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71.        Has commercialism become too widespread, particularly in schools, churches, and
other places which traditionally have been safe havens from commercialism? If so, does
the government have a responsibility to curb the problem? The answer to both questions,
in my view, is no.
      There is no evidence that commercialism is creeping into our churches.
Admittedly, some commercial activity is present in our schools. Food service is
increasing outsourced to fast-food chains; a plethora of goods and services is sold in
college bookstores and advertised in their school newspapers; and students serve as
walking billboards for the companies whose logos appear on clothing. However, this
kind of commercialism does not interfere with school activities; to the contrary, in the
first two cases they contribute to the efficient functioning of the organization.
Outsourcing food service, for example, is a cost-cutting measure which provides
additional funding for teaching materials, facilities, and teacher salaries.
      I do agree that, in general, commercialism is becoming more widespread, and that
one of the byproducts may be a decline in the quality of our culture. Electronic
billboards now serve as backdrops for televised sporting events, and Web sites must sell
advertising space to justify maintenance costs. Does this mean that government should
step in and ban the sale of products in certain venues? No. This would require that
government make ad hoc, and possibly arbitrary, decisions as to which products may be
sold or advertised at which places and events. These are value judgments that are best
left to individual schools, churches, and other organizations. Moreover, the expense of
enforcing the regulations may well outweigh the cultural benefits, if any.
      In sum, while commercialism is undeniably becoming more widespread, it is
minimally intrusive and works to the net benefit of society. As a matter of public policy,
therefore, government should not attempt to regulate the extent of commercialism.