What we read in the news is that the priority of the police has been on finding trapped survivors.
Not all of the looting is theft. Many people need things and stores are closed. I can imagine people anywhere would panic if stores closed unexpectedly for a week.
Oh sure, if I were not able to leave town and then were stuck with no food, you bet a 7-11 would be a happy place for me.
But, unfortunately, it isn't people getting food and water from store that is reported (and likely is not that big an issue). Or perhaps my limited news sources simply shade things...
"Police Chief Eddie Compass said there was such a crush around a squad of 88 officers that they retreated when they went in to check out reports of assaults.
"We have individuals who are getting raped, we have individuals who are getting beaten," Compass said. "Tourists are walking in that direction and they are getting preyed upon.""
"Across the city, law and order broke down, and the rescuers themselves were being shot at.
Tourist Debbie Durso of Washington, Mich., said she asked a police officer for assistance and his response was, '"Go to hell — it's every man for himself.'"
FEMA officials said some operations had to be suspended in areas where gunfire had broken out."
Personally, I'd think police are more useful policing and rescue personnel should rescue.
I also think that maybe because New Orleans is pretty much poor and black that there just isn't the sense of urgency that there would be if it were Malibu for instance.
From the security to the rescue to the further evacuation it looks like there has been little thought and less execution. Though the photo ops and speeches are coming quite fast.
I just have a mental image of GW telling himself "Sending Daddy and Clinton worked for the tsunami." Too bad for him that this time there is nobody to declare war against, there actually has to be a reasonable and timely response.
Finally, I see the "bad intelligence" excuse from the Iraq war is being reused here:
"Michael Brown, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said FEMA just learned about the situation at the convention center Thursday"
I feel for all who have been affected by this. I lived in Biloxi for a few years then moved on to Metarie LA. Great people, excellent food, beautiful scenery, wonderful music. Hope we get them all back soon.