The disaster after the disaster
 

After reading all the reports about the looting that's taking place in New Orleans...it's kind of gotten me thinking about a few things.

I feel like the disaster that was hurricane Katrina is now becoming even more of one...instead of people working together, people are making their situation worse by causing complete chaos.

However....then I have to think that if I were in that situation...how would *I* personally react? I'm sure there would be times when I'd feel just as angry and desperate as they do...they obviously have good reason to, when most of the people there have lost practically everything...it's enough to drive anyone semi-crazy.

So aside from my random thoughts....I guess my question to all of you is: Is looting ever okay? Would you steal food/water/clothes if you were in these people's situation?

I've kind of wrestled with the idea myself...and if I'm being honest, I have to think that I might. I mean, if myself or a family member was starving...I'm pretty sure I'd take something to survive...I'd feel guilty as hell, but I might do it.

However...it definately disturbs me when I see on the news that people are stealing air conditioners, microwaves, televisions, stereos....etc....that seems so un-necessary and selifsh to me.

Then again...does it really matter WHAT you steal? I mean, whether you steal food or you steal a stereo you're still stealing...so is one somehow okay and another isn't?
Furthermore...would it be wrong under "normal" circumstances if your family was starving and you went into a store and stole some food?

I don't know, I've just been thinking randomly about these things, and thought other people may have some comments/thoughts etc :) I thought it might make for a good discussion.

Sorry this was so long, but thanks in advance to anyone who had the patience to stick with it and/or add comments, etc :)

if my babies were starving-I'd lie, cheat and steal to get them fed.
no question.
I would not steal a stereo or anything else that didn't have any relivance to surviving.
I have taking baths as a child in McDonalds bathroom and rooted thru garbage to get food,it is a minute to minute exsistance and the people of New Orleans are living that now.
Not enough help and too little water and food will put you at a "I will do anything" mentality in a heartbeat.
If they are looting watch shops-I have no pity for them-they are lower than shit in my eyes.(and gangs with guns shooting at people is just as STUPID)
But the ones stealing food-they don't WANT to,they HAVE to,and I would say-let them be.

Wow, those are some really good insights Nova :)

I think I have to agree with you...if somebody I loved was starving in a situation like that...I'd do anything to help them. However, like you said...I also have no pity for people stealing things just for the sake of it...there are obviously necessities and then there are luxuries...and people stealing the "luxury items" are just greedy and selfish...and the ones shooting at people etc, are just making tensions rise and compounding the situation.

I guess until we're put in a situation like that...we never really know WHAT we'd do or what we'd be capable of doing...I hope that I never have to find out...however, I'd still like to think that the morals/values that hold true to me on a daily basis would still basically apply.

BTW...as a child, it sounds like you went through some hard times. I definately respect and admire the strength it must have taken to overcome them.

The sheeple do what they always have done. Go back to being exactly what they are, animals.

Food and water I can see maybe after several days. What has it been 2 maybe 3 days???

No one needs 12 pairs of Nikes to survive. These folks see an opening to do this and they do it.

I read one report where they were trying to break into a childrens hospital. Sorry there aint nothing of value in a childrens hospital except maybe narcotics.

I heard of one guy had a generator running his house and 3 guys came with machetes and bats and told him they were taking his generator. After he fired a few shots at them they thought better of it.

Things like this bring out the best and the worst in people. Its easy to see what kind of people help each other out and what kind of people are just plain dirtbags.

We ought to put a wall around the place and tell them they are on their own.

Sorry I have no compassion for people like this. If it was my house or business, I wouldnt be shooting over peoples heads.

I can understand a person having a gun and being SCARED,and if they were backed into a corner,they would use that gun to protect themselves....but to create a gang and just start randomly shooting.....I really cannot fathom the mind that twisted and warped.

Good to see you posting again MTC...you always have something valuable to say.

The only way the situation down there is going to improve is if people help each other get through it...not make each other's lives worse...aren't they bad enough? Why would anyone want to make another human being suffer more than they have to? It's just sickening..

To answer your question I have to say I agree completely with novakru.

When they first talked about the looting on the news they were saying it was food and clothing. I have absolutely no problem with that - it's called the survival instinct.

Now they're talking about TVs, jewelry, stereos, etc. That I do have a problem with. That stuff is not critical to your survival.

You're right - this kind of situation always brings out people's true colors. There will always be heroes and there will always be scumbags who try to take advantage of the weaker ones. They should be dealt with immediately and harshly. I pray daily for these people to get the help they so desperately need.

As an aside, I just read on my local news website that Fats Domino is missing. He was one of the ones who refused to leave.

It may be only temporary. We will have to see.




Unfortunately I dont think people helping each other out is going to happen. Animals understand one thing FEAR. They dont feel compassion or a need to aid one another. Someone needs to put the fear of the Gods in them and maybe they will understand.

We had flooding in Southern Illinois years ago. There was no looting. 9-11 happened. THere was no looting. Many other disasters have happend. No looting.

I think its a question of demographics and a culture issue. That is about as sweet as I can put it.

I am sure I could be labeled a racist for such a viewpoint. Not true I hate everyone equally.

I read about that too...(Fats Domino)....I understand that certain people couldn't leave b/c they didn't have the means to. However, I find it hard to feel bad for a "star" who stayed when he obviously could've afforded to leave.

Also in an aside...I was just reading an article on-line, and one man was quoted as saying "You can do everything for other countries but you can't do nothing for your own people. You can go overseas with the military but you can't get them down here."

That's true to an extent...however, the devastation is so bad that it's hard for them to do anything right now...b/c of the conditions and b/c there just aren't enough resources/help for the time being. It's going to take a little time...people have to give it a chance, as hard as that is...you just can't fix something like this immediately :( Also...how many countries actually have the means that we do to help, you know? Hopefully the ones that do...WILL.

Other countries have offered help.
So,send us your oil then,cheaply please.
Also,to all those pissy mommies that looked down there noses at me from their expensive SUV's....whose laughing now? Bitches.