Caught in the Crossfire

When government expands its powers beyond its legitimate purpose of protecting individual rights, unintended consequences are unleashed. When various levels of government use those powers for different goals, the individual is invariably caught in the crossfire. Government’s response to the pandemic is one example.

Early in the pandemic, states and localities across the nation ordered businesses to close for the stated purpose of stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Not surprisingly, tens of millions of Americans lost their jobs and struggled to pay for life’s necessities. Kanoa Rothman, a homeowner in La Quinta, California, is an example.

Rothman and his wife both lost their jobs because of the lockdown. When travel restrictions were lifted, the Rothmans looked into renting their home as a short-term rental (STR). They soon discovered that the city of La Quinta had placed a moratorium on new permits for STRs. One level of government caused the Rothmans to lose their jobs. Another level of government prevented them from taking action to overcome those job losses. The Rothmans were caught in the crossfire.

When government assumes illegitimate powers, it forces some individuals to act contrary to their own judgment in the pursuit of the values that they desire. When different levels of government are doing this, individuals are caught in the crossfire.

As another example, the state of California passed a law that allows property owners to increase housing density. However, local governments are resisting, arguing that they should be able to control land use in their communities. The property owner is caught in the crossfire of the competing goals of the state and local governments.

The solution to this crossfire is to align the goals of every level of government. If every level of government is focused on protecting individual rights, including property rights, then there would be no crossfire. When the goals of every level of government are aligned, lockdowns will not occur and restrictions on STRs will not exist. If the goals of the various levels of government are aligned to the protection of individual rights, neither the state nor local governments will restrict and control the use of land.

If we do not want individuals to be caught in the crossfire, then we must return government to its proper purpose.