More and more in 2024, we are hearing cries of “punish them” directed at oil companies, coal companies (and electric utilities), and any other organization that might generate carbon dioxide and release it into the atmosphere.

The latest reason (a repeat favorite, in fact) is “exceptional damage” from hurricanes: most recently Helene and Milton. Similar claims were made after Katrina (2005) and Marie (2017).

A Newsweek editorial just called for “Big Oil” to pay for the damages of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

On one hand, can we blame someone for that idea? Since the FedGov does not appear to want to – or be able to – pay for help to the victims?

But seriously, folks, why is the FedGov even in the disaster-recovery business? Or to put it another way, the insurance and welfare business? (The FedGov is also the target of those who are demanding compensation to all persons – in the States, Mexico, and Canada – who were and are exposed to “excessive levels” of radionuclides as a result of 101 atmospheric nuclear explosions carried out by the FedGov since the Trinity test in 1945. And let us not forget the demands for black slavery reparations. But those, we admit, were manmade disasters.)

Of course, today, more and more people are claiming that hurricanes (and tornadoes and floods and blizzards and heat waves) are manmade disasters – manmade global warning/climate changes). And if they are manmade – or even just man-enhanced! – then somebody must be liable for the damage. For the destruction and destitution and injuries and deaths. And they must pay. Or so goes the theory of the modern victim-rent-seekers. Those who want a “thymacracy” (Greek: rule by victims).

But the real kicker is this: assuming that the FedGov does pay for the damages, the loss of life, and everything else – perhaps with the various States also kicking in some money – who is really paying?

Why, the taxpayers, now and into the future! For one thing, we can be future that any money which Congress deigns to provide for storm recovery, financial aid, etc. is going to be borrowed/printed. Because the FedGov is already bankrupt again in Fiscal Year 2025 (which started on 1 October). And had spent trillions of dollars more than they collected in Fiscal Year 2024.

Which means, again, that ordinary people around the Fifty States – and indeed, the world – will also pay even more for it because of the inflation which government spending triggers. Just to add joy to the mix.

But actually, there is another group of people who will also ultimately pay for the recovery from the hurricanes: the people – including generations unborn – who will suffer when (and after) the FedGov collapses. And probably triggers a massive collapse (call it a “reset” if that sits easier on your gut) of the entire world and what we laughingly call “Western Civilization.” Whether it is a Roman-style fall of the empire and the homeland or a sudden collapse. Perhaps heralded by air bursts of thermonuclear warheads and bombs.

Now, we can get into a big discussion over who should pay – but remember that the Big Oil and Big Coal and Big Business in general have and do pay trillions in taxes and billions in fines and penalties to governments all the time. But at the same time, Big Government (at all levels) and Big Business are in bed with each other. The money goes around and around.

Until it all comes crashing down, like the Wicked Witch of the West melting away.

Milton’s Landing: Big Oil Must Pay for Massive Storm Damage | Opinion (msn.com)