Economic Ignorance Further Hampers Hurricane Sandy Victims

[bonnie]

November 3, 2012

Economic Ignorance Further Hampers Hurricane Sandy Victims

William Ward

The miles-long lines at beleaguered service stations in the aftermath of Sandy is a testament to an elementary economic reality; sharply higher prices are mandatory in a disaster. During such a radical supply/demand altering event, sharply higher prices must prevail in order for more consumers to receive the desperately-needed commodity. And the economic ignorance of politicians who vow mass prosecutions for price gouging -- as popular as it may be with the media and the affected masses -- only serves to thwart the survival and recovery efforts of the victims.

Nobody likes paying higher prices. In fact, when one has received a major blow to their lives, higher prices easily appear to be criminal. Understandable as it is, this is an emotional rather than a rational reaction to an economic law that is attempting to best serve the dire interests of as many people as possible. The basic tenet of economic principle -- price relation to supply vs. demand -- is to accomplish one fundamental task: ensure that a finite commodity is distributed to as many consumers as possible.

Once the electrical capacity of the community has been decimated and reduced to generator power, servicing of the generators become a great priority that results in urgent demand which was not present prior to the event. That new demand must be reflected in current price before emotional hoarding exhausts supplies.

A service-station owner who witnesses desperate lines of cars forming at his gas pumps is economically justified in taking prices sharply higher if each car in the line is taking advantage of current price to fill the vehicle and multiple receptacles to the detriment of people waiting further back in line. Failure to take such price action is, in fact, a disservice to the needs of the people who will be denied this desperately needed commodity once the tank is tapped dry by the hoarding of those who were blessed with a favorable spot in line.

Current media reports clearly illustrate how misguided government attempts to maintain "fairness" in the face of almost impossible survival conditions serves no one but the black market. In New Jersey, where officials are eying retailers who charge $1 higher prices to fill up handheld canisters for violations under the state's Motor Fuels Act, CraigsList postings are marketing black market fuel for $15 a gallon.

The stark reality is that until more supply can be brought to the disaster area, prices will rise -- one way or another -- to the level which ensures most efficient usage.

Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012...l#ixzz2BCZKSE9W

[LifeHiscost]

It's a long way to explain why it's necessary to take your money out of your pocket and put it in somebody else's. Kind of like those long contracts you're asked to sign that takes about 6-10 pages to say they're not responsible for anything. I'm probably just too simple minded to believe that many pages of written effort might have been avoided if they just said what they meant to begin with, "We just want more money, preferably yours."

God blesses!

[bonnie]

It's a long way to explain why it's necessary to take your money out of your pocket and put it in somebody else's. Kind of like those long contracts you're asked to sign that takes about 6-10 pages to say they're not responsible for anything. I'm probably just too simple minded to believe that many pages of written effort might have been avoided if they just said what they meant to begin with, "We just want more money, preferably yours."

God blesses!

Not sure where you are going with this.But if I intend to purchase something it generally requires I take my money and give it to the person I want to purchase from

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Not sure where you are going with this.But if I intend to purchase something it generally requires I take my money and give it to the person I want to purchase from

Just making a comparison of lengthy contracts written by individuals to indicate why they are not responsible for anything you buy from them, with the article you posted where they took a very lengthy explanation to explain why it was necessary to make huge charges when if they were completely truthful, it could have been reduced to a sentence or two by admitting their major reason for raising the costs was because the opportunity was afforded to get richer on someone else's misfortune.

God blesses!

[bonnie]

Just making a comparison of lengthy contracts written by individuals to indicate why they are not responsible for anything you buy from them, with the article you posted where they took a very lengthy explanation to explain why it was necessary to make huge charges when if they were completely truthful, it could have been reduced to a sentence or two by admitting their major reason for raising the costs was because the opportunity was afforded to get richer on someone else's misfortune.

God blesses!

I am not sure what the cost is to furnish power by generators to gas stations,but I know it has to be greater than under normal circumstances.While the cost per gallon in their tanks does not change the cost to get it from there to the car gas tank does in circumstances like these.

