I've been kind of amazed that the stock market didn't finish below 10,000 this week. Granted, it had a bad week, but you would think that these capitalist investors would see the handwriting on the wall. Leaving aside the $100 billion price tag that may be involved in saving and rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, wouldn't the higher gas prices lead to inflation and other instability? The U.S. trade deficit is high, Iraq costs money, the Empire and homeland security cost money, so isn't everything set to go up in smoke?
How about the economic ripples as thousands of New Orleans residents relocated to Baton Rouge and Houston try to find jobs, housing and aid?
On a more local note, a radio station here in Kansas City noted that the commuter buses from the suburbs to downtown KC were standing room only this week.
Gas prices here are up to $3.12.
Chuck0