Rescue efforts called off to deal with looters?

[babylonsister]

I think I just heard that on KO. Could that be true, with all those people waiting for relief?

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. That cannot possibly be true.

At least I pray it can't. That's insanity.

[tjdee]

2. If that is true, that's sick.

It also means there's not enough people to help.

Because they're in Iraq.

[liberaliraqvet26]

3. total stupidity...

thats all I can say

[SlipperySlope]

4. I've heard this all day...

They aren't going to send rescuers in where there is no order. The looters are starting to become rioters and roving gangs, and will take resources away from rescue to deal with.

[Jacobin]

5. Different people folks

Looters could be handled with guys walking around where the water is not high.

Rescues are being done with helicopters and boats.

Hopefully they can keep the looting down to a dull roar

[ajacobson]

6. Mayor Nagin is declaring martial law

and redeploying police to reestablish control on the streets. Many of the National Guard troops getting sent to the area will be put toward securing the city.

We've been listening to the WWL feed for three days now, that's where we've heard this, just a few minutes ago. My ex is from N.O. and her parents live(d) in Terrytown on the West Bank. They got out before the storm.

[Perky]

9. The stare Constitution does not permit the declaration of

martial law.

[Xtreme]

13. About time!

People needing relief video versus people needing relief being shot by thugs video?

I choose the first.

[Cleita]

7. Sometimes there is a thing as prioritizing.

Saving lives is more important than saving property at this point.

[ajacobson]

10. Yes, but

people are getting armed and starting to shoot each other now, hijack vehicles, etc. So far the cops and NG have not been stopping the looting even when they are witnessing it, because they are prioritizing the rescue effort. Unfortunately the lawlessness is beginning to interfere with that effort.

[Cleita]

14. Shooting each other is a little different than just looting.

Yeah, then they need to step in to restore order.

[Eloriel]

8. Better not be true: Property over People? BETTER NOT BE TRUE

:grr:

Not that Property over People isn't the way of things in our culture, embedded in our laws, etc. It just better not be true in this case. Dear GAWD, please don't let that be true.

[babylonsister]

16. It's true. They're diverting the attention

of 1,500 NO cops away from rescue efforts to control the looting. But now it seems it's escalated from looting to rioting.

[Windy]

11. Just on the ap!!! Reported by CNN

The mayor pulled 1500 police off of search and rescue to stop the looting! UNBELIEVEABLE!!!

[cbear70]

12. heard that

Mayor Nagin said its time to get control over looters.. but at what expense???? Heard on KO

[BlueStateGirl]

15. Partially true. 1500 NO cops were pulled off rescue duty and put

on patrols.

[wli]

17. more Republican family values; property over people's lives n/t