Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Harrison McClary replying to Eric Welch wrote: """"> Capitalism is amoral. So what would you replace it with? A system where some all knowing government entity tells us what is best? Sorry, if you go into a store wanting to buy something then let the sales person talk you into something else, you got what you paid for. We all make our choices and I for one WANT to make my own choices, not let someone else make them for me. Too much of that sh** is already going on for my tastes. Remember the old saying "let the buyer be aware" Know what you want, do your research, then get what you want. If the store does not want to sell it to you go elsewhere.""" I have no better system to suggest. Who was it who said that capitalism is the worst form of government apart from all the others? I like that. But consider the difference between these two scenarios. 1) A robber snatches a purse thereby stealing the cash, perhaps 100 and maybe useable credit cards. 2) A salesman cunningly persuades a person to spend 150 more on an item than he could profitably sell it for. Scenario 1 is illegal, but IMHO no less DISHONEST than scenario 2. We live in a world where ripping somebody off by being stronger is unacceptable but ripping them off by being a plausible liar is OK. Legal systems get better every year but I do not know how to solve this conundrum. To stay on topic I imagine a cunning (I do NOT mean clever) dealer can make more out of buying and selling a used Leica ( Little old widow seller " not much market these days for those old cameras I'll do you a favour and give you 50 for your hubbies camera" gullible buyer "Can't get these very easily nowadays and this model is rare, special deal for you 1999.99") than Leica do. Despite Leica having the investment, employees to pay and expertise to invest in. In todays world it amazes me why anybody would get into non electronics based manufacturing. Sorry to go on and on Frank