The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-07-02

Babson Park, Mass, July . -
When rationing and price-hxing
were introduced. they were the pri.
mary topics OF discussion. Human
nature being what il is, almost
eyeryone's first thought was for
himself. War, however, makes a
person take for granted what in
normal times he could not even ina
CINE, and today points, stamps and
proceedings seem almost natural.
But complaints and misunderstand-
ings are still evident Today |
wish to defend and explain the need
for rationing and price-fiXing.
War Comes First
We can never lose sight OF the
fact that we are engaged in a
w'r. Our first concern is to win.
Keeping our manpower at peak ef-
ficiency Is necessary. Our fighting
men must have first choice OF all
necessities. The government sees
that our soldiers get the best of
everything. What is left goes to
the civilian population. There is
Dul us ldlI Adu-
not be left to chance.
Civilian manpower must back up
fighting manpower. Therefore, the
war workers on the home front,
and those with less important jobs,
must have their share of vital COM
modities. II this division were
left to the individual, there would
less people who would first see
that they got everything they could
possibly need. Consequently,
plan to divide all scarce items on
the basis of fairness and need has
been devised. This is rationing.
Rstionln9 is Sharing
Rationing distributes available
supplies to all, not just to those
who can pay high prices for scarce
goods. An example of this is the
shoe situation Heavy supplies are
needed for the armed forces. When
they are taken care OF, little re-
mains for civilians. Without ra-
tioning, the well-to-do would rush
10 buy more than they needed. leav-
lhk llAllb lOI Olhtls. 1 nutT a
tioning, however. everyone is given
the same opportunity to obtain
shoes. This is the democratic way.
Some people, however refuse TO
abide by the rules. Others take
advantage OF tins fact to operate
black markets. These make search
ties worse and create new scarcities
uFhn
ample is tho meat situation. Sup.
plies are cut down, thus hurting
soldiers and honest civilians. Live.
stock, often slaughtered under UNI
sanitary conditions. may be I'M
healthy. Our soldiers are depriY-
ed Of such medical supplies as sur
gical sutures, adrenalin, and insu-
lin; also gelatin. hides and fats.
II everyone would cooperate, none
would lose out.
Economics, Prices in Peaee-Tlme
Before defending pricefXing. |
wish to discuss some economic rules
connected with prices, production
and initiation. | say rules, but
there are so many modifying fac
tors that they do not always work
out. Under normal economic con-
ditions, production and the amount
of money in circulation are kept in
balance through prices. II there
is an increase in money because of
higher wages or greater employ
ment, there will be more money
than products. People will bid for
these products and this gill cause
prices to rise. If this continues
there is initiation.
In normal times, however. these
higher prices will cause increased
production because of the greater
opportunity for profits. AS more
products appear on the market,
prices decline. Production and
prices will continue at an even
level until something occurs to
throw them out of balance. 1t can
be seen that one way to head off
initiation is to let production rise
with prices.
War and Initiation
Wartimes are not normal, and
economic rules are modified. Pro
duction for civilian. consumers is
secondary to military needs. Many
lines are cut out altogether For
instance, automobiles, radios and
refrigerators have not been manu-
featured since our entry into the
war. Payrolls, however, are much
larger and there is more money
than ever in circulation.
As previously explained. when
money increases. prices, then pro-
duction, should rise, followed by a
fall in prices back to normal. But
today civilian production is strictly
regulated as to quantity and type