Looting and Dylan...

[stella01904]

MM ~ This morning I was watching the Today show - all the devastation in New Orleans and Mississippi - and they were showing people looting a Walmart. Even the police were helping themselves. They HAD to. You have a situation in New Orleans with everything shut down, contaminated water with bodies, gators, and cottonmouth moccasins in it - it's not far from Stephen King's The Stand.
Matt normally seems like a pretty nice guy but he said something really ignorant this morning. He said he could understand people taking food, clothing, etc. but didn't understand people taking televisions, laptops and appliances since there is no power there anyway.
As I have said, Mr. Lauer seems like a nice guy but I don't think he's ever had a hard day in his life.
Most of the people who stayed behind are not well-to-do. They live paycheck to paycheck. Nobody's getting paid this week.
When there is little or no cash in the equasion, you get a barter economy - very quickly.
TV's, laptops, jewelry and appliances are CURRENCY.
So while some of these looters are simply criminals on a spree, many of them are good working people trying to live, trying to keep their kids alive. The regular rules went out the window when the levees broke. Maybe before that.
A TV could be traded for a few nights sleeping in a dry place or a ride out of town.
This is going out to Matt: http://tinyurl.com/clqwv (http://tinyurl.com/clqwv)
BB, Stella

[DragonsChest]

Nope, don't agree. Taking life essentials, like water, food, meds, etc., can be excused to a major extent by the situation.

Stealing televisions, laptops and appliances, etc, is looting, stealing, wrong. We live paycheck to paycheck, too, but I'd only take what was necessary to keep my family alive. Funny, can't see how a TV qualifies.

I stand with Matt.

[LacyRoze]

I can understand taking food, meds, water, you know, essentials. Desperate times call for desperate measures. However, televisions, jewelry, etc. nope, don't agree, sorry. Yes they could be used to barter, maybe. Then again, with most houses under water and no power until heaven knows when what good is a tv? Trading jewelry for food? Might work a few times until everyone's food supplies are low then it is of no use. Carjacking? The people being robbed of their cars want out of there just as bad as those stealing them so you're taking away from someone else in need. A line has to be drawn somewhere.

[pawnman]

I'm with Matt too. Explain to me how you can eat a TV or jewelry, and maybe I'll agree with you. I'm guess the people taking this stuff are planning on turning it into currency...the same way any other thief would. There are plenty of people getting along with the help of aid agencies who AREN'T looting. You can't tell me that looting a TV set is the only way for these people to care for their families.

[Faeawyn]

As I have said, Mr. Lauer seems like a nice guy but I don't think he's ever had a hard day in his life.
Most of the people who stayed behind are not well-to-do. They live paycheck to paycheck. Nobody's getting paid this week.

So then if you're poor, its ok to steal from others? I stand with the others. Food, medicine, essentials to keep your family safe and well are one thing....but jewelry and electronics...no. People are simply taking advantage of a horrible situation. They're like scavangers who see an opportunity and take it. If the store owners say go for it...I'm insured, then fine. But if he wants you to leave his property alone....then you leave it alone.

[stella01904]

There are plenty of people getting along with the help of aid agencies who AREN'T looting.
MM ~ The "aid agencies" were cut off and the knees and crippled ten or so years ago, they don't do much in a functioning town, are you telling me that people in New Orleans can simply sashay down to the welfare office and get everything they need? BB, Stella

[LacyRoze]

I may be wrong but I would think Pawnman is talking about the aid agencies on the ground now, FEMA, Red Cross, etc..

[stella01904]

They're like scavangers who see an opportunity and take it. If the store owners say go for it...I'm insured, then fine. But if he wants you to leave his property alone....then you leave it alone.MM ~ If your sympathies lie with Walmart, that's your perogative. Speaking for myself, though, if I was there, I'd pop the doors for the people to get in. BB, Stella

[pawnman]

I may be wrong but I would think Pawnman is talking about the aid agencies on the ground now, FEMA, Red Cross, etc..

