Not any more. The majority of Americans today seem to believe that the government can control every aspect of commerce. Even on this forum, there seems to be a significant population who see no limits on government power.
Or did I miss something that really does limit government power? I don't see where government is supposed to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.
Are you of the persuasion that anything that is not permitted is prohibited? And that anything that is permitted is required? Ours is supposed to be a government of limited powers, not one of enumerated rights. Without explcicit power to exclude Walmart, then the government lacks such power.
Does this same government have the power to order Sears to close up in favor of Walmart? Why not?
“Not any more”? That tells me all I need to know.
If an individual community chooses not to have a Walmart, or strip clubs, drug paraphanlia shop, or casino then that is the right of the citizens living there to determine their standards.
Does NYC have any Sears? No, you gotta leave the island to find one.