# New Orleans under Martial Law. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 30, 2005, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249 "2005-08-30T14:28:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/21 "2005-08-30T17:10:13Z")
Actually, my last post should have been in the other thread. ---
**Author:** ![EarthStone777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ab992/32.png) [@EarthStone777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EarthStone777)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/22 "2005-08-30T17:14:14Z")
Wow. I really don’t pay enough attention to the news. I also had no idea this was happening. To think that last summer the missus and I were thinking of moving there. I have sent an e-mail out to a good friend of hers who _did_ move there last year to make sure they are OK (a married couple with kid). Fortunately they are north of Lake Pontchartrain and on higher ground so I expect them to be fine. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/23 "2005-08-30T17:33:02Z")
> [@ronincyberpunk](#): > > This is a horrid horrid event, make no mistake of it. But given the American spirit, I fully expect to see a uniting again. Sure, there isn’t the 9/11 war cry against terrorism, but with a beloved City - one of _the_ cities that defines America’s multi-cultural past and the melding of spirits. > > I fully expect to see the city rebuilt. It may take time, but it will be done. I agree. The upside is that we’re all on the same side. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/24 "2005-08-30T17:34:50Z")
> [@EarthStone777](#): > > Wow. I really don’t pay enough attention to the news. I also had no idea this was happening. > > To think that last summer the missus and I were thinking of moving there. > > I have sent an e-mail out to a good friend of hers who _did_ move there last year to make sure they are OK (a married couple with kid). Fortunately they are north of Lake Pontchartrain and on higher ground so I expect them to be fine. ??? Wow. ---
**Author:** ![Balle\_M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/13edae/32.png) [@Balle\_M](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balle_M)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/25 "2005-08-30T17:51:34Z")
> [@ronincyberpunk](#): > > This is a horrid horrid event, make no mistake of it. But given the American spirit, I fully expect to see a uniting again. Sure, there isn’t the 9/11 war cry against terrorism, but with a beloved City - one of _the_ cities that defines America’s multi-cultural past and the melding of spirits. > > I fully expect to see the city rebuilt. It may take time, but it will be done. Agree all the way. I don’t know anyone who lives there. I’ve never been there, and never had any intention of going there. But I’ll do anything I can to help rebuild it, and I know I’m not alone. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/26 "2005-08-30T18:01:14Z")
Fox News is now saying that this is officially the most expensive hurricane causing the most damage, topping the previous record holder: Hurricane Andrew. Sorry, don’t have a link or cite. Maybe someone can post one. Or just turn on your TV if you have one around. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/27 "2005-08-30T18:06:13Z")
Maybe Martial Law has been declared but it’s impact is, so far, in name only. CNN just showed pics of Canal Street in N.O. where hundreds of looters are running through the streets, filling shopping carts with unidentifable items. Is that ever ugly. ---
**Author:** ![Earthworm\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f07891/32.png) [@Earthworm\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthworm_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/28 "2005-08-30T18:21:17Z")
I lived in Biloxi once upon a time, and on occasion I’d get over to New Orleans. Damn if those aren’t some of the best memories of my life. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/29 "2005-08-30T18:36:30Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > Maybe Martial Law has been declared but it’s impact is, so far, in name only. CNN just showed pics of Canal Street in N.O. where hundreds of looters are running through the streets, filling shopping carts with unidentifable items. > > Is that ever ugly. That’s not looting, it’s capitalism in action. Hundreds of spontaneous independent salvage operations. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/30 "2005-08-30T18:39:20Z")
i just moved away from New Orleans a month ago. It looks like the area we lived in on the Westbank came through pretty well, minimal flooding and damage. But so many other areas are virtually destroyed, I honestly don’t know how they can recover. Except I know they will. And I’ll be behind them 100%. God, I love that city. ---
