This is one of the very reasons why the US military wasn't just hap-hazardly dispatched to New Orleans...especially "because" of the looting and unrest. Besides the Possi Commotatus legalities, I'm sure there were several concerns over just how the military would have to deal with armed looters.
I can only imagine the reaction of these same groups had US soldiers started shooting US citizens. And this is precisely why the Louisiana Governor has a national guard at her disposal, which she failed to properly lead. This looting, that was even justified by those within Blanco's administration, has created an additional burden that has gotten out of hand because local law enforcement failed to immediately act.
Now we've got liberals and talking heads (and some FReepers too I guess) wondering why Bush didn't order the National Guard in himself. Can't have it both ways.
And regarding the breakdown of local law enforcement - if you were to believe this blog, apparently written by a guy in a business district high rise, the NO Police has been in total chaos, with bad communication, officers leaving, officers quitting, etc. I've only read some of this blog, and cannot vouch for its accuracy, but it makes for interesting reading.
"Besides the Possi Commotatus legalities"
I wish some of the Pubbie talking heads and even the Prez and his staff would explain this to the American people. I don't think the average Joe 6-pack understands that the military can support clean-up, etc., but they can't patrol (though I did hear that they were sending in some MPs). I suspect that they're blaming the Prez for not acting, when it was up to the Gov to call out the Nat'l Guard and the mayor to handle the police - - it wasn't the Prez's job.