That's exactly who I'm talking about. There were plenty of folks who sat tight at the Superdome, more than went out looting.

Good to see that morals are fleeting, and the first sign of trouble makes crime OK.

[Darakash]

First of all who is "Dylan?" I am confused....

But anyway, yes, in fact New Orlean folk can "sashay" on in and get food and water at the aid stations set up! Red Cross and Fema are there for just that purpose! It is theft, pure and simple, regardless of whether the victim is the '"Big Bad" Corporation Walmart, or an individual shopowner...

[stella01904]

I may be wrong but I would think Pawnman is talking about the aid agencies on the ground now, FEMA, Red Cross, etc..MM ~ They are TRYING. They can't get to everyone. People need to eat today. People need out now. FEMA funds can take months.
It is very hard to even get around these places and we are talking a big expanse of devastation. BB,Stella

[Faeawyn]

It seems that every organization I know here in Florida is raising money and taking donations to the hardest hit areas. Even the local schools here are trying to do something. I would think that food and water and clothes should be pouring in by now. The entire country is involved in sending them stuff...yet still they steal? They're not doing it because they think it will give them increased bartering power. They're doing it because they see an opportunity, and they're taking it.

[pawnman]

MM ~ They are TRYING. They can't get to everyone. People need to eat today. People need out now. FEMA funds can take months.
It is very hard to even get around these places and we are talking a big expanse of devastation. BB,Stella

Again: You can't eat a TV. And I imagine carrying one inhibits your mobility, rather than increasing it.

[Darakash]

And one more thought Stella, that really peaves me....you suggested that Lauer shouldn't say anything since he seems to have never gone through any hard times in his life....well, just for the record, as I have mentioned in other looting thread on here somewhere, We lost everything we owned, except the clothes w took with us when we evacuated for Hurricane Frances last year. We came back to a home buried under almost 6 feet of sand....our roof and ceiling sitting in our livingroom/bedrooms/bathroom and kitchen...black mold on everything that wasn't buried, nowhere to live, with having just spent almost 700 dollars to evacuate all the way to Georgia, cuz there were no hotels/motels in the area....

It was tough, but we made it, we got our lives back, we ALMOST have replaced everything we lost at this point, but HELL NO did we steal anything from anybody! And, I, like New Orleans folk, live on a barrier island area where in and out and mobility were an issue after the storm. We as a community worked TOGETHER to rebuild, we didnt rob each other blind and then claim it was because of necessity!

[stella01904]

First of all who is "Dylan?" I am confused....MM ~ Bob Dylan. He wrote a song once about someone who thought they were better than other people - until the money ran out. Can't believe you've never heard it. Click the link and read the lyrics: http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv (http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv)
Being sanctimonious is a luxury not everyone can afford.

But anyway, yes, in fact New Orlean folk can "sashay" on in and get food and water at the aid stations set up! ...If they can GET to them. BB, Stella

[LacyRoze]

MM ~ They are TRYING. They can't get to everyone. People need to eat today. People need out now. FEMA funds can take months.
It is very hard to even get around these places and we are talking a big expanse of devastation. BB,Stella

Stella, i am well aware of what a situation like this is like, I grew up in Pensacola, Fl. I went thru Ivan. As I said, I can understand taking essentials to make it thru until help can be reached. Tvs aren't going to get you far when the only people to barter with are people in the same boat as you. Mom and pop businesses that might otherwise barter are now basically non-existant and it's not like there's a nearby community that they can barter in, they're cut off from the outside world so where exactly are they going to trade these items?

[pawnman]

MM ~ Bob Dylan. He wrote a song once about someone who thought they were better than other people - until the money ran out. Can't believe you've never heard it. Click the link and read the lyrics: http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv (http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv)
Being sanctimonious is a luxury not everyone can afford. If they can GET to them. BB, Stella

I still don't get how TVs and jewelry are survival items. Who would trade them for food when they need food themselves?

