Idle Ramblings

Way to go, Inspector Javert!

I will not come to the defense of those taking advantage of the situation left behind on the coast and in New Orleans by Katrina to loot. If you are taking property that does not belong to you, you are stealing. Now, that being said, I take issue with what seems to be a thinly veiled "shoot first, ask questions later" pronouncement by Gov. Cornpone and others. I understand the tough talk is meant to deter the wrongdoing, but I doubt seriously anyone contemplating grabbing the contents of a K-Mart when the lights are out will be listening to the governor speak on public radio.

Plus, does anyone seriously think that law enforcement or military personnel are going to set aside their efforts to search and rescue to chase down a suspect for grabbing a DVD player? And if they did, what then? Put him in jail? Where? If you put them in jail, you just have to use more resources and manpower to keep them there. Plus, what about those who are stealing food in order to keep themselves alive. Will we put them in prison for 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread? I think someone wrote a book about that once...

Again, I am not defending or excusing the acts of the people doing this. IT IS WRONG! And while taking a loaf of bread might be intended to keep you alive, you can't make the same excuse for a DVD player, a shopping cart full of clothing or a cartload of guns and ammo. If there is someone hauling off weapons, then definitely shoot first. That is a definite public safety issue. The time will come to deal with those who take advantage of the death and destruction for their own gain.

posted by Joseph @ 8/31/2005 07:54:00 PM