[Colofornian]

How, exactly, is the government attempting to restrict sales?

Alright this one is pretty simple. Government official A + Government official B [New Jersey pols]. These pols are by definition, "government reps."

Now for the other half of the phrase: Dictionary definition of "restrict": "to keep within limits; confine."

Are you so out of bounds as to not recognize an attempt to keep sales "within limits" or is the dictionary a mystery novel to you?

Let's put it all together in context: the Jersey pols' own joint statement reads: "No one in New Jersey should buy this book and allow Ann Coulter to profit from her hate-mongering."

So, now allow me to go to my Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms: When a Jersey pol publicly campaigns to have you as a voter vote for him or her, that is the opposite of restrict: He or she is seeking to "widen, expand, extend, and enlarge"[antonyms to restrict] his or her voter base. Now, when those same Jersey pols publicly campaign for stores not to stock a certain book, that means they are seeking to "limit, restrain, impede, confine, check, bind, curb, fence, crimp" [synonyms to "restrict].

There, crystal clear now?

[Dimensio]

Now, when those same Jersey pols publicly campaign for stores not to stock a certain book, that means they are seeking to "limit, restrain, impede, confine, check, bind, curb, fence, crimp" [synonyms to "restrict].

The applicable synonym in this situation would be "limit" or "impede", in that the two legislators are attempting to "limit" sales of the book through negative publicity. However, I do not see how this constitutes an attempt to "ban" the book. Their statements do not constitute a government action seeking to restrict or prevent sales of the book in stores. You appear to be suggesting that an elected government agent expressing an opinion is tantamount to the government making a specific action. I have heard that this is not the case from individuals when speaking on government officals offering religious opinions, and I have agreed in those situations. I cannot apply a different standard to this situation.