[UC] Park privatization, debate links

[Glenn moyer]

For your review:    Here is a good juxtaposition of the marketing of... and people's resistance to, privatization of parks. 

 It's good to compare and contrast this data, after reading the report I posted about the reality of privatization of government generally.  (3 links below)  It seems pretty clear to me that the reality of the new park permits, and new corporate programming of parks, is going to become more obvious in Philadelphia rather quickly.  Before the evictions of the Occupy movement and the enclosed Budweiser Festivals, Americans had no conception about how radically public spaces, and their rights, had changed.  (The rental of Dilworth Plaza at city Hall is a good example of the new reality.)  Americans had never really considered what it means to risk arrest for "trespassing" simply for assembling, speaking freely, or eating at a public park! 

Privatization marketing:    The must see, Glenn Beck interview, shows the "intellectual" basis of privatization demands. He communicates to his fans that it is so foolish to question anything about commercialization, privatization, higher fees, lost jobs, or lost services in the unaccountable hands of a profit motivated individual.  And of course, transparency, hidden costs, etc. isn't worthy of discussion.  All privatizers and profiteers are more saintly than Jesus. (These are the same "intellectual" deceptions that came from our Beck-like civic leaders for more than a decade.)

And defending public parks; "Take Back Our Parks" has the 3 most important guiding principles that every community in America needs to consider! (in quotations)  As you can deduce, those principles show that the people of San Francisco faced the same attacks against them, that the culture of Clark Park started facing 15 years ago. 

I'm happy to have tax money used for vital public goods like schools, parks, and libraries.  It's deceptive to talk about "tax payer subsidies" for the support of parks.  Most of the so called "public private partnerships" have tremendous taxpayer subsidies, grants, fees, etc. that become additional secret welfare for the new corporate controllers.  The obvious answer to "budget constraints" is progressive taxation, including the wealthy and corporations, instead of giving them welfare.  These budget arguments are completely manufactured crises, but are accepted as sacred truths!

We've never had a thorough discussion on the list of the many important functions of public spheres on culture.  The mallification and exclusivity of the neoliberal vision for public spaces, not only destroys the possibility of democracy, but robs the people of the possibility for vital human connection and formative culture!  Corporate programming of parks leads to docile, isolated, zombie consumers.  A culture formed by the people is necessary for physical and mental health.  It's important for the development of community-for the development of children-for multi-cultural success-friendships, etc,etc.  Zombie culture and healthy joyous culture are two completely different ways for humans to live!   

"OUR MISSION:
TAKE BACK OUR PARKS is an alliance of San Franciscans dedicated to keeping our parks and recreation facilities open and equally accessible to all people

WE SEEK to stop the privatization of public park properties.

WE SEEK to protect the natural character of our parklands in the process of providing recreational opportunities.

WE SEEK reforms in the Recreation and Parks Department and Commission that mandate timely and inclusive community participation to ensure transparent planning and decision-making processes."

http://takebackourparks.org/

http://parkprivatization.com/2010/02/my-interview-with-glenn-beck/

http://parkprivatization.com/

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