Tony Moschetti (letter, Sept. 23) asks why a few price gougers come out in times of crisis. I would ask a different question: Why, when we are all busy uniting against terrorism, must a few whiners complain that gasoline prices are too high?
Normally I am against coercion, but perhaps the time has come for mandatory economics classes for the masses. Maybe then we wouldn't have people complaining that prices shouldn't increase when demand increases or supply decreases. Maybe then people would appreciate the fact that higher gas prices keep a few people from running out and pumping all they can in a state of panic, saving fuel for the rest of us. Maybe then we would recognize that the private act of "gouging" serves the public end of conservation.
We have been exposed to many macabre sights and sounds over the past few weeks. Statements equating our nation's gasoline sellers with the real terrorists are among the worst.
Jack Bladel
Greensboro
News & Record
September 28, 2001
