MCViewPoint

True Economic Reform lies in a Change of Focus

In America (and the West in general) which is in deep economic decay, this is the kind of economic activity which needs support from the people now more than ever.

Professor Wall and Jason

https://keepgovlocal.substack.com/p/support-your-local-lemonade-stand

A short time ago, one of your respective authors was driving back to his home in the sticks after a busy day tending to business matters in the city. In a small town on the way, a familiar sight was on the curb in front of a neighborhood house. A small folding table complete with a frosty pitcher, a stack of cups, and a white poster board sign reading “Lemonade For Sale. $1 per Cup.” Four children tended the table from their folding chairs around it, and a parent sat on the porch a couple yards away keeping an eye on them. It seemed like a good opportunity to support the local economy and there was little chance of the big guy/girl getting his/her cut of the profits. Soon, an undiluted free market transaction benefited both parties; yours truly from a cold, refreshing drink, and the lemonade stand representatives from a cold, hard-earned, invest-able, save-able dollar bill…and a 100% tip.

Summer and Autumn are times when local economic opportunities are expressed more openly; from lemonade stands to farmers markets where locals trade with one another in town squares, pavilions, and parks. These are people committed to providing quality produce – an essential commitment because it has never been more convenient to pass up a farmer’s market and lemonade stand. Consider that groceries purchased online can be delivered in one day. Granted, the buyer has to open the front door and put them away, but the convenience is a no-brainer. Quality is the only selling point that these small businesspeople can use to compete, and many excel. Though they do seek monetary return for their labors, it is merely a part of the wholesome satisfaction that comes from a free, reciprocal, and unforced transaction. These are hard-working, honest individuals, who have no corporate overlord wielding a metaphorical whip over them. This means they have the freedom to more freely adapt to consumers’ changing needs and to make deals with those who have a special need or limited resources. They also more readily recognize and reward faithful patrons who continue to give them business. In short, this economic activity is the closest thing to the pure free market as described by Mises, Hazlitt, & Rothbard.

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