Katrina Brings New Wealth

The Hattiesburg American | 11-28-2005 | Rachel Leifer

[mwyounce]

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051127/NEWS01/511270328/1002

[mwyounce]

This is a Gannett publication, so I can't post the article. But, it's a good read if you'll click the link. It's an article on how Wiggins, a town about 1/2 hour north of Gulfport, is rebuilding, and even booming, after Katrina.

[mwyounce]

Good news from Wiggins, Mississippi PING!

[Lazamataz]

Katrina Brings New Wealth

Actually, I cannot agree with the premise. Destructive forces cause net declines in the GDP, although some wealth redistribution can occur.

In short: "Some people" become wealthy while "Some people + 5%" become poorer.

[WKB]

Just the good people of Mississippi
keeping it Bibical.


Mark 14:7-a The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.

[LibLieSlayer]

I live just south of Wiggins, and this area is prospering because unlike "some"... our people are working hard and making money at the same time. Revenues to local governments are up, and the County is actually proceeding with long term improvements.

It looks a bit different when looking from the "inside-out".

LLS

[Lazamataz]

No question about your observation. But let's stay focused: This article almost implies that hurricanes cause prosperity. They don't. The country as a whole becomes poorer, but some wealth redistribution occurs.

While I am glad that your area prospered, I also have to balance that happiness against the sadness that many people were devastated.

[alnick]

Thanks. It's nice to read an optimistic post-Katrina article.

[SoFloFreeper]

No question about your observation. But let's stay focused: This article almost implies that hurricanes cause prosperity. They don't. The country as a whole becomes poorer, but some wealth redistribution occurs. While I am glad that your area prospered, I also have to balance that happiness against the sadness that many people were devastated.

This can really turn into a circular argument, can't it? I mean, hard times...whatever the source: hurricanes, layoffs, dust bowls, etc....can either bankrupt us or cause us to find NEW WAYS of creating wealth.

So our RESPONSE to the disaster will hopefully make us richer in the long run. Unless we resort to socialism and despair. Then we're poorer.

[GOP_Proud]

bump

[LibLieSlayer]

I lost two homes and a business. I am not celebrating. I am focused, and I am living it... not just writing about it!

LLS

[Lazamataz]

Then you, yourself, know that the net result was a negative for you. The article's implication is that people are prospering from the hurricane. I wanted to add the perspective that was missing from the article -- that the hurricane is a net-negative.