The Laughing Wolf: Dealing With Looters

August 30, 2005

Dealing With Looters

This post over at Eric's ended up reminding me of one of the best pieces of politics I have ever witnessed.

Growing up in Macon, Georgia meant knowing one of the more colorful mayors in America: Ronnie Thompson. This is the person who stopped a train carrying nerve gas for disposal as it came through town, armed with a Thompson, in a display of grandstanding. Listening to the police scanner in those days was far more entertaining than network television given that you never knew what Ronnie would say (or what else would happen, such as engines dropping out of police cars). Thing was, Ronnie knew and really didn't seem to care -- at least until the riots.

The late 60s saw riots break out nationwide, and Macon was getting ready to have one itself. Things were bleak downtown, downright grim even, when Ronnie took to the police radio. The talk went something like:

"This is Ronnie Thompson, your mayor. I will personally give an all expense paid vacation to the Bahamas to the first officer who shoots and kills a looter."

It actually went a little longer than that, but that is the gist. The streets cleared almost immediately.

The areas hit by Katrina should be lucky enough to have a Ronnie Thompson right now... And, yes, I do feel looters should be shot.

Posted by wolf1 at August 30, 2005 11:26 AM | TrackBack

Comments

... I'd buy Ronnie a drink... that's a fact...

Posted by: Eric at August 30, 2005 01:51 PM

The problem is telling the difference between looters, people trying to sneak home and suddenly homeless people looking for their belongings (what's left of them)...

Posted by: Kathy K at August 30, 2005 03:14 PM

Actually, have to disagree with you on that. In many cases, it is clear and plain who is a looter and who isn't. Note that I didn't say open fire on all, too. I am not a proponent of random murder. But, where there is a clear problem, use of force and deadly force -- or even the promise of it as noted above -- can and does work wonders for restoring both order and the rule of law.

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at August 30, 2005 03:30 PM

I think your right on here...

Posted by: ArmyWifeToddlerMom at August 30, 2005 07:49 PM

The obvious ones, ok - those taking axes to a boarded-up jewelry store, etc.

Though - considering the conditions, I think I'd exempt those breaking into a supermarket and coming out with bottled water...

Posted by: Kathy K at August 31, 2005 01:41 AM

The looters are causing people to not want to give. Seriously, if it gets ugly enough in NO, the American public is going to not want to help. That situation MUST be controlled.

Posted by: Bou at August 31, 2005 03:18 AM

I like that plan... Shooting the looters... It sounds like a warped video game.

Posted by: Contagion at August 31, 2005 01:49 PM

Hi! Look at me! I am to challenged to read and understand the post, and too intellectually lazy to actually read the site or even the about the author before making shallow and callow comments. Much easier to spout slogans than to think. Pity me, but most of all, pay attention to me!!

Posted by: bushboy at September 3, 2005 02:04 AM