I have previously written, albeit briefly, about both the economic and moral aspects of opposition to Austin’s CodeNext. The debate over the city’s proposed new land-use regulations is an example of the gang warfare that permeates modern American politics.
On one side we have developers and their lobbyists. On the other side, we have community activists and their supporters. Each side is attempting to pressure those writing and approving the ordinance. Each side claims to represent the best interests of the residents of Austin. They both can’t be right. And both could be wrong.
In fact, both sides are wrong, despite taking different sides on a particular issue. Both sides are wrong because they agree on a fundamental principle that is immoral.
At its core, the debate over CodeNext is a debate over political power. And political power ultimately comes down to which gang can exert the most political influence, either through campaign contributions, votes, or a combination. Developers supposedly have the money, while grass roots organizations supposedly have the votes. So, for those making decisions, it comes down to which is more important–money or votes.
The more cynical among us might say that money buys votes. There is a certain element of truth in that. Money does buy exposure to voters, and it can certainly influence the votes of legislators. But that doesn’t identify or address the fundamental issue. Why is so much money and effort expended on political issues?
The answer is: politicians and bureaucrats have enormous power over our lives. They make decisions that are imposed upon us, regardless of our own values, desires, or judgment. We are forced to live according to their dictates, no matter how destructive they might be to our own lives. It only makes sense that, the greater the potential impact, the greater our desire to influence those decisions. And the easiest way to exert more influence is to gang up with others who share our views.
The opponents of CodeNext believe that the “will of the people” should govern land use in Austin. They believe that, because their gang greatly outnumbers businessmen, they should dictate how developers and builders can operate.
This type of gang warfare might be conducted in the well-lit chambers of government officials. The participants might wear jackets and ties. But at the end of the day, they are debating over who will get to use force against others. They are debating over turf, and the victor will have government edicts to back them up. And when you disobey the government, ultimately somebody with a gun will show up.