Gee, the Chinese Communist Military runs all kinds of "capitalistic ventures’ as well. Only point to be made, in that political system, the Government SHOULD own everything, run everything, and profit from anything. In a democratic system, in which we are always saying that government should be limited, is running a "for profit" enterprise really part of sticking to those functions that are quintessential to our notion of government?
There certainly seems to be a debate over whether a State government should be in the liquor biz:
RALEIGH, N.C. — The local government panels that operate North Carolina’s 400-plus liquor stores are trying to head off potential efforts by the state Legislature or Gov. Beverly Perdue to privatize alcohol sales.
The lobbyist for the North Carolina Association of Alcoholic Beverage Control Boards wrote lawmakers last week urging them to oppose any privatization efforts. The association made the letter public on Monday.
“North Carolina ranks third among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in revenue per capita from the sale of spirits and 48th in per capita consumption. North Carolina’s control system for the sale of spirits works and accomplishes important public health and revenue objectives,” lobbyist Jon Carr wrote.
It’s ALL about the Benjamins – public health? A drop in employment for State workers?
Going private would give the state only a one-time jolt of revenue, Harris said, while the current system generates more than $200 million a year in tax revenue, with much of it going to local government.
Ah yes, buck up those other governmental constituencies – just SEE what happens when the mother’s milk of government, money, is threatened! seldom is the average governmental bureaucrat or official ever consider going "teetotaler" in this way.
"We think control is a better idea than privatization," he said. "One hundred percent of the profit currently belongs to the people of North Carolina, and it goes to them. If the system were privatized, whoever that is that’s operation is going to take some of that money."
Such nice words "…belongs to the people of North Carolina." Sorry, but what he really meant to say was "…belongs to the Government of NC so as to direct for their pet projects and their pet constituents to ensure that votes flow in and Government grows." Government having to do with less?
Heresy!
When asked whether the local ABC boards were trying to protect their jobs, Harris said, "We’re trying to protect the people of North Carolina."
Nonsense – it is all about protecting what Government employees are doing and working as hard as it can to make sure it doesn’t change.
Here in NH, we have the exact same problem – a way out of balance budget and the State also has a monopoly lock on liquor sales. There is no way that anyone can convince me that liquor is a primary function of government (rather silly, given that in most states, it IS privatized).
And Government here in NH also owns ski slopes. Yeah, such a deal in "do only a few things, and do them extremely well". Shall I say "dilution of effort"? The major part of what government should be doing is protecting our rights; never thought that a quart of whiskey and a pair of ski-lift tickets!
