(Daily Signal)—For years, pharmaceutical executives have insisted that drug prices are out of their hands. Government red tape, research costs, and reimbursement rules are all offered as explanations for why Americans pay more at the pharmacy counter than anyone else in the developed world.

It’s a tidy narrative. It’s also only half-true—pharma could easily drop its prices. But government has ensured that it has little reason to do so.

In a functioning market, companies charge what the market will bear. Those prices typically lower over time due to innovation, competition, and other factors. In only a few industries has the opposite happened—housing, higher education, and health care—all industries where incentives are skewed by government policies.

In the pharmaceutical industry, many factors create market disincentives. For example, U.S. taxpayers contribute roughly $17 billion each year to early-stage research and clinical studies, yet companies still price their products as if every cost rests solely on their own books. In most industries, a subsidy of that size would reduce the final price of a product. In pharmaceuticals, it has done the opposite.

Then there’s the government-guaranteed demand. Schools and the military require routine vaccinations, while federal insurance programs cover millions of prescriptions. These are not competitive markets. They are compelled markets where suppliers face little risk of losing large blocks of customers.

Whenever demand is guaranteed by federal or state policy, the incentive to price competitively weakens. A market that cannot walk away is a market that pays more.

Finally, we have patent abuse, where pharmaceutical companies create virtual monopolies by extending patents for critical and life-saving drugs again and again (and again), far beyond reason and beyond what many patients can afford.

Most industries do not enjoy this combination of subsidized research and guaranteed large scale buyers. A restaurant chain cannot rely on federal dollars to cover its early expansion. A tech startup cannot demand that public schools purchase its software. An airline cannot treat government agencies as automatic customers who have no alternative suppliers.

They all compete in markets where price is constrained by consumer choice and competitive pressure.

The irony is that pharma companies are behaving exactly as economic theory predicts. Again, students complain about high college prices—but they keep going up because of government loan, scholarship, and other policies that bring in billions as long as students can be convinced to sign the dotted line.

The same is true in housing, where well-intentioned government homeownership goals have created poor incentives for lenders and buyers alike (see the 2007 financial crash for an example of what happens when those incentive-created bubbles eventually pop).

The problem is not that companies follow incentives. The problem is that the incentives in the pharma market are distorted by public policy choices that tilt the field in one direction.

The lesson for policymakers and the public is straightforward. If we want a drug market that behaves like a market, we must design one. That means aligning research incentives with affordability and rethinking mandates that guarantee revenue without requiring accountability.

A firm’s first obligation is to its owners. If the structure of a market allows it to raise prices, reduce competition or shield revenue, the firm is expected to pursue those advantages.

And there is nothing inherently wrong with companies pursuing profit. But there is something wrong with a system that shields them from the competitive forces that keep other industries honest.

When companies say they can’t lower prices, it usually means that they simply don’t want to. But prices are choices made by all market players—such as consumers, manufacturers, and government regulators.

The sooner we acknowledge that prices are not set in stone, the sooner Americans can stop footing the bill for a pharmaceutical system that pretends otherwise.

Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas

When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.

This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.

1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee

Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.

Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.

Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.

2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose

There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.

Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.

It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.

3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented

Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.

The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:

Family members of all ages

Co-workers or employees

Church friends or small-group leaders

Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs

It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.

The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer

A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.

If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.