Lemme get this straight...

Tennessee lawmakers are often espousing "freedom" (like the freedom from having to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle), and making Tennessee friendly to business. Big, bad government is the new Red Scare from the Tea Party, which has a comfy home here in our state.

But when it comes to allowing businesses like Kroger and Food City to carry wine, Tennessee lawmakers have consistently voted on the side of Big Government Intervention policies. It goes to show you the difference between actual principles and the kind of lip service politicians give those principles when faced with the harsh reality of economics in their home districts.

Keep in mind this law would merely allow the referendums -- it will still be up to every city or municipality to enact it individually -- so that'll clearly save us all taxpayer dollars.

And yes, this will disrupt liquor stores' business. If you are truly in favor of a free market, you will allow those businesses to adapt to the competitive pressure.

Unless you're some big government Socialist, of course.