Responsibility?

So a friend suggested...no, urged me to file a BP claim from the oil spill that happened in April, 2010. I had always considered this person fairly level-headed. Not because I've known him for a long time, but he's educated, a professional and has held positions of authority at companies in various locations here in America.

Not wanting to ask for handouts, but realizing that my business had dropped off significantly, I set out to look at my numbers and what transpired in 2010 compared to 2009. I came to some interesting conclusions; primarily I discovered that when faced with adversity, you do whatever it takes to survive.

I believe that there were three types of casualties (economically speaking) from the oil spill. I believe these three types happen in any disaster. First are the true, authentic casualties. These are the people who's income or business was directly impacted and there's no denying their plight. In the BP situation they were primarily fishermen, fishing and charter boat operators, the local tourist sites such as hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Second are the businesses who decided to milk every opportunity to get money regardless of their experience or level of expertise. Many times these are just people who show up to get the high pay that disasters bring. They come in and as soon as a disaster hits another area, they are off to cash in on that one. They travel the country and follow in behind every disaster. If you've never experienced a natural disaster that leaves long-lasting effects, trust me, these people exist. Third are the people and businesses who weather the difficulties and grind day in and day out to survive. Their revenue/business may suffer, but on paper their losses will be relatively minimal.

I believe the third group is the heart of America's greatness. Throughout American history it is people like in the third group that have persevered to build manufacturing plants, invent innovative products/services and support the development of various arts. This is the group of people we need to promote, encourage and reward.

Back to the claim process. Yes revenue was down. But I had taken action to significantly reduce expenses as well. So the profit & loss statement (though claims adjusters will rely on it) doesn't tell the whole story.

I believe that years from now, we'll learn that relatively little of the $20billion that BP is setting aside for claims, will have been applied for. But I find it interesting that our local newspaper is doing everything it can to keep this story in the front of people's minds. All while ignoring investigative reporting that would expose the sorry state of affairs within our local government, which is killing jobs and businesses.

I hope that someday, I will have been considered to be one of those that was in the third group of people. As for my friend's advice to file a claim, the moral dilemma goes on. No claim filed.