Recently in Canada the spokesman for the leftist NDP (New Democratic Party) declared that high gasoline prices were the result of “collusion” among the companies, and gave as evidence that gasoline prices rose during cold winter weather, and at the beginning of the summer vacation season.
A normal economist would probably know that this is a reflection of simple supply and demand at those times, and that the price fluctuations were a healthy sign of market sensitivity. But not for the NDP (with their rather typical left-wing paranoia), for whole this means that evil gas-stations are in “collusion.” So, why is this collusion at just those times? Why not always? They don’t even think this through; and what is worse, their opponents don’t even try to give a reasoned response. Both sides are probably reading their polling data.
However, a reasoned response, using calm logic, would probably eventually help educate the public, and show up the NDP, which is a highly dangerous group.
There are four possibilities.
One, they are ignorant of basic economics. This is quite possible since anyone of reasonable intelligence should be able to understand the simple laws of supply and demand.
Two, they are aware of basic economics but are pandering for votes. They appeal to the ignorant. The desire for power causes them to lie.
Three, their ideology blinds them to the facts.
Four, a combination of the first three.
In any case, they are not acting in the interest of the nation.