[mattrices]

Reducing the cost of critical goods is sometimes necessary. Should milk cost 20+$/gallon?

I understand the appeal ideologically, but in practice what you are suggesting would increase inequality.

[xixi77]

weird that you bring milk up as an example, because this is an industry where regulations tend to make sure milk prices stay high and production stays low; really there are not many examples of food subsidies/regulations that aim to reduce prices and increase supply, at least not in the developed world

[mattrices]

Hm, I brought it up because its a staple item that everyone seems to need, but upon reflection that would make it a target for subsidy to reduce the inflation metrics.

[lotsofpulp]

In practice it would inform the market where to divert resources. If you want to give poor people help, then you should provide them cash. This preserves the purpose of transparent prices, which is to inform other suppliers in the market to enter to drive the price down.

However, this is not done as it's more difficult to corrupt and profit off of this since it is transparent how much help the poor are getting. It's easier to muddy the waters and steal from taxpayers by creating a byzantine system of tax breaks and subsidies.

[snow_mac]

Yes it should. Milk is unnecessary and unneeded. Milk is for baby cows, not humans.

Humans should end their diary addiction, it would help with obesity, and a whole other host of health conditions.