My brother has a generator and to run that at full capacity requires 2-3 gallons a day. A business is certainly going to be much higher.Not sure why they should eat it.

There have been numerous stories of people driving many miles to the next state to purchase as much as they can and reselling it. Obviously this is going to create a extreme hardship on others.Hiking that price a dollar or two will make it far less attractive to do so.

Obviously regular prices are going to encourage this.

Hotel rooms at regular rates were being reserved 2-3 to a family.Leaving far less for others.

Hiking the price discourages that.

Just making a comparison of lengthy contracts written by individuals to indicate why they are not responsible for anything you buy from them,...

Thinking back to the three largest purchases we have made recently,I didn't find lengthy pages of why they weren't responsible for anything. The terms and guarantee were written on one page and quite clear if you chose to read them

[bonnie]

It's a long way to explain why it's necessary to take your money out of your pocket and put it in somebody else's. Kind of like those long contracts you're asked to sign that takes about 6-10 pages to say they're not responsible for anything. I'm probably just too simple minded to believe that many pages of written effort might have been avoided if they just said what they meant to begin with, "We just want more money, preferably yours."

God blesses!

A friend of mine recently made a large purchase on credit.She was so upset when it failed to perform in the stated manner.

Why didn't they tell her,Well how can you understand all the jargon..........

Now lengthy hard to understand contract. The conditions of use was clearly stated both on paper and on the item.Also clearly stated if not abided by the item was not covered by warranty.

Her complaint,they should have explained that to her.She is can read and comprehend,she chose not to and then blamed someone else

[LifeHiscost]

To see one thing or another in the normal transactions of the day, year, month is probably not going to get beyond an opinion as to why. To see the reality that 85%-95% of the wealth of the world is in the hands of 2%-4% of the world's population, and I may be mistaken about those figures for the world as it might apply more directly to the wealth of the U.S. population.

"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. "James 5:1-3 NKJV

God Blesses!

[BobRyan]

November 3, 2012

Economic Ignorance Further Hampers Hurricane Sandy Victims

William Ward

The miles-long lines at beleaguered service stations in the aftermath of Sandy is a testament to an elementary economic reality; sharply higher prices are mandatory in a disaster. During such a radical supply/demand altering event, sharply higher prices must prevail in order for more consumers to receive the desperately-needed commodity. And the economic ignorance of politicians who vow mass prosecutions for price gouging -- as popular as it may be with the media and the affected masses -- only serves to thwart the survival and recovery efforts of the victims.

Communism solved the problem by rationing -- resulting in low prices and almost no hoarding since you are not allowed to take more gas than is rationed to you.

In a capitalist system the rationing is done by price gouging - but the truth is that very high priced items result in "supply exceeding demand" yet not everyone can afford to partake of the "supply".

Hence very expensive jewels - exist - but are not had by all.

Gasoline at a 100$ a gallon would significantly reduce the long lines and would increase profit margins but would not get gasoline to everyone that needed it.

in Christ,

Bob

[bonnie]

[Naomi]

Quote:

This did not have to be the mess it is.There was plenty of warning.First for many that now find themselves in dire straights,counting on the government to bail them out instead of tending to their own preparedness.FEMA had plenty of warning to engage and put in place over 400 generators.Stockpile water.Make sure the first responders were prepared,the police dept etc.

The Red Cross had ample time to set up distribution points and method of distribution.

I so agree with your assesment of the responsibility for much of this mess. It's not that I don't have much concern and sympathy for those who are suffering, I do. And, I have worked for months doing the mop up for two very serious hurricanes, a couple of smaller ones and a couple of huge tornadoes. I went in with the first groups .. I have been there!! People don't prepare, don't take precautions and then others have to risk their life, health, time and energy to try to save them. Washington is not now, not ever, going to have enough people and equipment available to dig into the murk to find bodies, to drive trucks to bring fuel, deliver the food in a timely manner ... It ain't happening folks ... We have to learn to be self sufficient!! We are responsible for our own well being

[bonnie]

I so agree with your assesment of the responsibility for much of this mess. It's not that I don't have much concern and sympathy for those who are suffering, I do. And, I have worked for months doing the mop up for two very serious hurricanes, a couple of smaller ones and a couple of huge tornadoes. I went in with the first groups .. I have been there!!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

We are responsible for our own well being

With one caveat that makes all the difference.

