4 ms·

I mean you could if you rationed access to fossil fuels. Obviously the framework to do that isn't in place today in the US but it probably will be at some point

I mean you could if you rationed access to fossil fuels. Obviously the framework to do that isn't in place today in the US but it probably will be at some point as reserves thin out over time and just letting the market handle it is going to result in chaos when it's no longer profitable for private ambulance companies to fill their tank or local police department can't afford it.

WalterBright 3y ago
Rationing is never the answer. It always results in shortages, hoarding, and mis-allocation.
- fragmede 3y ago
  What's your solution then, say fresh water after a hurricane? The grocery store has enough to go around if everyone takes only 1 container. Charging 100x the normal price to soft limit purchases seems way worse than a sign that says "limit one per customer".
  - WalterBright 3y ago
    > say fresh water after a hurricane? We know what happens. Filthy capitalist swine outside the blast area immediately load their pickups full of water, gasoline, food, and other supplies. They rush them to where the need is highest and sell them to the highest bidder. As more of these running dogs pour in, the supply increases and the prices come down. The goods pass to those most in need (i.e. willing to pay). There is no hoarding, as the prices are declining. With rationing, nobody rushes in with supplies, because that would be illegal. (Of course there will be smugglers, but the prices will be much higher than that charged by the swine, as the legal risk carries with it a price premium.) The local supply will quickly run out. Since need varies from person to person, the ones who don't need it will hoard it to sell later at black market prices. The ones who do need it will face shortages as everyone else is hoarding it and the local supply ran out. That's how rationing works in the real world.
    - deleted 3y ago
      [deleted]

WalterBright 3y ago

Rationing is never the answer. It always results in shortages, hoarding, and mis-allocation.

fragmede 3y ago
What's your solution then, say fresh water after a hurricane? The grocery store has enough to go around if everyone takes only 1 container. Charging 100x the normal price to soft limit purchases seems way worse than a sign that says "limit one per customer".
- WalterBright 3y ago
  > say fresh water after a hurricane? We know what happens. Filthy capitalist swine outside the blast area immediately load their pickups full of water, gasoline, food, and other supplies. They rush them to where the need is highest and sell them to the highest bidder. As more of these running dogs pour in, the supply increases and the prices come down. The goods pass to those most in need (i.e. willing to pay). There is no hoarding, as the prices are declining. With rationing, nobody rushes in with supplies, because that would be illegal. (Of course there will be smugglers, but the prices will be much higher than that charged by the swine, as the legal risk carries with it a price premium.) The local supply will quickly run out. Since need varies from person to person, the ones who don't need it will hoard it to sell later at black market prices. The ones who do need it will face shortages as everyone else is hoarding it and the local supply ran out. That's how rationing works in the real world.
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]