from selling alcoholic beverages and from being open on Sundays.
It seems that people have some very strong feelings about this issue. I know some people that I trust and respect that are on both sides of this issue. I know how I feel, but I wonder if I'm wrong.
I want to know what you think about this. Do you support the ordinance? or not?
Here are some quick facts:
City population is approx. 10,000.
Small suburban 'bedroom' community.
Currently no existing commercial establishments, excepting city golf course (which operates on Sundays btw).
Population is approx. 90% LDS.
LDS faith restricts shopping on Sundays, the LDS Sabbath day.
LDS faith prohibits alcoholic beverage consumption.
HERE is what others are saying about this issue.
posted by Kevin @ 3:53 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
I have a great deal of respect for "community standards", it's what keeps liquor stores from being built next to High Schools. If your communtiy wants to get together (a majority at least) and ban shopping on Sundays (effectively) and restrict sales on beer then go for it. Everyone involved knows what the consequences will be. If you're willing to go without the sales tax and other non-LDS investment then it's all well and good. You've sent a message about your values and ensured that if someone is going to go out on a Sunday, suck down a six pack and get high on Twinkies so they can drive through a park, then they're going to have to drive a significant distance to do so... hopefully running off the side of the highway long before they reach your city limits.
In my city there was a measure to allow a casino to be built. It would have meant vast sums of tax dollars for the community at a time when it really needed it. It failed to pass because a majority were afraid of everything from a "criminal element", to traffic, to spending on increased law enforcement due to both of those. It was a good decision, one that helped shape the community. The casino would have had an impact on every day life for my city and the surrounding areas.
Same thing?
Maybe... Maybe not... It's not about banning the supermarket, but making it shut down on Sunday. Why? First of all, I would think any supermarket would be crazy openning in a commnity were potentially 90% of the population will avoid them once a week, whether there was a law or not. I think the question is; why does Mr. and Mrs. Smith care if Mr. and Mrs. Martinez shop for apples after church on Sunday? I don't see the impact on the LDS family.
Beer sales are a little trickier. I would need some study to show me that communities where the sale of alcohol is restricted are significantly better off (safer, less crime, etc.) than those who have no restrictions. (I saw plenty of such studies relating to casinos at the time). Again, why anyone would want to sell beer in your community is beyond me. ;-)
Never the less, I think you as a voter have the right to set community standards within reason. Although in this case, I think honestly, that issues with crime, general welfare, or "we have to protect the kids" are all smoke screens for the real issue; that being morality.
You and your family are examples to me of what the truly faithful are all about. I think I could drop your family anywhere in the world, into any neighborhood, and not doubt for a second that your faith would be just as strong there as it is in your present community. To me, folks who are able to live in the "real world" and get up every morning with their faith, values, and morals still intact are as strong a testament you can get. In fact, I'm not sure how people show their children right from wrong when they are surrounded by all that is "right".
Anyhow, thanks for the warning, I'll have to throw a few cases in the car before leaving California to see ya next month....
***juuuuuuuuuuust kidding fellow Clariticitens! ;-)
Here is my stance, simple as it may be.
This nation was founded because a different set of beliefs was legislatively enforced and a minority wanted a place where they could worship as they wished.
Across the nation, we are unfortunately seeing history repeat itself.
If you believe something, then live that belief, but the moment you try to use laws to enforce your doctrine, you have gone too far.
I am not LDS, and yet if I lived in this community either for work or to be close to family, I would be essentially restricted in my actions due to the church doctrine being law.
I'm all for it being up to the business owners, however. Chick-fil-a is closed on Sunday nationwide because of the belief system of the owner...but then again, it is his choice. Likewise, it is the choice of the local McDonald's franchise owner to be open on Sunday.
Let people choose. Don't choose for them.
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