America’s anti-price-gouging laws are too minor to be communist

Aug 22nd 2024

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Washington, DC

Kamala Harris’s price-gouging ban would be the first of its kind nationally in America. It is far from clear that such a policy is required. But it would have precedent at lower levels of government: 37 states have rules to stop firms from “excessive” price rises. Those decrying Ms Harris’s idea as a step towards communism can be reassured that many are Republican strongholds, from Arkansas to Idaho.

This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “Reds under the bed”