We mourn the loss of the 12 people killed in yet another mass shooting — this time at a military installation in our nation’s capital. Our condolences and sorrow join the sorrow of the families of the 12.
THERE IS A CRITICAL POLICY ISSUE HERE THAT GOES BEYOND GUN REGULATION AND BACKGROUND CHECKS. THAT IS GOVERNMENT AT ALL LEVELS’ MADNESS FOR PRIVATIZATION, CONTRACTING OUT, AND OUTSOURCING.
The assassin was able to enter the Navy Yard with a shotgun with which he killed his first victim because he had a private contractor’s security clearance.
My good friend Si Kahn co-wrote a great book with Elizabeth Minnich on the dangers of privatization and contracting out called The Fox in the Henhouse.
There are some functions of our society and economy that must be performed by the public sector. All military functions must be performed by the public sector.
In fact, government at all levels has privatized or contracted out, or outsourced way too many essential functions of government.
NOTHING THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO HARM THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE MADE SUBSERVIENT TO PROFIT.
Prisons, jails, and detention centers must be returned to the public sector. Water and sewer services must remain in the public sector. Law enforcement and public security must remain in the public sector. Postal service must remain in the public sector. Education — if we believe in equality of opportunity — must be in the public sector, and this includes making higher education affordable for all. Also healthcare access must be put in the public sector. This is far from a comprehensive list.
We just cannot rely on profit-driven enterprises to protect our people and perform the essential roles of government.
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