State of Emergency
Recent events in the south have caused me to voice a dormant opinion.
Hurricane Katrina ripped through the southern U.S. without mercy. The hardest hit states declared a state of emergency as the damage began to pile up. People were not only struggling with the idea of losing their homes and livelihoods; they were faced with death and separation. These are the facts.
So, what is my dormant opinion? Well, as with many crises, some people make the choice to take advantage of such a situation. I’m referring to people that commit crimes during these times; looters in particular. Dare I say, I am upset to see and hear of these acts at any time, but I am enraged during a state of emergency. It’s utterly appalling to me that these morons would detract emergency personnel from their duties of rescue. So much so, I have decided to contact my senators and congressmen with a petition for new law.
This certainly is not the first time that looting, and other crimes, have reared up during a time of distress. I strongly feel that these thugs should be tried and punished under completely different circumstances than the “normal”. I believe all crimes committed during a state of emergency should be tried as federal offenses. Let’s face it; these criminals are interfering with federal assistance, as well as state officials. Our tax money is put to good use assisting those states in need during and after such disasters, yet a few jackasses put lives in danger with their actions and waste the valuable resources needed.
Let’s not stop there! If convicted of a lesser crime (like looting) during a state of emergency, these idiots should be sentenced to hard labor targeted at rebuilding homes, businesses, roads, bridges, entire communities, etc., in places with the most need as a result of the emergency. In other words, if you decide to loot during a hurricane (or other disaster), get caught and convicted, you will be forced to rebuild the very homes and businesses you looted.