tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2956830097495837473.post5486727633098900997..comments2023-10-14T13:18:37.330+01:00Comments on angels in marble: Queueing. Pity it Came Too Late for Christmashatfield girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12673905475452420002noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2956830097495837473.post-64449123555353758342011-01-21T10:40:15.416+00:002011-01-21T10:40:15.416+00:00Shortages and queues, with associated re-trading o...Shortages and queues, with associated re-trading of scarce goods at higher than official prices in black markets, were endemic and growing in Soviet-type systems, especially in the late 1980s. They were not part of the socialist blueprint, but only a tragic misunderstanding, the unintended consequence of holding down prices administratively for fear of inflation. But inflation was not eliminated, only repressed. <br /><br />"Do you often have queues?" "No, not very often. Only when there are goods in the shops". Countless jokes, but it was no joke. <br /><br />The consequence was the failure of all attempts to reform the system by activating markets and giving autonomy to state enterprises, for markets did not clear and prices did not act as production incentives. Ultimately repressed inflation was one of the main factors that brought down the system.<br /><br />I have already order my copy of the boardgame.Carontehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523447335373278465noreply@blogger.com