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The fact that the national guard was all over also helped in the Northridge Earthquake. Fema was there with water and set up tents very rapidly.

If there was not a curfew and the National Guard in place there would have been major looting during Northridge also.

The manager at the Ralphs was a complete jerk! And after they were red tagged they almost immediately within days started preparing for reconstruction. They were just throwing away everything into the trash and would not allow people to take anything out the trash that was needed. They
had posted a security guard around the trash bins.

I called the police and they ended up working something out were someone came in and got allot of the stuff that people needed.

Also the 7-11 and other places around the area immediately began price goudching on water and everything.

Allot of people were good but there were also many out there ready to take advantage of the whole situation at others cost.

Ms. Casey's Daughter

I would have to agree that in any case where an opportunity for a criminal is given, they will take it. I think this only applies to criminals, not normal people. When it is dark, criminals will loot because they have the opportunity. Normal people will not. This is why it necessary to have curfews in disaster areas so that police can readily identify the crooks. I don't think the number of crooks goes up in most disaster situations (and if looting is widespread it just means that the existing crooks were able to get to more places). I do think that the proportion of crooks in New Orleans is much higher than normal (though perhaps, it was always higher).

They were just throwing away everything into the trash and would not allow people to take anything out the trash that was needed. They had posted a security guard around the trash bins.

Perhaps they were worried about liability if they gave food away. There really should be a good samaritan law for disaster situations. If you let someone into your home after the hurricane, they shouldn't be able to sue you, and if you give someone food that you think is safe, they shouldn't be able to sue you. Then again, perhaps they just wanted to gouge you.

The fact that the national guard was all over also helped in the Northridge Earthquake. Fema was there with water and set up tents very rapidly.

Fema also came through fairly quickly on checking damage and alotting relief checks.

Also, some local banks offered small loans (ie. $2000) at extremely low interest.

Hope it works that well for all the affected.

Katie Couric is laying the foundation for "Bush killed New Orleans" on NBC as I type this.

Reading glasses perched on her nose, you'd think butter wouldn't melt in her mouth as she asks the head next to her, "Why weren't the Federal funds made available to fix these old levees?"

Naturally, brother expert's answer fails to mention that the funds were available, but that the city and state refused to match them, as required by law.

Interestingly enough, NBC et al almost appears to be on a crusade to "Save New Orleans, the home of jazz and all we love".

Not that I mind, I hate losing to anyone, even mother nature, but all the same, an editorial decision has been made, and is currently being executed. Anyone want to bet how long it is before the rest of the majors toe the party line?