Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

4-2-89 I can’t resist a snide comment about Alaskan politics. As I mentioned the other day in these pages, there has been a massive oil spill off the coast of Alaska, in Prince William Sound. An Exxon oil tanker struck a reef, causing millions of gallons of crude oil to be discharged into the pristine waters of the sound. Alaskans, naturally, are outraged, some because their livelihoods (fishing, primarily) are affected, others because the reputation of their state is being sullied worldwide. As I see it, the Alaskans brought the tragedy on themselves. For years, Alaskans have elected libertarians to public office. These officials believe that government is the enemy, or at least the cause of most social problems; it is never the solution to a problem. Now, with the oil spill, we’re seeing the effect of government noninvolvement in the economy. Had there been more regulations, or had the existing regulations been stricter, the captain of the tanker would have been at the wheel, and if not, the third mate who was piloting the tanker would not have been intoxicated. It is dangerous and silly to assume that private enterprise will regulate itself, for it is driven by self-interest (profit), not the public good. Government is, or can be, a positive force in our lives. So perhaps some good will come of this tragedy after all. Perhaps Alaskans will see the folly in libertarianism and elect public servants to high office.