It&#x27;s kind of amusing, because you are somewhat in line with what Bruenig writes, apparently without realizing it.<p>If you think that Bruenig is arguing for price controls without any qualifiers, you read the article wrong. He is arguing for equality, <i>because equality is a necessary precondition if you actually want to get the full benefits of a price system</i> (among other reasons). I have yet to see a convincing counterargument to that point.<p>You may have been misled by the part about the theory of the second best (which is a common point in economics): since the <i>best</i> solution (eliminating inequality) is off the table for political reasons, you have to turn to second-best solutions. Under certain circumstances, that can mean price controls.<p>But yes, the <i>best</i> solution is to eliminate (or at least reduce, as a first step) inequality. For example, taxing the rich and giving to the poor, as you point out yourself (which is where we&#x27;re back at you agreeing with Bruenig ;-)).