[MizSterious]

The difference is that "poor traumatized" flood victims do exist--but they're not looting. Looting can only exist when law is relaxed or completely broken down. When people start rationalizing about it being ok to loot some things, but not others, that process has begun.

I went through hurricane Betsy in the 60s, and I can tell you I did not loot, no matter how hungry and thirsty I was. None of my neighbors looted. The only ones looting were the ones who were lowlifes. The same is true now, and you might want to think about what you'd condone, because what you're seeing now is what you're condoning if you're saying it's ok to loot ANYTHING.

[HairOfTheDog]

I said no such thing, really. People are just leaping to conclusions and trying to argue. I think the stress and emotion is getting to people. I'm beginning to think the more time away from the forum, the healthier my perspective.

You're right that it took a lot less than 24 hours for society, economy, and order to break down in New Orleans in the absence of law enforcement. Something to remember when considering the potential for crisis anywhere.