What people object to is the docile, slumbering attitude that says “yes, we will do whatever an authority figure tells us to do, even if it is against state law.”
Historically speaking, Americans were strong, independent people who didn’t take kindly to strangers ordering them to stand in line and let your person be searched, “no arguments now...just do what the man tells you to do.”
That we see such docility now, even in the freedom-loving confines of Freep, alarms us classical, freedom-loving Americans who don’t like being ordered around by people, against state law.
Ed
It’s a loss prevention measure that Walmart instituted long ago. It’s their right to do so within the law. Legality has not been successfully challenged and therefore they’re within it to continue.
It’s your right to refuse to comply if you’re so compelled, but do not be surprised at being detained. I don’t get all the high moral dudgeon over this. Just how many people are there, who would shop at these Walmart stores in the first place, that are unaware that their receipt will very likely be checked upon exiting the store?
Tempest in a teapot. It’s a private company and private property. All retail has authority to detain for a set period of time under suspicion of shoplifting until law enforcement arrives. This falls under that rubric as far as I’m concerned. Don’t like it? Don’t shop there. Problem solved.