[HairOfTheDog]

I took a lurker's stance on the earlier looting threads, but I came to the conclusion that in the absence of power, police, and any stores open, if I were trapped there, I'd gather food and water and supplies that were needed, especially if any stored supplies I had were destroyed or under water. In a practical sense, in the hours and first days after the hurricane, there is no economy, no other way to survive but to make do with what you can find. Just as the city government claimed the right to commandeer buildings and vehicles for emergency use, so might the people need to do what they can to get through it.

But in the absence of an economy or electricity, I'd see little value in a television, either. Nothing justifies the wholesale stealing of electronics, jewelry and valuables. It's an interesting study in human behavior, to be sure.

[Little Ray]

I'd have gathered 'em BEFORE the bleedin' hurricane.

[GoLightly]

All fine and good, but you skipped a step. You forgot to add up the price of everything you took to survive, so you are able to pay the owner for it as soon as it becomes possible. Knowing you're paying for it will help you to discern need, versus want easier.

[Chgogal]

"But in the absence of an economy or electricity, I'd see little value in a television, either. Nothing justifies the wholesale stealing of electronics, jewelry and valuables. It's an interesting study in human behavior, to be sure."

As long as this "interesting study" is NOT done in my house or neighborhood and preferably in YOUR neighborhood I will find this behavior barely acceptable. This is simply a natural human response on my part. ;)