Privatization

[allhatnocattle.livejournal.com]

http://hotdogfactory.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-stephen-harper-going-to-sell-jasper.html

There is a rumour being passed around via email and facebook saying PM Harper is planning to privatize Jasper National Park (5 hr drive from here) with considerable uproar. Would you Libertarians in this community really support private enterprise to run your national parks?

You Libertarians say you want smaller government. Government is inefficient and untrustworthy. So how far would you allow private corporations to rule your country? Would you sell off your Park Systems? What about environment controls? The Post Office? The Military? The CIA and Secret Service to be put on tender for the highest bidder? Or how about the Senate? Screw elections how about whomever raises the most cash simply wins their seat in the House of Representatives and Whitehouse? Why or why not?

Comments

[kardashev.livejournal.com]

"I assume both private and public are susceptible to corruption and bribes, although I also assume government agencies have more integrity."

I don't. Bribery and corruption government officials is rampant in China. The only reason it isn't more rampant in the west is because we have a free press to expose such things.

[allhatnocattle.livejournal.com]

"The only reason it isn't more rampant in the west is because we have a free press to expose such things."

Bullshit. Bribery and corruption are rampant in places like Greece, Jamaica, Mexico, etc where the press is very free. It's been part of regular business in the construction industry from time to time (plumbing inspections go smoother with a bottle of Crown Royal) in USA and Canada.

I'd like to say we have more integrity here in North America compared to "those other places", but I would much rather pay a cop $50 cash bribe then pay a $100 speeding ticket. No integrity on my part anyway.

Part of it is a cultural thing here. Part of it is that there's less disparity in the pay scales here. Part of it is the consequences of getting caught.

Corruption is one of the most difficult things to control and get rid of. Once it seeps into being a normal part of doing business, it's there for a long time.

[kardashev.livejournal.com]

Ah, point taken.