Closing California's State Parks: Communism Fails Again
The abject poverty of communist ideals has been demonstrated once again by California's failed state park system. But don't expect anyone to change, for this is deaf, dumb idolatry. by Paul Benedict
(libertarian)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Rather than getting back to making movies, it would be great to see Arnold Schwarzenegger make a tell-all memoir about his days as the Governator. Yes, he's surprisingly good at comedy. Anyhow, perhaps such a memoir would shed light on why the he floated the idea of closing over 200 of Californias State Parks during the budget battles of 2009. Was it a ruse to get the nature worshippers to let him purge the Santa Barbaras coast of the noxious fumes of its natural oil seeps (see A Budget Compromise That Would Drill California)? If so, his plan failed miserably. However, we speak of California where weird ideas live forever. Somehow or other, under Moon Beam Jerry Browns new budget, seventy of those parks are now scheduled for closure.
Closing the state parks is simply another example of state wide, bi-partisan insanity. Compared to the billions of dollars of deficit, this headline grabbing move saves only about 11 million this year and about 11 million more next year. Meanwhile Californiatax payers fund the children of illegal immigrants to the tune of 600 million inLos AngelesCounty alone.
However, there is a hidden cost of at least 1.3 billion in deferred maintenance for California's parks that just won't fit under the carpet any longer. In other words, California's parks are increasingly run down, disgraceful examples of what holding a workers' paradise ideology means. It would be bad enough if access to California's parks was limited, as it was in the beginning, to the brave and the hardy, to those like Dr. Lafayette Bunnell who loved Californias untouched wilderness. Instead, the parks' endless exposure to civilization has left these areas sullied. This filth, though, does not proceed from an exposure to a civilization that builds, stewards, and cares for its property. No, this is the rot of a civilization increasingly lost in decadent delusions about the evils of property rights; it is run off from a land that has squandered its strength on the promise of an omnipotent, all caring government with the power to save its citizens from the consequences of their actions.
This time it's not the illegal immigrants that are to blame for California's parks. It's California's rejection of free market principles that is the heart of this problem. California's parks should not cost taxpayers a dime. The value of park services to Californians should be determined by the supply and demand curve. Raise the park prices until the crowds decrease. Find out how much it is worth to California State residents to access particular parks which require the more expensive services and upkeep.
Californians have a right to use the parks, but not to leave them in a state that is worse for the next guy. With their right they have a responsibility. These rights and responsibilities can and should be measured financially. This is not to say that the citizens of California are personally negligent. The communist lie that rejects the basic principles of property, value, responsibility, and privilege is the depravity at the root of this issue. Because the California Park system is not supported by its use fees, but by taxing the rich, the public cannot properly evaluate the cost of visits and then budget responsibly. Instead, our parks are left in disrepair, and even those willing to pay their way are treated like beggars and serfs. The value of a visit to the park is obscured by such governmental generosity.
Of course, such notions as a citizen paying his own way are now anathema in American civil government, and that's exactly the problem. Americans have been taught that the government, like an infinitely rich king, must be magnanimous to its peasant citizens. The problem is that we the people are supposed to be that king.
Finally, though, the mad professors of Sacramento may have finally stepped back from the ledge. As of last week, Californiahas passed AB 42, a measure that will allow non-profits to partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation to run the state park system. This will probably involve voluntary contributions of finances and labor. It may be too little too late, but the light of common sense in Californias citizenry will be interesting to observe. One thing is certain: No one in Sacramento will admit that years of rejecting market principles has led to the current crisis for Californias parks.
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Posted By: Bill Gee
Date: September 7, 2011 10:19:05 AM
What you describe is an excellent example of the "free rider problem" associated with public goods. The basic problem with public goods is that when users do not feel "invested" they tend to shirk any responsibility for its upkeep - and even actively resist any effort to retroactively enforce it upon them. The result is a public good that everyone feels is their God-Given-Right to use, yet they feel no obligation to care for.
I'm having trouble getting past the Headline of your column. While I see the connection between California's failing public assistance elephant and the closing of a public good, I caution against labling it "Communism". For the park system to be truely "Communist", each member of the community would be charged with its upkeep. If you're talking about the health insurance of illegal immigrants as Communism, I would advise you to read more. Granted, the public assistance programs in California suffer from a severe moral hazard problem especially when it comes to illegal immigrants, mismanagement and corruption, but these are hardly hallmarks of Communism. It's not that I think you are "wrong" per se, I would just prefer not to see "Red Baiting" when it can be avoided.
Posted By: Paul Benedict
Date: January 9, 2012 05:23:59 PM
Hi Billy,
The logic that implies that everyone deserves to go to the park is the collectivist logic that threatens the natural wonders of California state park lands.
The value of park visits to park visitors is left out of the equation, the "it belongs to everyone" logic rules the day.
The collectivist illogic based on what people wish or want to be true is bankrupt and it bankrupts everything it touches.
What we do have a right to, property that we've earned, is never considered in collectivist logic. It's ironic.
