Free Market?

[angelatc]

Here's a Supreme Court decision I missed: apparently manufacturers do indeed have the right to set a minimum retail price for their merchandise. That sucks, because it takes price competition out of the system.

http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y07/m07/i02/s01

[Brandybuck]

I don't see the problem with that. If you don't like those minimum prices, go shop elsewhere. Freedom isn't about forcing other people to do what you want, even if they are commercial manufacturers. The free market isn't perfect, and no one claims it is, but it's a damned sight better than the alternatives.

If I were a retailer, I would definitely think about switching suppliers if I ran into any of this. But I would NOT be crying to the government to step in and punish them! I want freedom not just for me, but for everyone. That's why I'm voting for Ron Paul!

[angrydragon]

No matter what the government does in the market, good or bad, or how well intentioned, it always distorts the market.