Politics

Beck: As Crackdowns on Lemonade Stands Mount, Kids Will Learn to Acquiesce to Government

Last week Glenn Beck discussed the all-encompassing reach of the Nanny State as local officials have been cracking down, not on gang violence or organized crime rings, but on enterprises as innocent as children’s lemonade stands and bake-sales. Whether America’s youth are selling their refreshments for charity, school-funds, or simply for their own mad-money and enjoyment, bureaucrats seem to be hyper-focused on dismantling what was once a cornerstone of the American experience.

If it sounds too outrageous to be true, consider the following stories from around the country and listen to Glenn Beck explain why Big Government tactics like this will only serve to weaken the next generation’s work ethic and make them more reliant upon government (clearly, the intended goal).

 

In Massachusetts schools, bake-sales were nearly banned by law in a push that officials claimed was intended to battle “childhood obesity.” Fortunately, after enough outrage from parents was generated, Governor Deval Patrick backed down from the planned regulations.

The ban would have prohibited the sale of sweets and baked goods during the school day and 30 minutes before and after the start of classes, but parents and some school officials expressed concern, saying it would hinder raising the cash needed to help pay for school activities.

This is hardly the first (or last) time such an incident has taken place, however.

In Appleton, Wisconsin, two young girls who ran a lemonade and cookie stand every year near their home during the town’s Old Car Show were paid a visit by law enforcement and told they had to shut down. Neither the tears that ensured nor the fact that the stand had been their tradition since they were about three-years-old didn’t faze Big Brother. A city ordinance is a city ordinance, and in what many considered the trademark robotic fashion adopted by most bureaucrats, logic and reason held no sway in the ultimate decision to close the young girls refreshment stand down.

“There were tears at first. There was big disappointment. When you‘re nine and somebody tells you you can’t, you’re not happy,” said one of the mothers. “It’s just a lemonade stand, so that‘s the part that’s disheartening.”

“I‘m sad that we probably won’t be able to do it anymore,” said Lydia Coenen

The incident came in 2011 when the Appleton city council passed an ordinance preventing vendors from selling products within a two-block radius of local events.

But if shaking down nine-year-olds wasn’t bad enough, consider that in Coralville, Iowa, police cracked down on a four year old after her lemonade stand had been up a mere 30 minutes. Dustin Krustinger told reporters that his daughter, Abigail, was selling the tasty beverage for 25 cents per cup during the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Race Across Iowa. If she had made five dollars during the few short minutes her stand was allowed to operate, that would have been a fortune.

In reflecting on the absurdity of the shutdown, Krustinger said, “if the line is drawn to the point where a four-year-old eight blocks away can’t sell a couple glasses of lemonade for 25 cents, than I think the line has been drawn at the wrong spot.”

Meanwhile, officials in Midway, Georgia, demanded that three youths ages 10 to 14, who were trying to raise money to fund a waterpark excursion, obtain a business license, a peddler’s permit, and a food permit to operate their lemonade stand. The required licenses would have cost the trio $50 per day or $180 per year each — sums that would clearly eat into any profit that might have come from the stand in the first place (not to mention the ordeal and length of time it takes to process paperwork with the city). In another instance, police informed a mother that she needed to dole out $400 for her child to run a lemonade stand.

Officials in Hazlewood, Missouri also honed in officials also banned two young girl scouts from selling Girl Scout cookies from their front yard. Why? A city law bans the “sale of commodities” from a home. So I guess Girl Scout cookies are like pork belly futures and rolls of copper.

The Freedom Center of Missouri published an extensive list dating back nearly 20 years detailing many of the food police’s shutdowns. Below are just a few of the other incidents that have occurred across the country:

April 16, 2012 – For years the Westbury family had sold lemonade, cookies, and banana bread from the end of their driveway in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to spectators at the Boston Marathon; the family donated the proceeds to Relay for Life, an anti-cancer charity.  But on April 16, 2012, city health officials shut them down because they had not obtained a permit.

August 6, 2011 – The Massachusetts State Police shut down the stand of a 12-year-old refugee from Fukushima, Japan, who was selling green tea he’d brought with him when they evacuated after the tsunami.

