Comments on: Business in New Orleans

By: libby

libby — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 13:08:14 +0000

In regards to the woman who went to Houston making more money at a fast food joint, what would you do? Especially with the price-gouging from the landlords here which fema will be paying some which “we” will be paying back. New Orleans could be a great city if we allow quality wages to fit the cost of quality living. The month pre-katrina, “New Orleans” magazine stated the average two income family made 28,000 a year and the average cost for a “middle” home cost 350,000.

America is a rich country yet we have an enormous increasing job wage gap which diminishes socialization between people and promotes proverty/crime.
Hopefully, the politics here will use the minds and financial powers to rejuvenate this great city & state and not destroy it.

By: Bill Bryant

Bill Bryant — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 08:17:24 +0000

When I think about the situation with current gas prices I go back to 1973,when reg. unleaded gas was 29.9 per gallon. I was involved with a tanker transport Company at that time. The Oil Companies began teir crusade for $3.00 a gallon gasoline. There was several Independent Oil Companies around in those days,most were dependant on the Major Oil Companies for their supply,they were forced out.
The Oil Companies created shortages by cutting production and closing refineries over the next several years. In the early seventies were importing 43% of the oil necessary to meet the demand. I am not priviledged with the current percentage imported,my point is,simple math determines there is something wrong with the picture.

The recent tragedy in New Orleans and the outrageous profits admited by the Oil Companies that followed should be reason enough for anyone to be suspicious of Major Oil.

By: Joe Pulcinella

Joe Pulcinella — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:00:36 +0000

Sure, guys, and you know what they’d if workers were charged with gouging? Shortages! So the shoe really IS on the other foot! Good comments, all.

Jeff, you’re WAY too nice of a guy. I would have had that whole Starbucks in a donnybrook if it were me! )

By: MLS

MLS — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 08:33:37 +0000

bob, you are right, these greedy bastards must be punished for their gouging. And because they are working in the same city they obviously have a collusive arrangements to screw the people they work for. They are violating anti-trust laws. I suggest FEMA should return to harass the citizens again. Unless the governmnt declares New Orleans a “no mans land” – we will continue to see atrocities like these.

By: bob

bob — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 07:14:41 +0000

shouldn’t these workers be charged with PRICE GOUGING — benefitting financially from a crisis

it seems if the logic holds that big oil is guilty of benefitting from supply disruptions — then shouldn’t these workers also be subject to any “windfall” tax if passed

By: SteamshipTime

SteamshipTime — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 03:01:18 +0000

New Orleans’ wages for low-skilled workers were depressed by having so many of them (i.e., “working poor”) around. I remember reading about a woman who was making $5.15/hr (minimum wage) at Church’s Fried Chicken. Elsewhere, experienced fast food workers make $7-10/hour and managers complain about losing entire crews over a nickel an hour more from a competitor.

This particular woman was pleasantly surprised that she could make much more as a fast food worker in Houston, along with a higher quality of life, so that’s where she was staying.

Like all such disasters, there is a perverse good side. Doubtless though, government grift will screw that up as well. Though there are some indications that the white bluebloods are, via the explicit threat of capital flight, trying to ensure that the rebuilt city follows the Atlanta model instead of the Detroit model.

By: Vanmind

Vanmind — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 18:48:51 +0000

An influx of entrepreneurs is indeed good news. I suppose the smell of fresh fiat is compelling.

Why do I sense Venti-sized graft brewing? I mean, I don’t recall NO having any real history of public corruption.

By: Yardstick

Yardstick — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:24:02 +0000

Yes, they have a surplus of cash, but those without a real plan will simply burn through it. New Orleans will come back stronger and better than ever simply because of competition. The city is being inundated with entrepeneurs and risk takers.

By: Vanmind

Vanmind — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 09:48:41 +0000

Such a wonderful surplus of cash they have, thanks to the thoughtful government. Could NO be the first city in America to experience $10 loaves of bread?