The government is increasingly telling private companies what they can and cannot do – gender-neutral toys are just the start

“I am from the government and I am here to help. Ronald Reagan called them the nine scariest words in the English language – and, indeed, it’s getting scary for retailers in California.

According to Los Angeles Times, “California on Saturday became the first state in the country to pass a law requiring large retail stores to supply sections of non-sexist toys under a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The new law, which will come into force in 2024, requires retail stores with 500 or more employees to sell certain toys and childcare products outside of areas specifically labeled by gender. Retailers can continue to carry other toys and childcare items in traditional boys and girls sections if they wish. “

The Times goes on to explain, “Assembly Bill 1084 continues a gradual shift in the retail industry to move away from the strict marketing of children’s products under traditional gender stereotypes,” the Times said. Assembly member Evan Low (D-Campbell), who introduced the legislation. Target ditched the boys and girls toy sections in 2015, and other retailers have since moved away from gender labels.

If the industry is already moving in this direction anyway, why is it necessary to legislate? As usual, the government believes it should be involved in every societal decision, no matter how small. Even children’s toys.

To what end? How does the government define the extent of its power? Over the past year or so, this has become an important question that few people have bothered to ask. Should the government be able to shut down businesses or tell them how to operate?

During a pandemic, the government decided that yes, it had that authority. And apparently, aside from a pandemic, the government has decided it has jurisdiction as well.

What kind of economy do we have? Centralized planning by government bureaucracy or a capitalist organization where our needs are determined by the markets? More and more he feels like the old one.

In small incremental changes over time, some under the guise of “emergency powers,” we are sliding in a direction the Americans have not consented to.

Most American citizens are probably unaware of the degree of government control over businesses. And that’s how the government wants to keep it.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, says the well-known and popular proverb, a good description of California’s intrusion into. . . sale of toys.

This is yet another avenue that the state government has used in its continued encroachment on those unlucky enough to fall under their jurisdiction.