July 19, 2011 – McAllen, Texas shuts down girls’ lemonade stand for failure to obtain food permit, may assess grandmother $50 fine.

June 16, 2011 – County Inspector in Maryland closes kids’ lemonade stand, fines parents $500.

June 10, 2011 – Philadelphia Department of Health shuts down cancer charity’s lemonade stand for lack of permit, hand-washing station.

February 26, 2011 – Georgia police demand closure of Girl Scout cookie stand until girls obtain a peddler’s permit.

February 26, 2011 – In a separate incident, Savannah, Georgia, determines that city ordinances require an end to 40 year tradition of Girl Scouts selling cookies outside the historic home of the organization’s founder.

Beck fears that through such far-fetched measures, children will only learn that if they want or need to make money, they will need to ask the government for permission first. In addition, Beck said that the government’s discouragement only teaches them that coercion, bribery, and “NIMBYism,“ or ”not in my back yard” syndrome are all necessary in order to survive — “awful lessons” to learn, whatever one’s age.

This generation, according to Beck, is being raised to be “passive” and “powerless” as they acquiesce to an “all-powerful government.” With this in mind, he asked why Americans would be surprised when the younger generation graduates from college or university only to find themselves “utterly unprepared” for life, innovation, a strong work ethic and the realities of the marketplace.

Ultimately, the government is trying “drum” the initiative out of children at tender and impressionable ages. “It’s not going to spoil the environment…be WalMart, or ship jobs overseas,” Beck quipped. “It’s about learning something new” and isn’t that what being a kid is all about?

With that said, Beck, citing an example of a government official who once boasted about how he “crucifies” businesses in order to set an example, ceded that perhaps cracking down on lemonade stands is the best way to prepare America’s youth for the harsh realities ahead.

The quote Beck was referring to came from a 2010 video featuring Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official, Region VI Administrator Al Armendariz, admitting that EPA’s “general philosophy” is to “crucify” and “make examples” of oil and gas companies.

But it doesn’t have to be this way, and maybe “we can stop it.”

This June 13th, Beck will launch a national lemonade stand and bake-sale day open to all who wish to participate in their respective cities and towns.

Information on how to get involved can be found on the GBTV website.

Comments (76)

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  • Joyzee
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:03am

    I’d Like 500 Gallons please!…oh!..and i will not Comply..

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:01am

    don’t forget your arms incase they send pyschopath militards to attack you.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • WithoutGuile
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 5:20am

    Let Operation Occupy Lemonade Stand begin!!!

    Report Post » WithoutGuile  
  • West Coast Patriot
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 3:20am

    When I was young, my sisters and I learned about the free market system, several times, by having lemonade stands. I also had a newspaper route. It was part of life. It was part of learning to work for yourself. These idiotic government laws, at the state and fed level, are going to ruin our country before any foes army could ever aspire to do.

    Libertarianism is what the Republican Party used to aspire to. Now they just go with the flow.

    Watch this, interesting Hannity spot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6VWUXnl7r8

    Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 1:54am

    …
    Big Brother wants control of our entire lives.
    They do not want smart, self sufficient, productive citizens.
    They want dumbed down, brainwashed, totally dependent on the Government citizens.

    Report Post »  
  • vern636
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:16am

    Didn’t someone recently say when you want to stop someone you should “Crucify” them and make an example out of them, just saying.

    Report Post » vern636  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 1:18am

      yes – that’s why the self-righteous, self-promoting pundit ‘Bill-O‘ hails ’enhanced interrogation.’ — I‘m sure he’s a nice guy – but being such PAYS good ;-) the Inquisitions isn‘t ’new,’ and neither are the results — Jaques deMolay ring a bell? — but you CAN attempt to ‘force’ conformance by lining the road to town with ‘crucified’ dissenters (or just plain ol unfortunate serfs) — psychological weapons at their finest — bayonets were used the same way — til the drones came along :-) — oh — and the Pope — The historical record is there for anyone with the skills LEARNED to read, comprehend, critically THINK, analyze without being told how and what to think — and sort thru the bull… MOST people learn all they need to know to get along in LIFE in kindergarten…. by age SIX!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • FCMo
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:53pm

    The Freedom Center of Missouri’s research (with a map) is on the mofreedom.org web site at http://www.mofreedom.org/2011/07/the-government-war-on-kid-run-concession-stands/

    Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:51pm

    Beck is doing that from the fake Oval Office. What he’s going through. Twenty times more than what I went through.

    Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:50pm

    Didn’t any of the rest of you notice that the House of Representatives was supposed to be in session today, and gee, apparently it just didn’t happen. Or, it wasn’t televised on CSPAN?

    The odd significance of people’s names — it was created by Brian Lamb.

    Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:41pm

    I know what it is, Beck. You have a dark side, and it is making the world around you look dark.

    INTEGRATE the dark side with the side of light, instead of denying and evading any part of yourself.

    Be like Paul Ryan these days — shameless. Innocent of shame.

    Report Post »  
    • newmexicopatriots
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:49am

      MOUSSIAGILDA…. Damn!, will you shut up! Beck has a dark side? What the hell are you talking about? Blabbering, like usual.

      Report Post » newmexicopatriots  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:39pm

    Beck, know that I love you, not in a squishy romantic way, but an infinitely admiring way,

    And know that the world only looks so dark to you because you have been kidnapped. Who’s the guy in the checked shirt? He’s not on your side. He’s with Occupy!

    Don’t deliver yourself into the dark pawing hands of those you BELIEVE are trying to help you! Use your mind! In every situation, use your mind!

    Report Post »  
    • Paul
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:04am

      Get rid of the false Revs/Pastors/Ministers/Etc You surround yourself with “Wolves in Sheep’s clothing”

      A handful only know the truth of what’s coming in there near future. Read and KNOW with understanding, ask for more wisdom, HE gives it freely.

      http://theseason.yolasite.com/

      You have a great platform , don’t blow it…

      Rapture believers, spare me I’ve heard it all….

      Report Post » Paul  
    • moussiagilda
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:18am

      If only it was him. If only if it was THE Paul who’s answering me.

      Report Post »  
    • West Coast Patriot
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 3:28am

      Paul, if you know what is coming, why don’t you share it with all of us? That would be the christian thing to do. You do want all of us to prepare don’t you?

      I, myself, have told others on here what I really think. I believe that the entire worlds economy IS going to crash, and there is nothing any one will be able to do about it. When this happens, over population may not be as much concern anymore. My take, just saying. We could be slightly better off (as in not as many years of suffering) if we would start looking to the person who would tell the U.N. to take a leap when this happens. Just saying.

      Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
    • Paul
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:51pm

      No I am not “The Paul” But I know His work very well.

      Read it!

      Report Post » Paul  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:22pm

    Thank you Glen for bringing this to light. Let’s make it a national pledge – we will not be cowed by tyranny.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:20pm

    Government should be so proud… they have scared Children… who will tell others… and they can grow up to be Government Fearing Serfs!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:15pm

    I believe that we will have to instill in our children a desire to be free and to look to break the rules of government in minor ways. This will also require a solid grounding in Judeo-Christian principles since we don’t want our kids to become criminals or to commit harmful acts. My term for this is intelligent rebels, people who make their own minds up about rules and what they will follow. It is that kind of person who can beat back encroaching totalitarianism.

    Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:21pm

      I raised three conservatives…That’s three more votes against the democrats this election

      Report Post »  
    • dmforman
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:36pm

      I plan on stopping at every lemonade stand, cupcake sale, and any other sale that supports Glenn’s movement. Our children need to understand what taking care of yourself is all about.

      Thank you Glenn for bringing this to light and being a bright light at a dark time in our history.

      Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:07am

      Sometimes CORRECT application of civil disobedience is called for. We need to recognize and ACCEPT the fact that since April 24, 1863 we have increasingly lived in an UNLAWFUL alternate reality — (akin to Biff stealing the playbook in Back to the Future part two) –{Beck calls them serial Progressives i.e. Wilson, FDR, Johnson, and now this guy — ) tho the only people willing to EXPOSE the realities are those who spent a lifetime in careers associated (inside knowledge of the realities) and ‘coming out’ on their ‘deathbeds.’ Great. But not good enuff. We need to TEACH our OWN children the moral principles and values which made ‘us’ exceptional as a nation and a People to begin with. MANY ‘parents’ are too busy making a living and/or apathetic to their own RESPONSIBILITIES in this regard. The Iron Fist mentality will NOT long be tolerated by a People who have known freedom… “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it seems to rhyme.”~ Mark Twain. Last Stand of the 300 sounds about right. ;-) Flood the system with civil rights litigation — it’ll STOP…. PEACEFULLY and LAWFULLY. Lincoln was a self-educated lawyer — and there is NOTHING ‘complex’ about learning law and APPLYING it pro se. Alternate realities are like santa claus and the easter bunny. They make one feel all warm and fuzzy but they ain’t REAL. Fat men don’t riot, but they CAN be coerced into gradual ‘compliance’ thru generational attrition. WAS the ‘south’ right to begin with? Hm. Points to p

      Report Post »  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:14pm

    Glenn Beck rules … these A-holes in government are complete and total jackasses who we pay for … how stupid are we.

    Report Post » blazingaway  
  • macpappy
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:09pm

    Beck still play acting like the President. I can’t tell which one has the biggest ego.

    Report Post » macpappy  
    • Dougral Supports Israel
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:23pm

      I would much rather listen to Beck’s messages from the Oval Office. Obama is all about himself and his Chicago buddies. He cares not at all for the average American. Beck is trying to restore the America that once was and should exist now.

      Report Post »  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:27pm

      Pretending like Beck does is harmless. Pretending with the power of the office behind you, like OBAMA, is a catastrophe.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:58pm

    I am taking a day on the 13th of June to support this good effort. Please be a part of this day to teach kids great values plus spending time with them will mean a lot. Even if you don’t want to take the time to set up a lemonade stand you can show your support for kids by visiting one in your neighborhood.

    Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:44am

      Careful ‘they’ don’t start targeting USERS (bust a few prostitutes, but the REAL $ is with the johns THEY pay fines and court costs to ‘make it go away’) — either way — to ‘claim’ its to ‘fight’ obesity, or somehow prevent ‘tainted’ ingested substances –while we‘re ’forced‘ to ingest ’city water,’ bigger and better food additives/herbicides and growth hormones — it’s GOOD for us, see…. ;-) btw — keep on keeping on buying (renting on credit) the ‘made in china, etc’ crap KNOWN to be harmful instead of taking responsibility for what goes into your own body… that’s the objective…

      Report Post »  
  • DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:57pm

    Thanks Glenn for bringing this to light, being pro-active, and defending with us, our freedoms and liberties. God bless you sir.

    Report Post » DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:55pm

    we certainly need a 100% AMERICAN man as our new President. ~~ let‘s hope President Romney will immediately issue a presidential nationwide BLESSING on our American children’s lemonade stands.

    we sure would love the opportunity to be able to ask Gov Romney ‘will he do this for OUR CHILDREN??’

    never forget that rabid animal obama has recently ‘joked’ that he ”will ALSO win the war on Christmas”.. yeah…meaning he will DESTROY it.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:53am

      I doubt it — he’s in it as a CORPORATE politician as opposed to one working for the REPUBLIC. ‘Business as usual’ figurehead who gets their marching orders from…….. the CROWN. Treaty of 1783 — READ IT; KNOW it.
      and verify THIS stuff for yourself. it’s your DUTY as an American… :-) —-> http://www.apfn.org/apfn/bcolony.htm

      Report Post »  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:55pm

    Are they [the government] going to stop paper boys from delivering the evening news? Where will they draw the line??

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:17pm

      Only if its a conservative newspaper ..I canceled my newspaper years ago ..it was a liberal rag

      Report Post »  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:44pm

      The paperboy went the way of the West here decades ago. Child labor laws, Union protectionism, whatever. At any rate, they are gone here in Washington State, at lest where I live.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • Thevoice
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:55pm

    What else would you expect when the president of the United States is supported as a candidate by the Communist party.

