Politicians–Not Hurricanes–Ensure Shortages By Harrison Burge - September 19, 2018
In 2006, Kentucky resident John Shepperson tuned in from his home to watch Hurricane Katrina destroy the Gulf Coast.
Shepperson desperately wanted to help the recovery efforts… and to make some money in the process.
So, he and his family bought 19 generators, rented a U-Haul truck and drove 600 miles to an area of Mississippi without power.
There in Mississippi, he offered the generators for double the price he paid in Kentucky.
Shepperson found a welcoming market. Grateful residents afflicted by the storms lined up to buy his generators. Price be damned – these people valued the generators more than their money. Shepperson’s generators meant Gulf Coast residents would at least have some comfort amidst their misery.
But, the prospective buyers never received the generators they wanted and valued. And Shepperson’s goodwill was not rewarded with a profit.
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