I'm not surprised at all to see it, but I really don't understand the whole "shooting at rescuers" thing - that level of agression doesn't make a lot of sense. I'm not surprised that some folks see a jewelry store or liquor store in a disaster area and help themselves (I'm not saying it's right, just not surprising. Leave your car unlocked at night in the same area and your stereo will be missing by morning, even without a hurricane)

But shooting at guys trying to evacuate a hospital? That is wrong on so many levels.

BTW, found you from the Oil Drum.

Perhaps it's not as the media makes it out to be. Either way, looting would take place. I can understand looting for basic supplies. I would partake in that myself if the situation demanded it.

But, since it is so rampant in New Orleans, it leads me to believe some people stayed behind just to loot.

I think drugs have a lot to do with it. I'd be willing to bet various gangs stayed back so they could rob stash houses that belong to other gangs.

The drug game would definately get very serious during a catastrophe like this. Could be reason for so many murders. And just think how much money these gangs would be able to make if they were able to make off with someone else's goods.

I believe drugs are a driving force behind the violence in New Orleans. Could also explain why we're not seeing the total chaos in other katrina-affected areas.

there were stories earlier in the week about people going into casinos to try to loot any money that might have been left.

Knowing folks like my Mom, they were probably trying to get in a few spins on the slots before looking for the buffet.

Those areas are now relatively dry and able to accept relief efforts and law enforcement patrols. That will naturally tend to dampen the looting. New Orleans is a different matter entirely.

And lest we forget that there's an animal lurking beneath our civilized veneer, recall that it only takes something as simple as a national championship or an incident of police violence to spark rioting and looting in other areas of the country.

I suspect the latter: "Or maybe New Orleans is just where the cameras are." I watch the Weather Channel last night, and one of their guys was in Long Beach LA. No looting. The Salvation Army had arrived, and by nightfall had server over 1,000 meals.

But that doesn't 'sell newspapers' like fire, flood, looting famine and death, so I'm betting you won't see too much of the Long Beach story.

The business of the MSM is to sell eyeballs the the advertisers.

Selah.