[angkor]

>>>>>>the authorities could have sat down with these people and told them what is required for their operation to be legal, and given them copies of laws and ordinances that pertain to what they are doing.<<<<<<<

I’d agree with you in theory but in my area “the government” is generally not so accomodating, especially if you have already challenged them when they tried to gain your legal compliance and you refused.

Also where I’m from it is generally *my* duty and obligation to understand the laws, and to seek legal counsel if I do not.

I’ve had a business for 10 years and have *never* had a state or local authority “sit down to tell me what is legal”.

If they ever do that I shall promptly fall to the floor in shock.

[Tammy8]

I said the authorities could have helped them in response to this from the article:

The exact nature of the business is in dispute, which is why the Stowers' wrote letters to various agencies asking for advice on how to proceed.

I have a business and do realize it is up to me to determine what is required and comply- but when I have asked an agency for help in finding out information they have usually been more than helpful. I have had authorities sit down and explain things to me and give me helpful handouts and booklets or refer me to laws and regulations- but only in response to my asking.

In another part of the article it says the people refused to comply- I was giving the people the benefit of doubt that they were trying to find out how to comply.

[Tammy8]

I said the authorities could have helped them in response to this from the article:

The exact nature of the business is in dispute, which is why the Stowers' wrote letters to various agencies asking for advice on how to proceed.

I have a business and do realize it is up to me to determine what is required and comply- but when I have asked an agency for help in finding out information they have usually been more than helpful. I have had authorities sit down and explain things to me and give me helpful handouts and booklets or refer me to laws and regulations- but only in response to my asking.

In another part of the article it says the people refused to comply- I was giving the people the benefit of doubt that they were trying to find out how to comply.