Posted on 09/08/2005 3:40:23 PM PDT by RDTF
Waters were receding across this flood-beaten city today as police officers began confiscating weapons, including legally registered firearms, from civilians in preparation for a mass forced evacuation of the residents still living here.
No civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to carry pistols, shotguns, or other firearms, said P. Edwin Compass, the superintendent of police. "Only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons," he said.
But that order apparently does not apply to the hundreds of security guards whom businesses and some wealthy individuals have hired to protect their property. The guards, who are civilians working for private security firms like Blackwater, are openly carrying M-16's and other assault rifles. Mr. Compass said he was aware of the private guards, but that the police had no plans to make them give up their weapons.
Nearly two weeks after the floods began, New Orleans has turned into an armed camp, patrolled by thousands of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, as well as National Guard troops and active-duty soldiers. While armed looters roamed unchecked last week, the city is now calm. No arrests were made on Wednesday night or this morning, and police received only 10 calls for service, a police spokesman said.
The city's slow recovery is continuing on other fronts as well, local officials said at a press conference late this morning. Pumping stations are now operating across much of the city, and many taps and fire hydrants have water pressure. Also, tests have shown no evidence of cholera or other dangerous diseases in flooded areas, though health officials have said the waters contain levels of E. coli bacteria and lead 10 times higher than what is considered safe.
Efforts to recover corpses have also started, although only a handful of bodies have been recovered so far.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Yeah it is tough work kicking some old ladies @$$ and dragging her out of her house. A wannabee SEAL can feel good about that when he goes home and flexes in front of the mirror with his M-4.
I am the one that started this freakin thread!
And why did you do that when you support these jackboots kicking old lady's @$$E$?
Is the video of the old lady getting roughed up on the net? I haven't seen it yet.
What bothers me most is if there is a mandatory evacuation, how can private security not be forced to evacuate? they are not part of the government, and are not (as far as I know) current sworn officers...It appears they are being handed two things above mere citizens..the right to be in the area and the right to bear arms..thus advancing their status and value ($$$) over mere citizens....It's either martial law with the military in there evacuating everyone (security included)and if need be taking firearms or it isn't. These people clearly don't know what the heck they are doing.
1/3 or more of the NO (corrupt)police force deserts and looters ran wild and now they want to take people's firearms?
The authorities need a spokesperson to get on TV and tell everyone what they are going to do BEFORE they do it and cite their authority along with peoples options and penalties....The government at all levels works for the people and they should never forget it.
As far as the public health aspect, I agree they have the right to either quarantine or move people out. The public health dept. should make determinations first by neighborhoods, then if necessary, house by house, as to the conditions. Do they have water and sanitation?(either provided by city or themselves) if so leave them alone. A man's home is his castle....
Welcome to Louisiana, dogs and guns subject to confiscation...give us time we'll think of something else....
It's obvious, of course, but the principle is "superior force, and the will to use it."
You've been asleep, it began a long time ago.
Hugh? The old ladies house was not on a flooded street. A substantial portion of the city was never flooded.
Knowing that it really isn't rocket surgery - don't drink or play in the water.
The same corrupt health department beholding to some LA politician?
The same code department that will declare whole neighborhoods unihabitable and then use kelo to procure the properties for redevelopment.
It is little wonder the police want to disarm people.
The fact they are allowing private security SCREAMS corruption.
Any disease that needs a simple antibiotic harldy justifies forced evacuations and weapon confiscations. JMO.
And, like I said (not picking on you, just in general) it could be Armegeddon (sp) and I am not turning over my guns, that is total insanity.
Is there a difference when you can't protect yourself?
Class warfare rears its ugly head. Even those that proscribe to registration and confiscation are in a conundrum. The "haves" that dutifully planned for such a misadventure are resoundingly condemned for stockpiling food, water, weapons, and ammunition. The "have nots" are likewise scorched for their dependance on a system that is proven to be a self fulfilling prophecy. Many people in the south incorporate for the simple reason that weapons prohibited for private ownership may be transferred to that corporation. It is extremely unlikely that contractors armed with weapons brought into Louisana from out of state will be asked to surrender said weapons. When the confiscation goes from "little old ladies" with a .22 pistol to a tactical response on the concierge level of the Hilton, please ping me.
Until then, I am absolutely certain that civil order and decorum will prevail. Since it was all initiated for the children, by wonderful elected functionaries.
Lord, please help us preserve our republic.
I must admit that is a good article.
Agreed.
"unless martial law is declared, this is unlawful, immoral and stinks.."
People keep saying this like it is a trigger and a requirement to turn over your guns. Not sure why we would *ever* have to turn over our weapons.
No, I would not go back. For just the reason you are seeing here. I would get my family to a place I could secure and stay away from the government and their stupidity.
On the contrary, looks more like consolidation.
I heard firearms sales were up considerably in Baton Rouge.
Then you didn't see the footage. There are areas that are fine and worth going back to.
The authorities need a spokesperson to get on TV and tell everyone what they are going to do BEFORE they do it and cite their authority along with peoples options and penalties....
Quite possibly 9,000 refugees are coming here, times like these I wish I had a Branch Dividian's Ransom in weaponry.
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