Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why does an app and the exchange of money make that different? They don't. The introduction of a corporate mediator does. The idea that corporations, chartered by the government and relying heavily on public infrastructure to function, should have social obligations is simply common sense. Even individual property owners have always had social obligations with regard to the manner in which they use and maintain their…
> Why do you believe corporations do not? Because if the social obligation isn't codified into law, it doesn't exist. "Morality" does not equal legal obligation.
Uber’s “Price Gouging” Is the Future of Business
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Re: Uber’s “Price Gouging” Is the Future of Business
#22Re: Uber’s “Price Gouging” Is the Future of Business
#23Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think it depends on how essential one regards the service, and on your income-dependent definition of 'unaffordable'. In bad conditions, taxi service might be considered more essential to many than it is during normal times. And I think 'eight times its normal rate' qualifies as unaffordable for most.
Unless you're dying or giving birth, I don't see how a limo ride is an essential service. Even at 8x surge pricing (maybe $500 for a ride across Manhattan), Uber is much cheaper than an ambulance. Why are people mad at Uber and not the ambulance companies that charge insane prices for an essential service where they enjoy a monopoly?
And I think people are mad at ambulance companies, which is why the country is grappling with health care reform. A major obstacle to reform is the opposition of free-market idealogues who feel medical care should go to the highest bidder.
Re: Uber’s “Price Gouging” Is the Future of Business
#24http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/10/29/163861383/why-econ...
tl;dr normal people with functioning empathy consider it grossly antisocial and won't put up with that shit. If Uber wants itself regulated to hell, then the CEO just needs to carry on in this style.