The blog Mariginal Revolution provides a great example of a European governement policy that hurts consumers directly while claiming to help them indirectly. The title, of course, translates to "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose
A French court has ruled in favor of the French Bookseller's Union that Amazon's free shipping policy violates a law forbidding booksellers from offering discounts of more than 5 percent off the list price. Amazon was told to start charging for shipping within ten days or pay a daily fine. It must also pay €100,000 to the French Booksellers' Union.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, however, is refusing to charge for shipping and is taking the case to the French public. Way to go Jeff! My advice? Tell the state, laissez nous faire!
Ou bien, "fiche moi le paix." Or quite a bit less politely, "J'en ai plein le dos de tous ces emmerdements."
Posted by: Joe Schlabotnik | January 22, 2008 at 11:22 AM
The government only care about the "common good." The gov't knows how to make us smarter, stronger, thinner, taller and grow more hair on our head.
Private business only cares about profits. That's why Amazon ships for free and American drug companies saves lives (Europe provides few cures).
Their from the government and they are here to help.
Posted by: Nick S | January 22, 2008 at 04:13 PM