Public ownership of property, as the fundamental idea behind all forms of socialism, has restricted or eliminated the natural market mechanisms which encourage humans to take care of things they own. By reducing the liability of some property owners for their adverse effects on others, this government has created the false impression that markets, and not this government, are responsible for most environmental problems today. This persistent lie must not remain unchallenged. Many people who generally favor free markets nevertheless believe that markets encourage, or at least allow, the wholesale destruction and misuse of wildlife and other natural resources. This common attitude largely results from a misunderstanding of the nature of public and private property.
Public property separates action from consequences.
Private property does not, so long as the private interest is not subsidized by public funds. A private owner of a farm, factory or forest is motivated to preserve the value of the resource by taking care of it. If the owner makes bad decisions, the resource value declines. If the owner makes wise decisions, the resource is maintained or enhanced. These gains or losses accrue directly to the property owner.