Understanding the Extent of Public Ownership in the United States

Public lands are a cornerstone of the American landscape, supporting ecosystems, recreation, and economic activities. However, the concept of public ownership and its implications extend far beyond the physical boundaries of these lands. This article delves into the current state of public lands, the impact of federal and state management, and the role of taxes in sustaining these resources.

Public Lands vs. Public Ownership

Contrary to popular belief, the federal government does not own public lands; the American people do. Elected officials manage these lands on behalf of the public, who are obligated to follow the rules and regulations put in place to protect them. This principle ensures that public lands remain accessible and sustainable for future generations.

The Prevalence of Public Lands

Approximately 40% of the United States is publicly owned, encompassing a variety of purposes such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. The distribution of these lands varies across different states, with states like Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado having higher percentages of public land, while Texas and Oklahoma have less.

Managing Public Lands

The management of public lands is a complex task involving federal, state, and local governments. National parks and forests are managed by federal agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service, while state parks and wildlife areas are overseen by individual state departments. This decentralized management system aims to balance public access, environmental preservation, and economic use.

Taxes and Public Lands

The concept of public ownership is closely tied to the payment of taxes. As citizens, we collectively pay taxes that fund the maintenance and management of public lands. This "commonwealth" is an inclusive system where everyone, including the wealthy, contributes equally. Progressive taxation ensures that those who earn more pay a larger share of their income in taxes, supporting the preservation and use of public lands.

The Rise of Plutonomy and Its Impact

While the idea of public ownership is based on democratic principles, recent trends have led to a shift towards plutonomy, or rule by the rich. This systemic change, often referred to as trickle-down economics or neoliberalism, has significantly impacted the distribution of wealth and the use of public resources.

States such as Russia have seen a rapid shift in the ownership of common resources, enabling the creation of a phony democracy and leading to a kleptocratic regime. Similarly, in the United States, privatization has become a prevalent method of wealth transfer, affecting education, health care, and the prison system. Privatizing education leads to increased costs and reduced access to education, while privatizing health insurance and prisons exacerbates social inequalities and increases costs.

The Role of Public Ownership in Democracy

While some argue that democracy has failed, the reality is that the New Deal, though successful, was eventually undermined by those at the top of the capital food-chain. The erosion of the American economy has been driven by a process of privatization, leading to outcomes like the Trump presidency.

The value of public ownership is its ability to create a level playing field for all citizens, ensuring that resources are used for the benefit of the public and not just a select few. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is crucial to preserve and sustain our public lands and the systems that support them.