quote:
I am merely pointing out it is not a true free market when it comes to those entities.

Competition is what drives our free market system and if there is no competition they are going to charge whatever they feel like.

High barriers to entry doesn't mean it's not a free market. There is competition and anybody with the money can enter the party freely just as Google is now entering the cable/data provider market.

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The gov't does this all time. Do you think gas stations should be able to increase the price of gas before a hurricane? There are laws against price gouging... I don't see any difference between the two.

In the midst of panic and disaster for the well being of a community, the government probably should intervene, and they do. There is a definite distinction between the two.

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The consumer is not the one who is hit with the charges in this field... the merchant is.

I agree they suck, but the merchant doesn't have to take them and I know many merchants who don't and I don't blame them.

This post was edited on 5/15/13 at 1:56 pm

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Posted by BACONisMEATcandy

Member since Dec 2007

46644 posts

Posted on 5/15/13 at 2:24 pm to LSUAfro

quote:
In the midst of panic and disaster for the well being of a community, the government probably should intervene, and they do. There is a definite distinction between the two.

So you'd be ok if all Oil & Gas Companies decided they were going to start charging more for the price of gasoline and essentially set the price?

quote:
quote:
The consumer is not the one who is hit with the charges in this field... the merchant is.

I agree they suck, but the merchant doesn't have to take them and I know many merchants who don't and I don't blame them.

I agree whole heartedly with you and respect any business not willing to accept credit/debit cards. However, if you don't think they lose out on a ton of business you are sadly mistaken. You and I are the exception to the rule.