June 6, 2011 8:36AM 

# Broken Windows All Over 

By [Tom G. Palmer](https://www.cato.org/people/tom-g-palmer) 

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It reminds us of the need to repeat, and repeat, and repeat the same messages. Tornadoes, diseases, and wars are not good for “the economy.” They may be good for hardware stores, doctors, and military contractors, but not for the rest of us. Still, the *New York Times* couldn’t help but tell us on the front page that “[Reconstruction Lifts Economy After Disasters](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/us/01storm.html).”

[Frederic Bastiat exploded the fallacy long ago](http://oll.libertyfund.org/?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=956&chapter=35427&layout=html&Itemid=27). Here’s a modern (and shorter) retelling:

##### Related Tags 

[Tax and Budget Policy](https://www.cato.org/tax-budget-policy) 

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