Vice President Kamala Harris recently released a proposal to address food prices in response to “price gouging” by grocers and producers. The proposal is not only flawed, it is a prime example of the excesses of a left that seems more interested in expanding bureaucratic control than addressing real problems.

Harris’ plan to implement price controls not only reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of economic principles, it will also increase the financial burden on American families and drive the final nail in the coffin of the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed economy. (Related: CNBC host upset after Elizabeth Warren speaks out against his price gouging stance)

Leftists argue that grocers are intentionally setting prices high to increase their profits. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with all kinds of grocers, from large corporate chains to small family-owned businesses. We know that price gouging is not the cause of rising food prices. Prices are set based on complex factors, including supply chain disruptions, labor costs, market demand, and other factors that government cannot and should not control. This industry operates on razor-thin profit margins, and skyrocketing prices are a direct result of the Biden-Harris Administration's disastrous policies that are impacting the supply chain, fueling inflation, and making it harder for grocers to keep prices down for American families.

Rather than admitting their own economic mismanagement that has led to rising costs, they are scapegoating companies that are simply trying to navigate tough market conditions.

While federal price gouging legislation may sound appealing to some, it could actually lead to gaslighting. Unintended consequences such as food shortagesRather than making things better for consumers, the plan would force companies to cut supply or exit certain markets entirely to avoid punitive federal action. Harris' proposal She risks creating more problems than she solves, potentially leading to higher grocery bills for the families she claims to be helping.

History has shown that such controls don’t work. Unable to cover costs, producers may cut production or shut down altogether. Inevitably, shelves of essential goods will be emptied, long queues will form and black markets will emerge – a scenario that has played out in many countries that have tried similar policies.

Take Venezuela, once the richest country in Latin America, but now devastated by price controls and other socialist policies, it's a mere shadow of its former self. The government's attempts to control food prices This led to a serious shortage, Millions fled the country in search of basic necessities. Similarly, Argentina's experience with price controls led to rampant inflation and a thriving black market. Harris would risk dragging America down the same dangerous path. (Related article: “It may not actually do anything”: Harris officials reportedly retract claim that price control plan would lower prices)

But this proposal is not only economically disastrous, it's also an affront to American values. America was founded on the principles of free markets and individual liberty. This plan would give government bureaucrats control over what Americans can buy and at what price, looking more like an authoritarian regime than the American way of life.

Additionally, this plan would deal a huge blow to small businesses and farmers, especially in Hispanic communities. Already operating on slim margins, these small, family-owned grocers and local farms would be forced to sell at a loss due to price controls, forcing many out of business. The result? Large, multinational corporations would dominate the market, further eroding the local economies that are the bedrock of our nation.

The impact on food quality must also be considered: government-set prices give producers no incentive to maintain high standards, leading to a decline in quality. Panama and Puerto RicoPrice controls have led to an influx of low-quality imports, driving local producers out of business and reducing the quality of available food. If this plan goes ahead, Americans may be forced to choose between buying lower-quality mass-produced foods or nothing at all. (Related article: US wheat farmers face huge losses as foreign goods flood the market)

Kamala Harris' proposal is not the solution This is a smokescreen to distract from the real causes of price increases. faced huge backlash She passed the bill immediately after announcing it. It was notable that it was also absent from her speech at the Democratic National Convention, raising questions about the feasibility and public support of her plan. It is a dangerous step toward economic disaster and a direct attack on the freedoms that define our country.

Instead of further government intervention, American families America First Policy Principles that promote economic growth, competition and innovation have always been at the core of a strong and prosperous America. Unleashing American Energy To reduce production and transportation costs, Reduce regulations Enabling people to run their businesses more efficiently, Cut federal spending.

The American people, especially our hardworking Hispanic community, deserve better than to be pawns in the progressive agenda. Now is the time to resist this attack on our economy, defend the values ​​that made our country strong, and protect the principles that make America great.

Bob Unanu serves on the board of directors of the America First Institute and president of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition. He was president and CEO of Goya Foods and Goya Cares and served as executive producer of the film “Sound of Freedom.”

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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