[stella01904]

We came back to a home buried under almost 6 feet of sand....our roof and ceiling sitting in our livingroom/bedrooms/bathroom and kitchen...black mold on everything that wasn't buried, nowhere to live, with having just spent almost 700 dollars to evacuate all the way to Georgia, cuz there were no hotels/motels in the area....

MM ~ Sympathies and admiration, but many folks nowadays don't have $700 handy. Most service jobs (like Walmart) pay only enough to pay rent, utilities, and eat - if you are careful and lucky.
BB, Stella

[BrigidMoon]

Since I am not in that situation, I guess I don't know what to say. Part of me says the looting for things necessary is obviously okay. The TVs and what not -- I don't know -- it's just stuff. They are in a traumatic emergency state. I don't want people getting killed that's all I would regret with this looting and shooting and bs.

[pawnman]

MM ~ Sympathies and admiration, but many folks nowadays don't have $700 handy. Most service jobs (like Walmart) pay only enough to pay rent, utilities, and eat - if you are careful and lucky.
BB, Stella

Of course, those jobs only pay if you can work them...and the looters are taking food off the table of the people who work at Wal-Mart. Maybe that's something you should consider before you give these looters the green light.

[Koehnae]

I'm with the majority. There's no reasonable excuse for looting things for "barter." Who are they going to "barter" with? What is everyone who is "bartering" going to do when they're holding a pile of soggy TVs and no food? I can understand going for food or medical/ first aid supplies, but you'll never convince me there's a good reason to steal anything else.

As for most of us not having $700... the comment in response seemed a bit... well, trite. No, most of us may not have "$700 handy," but if we truly HAD to have some money to get out of town there's a good chance we can pull those funds from rent or bills.

[stella01904]

Mom and pop businesses that might otherwise barter are now basically non-existant and it's not like there's a nearby community that they can barter in, they're cut off from the outside world so where exactly are they going to trade these items?MM ~ If it was me I'd try to find someone driving, convince them to give me a ride. If you can make it to a truck stop or something, even just I-10 west of New Orleans you're out of there. The people are overburdened. If I was asking favors I would want to have something with me to sweeten the pot. BB, Stella

[stella01904]

As for most of us not having $700... the comment in response seemed a bit... well, trite. No, most of us may not have "$700 handy," but if we truly HAD to have some money to get out of town there's a good chance we can pull those funds from rent or bills.MM ~ How? If you're treading water you pay on your rent and bills as soon as the money comes in. I do. The landlord is not going to give it back. The power company is not going to give it back. BB, Stella

[LacyRoze]

MM ~ If it was me I'd try to find someone driving, convince them to give me a ride. If you can make it to a truck stop or something, even just I-10 west of New Orleans you're out of there. The people are overburdened. If I was asking favors I would want to have something with me to sweeten the pot. BB, Stella

That's all fine and well except there are no vehicles going in and out of the city other than official vehicles. Most roads are damaged or under water. So again stealing tv's and the such are doing no good, it's just taking things to be taking them and no matter how you cut it, that's wrong..

[Darakash]

As for most of us not having $700... the comment in response seemed a bit... well, trite. No, most of us may not have "$700 handy," but if we truly HAD to have some money to get out of town there's a good chance we can pull those funds from rent or bills.

Thanks for saying this...we didn't exactly have it "handy" in fact, when we came back our bank account was overdrawn....but well, anyway....I just think that there were other options for these people before the storm hit, as in shelters etc...and there are better options now than ripping off other people...I think the "under priveledged" people excuse is no excuse at all...

