[Conservababe]

I'm against looting. But, after seeing film of one man walking through chest high water with a huge package of disposable diapers and a bag of groceries...I just cannot morally label him a looter.

[Paradox]

I agree, there may be may people trapped in their local areas, without food and water. I say those people who are taking foodstuffs should be given a pass. Sure, alot of those people are probably just opportunists, but it would be difficult at best to separate them into those who are really desparate and those who are simply greedy.

Now, if you are caught hauling away stereos and "bling", BANG!

[wideawake]

For all you know he left cash behind, or he went to a relief center to retrieve free assistance.

He may not have looted anything.

[CaptSkip]

How about the looters in the pic in post 64? Who gets to commandeer a large double truck four wheeler and pile it with goodies?

What about the other looters in the store? Did they get a cart to load up?

"I'm just gonna get food and diapers and a little jewelery. When the stores are empty, me and my looter buds will have no choice but to prey on the homes of people that DID prepare for the disaster. We'll need to take THEIR food and stuff. I hope they won't resist...I'll have to hurt 'um. I've got LOTS of minority mouths to feed."

[Ditto]

But, after seeing film of one man walking through chest high water with a huge package of disposable diapers and a bag of groceries...I just cannot morally label him a looter.

Back in the 1936 flood in Pittsburgh, my grandfather was a county health inspector, and he was authorized to carry a weapon. He was assigned to watch over the flooded produce district where warehouses and train cars full of vegetables were flooded. He was given orders to stop if possible, or shoot if necessary, anyone getting away with those contaminated vegetables. The concern was spread of disease caused by contaminated food.

[ccmay]

The right answer is for the National Guard to commandeer the grocery stores and distribute the contents. Keep a log, and reimburse the store owners from FEMA funds.

If you see them going into jewelry or gun stores, that's when you shoot.

-ccm

[bella1]

Don't assume he was looting. Maybe he brought them from home before he evacuated.