"“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."John 15:5 NLT

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”"Matthew 19:26 NKJV

God blesses!

[Naomi]

Quote:

Many times volunteers are turned back from providing much needed services by unions if the volunteers are not union

I was not there as a volunteer or union worker but wih CDC...was not aware tha Unions had anything to do with the search and rescue efforts

[bonnie]

I was not there as a volunteer or union worker but wih CDC...was not aware tha Unions had anything to do with the search and rescue efforts

Sorry,I thought you were referring to volunteering. A couple of years ago we had a tornado in Mn.Volunteers poured in.Bringing many area's of expertise. Volunteers came with chainssaw and other equipment,wanting to go house to house,finding any that required assistance and removing trees for responders to get thru.They were turned back because they did not have a permit to conduct business in MPLS

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

They were turned back because they did not have a permit to conduct

This is an example of how bureaucrats believe themselves much more intelligent than the average citizen. It's built into the laws of the land. Can you imagine how that's going to play out when religious organizations join civil authorities to control the general population.

"And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived."

Revelation 13:14 NKJV

God blesses!

[bonnie]

Quote:

They were turned back because they did not have a permit to conduct

This is an example of how bureaucrats believe themselves much more intelligent than the average citizen. It's built into the laws of the land. Can you imagine how that's going to play out when religious organizations join civil authorities to control the general population.

"And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived."

Revelation 13:14 NKJV

God blesses!

Most of us realize what is to come. That does not excuse current actions because sometime in the future it will be the law of the land.It is not at this point and this point is where we happen to exist at this time

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Most of us realize what is to come.

If this were true it seems more would be making primary effort to construct their future where it would be beyond collapse. Of course it could be that most choose to ignore the necessity of recognizing an inevitable end for the sake of personal creature comforts in the present. Hardly an enviable course of action to ensure receiving the joy of eternal habitations.

God blesses!

[bonnie]

Quote:

Most of us realize what is to come.

If this were true it seems more would be making primary effort to construct their future where it would be beyond collapse. Of course it could be that most choose to ignore the necessity of recognizing an inevitable end for the sake of personal creature comforts in the present. Hardly an enviable course of action to ensure receiving the joy of eternal habitations.

God blesses!

Victims of Hurricane Sandy are in need of fuel/water/clothing now,regardless of what is to come down the road.

This isn't about constructing their future,whatever they believe that to be.

You cannot construct against hurricanes and the immediate needs of people.Many could have been better prepared for the immediate future,some could not and they all need immediate help.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

they all need immediate help....this point is where we happen to exist at this time

And if that is where God wishes you to extend yourself, I would encourage you to place yourself where you know He wants you.

In a weeks time I receive about 15-25 pieces of literature asking for help needed yesterday. As a 24/7 caregiver the limitations I have make the options very limited. Most of those requests will receive prayer alone from us. Do you have a better plan?

God blesses!

[bonnie]

Quote:

they all need immediate help....this point is where we happen to exist at this time

And if that is where God wishes you to extend yourself, I would encourage you to place yourself where you know He wants you.

In a weeks time I receive about 15-25 pieces of literature asking for help needed yesterday. As a 24/7 caregiver the limitations I have make the options very limited. Most of those requests will receive prayer alone from us. Do you have a better plan?

God blesses!

I didn't tell you specifically to do anything. The preparedness for this all the way around has caused tremendous hardship. What is to come down the road that no amount of secular preparing can take care of is far different than what the citizens of Hurricane Sandy are facing.

[jasd]

QR frame:

The price of anything is established somewhere between the demand of the seller and the ability of the buyer to meet - or not.