    Report Post » Thevoice  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 1:04am

      Anyone heard that one of Agenda 21 initiatives being pushed thru now is going to REQUIRE a ‘CDL’ to run farm equipment? Can you imagine the kid mowing the grass won’t be able to without one? Won‘t even be able to get a pet goat and ’stake it out’ to trim lawns anymore (see Nugent‘s issues with ’ferel’ hogs etc) Gingrich wanted to put kids to work cleaning toilets (or some such gainful employment ‘opportunities.’) — Can‘t see that ’flying’ either — even mom and dad‘s ’license’ (social security card) will be substandard to push fast food out the drive thru window — ‘employees’ will have to have a ‘series’ of ‘health exams’ and permits to ‘handle food.‘ Am wondering when the ’truth in advertising‘ entertaining kids mowing grass and girl running the lemonade ’bid-ness’ litigation will pull THAT fake smut off the air — :-)

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:53pm

    The whole point of shutting down the dangerous lemonade stands is for the state to demonstrate it‘s power over us and the naive will tell us no it’s to ‘protect’ us.

    Power and control,all dictatorships are built on getting and maintaining both.Some will say oh it’s just a lemonade stand the government should shut them down,with citizens who think like that you’re just making it easier for government to control other areas of your life,health care what we drive what we eat,the list is endless and just remember you don‘t have to think for yourself government will ’protect’ you,they‘ll grope you in public and strip search you which is a violation of our fourth amendment right but it’s for your own good right?

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:09pm

      I refuse to live under the tyranny of a gay president…Barry being gay makes him seem like much less of a threat…I’M keeping my guns and living like I please..If Barry don’t like it, he can send his new gay panthers to North Carolina and try to stop us..Panther season is in.

      Report Post »  
  • From Virginia
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:43pm

    This is tyranny! I defy any liberal to justify this.

    Mark Steyn did a show on this a couple of years ago. He said then if you have to draw a line in the sand draw it at the lemonade stands.

    I agree.

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:07pm

      Yeah, because we don’t want to draw it at the loss of our civil liberties, like baseless search and siezeure, loss of private property, over bearing taxes, corrupt politicians, illegal activities in the justice department, or that idiot Shabezz a ring a ding dong dude. Nope, lets get our guns and circle the wagons around the lemon aid stands.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:32pm

      @MCPAPPY – I hear you. But whatever it takes to really hit home, works. There may be greater issues, but this is one of those “let’s do it for the children” things. No one seems to care about the adults who are taking it where it hurts.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:42pm

    I Truly believe we are going to have tested,in the very near future, whether 2nd amendment rights can defend our constitutional rights,

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:56pm

      That’s the reason the 2nd amendment was created,to protect us from government and sadly I think you’re right we will indeed see weather or not the 2nd amendment will protect us from a tyrannical government.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:07am

      @PROGRESSIVESLAYER – Having the right and the means is one thing. Having the will is another. Like the scene in “The Untouchables”: What are you prepared to do?

      The Progressives will have to rethink their takeover strategy if they see – and experience – real Patriots willing to give all in the name of Freedom. There have been better men than us who did it a long time ago. They left their bloody footprints in the snow at Valley Forge.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:56am

      @SCREWEDRITIRE…we are out here..it sit in my office surrounded by the military achievements of my parents .grandfathers,and great grandfathers all the way back to the civil war..there will be enough patriots willing to fight if need be..

      Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:36pm

    “I believe if life gives you lemons make lemonade…then find someone that life gave vodka” Ron White

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:26pm

      I love Ron White! My Dad and I saw him a few years back; he‘s coarse but he’s funny!

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:07am

      Tron, I couldn’t help it. That saying just kept going through my mind as I read the story. Yeah, he is very course, but he just cracks me up every time I watch his shows.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:43am

      My favorite is: the Dear Bullet… slow it down, put headlights on it, with a horn… and they will jump in front of it :)

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 6:50am

      LUKERW, That is one of the all time classics along with Tater Salad.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
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