> What's absurd is the notion that profit is evil, or that there is some set amount of profit above which it is evil.
The term "price gouging" exists because we collectively agree that, at a certain point, yes, excessive profits are indicative of abuse.
This isn't even controversial. The most extreme libertarian economist would agree that, for example, market failures like monopolies can create circumstances where excess profits become egregious.
And we know from history that widespread crises can lead to market conditions that result in excess profits.
> Should companies not be allowed to lose money, either, then?
And this is a silly strawman that isn't worth responding to.
The term "price gouging" exists because we collectively agree that, at a certain point, yes, excessive profits are indicative of abuse.
This isn't even controversial. The most extreme libertarian economist would agree that, for example, market failures like monopolies can create circumstances where excess profits become egregious.
And we know from history that widespread crises can lead to market conditions that result in excess profits.
> Should companies not be allowed to lose money, either, then?
And this is a silly strawman that isn't worth responding to.