No constants in a disaster zone
Plenty of people (and media organisations) have been quick to condemn the looting in New Orleans (‘the worst kind of behaviour’ is the tactful comment from a police spokeswoman) , but can I just offer a voice of support for those responsible. Let me make it clear that the carjackings, and shootings, have absolutely no justification, but as for the looters?
- Without the food and dry clothes that make up most of the looting, many of these people may die. Surely that is a greater evil than a store being short a few sweaters
- Given the rate that the flood waters have been rising at, the stuff that is looted today will probably be underwater tomorrow. Better that it helps someone in need
- Since most of these businesses have either been damaged by the hurricane or destroyed by the floodwaters (or both) the owners will be claiming on their insurance anyway
In a belated urge to help, the National Guard has been sent in… to protect the empty businesses. Never mind evacuating people, or helping the engineers plug the levee gaps, oh no. Putting people’s lives before already-totalled businesses is obviously beyond them.