Money Matters Online: Growing up in communist Poland

Money Matters Online: "Most of the time grocery stores—if you could even call them that—stayed virtually empty with the exception of a few basic items like bread and milk. Once a week there would be a delivery of items such as meats, sugar, and flour to the stores. And, as word got out, you’d see long lines forming in front of the stores with people hoping to “catch” something.

Because the system was corrupt, being a grocery clerk was a lucrative and quite powerful position. Clerks would hoard much of the food for themselves, their family members, and close friends.

And, many who stood in those long lines would walk away empty-handed, hoping for better luck next time. Since I lived in a rural area, small farms were the salvation of many people.

You may find it humorous, but toilet paper was a hot commodity in those days. When our family members from big cities came to visit, they brought us rolls of toilet paper and we sent them back with items like meat, eggs, and flour."

This shows stark examples of government run vs. free market.