[stella01904]

MM ~ Well, if there really is absolutely no one driving, the first thing to be cleared will be the roads. Better to get something while you can and then wait for a way out. BB, Stella

[LacyRoze]

It seems you're going to try and rationalize this no matter what instead of looking at it realistically. Yes, the roads are being cleared, for emergency personnel and vehicles. The National Guard has already been stationed so as not to allow anyone else to enter the city. They are now in the planning stage of getting all remaining people out of N.O. These people will most likely be put on buses and trucks and taken out of the city. I don't see them allowing people to bring tvs, etc. onto these evacuation vehicles. Sure, there are probably people who would take tvs, jewelry, etc. on the outside of N.O. but I think there are more business owners who would be suspicious of such items and refuse to take them...

[LadyTrinity]

Nope, don't agree. Taking life essentials, like water, food, meds, etc., can be excused to a major extent by the situation.

Stealing televisions, laptops and appliances, etc, is looting, stealing, wrong. We live paycheck to paycheck, too, but I'd only take what was necessary to keep my family alive. Funny, can't see how a TV qualifies.

I stand with Matt.

_twohorns_

[dark witch]

Stella, let's put the shoe on the other foot for a second. You have no sympathies for the big bad Wal-Mart, but are you so sure these looters are bypassing the businesses owned by local business people? Mass criminal hysteria has no conscience. These thieves don't care if it's a mom and pop business or it's Target. I didn't see many shopping carts full of bottled water and medical supplies. I saw big televisions and large electronic items.

I heard Lauer's comments. He was wondering out loud where they were going to take these items, considering nearly everything was under water. Frankly, I wouldn't forsee any commentator saying anything positive about criminals using a terrible disaster as an excuse to steal.

You're on the wrong side of the fence on this one.

Dark Witch

[narleymarley03]

Unfortunatly, disaster brings out the good in some and the bad in others. The police and national guard, etc. at this time have more pressing issues in my opinion than worrying about looters. Example- saving people, getting critical patients and people out of New Orlean's. The whole place will be a total loss. Why don't we focous on the positive things that are happening and thinking about how we can help these people in need.

[StormwolfAvatar]

Okay, something that bugs me about the bartering electronics theory:

It's a hurricane. A pretty major, thorough hurricane that has wiped out power (let alone RESIDENCES) all over the place. If it isn't covered in water or hasn't sustained any damage...well, there's not going to be anywhere to PUT it for miles, let alone use it. Why trade a valuable commodity such as food for so much useless dead weight?

Jewelry is easier to carry, and might get you farther--that could be pawned once you get to your destination. (Not saying I condone this in any way--just trying to think of WHY people would do it, and it's the only practical reason that came to mind.) Still, a hand full of rocks won't feed you--or your kids.

Sorry, I'm going to have to stick my tent in the anti-looter camp.

[Vetteman]

One other issue is that a policeman was shot in the head by a looter! I really dont think they are up to any good or just surviving.

[Moriganna]

Add me to the Matt Lauer bandwagon. FEMA is there for a purpose, and these people will be very well taken care of by them. I agree that if it were life and death, taking the necessities like food, water and medication is understandable. But who's going to buy a brand new TV from you in NO right now? No one. Nobody needs a tv there at this point, so stealing it to sell for cash is kind of assanine in my opinion. So I steal a tv and then what? Stand, er, WADE into the street with a sign that says "Buy my tv, need cash" ? Everyone is in the same unfortunate situation there right now, no need to be stealing.

I also saw on Yahoo! today that cops that were on the roof of a hotel were being shot at. Um, what kind of people are these?! Why on earth is it necessary to open fire on people that are trying to protect you and save your city? Obviously not the kind of people that have any decency and are only out for themselves.

Such a sad, sad world we live in these days.

[BlueMoon13]

One other issue is that a policeman was shot in the head by a looter! I
WHAT!?!?!? :jawdrop:

[StormwolfAvatar]

You didn't hear about that? Ah, well--good news is that they're saying he's going to recover. It stinks that it happened in the first place, but there's no rewinding time.

