I think that we're all content to live and let live within a certain tolerance spectrum. It's a bit of an unfair example, but I imagine that while you might tolerate your neighbors choice of music without comment, you would have something to say if he decided to paint his house green with purple polka dots.
Similarly, I shake my head at all of these remarkably successful young couples moving into an outsized Levittown. I'm not saying that they can't or that they shouldn't be allowed to, but I do wonder why you'd spend such a large amount of money on such an ugly thing.
And most telling of all, I do not state my preferences or dislikes with the dreaded words, "I don't want..." or "I would like to see..." referring to the choice of others.
I think that it's perfectly acceptable so long as I'm not asking the 9th Circus to codify my preferences into law. :-)
See the difference?
I see your point.
Ahhh. But for every one like you, there are dozens who not only would but in fact do codify the tiny interests that circumscribe their lives into laws that affect everyone else. Their number is tiny but their influence large because they always couch their preferences into the most egregiously restrictive, but noble sounding purpose which result in horrible laws and regulations.
In a perfect world, your worldview would be wonderful. Alas, we live in a self-centered world bordering on madness.
I worked for decades in one of the most affluent counties in the whole country, on both sides of the battle: As a design engineer/manager in private industry, and also as planning commissioner, Design review Commissioner, Personnel Commissioner, On Energy Task Force, and Flood Control Advisory boards.
The inventiveness of those who would restrain and control others, for the most trivial or phony of reasons, is limitless. I have seen it up close and personal for many years.
It is neither "new" nor "unprecedented".