**Author:** ![SlyFrog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@SlyFrog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlyFrog)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/31 "2005-08-30T18:41:15Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > Maybe Martial Law has been declared but it’s impact is, so far, in name only. CNN just showed pics of Canal Street in N.O. where hundreds of looters are running through the streets, filling shopping carts with unidentifable items. > > Is that ever ugly. Welcome to the fundamental nature of man. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/32 "2005-08-30T18:44:36Z")
> [@Inigo Montoya](#): > > That’s not looting, it’s capitalism in action. Hundreds of spontaneous independent salvage operations. Louisiana is one of the only states where you are allowed to shoot to protect property. You actually need to be the one that owns that property of course. I hate to think what is going to happen when some store or home owner finds a way to get back into the city and goes all Rambo. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/33 "2005-08-30T18:45:27Z")
Ok, about looting and martial law… Some store owners should just fling the doors open and say, “have at it.” I mean, might as well give away produce and foodstuffs that are going to rot anyway. It would probably be better if there was a way to give the stuff to the Natl Guard for distribution. Still, store owners have the right to protect their inventory (what’s left of it). I don’t think I’d appreciate snorkelers in my jewelry store. And God help the scumbag who’s ransacking what’s left of someone’s house. But what if it’s life or death, such as, “My wife needed insulin, and I know my neighbor had some in his refrigerator before he evacuated?” I’d sure hate to be the Guardsman that had to draw down on the mother stealing baby formula from a flooded 7-11. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/34 "2005-08-30T18:53:05Z")
Such a tragedy, saying 100’s perished in Biloxi alone. [Link](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9063708/) I feel so badly for those that had no where to go, and had to ride it out, only to pass away. And watching the news about the children that stayed with the families in the mandatory evacuation zones, makes me want to cry. How could a parent with the means to leave, risk there childrens lives to “tough it out” In the coming days my family will be doing what we can to send cash (As they are requesting) but I need to find a worthy charity, that will put every dime I give to the people who need it. Anyone have a charity they can vouch for? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/35 "2005-08-30T18:54:29Z")
French Quarter is now 3’ deep according to CNN [http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/30/katrina.neworleans/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/30/katrina.neworleans/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/36 "2005-08-30T18:56:41Z")
I am unable to verify that martial law is in place. It there a cite? ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/37 "2005-08-30T19:00:51Z")
> [@Rysdad](#): > > Ok, about looting and martial law… > > Some store owners should just fling the doors open and say, “have at it.” I mean, might as well give away produce and foodstuffs that are going to rot anyway. It would probably be better if there was a way to give the stuff to the Natl Guard for distribution. > > Still, store owners have the right to protect their inventory (what’s left of it). I don’t think I’d appreciate snorkelers in my jewelry store. > > And God help the scumbag who’s ransacking what’s left of someone’s house. > > But what if it’s life or death, such as, “My wife needed insulin, and I know my neighbor had some in his refrigerator before he evacuated?” > > I’d sure hate to be the Guardsman that had to draw down on the mother stealing baby formula from a flooded 7-11. I heard something like this last night when the camera crews of one of the big three where recording a couple of people with groceries leaving a flooded store. "Police are warning everyone looting will not be tolerated and will be a strict punishment’ Anchor “Its apparent that looting is happening right behind you” “Police have told me privately that the taking of perishables is not the key concern at this moment” Anchor “Huh you mean looting is allowed” “No no not at all, what they are saying is, saving lives first, saving property second, stopping people from getting milk last” Anchor “oh” Now this was not word for word obviously but it seemed to me the police where telling the reporter they didn’t take the looting of food as serious as say looting the local Best Buy. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/38 "2005-08-30T19:02:47Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I am unable to verify that martial law is in place. It there a cite? [http://www.wdsu.com/news/4915310/detail.html](http://www.wdsu.com/news/4915310/detail.html) > [@](#): > > WDSU-TV reported that martial law was declared in some parts of New Orleans Tuesday morning. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/39 "2005-08-30T19:23:58Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I am unable to verify that martial law is in place. It there a cite? Also [www.nola.com](http://www.nola.com). It’s the first link below the all-caps headline. (That’s the Times Picayune website.) ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249/40 "2005-08-30T19:27:08Z")
Thanks for the links. Just amazing devastation. The looting does not surprise me one bit with the numbers of panhandlers and street con men that pester you in the streets there. Give people with very little an opportunity to grab something of value and they are going to take it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-orleans-under-martial-law/319249.md?page=3)