Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.

So of all the things Im reading about the hurricane damge, the behavior by the New Orleans police is probably the worst. I read about how a group of them commandeered a building, posted a 'danger gas leak' sign to keep the curious away, went out and looted guns (and when you have to crack a safe to get them, which is what the article says these guys did, that aint foraging – its looting), and holed up in their little castle. not going out and helping, not making a difference…just pointing shotguns at people passing by and telling them to 'keep moving, asshole'. Meanwhile, authorities in a neighboring state pulled over a police car they thought was stolen. Wasnt stolen. The two cops had thrown aside their uniforms, switched to civillian mufti and were making a break for it. The Nazis did the same thing in 1945. Apparently at least a couple hundred cops threw away their badges, said 'screw this' and took off. And then a large portion of them simply didnt show up for work.

Every cop down there nothing more than a better-armed-than-average looter? No, of course not. But enough of them were 'part of the problem' that , to my mind, they were exactly the same as looters. Naturally, the repercussions will be slight because no department is going to want to admit that a large percentage of their force is comprised of cowards and people who went into business for themselves.

Cops that failed to show up for work because they decided their families were more important? No problem with that. I dont think they should have a job waiting for them when this is over, but I understand it.
Cops that loot, shoot and dont give a hoot? They deserve whatever unfortunate event happens when they find themselves outnumbered 10-to-1 by their fellow looters.

Oh, and if the mayor of New Orleans thinks that his cursing and swearing is going to make him look like a guy in control and make him the nex Gulliani, he's in for a big shock. Must be tough when your job suddenly includes more than just starting Mardi Gras festivities.

x-posted.