The Cry Wolf Quote Bank chronicles the false predictions and hyperbole by opponents of these laws and protections. While the issues and specific policies change over time, the rhetoric and themes remained the same. You can search the Quote Bank for what opponents said to prevent these laws from passing. Using the drop down menus on the right their statements by issue, by specific law, by who said it and by the core themes they evoke. Elsewhere on the site, you can find articles, studies, and other material that debunks their claims.
You must relieve [New York's] real estate from the terrible yolk of oppression which has been throttling it for some years past…
That same threat was made when the child labor law was passed and not one of the manufacturers moved out.
We have been legislated to death.
This condition is depreciating the value of real estate, restricting its marketability, and driving manufacturers out of the City and State of New York.
The owners of real property are becoming terrified by the number of laws which have been enacted affecting real property in New York City…in each succeeding year there is a law passed…This compels the owner to expend…large sums of money, which…are absolutely needless and useless.
You can no longer distinguish the real estate owner by the smile of prosperity, because his property is now a burden and a liability instead of a comfort and a source of income. To own a factory building in New York City is now a calamity.
The Real Estate Board of New York is informed that thousands of factories are migrating to New Jersey and Connecticut in order to be freed from the oppressive laws of New York State.
It is almost impossible to sell any real property in New York City at the present time at its assessed value.
Contrary to the predictions of the canners, the next year there was no shortage of canned vegetables or fruits.
I can’t see what all this talk is about. How is it wrong for the State to intervene with regard to the working conditions of people who work in the factories and mills. I don’t see what they mean. What did we set up the government for?