50 years of cutting taxes.

Kristof is very good today:

So time and again, we see the decline of public services accompanied by the rise of private workarounds for the wealthy. 

Is crime a problem? Well, rather than pay for better policing, move to a gated community with private security guards! 

Are public schools failing? Well, superb private schools have spaces for a mere $40,000 per child per year. 

Public libraries closing branches and cutting hours? Well, buy your own books and magazines! 

Are public parks — even our awesome national parks, dubbed “America’s best idea” and the quintessential “public good” — suffering from budget cuts? Don’t whine. Just buy a weekend home in the country! 

Public playgrounds and tennis courts decrepit? Never mind — just join a private tennis club!