> Walmart and every single grocery store know my voting record
Well, they could just look up your social media accounts to see if you've made any comments they don't like.
Sure, that would catch everyone, but it would certainly find some, and cause a chilling effect.
> anti-trust actions.
Ahh, no it wouldn't though! Anti trust is about competition. It would not be a violation to collude for non price related non competition reasons.
> I would open up a new grocery store
Even if you happen to be a multi millionaire capable of doing so, most people aren't capable of doing this. Many people might also starve before you get around to doing this.
Also, there are many towns where such competition is not really possible, because there are only a few stores in the area.
> you fail.
You are misunderstanding how long it can take for the market to react. Market power is real, and established entities cannot be overthrown overnight.
Well, they could just look up your social media accounts to see if you've made any comments they don't like.
Sure, that would catch everyone, but it would certainly find some, and cause a chilling effect.
> anti-trust actions.
Ahh, no it wouldn't though! Anti trust is about competition. It would not be a violation to collude for non price related non competition reasons.
> I would open up a new grocery store
Even if you happen to be a multi millionaire capable of doing so, most people aren't capable of doing this. Many people might also starve before you get around to doing this.
Also, there are many towns where such competition is not really possible, because there are only a few stores in the area.
> you fail.
You are misunderstanding how long it can take for the market to react. Market power is real, and established entities cannot be overthrown overnight.