As I pointed out earlier, the "jacked up" prices ARE paid during normal times, for some things. I really think the issue is more perception, it's not really that people care that the company selling them a cell phone is making a 200% profit, it's that the price today is higher than it was yesterday.
People are often under stress, but still have choices.
I agree that volunteers may be a better option, but don't see it as an "either-or" situation.
My personal conclusions, after this discussion, and carefully considering all the positions, is that help and support should really come from the churches and humanitarian organizations, and that there really is not any "price gouging", just free enterprise at work, and that those who are "gouged" are making poor choices and blaming others rather than taking personal responsibility for their choices.
People are often under stress, but still have choices.
All that I can say is that this army of trained and certified volunteers trump the purist model of gouging. And it works.
My personal conclusions, after this discussion, and carefully considering all the positions, is that help and support should really come from the churches and humanitarian organizations, and that there really is not any "price gouging", just free enterprise at work, and that those who are "gouged" are making poor choices and blaming others rather than taking personal responsibility for their choices.
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