by "Steven P. McNicoll" Apr 11, 2006 at 06:31
PM


The libertarian view would eliminate libraries and the space program? I
don't think so. It would certainly eliminate taxpayer support of
libraries,
but I don't think libertarians are opposed to the funding of libraries by

the Andrew Carnegies of the world or by user fees. I also do not believe

libertarians are opposed to the portion of the space program that serves
a

valid defense need, but they would certainly eliminate that portion that
serves pure science.




Yes. In general, user fees that do not distort economic behaviour are
favored over general tax support. If I provide a subsidy for something,
more of it will be created than the economics justify. For that reason,
taxes should only be levied for things that are purely in the interest of
the public at large.

Recreational flying does not serve the public at large, and should
therefore be 100% funded by the participants. At a local airport, they
charge no landing fees, charge only about $600 per year for a tie down,
and thats it. Overnight tie-down is $5. Yet, they receive millions of
dollars in AIP grants (derived from general taxpayer dollars and
commercial airline ticket taxes), $150K annual operating subsidy, state
subsidies, etc. They even wanted the city to kick in some $$ so as not to
"burden" airport users. Hey, who subsidizes my boating: It costs $3500
per year for the slip; transient slips will cost upwards of $75 per
night, etc. Yet, a marina has minimal infrastructure compared to an
active GA airport. Tax subsidies make GA flying artificially cheap.