Looting?!?!?!?!?

[Ocean Lover]

I was asked today by my employer to volunteer in New Orleans, starting next week for two to four weeks. We'd be helping to get their food supplies up and running in the Sav-A-Center Supermarkets. ( I work for a food broker, and I rep a lot of products to the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company who also owns Sav-A-Center.) Most of my co-workers are going, but I'm afraid, it looks really scary there right now. Now I have a lot of guilt, because everyone seems to be going, but I just don't think I can go. I'm afraid to go.

How long do you have to decide? Do you have kids at home? There's a lot to think about. If it were me, I'd think about it and pray about it. I'm sure it would be an incredible experience but if you are a sensitive, caring person it would be very hard emotionally. {{{{{underthebluemoon}}}}} I think I would be scared too. If you decide not to go, I'm sure there are other ways to help at home.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I was asked today by my employer to volunteer in New Orleans, starting next week for two to four weeks. We'd be helping to get their food supplies up and running in the Sav-A-Center Supermarkets. ( I work for a food broker, and I rep a lot of products to the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company who also owns Sav-A-Center.) Most of my co-workers are going, but I'm afraid, it looks really scary there right now. Now I have a lot of guilt, because everyone seems to be going, but I just don't think I can go. I'm afraid to go.

It is easy to understand your situtaion. Fear is a killer. I sense much anxiety in your words. By going, you may learn a thing or two about yourself and others. I cannot think of a better classroom than going to help these people survive. Perhaps you have family to care for back in Penn., and the answer is not so simple. Only you will know the answer as to what you should do. If you are going to volunteer, make sure it is because you listened to your heart, not others' opinions.

Maybe it also helps to know, that people don't make good and bad decisions. They simply make their own decisions. We are born as a block of stone, and our choices shape us into a masterpiece in the scheme of life. The question to ask yourself is, what do you want your masterpiece to look like?

 

[wetwilly]

Very difficult decision but my guess is as already stated....think thru this carefully, follow your heart, make your own decision, don't worry about what others think, and once you make your decision, feel strongly that you made the right decision for you.

As far as looting is concerned, the Miss and LA authorities have just said on CNN that they have declared martial law in LA and that they will deal with looters very "aggressively, ruthlessly, merciless" and punish people to the fullest extent of the law. Quick and decisive action will be taken and is what they said. Looting in any situation is stealing and a criminal act but under the circumstances stealing necessities is one thing vs valuable items for personal gain. The looting of the diapers, food and other necessity items does not suprise me but the folks taking electronics and jewelry is unthinkable. Just plain bad moral character regardless of the situation.

Really bad situation. The Superdome situation is getting very bad and gunfire heard nearby.

Gulfport is a complete disaster and Biloxi is very bad too.

 

[Beach Runner]

I'd loot for food and meds. But officials ought to shoot people who steal electronics (hello, like no power) and other non-life-saving items. It's disgusting.

 

[Beach Runner]

I was asked today by my employer to volunteer in New Orleans, starting next week for two to four weeks. We'd be helping to get their food supplies up and running in the Sav-A-Center Supermarkets. ( I work for a food broker, and I rep a lot of products to the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company who also owns Sav-A-Center.) Most of my co-workers are going, but I'm afraid, it looks really scary there right now. Now I have a lot of guilt, because everyone seems to be going, but I just don't think I can go. I'm afraid to go.

Make sure you get all of your hepatitis shots! Go to the CDC website www.cdc.gov for advice.

 

[katie blue]

According to Nola.com, the Childrens' Hospital is currently under seige...there's a horde of looters trying to break in, with a 100 kids and all the staff trapped inside hoping the locks will keep them out. Happening as we speak. The police can't get there to help.

This is surreal, it's beyond my comprension. It's the biggest disaster I've ever seen. We watched another national treasure go down today. Again. I'm beside myself with grief.

I've applied to two agencies and hope to be volunteering down there next week.

 

[RiverOtter]

Ok, I want to address this again. I did see some looting of stuff you would need to survive. But there are still some dirtbags out there taking things they have no business taking.

 

[Paula]

I was asked today by my employer to volunteer in New Orleans, starting next week for two to four weeks. We'd be helping to get their food supplies up and running in the Sav-A-Center Supermarkets. ( I work for a food broker, and I rep a lot of products to the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company who also owns Sav-A-Center.) Most of my co-workers are going, but I'm afraid, it looks really scary there right now. Now I have a lot of guilt, because everyone seems to be going, but I just don't think I can go. I'm afraid to go.

Follow your heart and good judgment and don't let guilt or others make the decision for you. Only you know your circumstances and there are many ways to help the world now and in the future. This may or may not be the right thing for you to do. Feel compassion, of course, but not guilt. And accept advice for what it is -- advice. Weigh your options and make them work for others and for you. I'm sure you'll make the right decision and others will benefit from it whether you go to NO or not.

 

[Underthebluemoon]

 

[Smiling JOe]

Ok, I want to address this again. I did see some looting of stuff you would need to survive. But there are still some dirtbags out there taking things they have no business taking.

It was not that many years ago when New Orleans received the honor of being the city with the most crime in the nation. I guess it is not difficult to believe the criminals would break their routine.