Mitt steals the show: Gov tells nation he’ll stop looting - but there isn’t any

The Boston Herald ^ | 05/17/2006 | Kimberly Atkins

[Panerai]

Gov. Mitt Romney’s take-charge role in Bay State flood zones played well on national TV, but critics say the White House-seeking Republican went too far in warning about a risk of looting.

Responding to “Good Morning America” anchor Diane Sawyer’s question about the need to rescue people from their homes, Romney said the state National Guard stood at the ready.

“We’re continuing to be very, very careful and going through our neighborhoods, securing them, and making sure there is no looting of any kind,” Romney added.

The remarks puzzled local officials who reported no incidents of looting in the Bay State, New Hampshire or Maine, and prompted experts to question if Romney was raising red flags for no reason - or for political reasons.

“By and large, (looting) is a disaster myth,” said Dr. Steven Rottman, director of UCLA’s Center for Public Health and Disasters. “It tends to divert resources from public safety needs.”

Tobe Berkowitz, associate dean of Boston University’s College of Communication, said the nationally televised remark “was unnecessary and uncalled for.”

“It was a mistake at best. If it was a strategy (designed) to show the country that he’s a firm law-and-order governor, then it was a stupid strategy,” Berkowitz said.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Because he doesn't want to sound RACIST by saying "They may loot in Louisiana but we don't loot in Massachusetts."

[mewzilla]

Tobe Berkowitz, associate dean of Boston University’s College of Communication, said the nationally televised remark “was unnecessary and uncalled for.”

Sure it was called for. Mitt's trying to make certain he doesn't look like Kathleen Blanco.

[mewzilla]

Sounds to me, though, like sewage is a bigger problem than looting.

[ClearCase_guy]

I guess I'm not fully awake. I see nothing wrong with the remark.

When police have a visible presence, crime does not occur. That's worth talking about.

[bkepley]

"They may loot in Louisiana but we don't loot in Massachusetts."

Let's have Katrina in Boston and see.

[ichabod1]

“By and large, (looting) is a disaster myth,”

Huh? I love it when egghead leftists try to feed us an s sandwich. Whenever there is an evacuation somebody is going to look at somebody elses empty house or business and think about gittin' some free stuff. If any of it is allowed, it snowballs. Doesn't everybody know that? Obviously not.

[rhombus]

“By and large, (looting) is a disaster myth,” said Dr. Steven Rottman, director of UCLA’s Center for Public Health and Disasters. “It tends to divert resources from public safety needs.”

Public safety needs like confiscating personal firearms? Leave firearms in the hands of their owners and looting will be a myth. Take away the guns and looting will be very real.

[rhombus]

I guess I'm not fully awake. I see nothing wrong with the remark.

There is nothing wrong with the comment except that it was made by a Republican in Massachusetts. This worries New England Democrats who must rush forward with the usual condemnations.

[johnny7]

“By and large, (looting) is a disaster myth,” said Dr. Steven Rottman

[Jhensy]

There is nothing wrong with the comment except that it was made by a Republican in Massachusetts. This worries New England Democrats who must rush forward with the usual condemnations.

That's how it works! From the very first word, the only interest the left/media has in any GOP statement is the part they can hang an attack on.

[csvset]

Looterguy

[ProCivitas]

Sorry, but there are parts of Essex county where looting could be a concern.

Romney's right on this one, although I personally feel betrayed by his leaving the Governorship. He should have been reminded that there is no 'higher office' than to be Governor of our Commonwealth if one does it right.

[rhombus]

Sorry, but there are parts of Essex county where looting could be a concern.

No kidding. It's an easy hike from Lawrence into the Andovers. Then of course there's Haverhill and Bradford also. I too will miss Romney and don't have much hopes that Kerry Healey will prevail.

[varon]

When police have a visible presence, crime does not occur. That's worth talking about

Bingo!

[Coop]

“By and large, (looting) is a disaster myth,” said Dr. Steven Rottman, director of UCLA’s Center for Public Health and Disasters. “It tends to divert resources from public safety needs.” Tobe Berkowitz, associate dean of Boston University’s College of Communication, said the nationally televised remark “was unnecessary and uncalled for.” “It was a mistake at best. If it was a strategy (designed) to show the country that he’s a firm law-and-order governor, then it was a stupid strategy,” Berkowitz said.

Me thinks they doth protest too much. His remark must have scored well in focus groups. LOL!

[wolfcreek]

Who's manning the get-away kayak?

[theDentist]

You gotta be one step ahead when you have a state full of Massholes.

[Aquinasfan]

#10 is the winner!

[VeniVidiVici]

Looting is a disaster myth

This will get a lot of play. What a maroon.