henrymakow.com — March 16, 2020

While the market melts down, we ask:

Is it immoral to profit from social and economic chaos?

by Henry Makow PhD

Recently I did a Twitter poll asking, “How Depressing is the recent market crash?” 

250 readers responded.  27.6% said they were “totally bummed” (12.6%)

or moderately depressed (15%.)

51% were indifferent, presumably not invested.

Surprisingly 21.3% were “elated” because they were “short” the market and made a killing.

This raises a classic moral dilemma. Is it immoral to profit from social and economic chaos?

The argument for “No. It’s not immoral.”

The market was a bubble just waiting to burst. It was overvalued — pumped up by money printing. The virus was just the pin prick. There is nothing “immoral” about betting against it and making a profit.  People have a duty to protect themselves and their families from want or ruin.

 The argument for “Yes. It is immoral.”

If you short the market, you are betting that more people will get sick and economic disruption will get worse. You are setting up a conflict of interest in your psyche. You are not just protecting your assets; you are profiting from chaos and suffering.

Continues …