Musings: Feel free to debate the cost of freebies
Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra performed a free, outdoor concert of the best in popular and light classical music, Mineola, July 8, 2016. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
If there is one concept politicians on both sides of the aisle can agree on when it comes to appeasing constituents, it’s “anything free is good.”
The term “free” is particularly ubiquitous this time of year, with state, county, town and village governments offering “free concerts” and similar feel-good activities. Year-round, however, we hear references to free public libraries, free public schools and even free trash bags for collecting leaves.
“Free” concerts, though, are anything but that. Yet you never see an accounting for the costs incurred or — should the event have a sponsor — whether the fees paid covered said cost.
To consider these government-provided services and products “free” is akin to many thinking the television programs they enjoy are free because they didn’t pay out of pocket, perhaps forgetting that they pay monthly fees for the connection to the content and, in the case of streaming services, for the content itself.
It takes resources to offer these products and services, with most of these resources provided by taxpayers. But if you substitute the more accurate “taxpayer-subsidized” descriptor for the word “free,” the electorate will look upon what’s being offered in a different light — especially those taxpayers who don’t attend the concerts, use the library, or have children in schools, therefore defeating the concept of the so-called “free” program.
A 19th century pundit, Alexis de Tocqueville, has often had attributed to him this quote: “The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money.” To ensure this does not happen, these three justifiable questions should be asked of — and answered by — government officials presenting a “free” program or service: How many people benefit? How much does it cost? Who is paying the tab?
The answers would provide transparency and ensure accountability, which can only result in more efficient and effective government.
— Michael Watt, Babylon
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