[cambridge]

So rather than take food and water you'd have families obey the law and die? Because that's whate you're saying.

I'm not defending the casino raiders, the DVD and jewelery looters, but food and water get pretty essential after a day or so. But you're saying, "no, if - god forbid - my and my family were in such a situation [say..stuck somewhere in that Asian tsunami] I'd let my family die".

Right.

[cake_crumb]

Sounds like the people looting now are after a BIT more than food and water. They're taking whatever they think they need and shooting the police.

[niteowl77]

So rather than take food and water you'd have families obey the law and die? Because that's whate you're saying.

I don't think anyone with a lick of sense would suggest that the Jean Valjean option was called for in this case, but Nagin's words and tone were certainly not what was needed at the time. If we are sentient adults, we have the ability - some more, some less - to determine who needs help and who is descending into barbarity.

As far as "feeling dirty" goes, there are a bunch of people in N.O. and the MSM who should feel dirty, but their senses of entitlement and/or superiority won't allow it.

[expatguy]

Sorry to say, but as cold and callous as it sounds, yes that is exactly what I am saying.

In a catastrophe such as this there needs to be an absolute zero tolerance for any looting and that includes food and water.

Once any looting is allowed or condoned, the immediate result is a breakdown of law and order that results in anarchy and chaos. Once anarchy and chaos commence their is no longer any justice for anyone. The end result is that more people die.

[been_lurking]

but food and water get pretty essential after a day or so.

I agree, food and water are essential. So why is it that none of these citizens heeded the warnings and prepared for a major hurricane?

Why did none of these citizens maintain a hurricane kit with five days worth of nonperishable foods, fresh drinking water, medicine, spare clothing, medical supplies, etc.?

All of these citizens have been warned by "the government", and the news media that just such a disaster was possible. Where is the personal responsibility? Where is the planning and preparedness on the part of individual citizens?

It seems the only citizens in New Orleans who had a plan were the looters. This is a sad picture of the American citizen being broadcast worldwide.