Socialism on the Beach, with a Splash of Capitalism
If you like your public beaches, then thank socialism.
Were it not for governments having the foresight to acquire, develop, and maintain these common recreational areas, public beaches would cease to exist. The most desirous properties, such as sandy oceanfronts concentrated around urban areas, would be gobbled up by land developers and privatized. Then, beaches would end up much like golf courses. The nicest beaches would become exclusive playgrounds for the rich. And the rest of us working-class people would end up with limited access to far less-desirous areas, forced to pay entry fees just to enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean.
Indeed, South Florida’s Gold Coast stands as the prime example of how socialism functions for what’s an indisputable common good. Regardless of one’s economic status, all citizens are able to enjoy access to most beaches. Dozens of public recreational areas stretch along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, and just about all of them are free. Parking is also provided. Hence, tourists and locals alike — regardless of economic or social class — can head to the beach on any day of the week and enjoy the sea.
Public beaches are just one of the many blessings which owe their existence to the application of socialist principles. Moreover, it’s time we democratic socialists seize back the definition of our own political movement and extol the virtues of what we believe in. Loosely defined, democratic socialism means the government providing a sense of direction in partnership with private industry in order to benefit all society. A few of the best examples of how democratic socialism works includes the construction of Hoover Dam during the Great Depression, which created tens of thousands of critically-needed jobs, provided water and energy to millions of people, and essentially built the city we know today as Las Vegas. Because of Hoover Dam and the government taking the initiative, everyone ended up enjoying dividends over the next 80 years. And no one benefited more from one of the hallmarks of American socialism than private industry since vast fortunes were made in real estate, resort and casino development, construction, transportation, and tens of thousands of small businesses who exist to this day for one reason only, which was the government taking a lead role in providing an economic stimulus.
Countless other examples exist, too. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was one of the most ambitious construction projects in American history. Also initiated during the Great Depression, since then, millions of people have benefited from this massive works project which led to public ownership of utilities and government management of energy resources. The Rural Electrification Project is another program, deemed “socialist” during its time, which provided electric power to rural areas throughout the United States. Then, there’s the Interstate Highway System, another socialist initiative that essentially changed the American way of life, paving the roads and the way for the popularity and practicality of the automobile, thus creating a boom in travel and tourism, and leading to tens of millions of jobs in associated industries along the roadside.
Each one of these extraordinary federal achievements stems directly from democratic socialism put into practice. The government provided direction and supervision through initial planning and funding and then entered into partnerships with private industry (which ended up reaping most of the benefits). Hoover Dam, TVA, Rural Electrification Project, Interstate Highway System — these are but a few of many examples of how government can (and does) work for the common good.
Innumerable other public works projects, too — such as museums, libraries, zoos, piers, bridges, boardwalks, parks, arenas, and so forth — exist around America which make socialism not so much a curious option, but a daily necessity. That’s abundantly clear here in sunny South Florida, which probably owes much of its popularity as a resort and retirement destination to the beaches and ocean is open to everyone.
So, what would have happened had the government not taken the lead in protecting Florida’s public beaches? What would life here be like for millions of people, if the so-called “free market” (in other words, libertarian principles) been applied to the ownership and management of common recreation areas? What if all the nice beach areas were sold off to developers? The appalling answer to this alternative prospect probably lies in Lebanon, of all places. A recent broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) provided a shocking, almost dystopian account of what happens when government plays little or no role in land and resource management. Rooted in a weak government, wealthy developers swooped in, bought up all the beachfront property, restricted public access, and converted just about every parcel of beachfront property into a playpen for the rich.
Read or listen to LEBANON’S SHRINKING PUBLIC BEACHES
Sure, some fancy resorts and private beach areas should be permitted. Many, in fact. But the government must also protect the rights of everyone else, especially those who can’t afford to pay $575 a night at the Ritz-Carlton. Moreover, the government has an inherent responsibility to protect the environment, including endangered species through the designation of nature preserves. Sea turtles would probably be extinct in many areas were it not for strict laws that protect their habitats. Turtles are just one of many beneficiaries. In fact, it’s the only government that has the capability to balance everyone’s interest — including private industry, all the citizens regardless of wealth, nature, and animals — in providing a workable fabric where all can share, enjoy, and prosper. Not private enterprise alone left to its own objective — which is profit and profit alone. But government. That means democratic socialism.
Critics insist land management, things like public beaches, is not a role for government. Fundamentally speaking, conservatives advocate letting the free market dictate conditions. They oppose the government “getting in the way” of business and development. Well, they’re wrong. Far more people benefit when government not only plays a vital role but takes the lead. And oddly enough, it’s often private industry ultimately ending up deriving the greatest economic gains. Check out all the development around beaches and national parks to see how a successful partnership between what’s public and private works.
Last week, I ran six times in seven days along Fort Lauderdale beach, which is entirely publicly owned and managed. I ran past dozens of nice hotels which all seem to be doing quite well, despite the off-season. I ran past countless restaurants, many brimming with customers. I enjoyed the company of thousands of other beachcombers, of every economic class, sharing the sun and sea. All this is possible because of government.
Democratic socialism works, my friends. If you don’t believe me, then head to the beach.
why do you keep espousing logic?