Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest initiative is a stunning example of big government overreach and the infringement of the free market. Johnson has announced that the city is partnering with the Economic Security Project to explore the creation of a government-owned grocery store that would apparently assist “historically underserved communities.” This is a blatant attempt to assert control over the grocery store market in the city and is an affront to the principles of capitalism.
Mayor Johnson has claimed that all Chicagoans deserve to live in proximity to convenient and affordable grocery stores. However, this is just another example of the left-wing rhetoric that seeks to control every aspect of people’s lives. The mayor’s office has released a statement detailing the aim of “food equity.” Still, it is clear that this is a thinly veiled attempt to subvert the free market by using the government to establish monopolies.
The proposal’s feasibility is also highly questionable given that the Economic Security Project estimates that 63.5% of residents in West Englewood and 52% of residents in East Garfield Park live more than half a mile from their nearest grocery store. However, the situation in West Town, where less than 1% of residents experience the same barrier to food access, proves that the market is already addressing this problem.
The mayor’s office claims that this initiative would mark Chicago as the first major US city to launch a government-owned grocery store to deal with “food inequity.” However, this distinction is nothing to be proud of. The introduction of a government-owned grocery store would be a significant departure from the free market principles that have underpinned America’s prosperity for centuries.
The Economic Security Project’s advisor, Ameya Pawar, has even likened the proposed grocery store to a public library or the postal service, completely ignoring the fact that grocery stores must remain profitable to survive. This mischaracterization of the grocery store industry is a worrying sign and further highlights the left’s penchant for government overreach.
Finally, the feasibility study that Mayor Johnson referred to is just a smokescreen to placate taxpayers. The study is sure to be favorable to this government-owned grocery store proposal as the Economic Security Project is leading it, and their vested interests are clear.
Overall, Mayor Johnson’s latest initiative is an example of the left’s attempt to control every aspect of Americans’ lives. The introduction of a government-owned grocery store is nothing short of an attack on the free market and the principles upon which America has thrived.
