Libertarian ping. To be added or removed from my ping list, freepmail me or post a message here.
Posted on 04/06/2006 9:29:31 AM PDT by libertarianPA
Despite a century's worth of evidence to show how collectivist economies strangle the freedoms and benefits of the common man, our own legislators continue to put their faith in these tested and failed socialist policies - all in the name of power and prestige. For evidence, we need look no further than these very recent examples of how two states decided to "help" their citizens with their energy woes.
The state of Hawaii set a cap on the price of gasoline, which took effect on September 1, 2005. The law, which allowed for the implementation of a gas cap, was passed in 2002 but had not been applied until 2005 when the price of gasoline began to rise more rapidly. The rapid rise in gasoline prices caused a political problem, or possibly a political opportunity, for Hawaii legislators. When the cap was first announced, it was criticized. But unfortunately, those who thought a price cap to be ill-advised also had self-interest in avoiding a price cap. Therefore, their motives were suspect. The price cap was embraced by most of Hawaii's citizens, who also had self-interest, but one that mattered more because they are a more sizeable voting bloc than are the gasoline wholesalers and retailers. The critics of the price cap warned of negative effects on the Hawaii consumer while the consumer welcomed the price cap and ignored the possibility of negative effects. Who knows what the legislators knew or believed. Regardless of their possible insight, they were going to prospect for votes by ignoring the possibility of negative effects and pandering to the voter.
(Excerpt) Read more at amarxica.com ...
Wonder how the residents of Hawaii are going to enjoy walking wherever they go after the Gasoline producers stop supplying the Islands until the bill is repealled.
Love to see the Hawaii courts try and force them to do so, be real hard to enforce that order.
Libertarian ping. To be added or removed from my ping list, freepmail me or post a message here.
Stupid law passed by stupid people.
The results they will get are exactly what you say they will be, no gas at all.
This is what happens when lunatics are running the asylum.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.