Friday, September 02, 2005

"Shoot to Kill"

That's what I'm hearing a lot of in regards to New Orleans looters.

Without getting into a debate on the many causes of the effects we are now seeing, I just want to point out one thing: A confrontation where looters or rioters are shot and killed by authorities could be the catalyst for riots in many other urban areas.

With each new report of lawlessness and violence, the potential for this seems more likely.

I hope that I'm wrong.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know of no reason the policy of shooting looters and rioters must be confined to New Orleans. I would think it eminently sensible to establish that policy where they do not even have the excuse of a natural disaster. If there can be sympathetic rioting can there not be sympathetic shooting?

David Codrea said...

Thing is, straightarrow, I was here for the L.A. riots--elected political "community leaders" were leading the chant of "No Justice-No Peace," basically inciting and justifying the rioters under the guise of "social justice"--something we have seen emerging in NO.

In Los Angeles, whole neighborhoods were ceded to chaos. The good people in those neighborhoods were left entirely on their own. Imagine this scenario simultaneously erupting in several cities.

The only point I'm trying to make is to say "don't be surprised if this is the result."

That and "be prepared" if it is.

Anonymous said...

I know, David. I was thinking of that. That's why it should be the same response in Seattle as it is Gary, as it should be in N.O. No, I am not advocating people foraging for the essentials to be shot. One can tell the difference between a flat screen tv and a case of Ensure. 'nough said 'bout dat.

We have been getting an influx of evacuees all up through here. Most of course are going to be decent unfortunate people, but not all. Already having trouble in some cities where they have been given shelter with carjacings, et al. I am prepared. They will want to behave here. I have enough prepare to fill a small graveyard. Oh yeah, no compunction about using it if someone earns it. Elsewise, I'm pretty peaceful and will try to help.

David Codrea said...

Ain't it the truth--most "gun people" I know would give you the shirt off their backs if you truly needed it--but woe to anyone who tries taking it.