Posted on 07/03/2015 5:17:37 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Lefts outrage cycle moves on, relentlessly. Having triumphed over Bo and Luke Duke, having triumphed over marriage itself, the social-justice Left is moving on to The Donald. Our own Rich Lowry has detailed the corporate onslaught against Donald Trump motivated by his comments about Mexican immigrants: Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. They are are bringing drugs, theyre bringing crime, theyre rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.
NBC, Univision, and Macys have severed ties with Trump. All of this is par for the course in modern corporate America where companies are all too eager to capitalize on the shame cycle du jour. Its a (semi) free country, however, and companies are free to express their own views on politics and culture unless of course they breach a contract. Trump has filed suit against Univision, seeking a modest $500 million in damages.
Yesterday, however, the dispute achieved constitutional significance. In the ultimate act of social-justice me-too-ism, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he is now reviewing Trumps contracts with the city. Why? Because of his constitutionally protected speech. Heres de Blasios statement:
We are reviewing Trump contracts with the City. Donald Trumps remarks were disgusting and offensive, and this hateful language has no place in our city. Trumps comments do not represent the values of inclusion and openness that define us as New Yorkers. Our Mexican brothers and sister make up an essential part of this citys vibrant and diverse community, and we will continue to celebrate and support New Yorkers of every background.
Its a basic rule of free speech that no state official can determine what kind of speech does or does not have a place in any jurisdiction in the United States, even liberal New York. De Blasios words are reminiscent of the attempt by Chicago alderman Joe Moreno in 2012 to block Chick-fil-A from his ward because Chick-fil-As values are not Chicagos values. Moreno wasnt alone. Boston mayor Thomas Menino vowed to ban the fast-food chain, declaring that Chick-fil-A doesnt belong in Boston. While not making the same kind of explicit threat, San Franciscos mayor also urged Chick-fil-A to stay out of town. Yet public officials cant lawfully ban a business because of the political views of its owner, and most of them quickly backed down. It was only a matter of time, however, before another mayor tried the same tactic.
Bill de Blasio is free to condemn Donald Trump, to insult him, and to declare loudly and proudly that New York Citys government doesnt share Trumps views or values. In other words, de Blasio enjoys his own free-speech rights. He is not free, however, to take any formal government action against Trump simply because of Trumps viewpoint.
While de Blasios action is constitutionally dangerous, part of me wants to see him pull the trigger, to break his city contracts. Why? Because unlike most victims of state censorship, Trump has the will and resources to make an example of de Blasio to punish the city for its repression. Yes, litigation has its risks (the last two weeks have amply demonstrated how courts will manipulate or create legal doctrines to achieve the desired results), but there are times when risks must be taken.
Break those contracts, Mayor de Blasio. Sue the mayor, Mr. Trump. And lets see if the Supreme Courts inspiring words still have meaning: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.
The social-justice Left is doing its best to prescribe what shall be orthodox in virtually every meaningful arena of life. Its one thing to do so through corporate action and silly social-media shame cycles. Its another thing entirely to do so through the power of the state. One doesnt have to agree with Trumps assessment of Mexican immigrants to understand de Blasios threat to liberty. If its time for a constitutional showdown, let it be in the Big Apple.
David French is an attorney and a staff writer at National Review.
Ironic this on the heels of Independence Day.
The Trump lawyers will be working this weekend I see - further legal action by the Trump Organization is imminent.
Let’s see...Mexico pays for the wall, Univision pays for the campaign, and NYC will pay for...yet to be determined.
I believe Trump is following Glen Reynolds advice regarding Leftists. “When they punch, punch back twice as hard.” I am so with this guy I cannot believe it. The Leftists don’t get it.
deBlasio, professionally stupid as most leftists are doesn’t realize what snakepit he is getting into. The city of New York will be sued into oblivion.
The more The Establishment shuns Trump the more.I support him.
He is doing precisely the type of thing that I would have the GOP doing.
If the GOP did this I would support them 100%.
Orange face and comb over?
I don’t care at all — he could have a CLOWN SUIT on, do what he’s doing, and I would support him.
Paraphrase Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood)... “Go ahead, Bill, make my day. “
The despicable left cannot survive without the capitalists money
His comments always have more truth than not and what he says resonates with a lot of people. Therefor Libs cannot let his comments stand. It then requires a Lib to step up to the mic and condemn him with stupid comments like “We stand for Diversity and Tolerance” but we want Donald Trump to be stripped of his right to do business in NYC.”
Trump is like the cowboy who risked his own safety by running out from behind safety in order to draw fire, so his friends can see where the enemy is hiding and what they are shooting with.
Typical Republican Pols are very reluctant to do this, because they know it is an almost sure suicide mission. They remain safe and hidden willing to only take a few weak little pop shots while quickly ducking down again for cover.
I don't know how DeBlasio can keep the city going if millionaires and billionaires who believe in things like free speech and honoring contracts decide it's a bad place to do business.
I cannot understand why the business leaders in NYC, as well as Baltimore, are not more vocal against the obvious incompetence and outright communism of these big city mayors.
You see it on the national level with Obama—everyone is afraid of the skinny gay kid from Indonesia.
read charles murray’s book “by the people.” One of his scenarios for crippling the current govt is for the wealthy to step up and protect us the little guys by these type of actions. The government, no matter how big it is can’t fight/sue everyone.
Most businessmen in major cities under siege believe they can ride it out or gain some insider track with the thugocracy.
This is especially true in Baltimore, home of the best back rubbers (and stabbers) in the US. Baltimore has a way of eating its own especially if they show any real independence.
The current Balto city government crowd were all mentored by community organizers under the Don. A worse bunch of self promoting hangers-on cannot be found. There is not an ounce of leadership in the pack of them.
I totally agree and it was due long ago.
Trump is somewhat of a role model for those lacking guts.
What I enjoy about Trump is he stands his ground in both the confrontation and the combat.
This is so unfair.
Why is Trump being given all these opportunities to prove his prowess, while all the other candidates are in the background growing mold?
This is so unfair.
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