Disaster has struck: your wife is dying from an infection that - should it not be attended to immediately - will die even should medicine then become available (toxic shock).

Someone has a broad spectrum antibiotic which they will trade for your new BMW. Would you trade (buy)?--a $40 item for your $80,000 auto?

Of course you would..., no joy. I'd trade with the deed to house and property - and if the guy holding the antibiotic wanted my shoes thrown in - I'd rip them off my feet in an instant.

That's market forces..., buy your antibiotics NOW - and the means to keep them.

Matt 13:52 ...the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

...or die.

[lazarus]

That's market forces..., buy your antibiotics NOW - and the means to keep them.

Do you mean guns?

[jasd]

>>Do you mean guns?<<

No. Assumed that the first order of business was the 'Biblical sword'.

I mean, literally, Penicillins, Tetracyclines, etc - even the sulfas.

Whilst at it, lots and lots of triple antibiotic creams (Neosporin or gender equivalent)

Priorities would dictate the inclusion of painkillers - beginning with 2-4% Lidocaine cream and acqeous Lidocaine (with syringes).

Heck, even a bed of Oriental poppies, which could be used to make laudanum (do not presently score the pod!--BIG No-No! DEA will git ya muy pronto)

IOW, one has only oneself to depend upon - and soonest is best.

[lazarus]

Perhaps you misunderstand me. I was talking about....

"and the means to keep them"

Do you mean guns or do you mean storage for those anti-biotics.

[bonnie]

Bitter cold inside a disaster shelter

'You could see your breath,' displaced resident says

10:04 AM, Nov 9, 2012 |

Photos taken by Brian Sotelo of the tent city set up at Monmouth Park in Oceanport by FEMA for victims of Sandy. Any resident who cares to comment on the conditions in the shelter is invited to contact Asbury Park Press reporter Steve Edelson at sedelson@njpressmedia.com.

Photos taken by Brian Sotelo of the tent city set up at Monmouth Park in Oceanport by FEMA for victims of Sandy. Any resident who cares to comment on the conditions in the shelter is invited to contact Asbury Park Press reporter Steve Edelson at sedelson@njpressmedia.com.

OCEANPORT — As he lights up a Marlboro and takes a slow drag before exhaling, Brian Sotelo is a man who has finally reached his breaking point.

Anger drips from every word as he peers out at the tops of the white tents rising over the trees in the distance. The depth of despair in his eyes is difficult to fathom.

And he makes it clear he’s was not going down without a fight.

We stood and talked in the cool morning air a short distance up the road after security at the front gate threatened to have our cars removed outside the entrance to what Sotelo’s identification tag calls “Camp Freedom,” even though it more closely resembles a prison camp.

A Seaside Heights resident who was at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River with his wife and three kids a half-hour before the shelter opened as superstorm Sandy approached last week, Sotelo was part of a contingent shifted on Wednesday to this makeshift tent city in the parking lot across Oceanport Avenue from Monmouth Park.

“Sitting there last night you could see your breath,” said Sotelo. “At (Pine Belt) the Red Cross made an announcement that they were sending us to permanent structures up here that had just been redone, that had washing machines and hot showers and steady electric, and they sent us to tent city. We got (expletive).

“The elections are over and here we are. There were Blackhawk helicopters flying over all day and night. They have heavy equipment moving past the tents all night.”

Welcome to the part of the disaster where people start falling through the cracks.

No media is allowed inside the fenced complex, which houses operations for JCP&L’s army of workers from out of the area. The FEMA website indicated on Monday that there had been a shelter for first responders, utility and construction workers to take a break, although the compound now contains a full-time shelter operated by the state Department of Human Services.

Sotelo scrolls through the photos he took inside the facility as his wife, Renee, huddles for warmth inside a late-model Toyota Corolla stuffed with possessions, having to drive out through the snow and slush to tell their story. The images on the small screen include lines of outdoor portable toilets, of snow and ice breaching the bottom of the tent and an elderly woman sitting up, huddled in blankets.