Courtesy of Mish.
In response to France Considers Ban on Free Shipping by Amazon, a “Destroyer of Bookshops”; Prepare for Economic Collapse in France I received an interesting comment from “Slavador” who writes “My ability to go to a local bookstore owned by a neighbor with my family is something I see as even more important than the global campaign to efficiently concentrate the wealth in the top 3%.”
That was one of several similar comments I received as online comments to my blog or via email.
Major Flaws
There are two major flaws in Slavador’s argument. The first flaw is the implied presumption that saving inefficient “mom and pop” operations is of economic benefit.
Here is the reality: Paying too much for goods and services is economically foolish, especially for those who can least afford it.
It is irrelevant to the rational buyer if the money goes to the top 3% instead of the top 5%. But that is my preference. I respect the right of others to overpay if they so desire.
Personal Arrogance
The second major flaw in Slavador’s arguments pertains to personal arrogance.
I can accept that Slavador might wish to overpay for books because he likes bookstores. However, I cannot accept the view of “culture-preserving” bureaucrats to cram their beliefs down the throats of everyone else.
If people support the view of Slavador they would not shop at Amazon or Walmart, they would pay more and shop at “mom and pop” stores.
But people don’t. And that is why “mom and pop” stores are failing. So… along come socialists and arrogant fools who insist they know best how to spend other people’s money.
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