One of the best ways for politicians to drape themselves in the “friend of the people” garb is to attack greedy businessmen who charge prices that are “too high.” Never mind that undermining the price system and the rule of law (anti-price gouging statutes are always hopelessly vague) is actually very bad for the people — no one sees that damage.
Here’s a good article by Chris Westley on a price gouging prosecution in the very red state of Alabama. Respect for property rights is no longer to be found in any state. Charge too little and you can be prosecuted for trying to drive out competition and create a monopoly; charge too much and you’re an evil price gouger. The price you want to ask for something you own should not be a matter of law, but when politics shoves asides property rights, it becomes so.