At any rate, I'm not sure why a lot of people are turning on the cops, but there's some things I'll never understand. I hope that the better side of human nature will start stepping out soon--some of the postings on the Katrina board certainly lifted my spirits. Pity we live in an apartment, though it's nice to know others in my area are also offering their assistance.

[RhiannynWildseed]

You didn't hear about that? Ah, well--good news is that they're saying he's going to recover. It stinks that it happened in the first place, but there's no rewinding time.

At any rate, I'm not sure why a lot of people are turning on the cops, but there's some things I'll never understand. I hope that the better side of human nature will start stepping out soon--some of the postings on the Katrina board certainly lifted my spirits. Pity we live in an apartment, though it's nice to know others in my area are also offering their assistance.

It's like I said in another thread. They opened the jails and turned all the criminals loose. Then you have the pawn shops, Walmart, and gun stores getting looted.

[Teresa]

I have a problem with condoning theft and with police officers who are to uphold the standards stealing as well.It would be different if a shop owner opened the doors and said take what you need its going to be ruined anyway.If You need something you should ask.Thats how I was raised and Yes I have been thru a disaster and lost everything in one act of nature.I did not steal.I did learn that an upscale supermarket near where I was threw out food that was still good at the end of the day .Yes I got some of that food out of the dumpster until I was able to do better.There are many things that can be done before you result to stealing.

[RhiannynWildseed]

I have a problem with condoning theft and with police officers who are to uphold the standards stealing as well.It would be different if a shop owner opened the doors and said take what you need its going to be ruined anyway.If You need something you should ask.Thats how I was raised and Yes I have been thru a disaster and lost everything in one act of nature.I did not steal.I did learn that an upscale supermarket near where I was threw out food that was still good at the end of the day .Yes I got some of that food out of the dumpster until I was able to do better.There are many things that can be done before you result to stealing.

My mother used to work of an upscale grocer that would take the food they had to get rid of and just put it in carts behind the store rather than the dumpster. If there was any left the next morning, that went into the trash, but they gave the local needy community time to come and take whatever they wanted. They would've donated the stuff to a food bank, but it was usually stuff a food bank wouldn't take...bakery stuff, or other things they just didn't take. But they ususally put out between 5-10 carts nightly.

[Teresa]

My mother used to work of an upscale grocer that would take the food they had to get rid of and just put it in carts behind the store rather than the dumpster. If there was any left the next morning, that went into the trash, but they gave the local needy community time to come and take whatever they wanted. They would've donated the stuff to a food bank, but it was usually stuff a food bank wouldn't take...bakery stuff, or other things they just didn't take. But they ususally put out between 5-10 carts nightly.
Yes this was done in a similar fashion.I am humble and not too proud to say yes there was a time I had to get food from a dumpster to survive, but I never stole anything! I prayed that things would be provided and by some magic I always heard from others go here and they will have ...... I never went hungry.Somehow I was able to wash myself and my clothes. The higher powers looked out for me. Even in the dark hours I was blessed.

[Canace]

I heard there were gangs of armed men roaming the city. It's just making the scary situation even more dangerous for everyone involved.

[wolf]

Only goes to prove ... we are less than a paycheck from savagery.

There are reasons that I have a stock of food, water, and the ability to defend it.

Although I know a lot of people have issues (to say the least) with WalMart, they, and other large retail stores, have an arrangement for disasters. Emergency Services (not regular folks) are apparently allowed to enter such stores if they are in need of restocking emergency supplies. They aren't allowed to consider a 30" TV an emergency supply either ... it's for the purpose of acquiring water, rope, medical supplies, medications, etc. Apparently they can leave a note describing what they took, what agency they are with, etc. ... it's considered a community service.

I fully expect that a large amount of the disaster relief supplies will ultimately come from this "evil, heartless retailer".

Looters, no matter the justification, SHOULD be shot on sight.

