Putting Katrina in Perspective

A few weeks ago, all we did was complain about soaring gas prices. Then Katrina hit and we realized that there are far bigger issues than the fact that it costs an extra $10 to fill up.

So while you may be thinking things are out of control, just put everything in perspective. Oil prices are still cheaper then they were 25 years ago ($94 adjusted for inflation), and you probably still have a house to go home to at night.

Granted, the financial markets are facing a tumultuous short-term outlook. The Gulf of Mexico accounts for a big chunk of the nation's oil and natural gas production, and without it, people are already suggesting the "r-word" (recession) by year-end. ...