In a few places around the country, gas prices have shot through the roof, in large part because of rumors that gas prices were shooting through the roof. Folks are scrambling to get gas, drastically increasing the demand for a product that is in limited (if re-fuelable) supply.

Some folks are decrying this as profiteering, declaring it to be immoral. No folks, it isn't immoral -- it's capitalism, and this is how we keep the supplies flowing! This is how we ensure -- without government intervention -- that folks have a chance to buy gas. It is a transaction between two free-willed individuals, without the threat of force. It is the essence of morality.

Consider this: every time price controls are implemented by the government scarcity follows. Why? Well think about it -- let's say you're Joe Smith, and you see everyone scrambling for gas. You see that gas is an astronomical $10 a gallon, which means it might cost you over a hundred dollars to fill your tank. Thus, you have a reason to only buy the gas you need -- and if you don't' have enough, then you'll need to scrape up some cash from some friends (or the couch). Some folks might not be able to afford the gas, but everyone would probably have a chance to buy the gas.

Now consider what happens if the government slaps a ceiling on the price of gas. Joe Smith arrives at the pump, and sees that gas is only $1 a gallon. (this is, of course, an emergency, so the government