“The crowds of people selling bogus stuff is totally oft-putting and illegal and creates human pollution and makes walking on Canal Street intimidating and uncomfortable,”
First off, I have walked Canal Street and seen the street vendors there many times. I have also seen similar vendors in other major cities around the world. I don't find them the least bit intimidating or uncomfortable. I quite enjoy rummaging around and looking at their stuff, even though I rarely buy anything.
Secondly, does anyone actually buy this stuff thinking it is the real thing? I dare say precious few are that stupid. Yes, I know that this stuff is "illegal" because of Trademark laws. In my opinion, Trademark infringement should not be a criminal offense. It should be a simple tort, enforceable only by civil action between private parties. Government has enough to do without protecting Nike's swoosh or Rolex's crown. Why should my tax dollars be used to prop up their brands so that they can charge exorbitant prices for shoes and watches?
I do prescribe to the broken window approach to law enforcement, but no one is breaking any windows here. These sellers are for the most part immigrants who are trying to benefit from free-market capitalism. I say leave them alone. Better that they learn how to make money as capitalists who sell their goods to consumers who voluntarily buy from them, than socialists who make money for doing nothing and voting for a political party to give them "something for nothing."
