Okay, here’s a breakdown of the core missing facts from the provided text, focusing on what a reader would likely want to know more about, given the narrative presented. I’ll categorize it for clarity.
1. The Broader Context of the Gas Price Wars & Regulation:
Why was price fixing so prevalent? The article mentions dealers opposing it, but doesn’t delve into why the association was trying to fix prices in the first place. Was it about maintaining profit margins? Protecting smaller dealers? what were the economic conditions driving this?
What was the state’s overall rationale for the self-service ban? While safety is mentioned,the article acknowledges it was also about eliminating competition. A deeper exploration of the political and economic pressures influencing the law would be valuable. Who specifically benefited from the law?
What was the impact of the self-service law on other gas stations? Did it effectively stifle competition across New Jersey? Did other stations try similar tactics to Reingold?
What happened with the 7.5-by-9-inch sign limit? Was it effective? How long did it last? Did it change the dynamics of the price war?
What ultimately ended the gas price war? The article says it “simmered until the middle of the decade,” but doesn’t give a clear resolution. Did market forces eventually settle things? Did regulations change?
2. Reingold’s Motivations & Business Strategy:
Why did Reingold care so much about low prices? Was he a populist trying to help consumers? Was it purely a business strategy to gain market share? Was he deliberately trying to disrupt the established order? The article hints at a rebellious streak, but doesn’t fully explain his driving force.
How did Reingold finance his prolonged price war? Selling gas at such low margins must have been costly. Where did the money come from to sustain this?
What was the impact of Reingold’s actions on his own business? Did his low prices attract enough customers to offset the reduced profit margin? Did he thrive, or was he just barely surviving?
What other ventures did Reingold get into before The new Bell? The article mentions “other ventures,” but doesn’t specify what they were.
3. The Later Years & The Shooting:
What prompted Reingold’s shift to a gay bar? Was it a calculated business decision based on market research? Was it a response to the legal challenges with The New Bell?
More detail on the legal battles surrounding The New Bell and the gay bar. What were the specific charges? What was the evidence presented? What were the arguments made by both sides?
More information about the man Reingold shot. Who was he? What was his connection (if any) to Reingold’s business or the previous legal troubles? Why did Reingold suspect he was hired to kill him? Was there any examination into this claim?
What did Reingold do in Florida after moving there?
In essence, the article provides a sketch* of a interesting character and a dramatic series of events. It leaves the reader wanting to know the “why” and the “how” behind the story in much greater detail. It’s a good starting point, but feels incomplete.