As a country we have very little experience with exactly what a large scale disaster is like .. LA Riots, some of the hurricanes that have hit in past years, earthquakes, have been horrible in and of themselves, but dwarfed by the scale of Katrina, not just for New Orleans, but also for the communities affected in the neighboring states. NOLA is going to get a majority of the press, I expect, but conditions will be similar elsewhere.

Consider ... this is only the day after.

[pawnman]

MM ~ Well, if there really is absolutely no one driving, the first thing to be cleared will be the roads. Better to get something while you can and then wait for a way out. BB, Stella

Like, maybe, FEMA buses? The kind that don't require any kind of payment at all?

[atropa]

Nope, don't agree. Taking life essentials, like water, food, meds, etc., can be excused to a major extent by the situation.

I stand with Matt.

Me too.

[semi]

The looting is unjustified. All of those people who looted could've been pitching in to help with rescue efforts. If you can carry a big TV down the street, you can carry someone to safety. But they chose greed over compassion. There is no justification of that choice.

[semi]

And the police have to deal with the looters when they could also be assisting in rescue efforts. But some people are going to die or are already dead because the police have to stop the looting.

[Koehnae]

That "evil" corporation called WalMart also dropped a million dollar check to the relief efforts, so far... not to mention what's been looted from their stores. Many of us might have a thing against WalMart, but it doesn't make it ok to steal from them.

[Teresa]

That "evil" corporation called WalMart also dropped a million dollar check to the relief efforts, so far... not to mention what's been looted from their stores. Many of us might have a thing against WalMart, but it doesn't make it ok to steal from them.
I hope they set something up to help the employees that worked at the stores that are demolished from the hurricane. My friend worked there.A group of our guild members are getting things together to send to him and his family as his home was ruined when the levee broke and his place of employment is now gone. Gift cards ,supplies,food,clothing ,toiletries , personal hygiene supplies, pillows, blankets,towels,wash cloths etc.We want our friend to know we care about him and his family .

[indebted]

So then if you're poor, its ok to steal from others? I stand with the others. Food, medicine, essentials to keep your family safe and well are one thing....but jewelry and electronics...no. People are simply taking advantage of a horrible situation. They're like scavangers who see an opportunity and take it. If the store owners say go for it...I'm insured, then fine. But if he wants you to leave his property alone....then you leave it alone.

Is that what those bars and locked doors were saying? Hmmm, I had wondered.

[indebted]

The looting is unjustified. All of those people who looted could've been pitching in to help with rescue efforts. If you can carry a big TV down the street, you can carry someone to safety. But they chose greed over compassion. There is no justification of that choice.

You know Semi.....I knew there was a reason we all love you!

And you know some people there who can make the future uncomfortable for the unlawful, right?

[indebted]

Only goes to prove ... we are less than a paycheck from savagery.

There are reasons that I have a stock of food, water, and the ability to defend it.

Although I know a lot of people have issues (to say the least) with WalMart, they, and other large retail stores, have an arrangement for disasters. Emergency Services (not regular folks) are apparently allowed to enter such stores if they are in need of restocking emergency supplies. They aren't allowed to consider a 30" TV an emergency supply either ... it's for the purpose of acquiring water, rope, medical supplies, medications, etc. Apparently they can leave a note describing what they took, what agency they are with, etc. ... it's considered a community service.

I fully expect that a large amount of the disaster relief supplies will ultimately come from this "evil, heartless retailer".

Looters, no matter the justification, SHOULD be shot on sight.

As a country we have very little experience with exactly what a large scale disaster is like .. LA Riots, some of the hurricanes that have hit in past years, earthquakes, have been horrible in and of themselves, but dwarfed by the scale of Katrina, not just for New Orleans, but also for the communities affected in the neighboring states. NOLA is going to get a majority of the press, I expect, but conditions will be similar elsewhere.

Consider ... this is only the day after.


You know, wolf, you are my kind of guy!

