11/12/2014
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The socialist Venezuelan government is regulating the price of Barbie dolls.
According to the Associated Press, the government of Venezuela has forced large store chains to sell Barbies for extremely low prices throughout this year’s holiday season.
The price for one doll will dip as low as 250 bolivars, or $2.50. In comparison, some of the lowest priced Barbie dolls in the United States sell for $10.99.
The Barbie prices are part of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s “Operation Merry Christmas,” which seeks to stop speculators from overcharging for the dolls.
The “operation” has also set price caps for plasma television sets, refrigerators and computers ahead of the gift-giving season.
To young girls asking Santa for a Barbie this Christmas, government intervention might appear shiny and desirable, like a new doll.
Unfortunately, Barbie’s price isn’t the only thing that the government might attempt to control.
As we know in the United States quite well, Barbie might lose her health care coverage due to an imperfect universal healthcare system.
She might see her free speech trampled on, or be barred from owning a gun. Her Internet and cable provider might even be controlled by the government.
Alas, fire-sale priced dolls might sound like a good deal, but government overreach is undoubtedly a bad one.
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