Will there be an exodus from the Gulf States?

[PearliePoo2]

Will people just walk away from their house, boat and business payments and mortgages?
Are we looking at an "Oil Bowl" much like the "Dust Bowl"?

[Trillo]

1. If the air were making me sick,

I'd start walking.

Might not find any better air anywhere else, but at least I tried.

[Angry Dragon]

3. I did'nt think of the air......sorry

[Trillo]

6. I'd guess if it can be smelled, it's evaporated

and there have been reports of people smelling the oil.

"Evaporation is the most important change that most oil spills undergo. In a few days, light crudes can evaporate as much as 75% of the starting oil mass and medium crudes up to 40%. Heavy or residual oils may only evaporate to the extent of 10% in the first few days following a spill."

PDF: http://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/120/120BG.PDF

Lots more if you care to look for it.

[Angry Dragon]

2. I really don't see many leaving

so many have lived there for generations. Where would they go....no jobs anywhere.

Bp should have to pay all their bills until they can earn what they were before.........

[gateley]

5. Like Biden said, this isn't just a history, it's a culture, a unique culture. I almost

feel like they'll become like the Maya or Anasazi. People in future generations will be saying "where did they go?"

[Rowdyboy]

4. Its crossed my mind....I'm from central Mississippi and I'm damn glad I don't own

property on the coast. Sadly, you may well be right.

[angrycarpenter]

7. I want to move back

and help fix it. I lived on the gulf for 15 years and this makes me want to kick oil company ass.

[PearliePoo2]

8. If you have a fishing boat that you make payments on

and fishing is "closed".
If you have property or a house that no one will be interested in anymore, would you get to the mindset of "fuck-it" and head west with what little possessions you have?

[cherokeeprogressive]

9. People will surely leave, but it won't be anything remotely approaching an "exodus".

Those are some tough peeps. They have to be. The gulf will survive, and so will the people and the culture.

[Zoeisright]

10. No, the Gulf is not going to survive.

We've killed it. It may be reborn eventually, but that is going to take decades, if not centuries.

[Scuba]

11. Sadly, I believe you are correct.