Privatization a cover-up for corrupt political tactics and patronage

“Pervasive and growing reality” undermining nations — Krugman.

Examining the case of privatized halfway houses in New Jersey uncovered by the New York Times, Paul Krugman provides in The Sacramento Bee three reasons behind the drive to increase privatization. Krugman discusses the right’s framing of privatization and how it is meant to mislead. He also counters arguments pitting unions with these same market forces.

“Over the past few days, the New York Times has published several terrifying reports about New Jersey's system of halfway houses — privately run adjuncts to the regular system of prisons. The series is a model of investigative reporting, which everyone should read. But it should also be seen in context. The horrors described are part of a broader pattern in which essential functions of government are being both privatized and degraded.

First of all, about those halfway houses: In 2010, Chris Christie, the state's governor — who has close personal ties to Community Education Centers, the largest operator of these facilities, and who once worked as a lobbyist for the firm…’”

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