I previously blogged about the complete ignorance of “opportunity cost” with IKEA’s new store-opening in Canton, Michigan later this week.

On the same radio show where I heard about these idiots, the hosts were describing in some detail the cost to the city of Canton, for maintaing law and order in the parking lot during the few days prior to the store’s grand opening. I didn’t write down the figures or guesstimates, but needless to say, it didn’t sound insubstantial. Is this really the “public good” with which we charge our law enforcement agencies? I should shudder to think that it is. If IKEA can’t provide a safe environment for their campers shoppers during the buildup to their openings, perhaps they ought to suffer some punitive consequences, for whatever damages may arise. It’s their property. It’s their store opening. I don’t really see any reason why the police officers in any jurisdiction ought to be relegated to what amounts to the provision of nearly private security.

That’s pretty much it. IKEA should bear the costs of keeping their prospective shoppers safe, and excercise due diligence in ensuring order on their property.