[djmixon]

MM ~ Bob Dylan. He wrote a song once about someone who thought they were better than other people - until the money ran out. Can't believe you've never heard it. Click the link and read the lyrics: http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv (http://www.tinyurl.com/clqwv)
Being sanctimonious is a luxury not everyone can afford. If they can GET to them. BB, Stella

The have feet...they have proven they can walk...amazing they are directionally challenged enough to not find the shelters or the SUPERDOME...

[DocBruce]

Looters, no matter the justification, SHOULD be shot on sight.

I agree.

[enchancea]

I have to agree with everyone else. I dont see what a tv or a laptop can do at this point. I dont see how it would get you a ride out of town or anything. Im sure the people who can provide that stuff are there to help and wont want a tv or a new laptop in order to do it.

[dark witch]

The following is from a story in the Saint Louis Missouri 'Post Dispatch'. I don't think this is what Dylan had in mind.....

"Looters used garbage cans and inflatable mattresses to float away with food, blue jeans, tennis shoes, TV sets - even guns. Outside one pharmacy, thieves commandeered a forklift and used it to push up the storm shutters and break through the glass. The driver of a nursing-home bus surrendered the vehicle to thugs after being threatened.

Police were asking residents to give up any firearms before they evacuated neighborhoods because officers desperately needed the firepower: Some officers who had been stranded on the roof of a hotel said they were shot at.

Police said their first priority remained saving lives, and mostly just stood by and watched the looting. But Nagin later said the looting had gotten so bad that stopping the thieves became the top priority for the police department.

"They are starting to get closer to heavily populated areas - hotels, hospitals, and we're going to stop it right now," Nagin said in a statement to The Associated Press."

Dark Witch

[Faery-Wings]

Just disgusting. You have made so many good points- they should be there to help. Look at how NYC really pulled together after 9/11. There was very little looting. people stood together to help each other. Just because this is a natural disaster, people feel the need to be greedy?

And how much do you want to bet that many of these TV looters will be bi***-ing at the city officials when a month from now they don't have a place to live or work?

I saw one guy on tv who said he was getting presents for his daughter and had jewelry in his hands.

What they could have done was take anything of value and have auctions to raise money for relief.

[wolf]

You know, wolf, you are my kind of guy!

Girl.

Woman, actually. ;)

[wolf]

What they could have done was take anything of value and have auctions to raise money for relief.

They could have left that property in the hands of the legal property owners.

What is so hard to understand about that?

Let's just say that your town has a catastrophe. Flooding, even.

Your house is fine. You are on a hill, overlooking the carnage. You have food, clean water, and plenty of stuff in your house.

You go out to work.

You come home 8 hours later to find that a rampaging mob found out that you had all of those things, broke into your house, took your food, your water, your television set, your laptop, all of your clothing, including that old bridemaid's dress that you really didn't like. The guys who came late didn't get anything good, so they got disappointed. They urinated and defecated on your couch, grafittied your living room, broke the toilet bowl in your bathroom because it seemed like it might be fun, and ripped out all the copper tubing, because they might be able to sell it for a few cents.

Oh, and then they set fire to your house. You come home to smoking ruins.

When personalized, is it easier to understand why looting is bad?

[Faery-Wings]

They could have left that property in the hands of the legal property owners.

Sorry- I wasnt clear on what I meant. What I was referring to was the stuff peopel were saying would get thrown out due to water damage/insurance and so on.

I was suggesting that if the store owner- say Walmart had toys or tv's dvd's etc that had been water damaged, they coulddonate them to be auctioned- to raise money. Obviously this would have to be done after more clean up is done. I hate the idea of the looting, for anything other than food/water/diapers. Life essentials. I would not take anything I didn't need unless it would save my family, Even then I'd most likely leave an IOU note.

[wolf]

It's a nice idea, but when you can't get stuff in to help people, you certainly can't get stuff OUT.

Given the multi-millions (probably billions) of dollars that this is going to end up costing, there wouldn't be any real profit from an auction of storm damaged goods.