Do you know that this country is so ******* corrupt I can't....

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Why So Serious. @blackflag1324

"Do you know that this country is so ******* corrupt I can't take it anymore do you know that airlines actually up their ticket pricing when an evacuation is set in place you try to get a ******* flight from Tampa to bucking Pittsburgh you're looking at over $1000 some $2100 just to get out of the city to safety the ******* airlines should be trying to help you get out safely cutting the cost why the ***** is this government in this country so corrupt and disgusting and why the ***** do we put up with it this country's"

Dear Why So Serious @blackflag1324,

I recently came across your video, and I felt compelled to reach out because your message about the outrageous price gouging during evacuations resonated with me deeply. Like you, I am beyond frustrated by how we, as a society, continue to tolerate this blatant disrespect for human life. It’s shocking to see airlines hike their prices—sometimes over $2,000—at a time when people are literally fleeing for their safety. Instead of helping those in desperate need, these companies choose to exploit the vulnerable. It's shameful and goes against the very essence of human decency.

The fact that so many people—nearly 56% of Americans —don’t even have $1,000 in savings makes this exploitation even more despicable. We're talking about people who cannot afford to evacuate and are left stranded in dangerous areas. This isn’t just about a price tag; it’s about survival, and price gouging during emergencies shows a clear disregard for that. The most vulnerable among us—low-income families, the elderly, and those living paycheck to paycheck—are the ones targeted, and it is disgusting that we allow such practices to continue.

What’s even more alarming is how frequently this happens without consequence. These corporations rake in profits at the expense of human suffering, and they’re rarely held accountable. It's high time we demand change and ensure these companies are penalized for their greed. We need to hold them accountable and put an end to this legalized exploitation during emergencies.

Your voice is important in this fight, and I wanted to thank you for speaking out. We must continue to spread awareness and push for policies that protect people, not profits, in times of crisis.

Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.

Vincent Cordova

During Hurricane Milton, there have been multiple reports of price gouging by airlines in Florida, particularly for those trying to evacuate. Some residents have noted steep increases in ticket prices, with one-way flights reportedly reaching over $1,000, far above typical rates. This has sparked outrage, especially since Florida's price gouging laws prohibit excessive price increases on essential services during a declared state of emergency. While some airlines claim they are capping fares to avoid price gouging, complaints have continued to surface.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, has taken notice of these allegations and is monitoring the situation closely. President Biden also emphasized that companies should not take advantage of those fleeing the storm, urging airlines to avoid excessive pricing. Additionally, Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated the state’s price gouging hotline for residents to report such incidents during this emergency​(

Common Dreams )​( WUSF )​( My Florida Legal ).

Penalties for price gouging can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they often include significant fines and civil penalties. Here are some general penalties:

- Per Violation Fines: In many states, violators can face fines of up to $1,000 per instance of price gouging. For example, in Florida, the penalty can be $1,000 for each violation​( My Florida Legal ).

- Daily Limits: There can also be a cap on total fines in a 24-hour period. For instance, Florida caps fines at $25,000 per day for multiple violations​( My Florida Legal ).

- Civil Penalties: In addition to monetary fines, businesses found guilty of price gouging may face civil lawsuits brought by the state attorney general or consumers. This could lead to further financial damages or business restrictions.

- Refunds and Restitution: Some laws require businesses that price gouge to refund consumers for overcharges or pay restitution.

- Cease and Desist Orders: Authorities may also issue cease and desist orders to stop ongoing price gouging activities during emergencies.

Each state and country has its specific statutes regarding penalties for price gouging, and enforcement often intensifies during declared states of emergency.

Several airlines have been accused of exploiting passengers during natural disasters by significantly raising prices on evacuation flights. This issue has sparked public outrage, as many individuals trying to escape dangerous situations have been faced with exorbitant costs. Here are the key points regarding airlines that allegedly engaged in price gouging:

1. American Airlines and United Airlines

- According to reports, these airlines were accused of significantly increasing prices for flights out of Florida as people tried to evacuate due to Hurricane Milton. Some tickets reached as high as $2,199 for a one-way trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Pittsburgh, while others saw prices rise from $200 to $750 within minutes​(

Common Dreams )​( WUSF ).

2. Southwest Airlines

- Passengers at Tampa International Airport reported ticket prices for Southwest Airlines skyrocketing as flights were canceled and rescheduled during the storm. While Southwest claimed it capped prices, travelers still saw prices surge as demand for flights increased rapidly​( WUSF ).

- Other Airlines and Hotels

- In addition to major airlines, hotels also raised rates as Hurricane Milton approached. A Hampton Inn in Georgia, typically priced at $131 per night, was charging over $600. Marriott hotels increased prices to over $700 for rooms and parking, adding to the frustration of evacuees​(

Common Dreams ).

4. Government Response

- The U.S. Department of Transportation and President Biden condemned price gouging, with federal officials stating they would be monitoring airlines for excessive fare increases during the hurricane evacuation. Despite some airlines claiming they imposed price caps, widespread complaints indicate that many consumers still faced unaffordable flight prices​( WUSF ).

These incidents highlight the challenges evacuees face during natural disasters and the ongoing issue of price gouging in critical times.

Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing the key aspects of price gouging during evacuations and its implications:

1. Who Is Affected by Airline Price Gouging During Disasters?

- Evacuees in Danger Zones : The primary group affected by price gouging are residents in the path of natural disasters, such as hurricanes. In Florida, during events like Hurricane Milton, individuals trying to flee dangerous areas are the most vulnerable, particularly low-income families, elderly individuals, and those without access to affordable transportation. These people often have no choice but to rely on airlines to evacuate.

- Low-Income and Middle-Class Families : Many low-income individuals are disproportionately affected by such price hikes, as their financial resources are already strained. People who need to evacuate may not be able to afford sudden spikes in flight prices, leaving them trapped in unsafe areas.

- People with Limited Savings : A Federal Reserve survey in 2022 found that around 36% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense, let alone $1,000 for emergency flights. Furthermore, 56% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings , which makes exorbitant flight prices inaccessible for a large portion of the population​( Common Dreams )​( WUSF ).

2. Why It Shows Disregard for Human Life

- Exploitation of Crisis : When airlines dramatically increase prices during emergencies, they exploit people's desperation. Instead of providing affordable options to help people escape danger, airlines are perceived as capitalizing on the high demand. This demonstrates a clear disregard for human life, as it prioritizes profit over safety.

- Potential Loss of Life : By making evacuation financially unattainable for some, airlines could be contributing to a scenario where people are unable to leave dangerous areas, thus increasing their risk of injury or death. It reflects a failure to support the well-being of those who are most at risk.

- Lack of Moral Responsibility : During emergencies, companies that provide essential services are expected to act with social responsibility. Price gouging violates that principle, showing indifference toward the lives of those who are unable to afford inflated prices. This lack of empathy contributes to public distrust and outrage.

3. How Many People Have $1,000 in Savings?

- According to a 2022 Federal Reserve survey , 36% of Americans would not be able to cover a $400 emergency expense . A Bankrate survey in 2023 further highlighted that about 56% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings ​( Common Dreams )​( WUSF ). This statistic reveals that a significant portion of the population would struggle to afford a sudden price increase, especially during life-threatening emergencies. Those with minimal savings are left in a precarious position, unable to evacuate due to the cost.

4. Who Profits From Price Gouging?

- Airlines : The primary beneficiaries of price gouging during evacuations are the airlines themselves. Airlines may take advantage of the surge in demand by increasing prices for last-minute flights, thus boosting their revenue at the expense of stranded evacuees. While airlines may defend these actions as supply-and-demand economics, the ethics are heavily questioned during emergencies.

- Secondary Market Sellers : In some cases, third-party resellers (such as ticket brokers) might also increase prices for high-demand evacuation routes, further exacerbating the problem.

- Hotel Chains : Alongside airlines, hotel chains are also known to raise prices during disasters. For instance, hotels in neighboring states increased rates significantly, profiting from evacuees trying to escape the path of hurricanes​( Common Dreams ).

In summary, price gouging during evacuations exacerbates existing inequalities and shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of evacuees, particularly those with limited financial means. It allows airlines and other service providers to profit at the expense of vulnerable populations who cannot afford exorbitant costs during critical moments.

You have to ask yourself, if you Government wanted to, they would.

Executive Order on Combatting Price Gouging During Emergencies and Providing Restitution to Affected Consumers

Section 1. Purpose

In times of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies, the protection of consumers from exploitation is a matter of national importance. This Executive Order strengthens penalties for price gouging, ensuring affected individuals receive restitution. By implementing a significant monetary penalty, this Order discourages unfair pricing practices and ensures swift relief for consumers.

Section 2. Definition of Price Gouging

For the purposes of this order, “price gouging” is defined as raising prices on essential goods and services by more than 0% above their usual cost during a declared state of emergency. Essential goods and services include, but are not limited to:

- Food and water

- Gasoline

- Medical supplies

- Housing (including hotel accommodations and rental prices)

- Transportation services (including airline tickets)

Section 3. Imposition of Fines

a) Any individual or business found guilty of price gouging during a declared state of emergency shall pay a civil fine of $10,000 per occurrence.

b) Each act of price gouging shall be treated as a separate occurrence.

c) Fines will be paid directly to the affected individual as restitution.

Section 4. Retroactive Enforcement

a) This Executive Order shall apply retroactively to all instances of price gouging that occurred during federally or state-declared emergencies in the past three years from the date of this order’s issuance.

b) Consumers who experienced price gouging during any state of emergency within this period may file claims for restitution. Verified claims will result in a $10,000 fine per occurrence, paid directly to the individual.

Section 5. Enforcement and Reporting

a) The Department of Justice, in partnership with state Attorneys General, will oversee enforcement of this Order.

b) Affected consumers can report price gouging through a dedicated Price Gouging Reporting Hotline or online portal.

c) Upon confirmation of a violation, the responsible party must pay the $10,000 fine to the affected consumer within 30 days.

Section 6. Waiver of Legal Costs for Consumers

In any legal action brought by an individual for price gouging restitution, the consumer shall not be responsible for any legal fees if the court rules in their favor.

Section 7. Applicability

This Executive Order shall apply nationwide during any federally declared state of emergency and in states during individual state-declared emergencies.

You have to ask yourself, if you Government wanted to, they would.