I finally figured out some of the problems I've had with uploading papers to SSRN. It works in Internet Explorer; I haven't been able to do it with Firefox. In any event, I've uploaded two papers about Hurricane Katrina, one under review, the other forthcoming. Finally, with the gracious permission of the journal editors, I have uploaded my review of Benjamin Powell's edited volume Making Poor Nations Rich, forthcoming in the Review of Austrian Economics.

"Sound and Fury: Rhetoric and Results After Hurricane Katrina"
Under Review, Journal of Business Valuation and Economic Loss Analysis

Abstract:

Free markets in capital and labor are essential to rapid recovery from natural disaster. Political and rhetorical responses to Hurricane Katrina included denunciation of “price gougers” in the market for gasoline; the arbitrariness associated with anti-price gouging legislation may create uncertainty that reduces the attractiveness of the investment climate.

"Beliefs, Bias, and Regime Uncertainty after Hurricane Katrina"
Forthcoming, International Journal of Social Economics

Abstract:

This essay explores the relationship between beliefs and economic policy in the context of gasoline prices Hurricane Katrina. Evidence of anti-market bias is identified in polling data, press releases, and legislation, and it is argued that the uncertainty emanating from statutes restricting price gouging may reduce investment in the provision of necessary goods and services after natural disasters.