[Dont Mention the War]

Sure, some may have given a few bucks here and there, but who in the end is doing more good for the people affected by the hurricane? The person sitting on the internet pontificating about how noble their beliefs are, or the guy driving down a truck down to florida filled with stuff people need because he can make a bigger profit selling it there instead of in his home town?

Um, just how many people are doing that? Or would be if they were allowed to sell at exorbitant prices? I would imagine the cost of hauling my goods hundreds or thousands of miles would require one hell of an increase in prices to make a larger profit than if I just sold my goods at home like I always do.

[flashbunny]

"Um, just how many people are doing that? Or would be if they were allowed to sell at exorbitant prices? I would imagine the cost of hauling my goods hundreds or thousands of miles would require one hell of an increase in prices to make a larger profit than if I just sold my goods at home like I always do."

Depends on the prices he thinks he can get and what he's currently getting at home. And that's also one of the reasons to let the market determine the prices and not government - Unless the seller can afford to just give away their goods, making the effort to sell to people in a disaster area must be worth the time and expense of his troubles. People here and the government want to limit how much he can charge - very likely limiting his motiviation to make an effort to fill a very real need in a disaster area.

It's one of those things were people want to think they're doing a good deed by opposing something, but ultimately they're harming the people they claim to help.

Is someone in florida in need of fresh water better off because a guy in georgia who has fresh water didn't go because he couldn't make enough money to justify the trip??? Or is he better off getting the water and paying a few extra bucks???

Another poster attacked walter williams for being "good on theory" but poor in application. The kumbaya approach to the real world economics of a disaster is extremely poor in application. It hurts buyers and sellers and only helps the false sense of superiority of those who wish to impose their ideals on everyone else.

[Dan Evans]

Um, just how many people are doing that? Or would be if they were allowed to sell at exorbitant prices?

That depends on the reception he they get. If people throw rocks at them few people will do it again. But if people understand economics, then the market will work and prices will remain low.

And if the price is exorbitant, people won't buy.