Hmmmmm...wouldn't this create jobs instead? People around the country will flock Florida in the coming weeks. Don't you think this would be a plus, I'm talking in the sense of job opportunities.
The roofers and other construction workers will hit the road causing a decline in the skilled workers in other sectors. Building materials will be redirected to Florida, pissing off people in state X who are awaiting their new deck.
You get the picture.
Hmmmmm...wouldn't this create jobs instead?
Haven't you ever heard of the broken window effect ? In short, it's a double loss.
I quote Frederic Bastiat:
"It's an ill wind that blows nobody some good. Such accidents keep industry going. Everybody has to make a living. What would become of the glaziers if no one ever broke a window?"
1.6
Now, this formula of condolence contains a whole theory that it is a good idea for us to expose, flagrante delicto, in this very simple case, since it is exactly the same as that which, unfortunately, underlies most of our economic institutions.
1.7
Suppose that it will cost six francs to repair the damage. If you mean that the accident gives six francs' worth of encouragement to the aforesaid industry, I agree. I do not contest it in any way; your reasoning is correct. The glazier will come, do his job, receive six francs, congratulate himself, and bless in his heart the careless child. That is what is seen.
1.8
But if, by way of deduction, you conclude, as happens only too often, that it is good to break windows, that it helps to circulate money, that it results in encouraging industry in general, I am obliged to cry out: That will never do! Your theory stops at what is seen. It does not take account of what is not seen.
1.9
It is not seen that, since our citizen has spent six francs for one thing, he will not be able to spend them for another. It is not seen that if he had not had a windowpane to replace, he would have replaced, for example, his worn-out shoes or added another book to his library. In brief, he would have put his six francs to some use or other for which he will not now have them.