Economics has always been a challenge to political conceit.

Comment “Groceries” and we’ll send you the full video. Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises understood that economics threatens those who believe society can be managed from above. It reminds politicians that prices are signals, resources are scarce, incentives matter, and good intentions cannot repeal tradeoffs. That lesson belongs in today’s grocery debate. Before handing the grocery aisle to City Hall, we should ask honest questions. What actually pushed prices up? Was it money creation, supply disruptions, energy costs, regulations, trade barriers, zoning, or taxes? What causes are being blamed because they sound politically useful? Which proposed cures would expand supply, and which would simply hide costs behind subsidies and public losses? Government-run stores may sound compassionate when families are frustrated by high prices. But shelves are stocked by production, logistics, competition, risk-taking, and price signals. Abundance comes from allowing markets to coordinate the work of millions.