Post #3

Black Markets: The Unreported Economy 

 The unreported economy refers to the black market which is involved in economic activity that goes unheard of, or hidden. The taxes of the black market items, are not recorded or payed for by the consumer. Many of the more common goods, (food, clothing etc.) are usually cheaper than regular market prices, but the more uncommon items, (drugs, technology, etc.) are sometimes more expensive than they usually would be, depending on the quantity or how common the item is. All items are tax free which is why many people choose the black market, especially in developing countries, to purchase goods instead of buying them through regular markets. Don't think of this as a benefit in any way though, it is still illegal because of the transaction completed in exchanging the products, even if the product is legal. For example, while the buying and selling of food is not illegal, the transaction enters the black market when the good sold is illegal, such as foie gras (luxury food)  in California. This violates human rights mostly through the black market organ trade. The organ trade has grown tremendously over the last decade, due to the fact that health care is changing financially, and in some developing countries, extremely poor. There is a worldwide shortage of organs available who can not afford proper medical treatment. This is another reason why many people turn to the black market to seek medical help. In my opinion, this issue needs to be taken care of so that violations of human rights can be reduced in the black market.