[Prokopton]

If were in business and anticipated much higher wholesaler prices, I would up the price on my existing inventory (such as fuel already in the tanks) while still trying to attract customers. Business is not a charitable organization and differing gas prices is not price gouging.

Yes, and if you were in an accident with a number of other people you would understand if doctors wouldn't touch you unless you poneyed up $100K up front. Those that can pay get treated, those that can't will have to wait until the price comes down. After all, it's only business and with all those people to treat demand just went through the roof. You couldn't possibly call it gouging.

[MaxMax]

I just love extreme analogies. They help place certain actions into perspective.

[Notary Sojac]

Yes, and if you were in an accident with a number of other people you would understand if doctors wouldn't touch you unless you poneyed up $100K up front. Those that can pay get treated, those that can't will have to wait until the price comes down. After all, it's only business and with all those people to treat demand just went through the roof. You couldn't possibly call it gouging.

People of different political persuasions would see this hypothetical in different ways.

Randians would say "This is great. It's how the free market allocates the distribution of medical skills."

Conservatives would say "This is reprehensible conduct, but it's a free country and the doctors can do as they please, regardless of the fact that I don't like it."

Liberals would say "This is reprehensible conduct, and the power of the state should be used to restrict the doctors from engaging in it."

[ConservativeMind]

People should have the choice of selling their services to some, to give them away, or to give them to none at all.

Let those people decide, not some governmental law. Should we have a law that forces the first person to come upon a car, pulled off to the side of the road, to stop to try to help? Right now, if you don’t feel it’s safe, or simply don’t choose to do so, you pass.