The Inevitable Topic of Rita
My grandfather picked me up this morning to take me to Austin. I'm to meet up with my family, who are evacuating. I am worried about them, and our home and friends, but I'll relax once I can see my family.
I hear that all the hotels in Texas are full. Water is flying off the shelves. So here is something to ponder: say you are the owner of an inn, or a small grocery store. You know people are desperate for water bottles or a place to stay. So do you inflate your prices, knowing that these refugees would pay the price?
Another thought-provoking topic-say you are a doctor or a policeman who might have an obligation to stay behind. Do you stay in the city, or leave with your family? I remember my roommate was criticizing the policemen who left New Orleans with their families before Katrina. But I really can't criticize them. What would I do in that situation? I've always learned that family comes first. If you are a public servant, does your family take the priority, or do you have an obligation to serve the public? There aren't any easy answers associated with this.
In either case, stay safe, everyone. For those of you who have homes on the coast like I do, I'll keep you in my thoughts.
posted by Jenny @ 10:19 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Your question for the store owners is answered not by the store owners themselves, but by the federal government. Raising your prices in times of crisis is called price gouging and it's highly illegal. Hopefully this will prevent these owners from trying it. As for the civil servants, I agree with you. I think family comes first. If your family will be okay without you then stay and help where you are needed, but you have every right to leave with them if you deem it necessary.
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