In regard to your Nov. 10 editorial "Craigslist Crime Wave" about those selling gasoline and generators to the highest bidder during a tragedy. It seems there is always a place for the Golden Rule, albeit slightly altered to fit the circumstances: "He who has the gold, rules." Makes all those volunteer efforts and kind-hearted donators look like saps, doesn't it?

Jerry Constantino

West End, N.C.

I'm amazed at the complete political misunderstanding of the efforts of John Shepperson, who was jailed, to provide aid and comfort to the beleaguered victims of Hurricane Katrina. Whether his price for generators was too high or if it merely reflected his costs, it should not be a criminal offense. It simply reflected an economic reality.

There was a need for his product. If the price was too high, then that was a matter for the customers and potential competition to decide and rectify. The same is true for the gas shortages after Hurricane Sandy.

Perhaps two major failures in a row for FEMA should cause the misguided geniuses in government to be the ones to go to jail for nonperformance of duties.

Edward M. Levy


I'm afraid you are hopelessly out of touch with humanity if you don't understand why price gouging is wrong. It is especially despicable when someone takes advantage of those victimized by catastrophic events, like Hurricane Sandy.

John Crea

St. Paul, Minn.