Revenge of "A Good Walk Spoiled"
Summary
Malcolm Gladwell revisits his 2017 episode on Los Angeles golf clubs’ massive tax exemptions, which inspired Councilmember Audra Nazarian to propose a ballot measure. The episode details how clubs exploit legal loopholes to pay minimal taxes on billions in land value. It covers the ensuing political battle, club resistance, and negotiations to convert some course land into public parks.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Intro: The Fear of Obscurity
The Relative Age Effect and Failed Ideas
Interview with Councilmember Audra Nazarian
The Geography and Exclusivity of LA Golf
CEO Golf Addiction and Corporate Performance
Bob Hope and the 1960 Constitutional Exemption
Sponsors: Indeed, LifeMD, and Hyundai
Prop 13, Ship of Theseus, and Tax Loopholes
Philosophical Identity and Public Park Inequality
Sponsors and Recap of the Golf Investigation
The Ballot Proposal and Country Club Panic
Conclusion, Credits, and Final Sponsors
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