Social Breakdown: 2d Amendment

The tragedy in New Orleans is staggering. We did predict some of it, although not the social breakdown.

It is evident that there is almost a "failed state" situation. It began because of a misplaced compassion--we're going to use all our resources to locate and save people, people are looting out of necessity--and ended with anarchy. It's the cliché of the "broken window" which leads to a criminal takeover.

With the exception of people who are taking food or similar items out of necessity, there should have been an implacable policy from the beginning--shoot or seize looters on the spot. It would have prevented the criminal activity which, although perhaps exaggerated by the news media, seems to be real. Now we need martial law and guys with guns.

The situation also shows the folly of gun control and the importance of an armed citizenry. Many storekeepers and others are protecting their property. Along with a supply of space blankets, bottled water, flashlights and preserved food, a disaster kit should include an appropriate weapon.

Keeping weapons out of the hands of the law-abiding will not keep them out of the hands of criminals, but it is a major deterrent. New Orleans shows that we can't always assume that law enforcement will be available.