Looting, Schmooting

Can we please – please – begin to make rational distinctions about what constitutes morally unacceptable “looting” and what constitutes survival? Do we really expect people to leave perishable food inside stores where there is no mechanism to pay, when they have not had anything to eat or drink in the last two days? To suggest that this is somehow criminal, as you head downstairs to your refrigerator to pop open an ice-cold Coke, is disturbing.

If, on the other hand, we are talking about armed gangs roving the streets stealing goods for which they have no survival need, we are on the same page. That’s looting, and it’s criminal. But I have not always seen that distinction made adequately. Indeed, the President’s own press secretary has not made such a distinction, at least at this morning’s press briefing:

[Question] Scott, do you cited the President's zero tolerance for insurance fraud, looting, price gouging. Does he make any allowance for people who have yet to receive aid who are taking things like water or food or shoes to walk among the debris?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think you heard from the President earlier today about his zero tolerance. We understand the need for food and water and supplies of that nature. That's why we have a massive effort underway to continue getting food and water and ice to those who are in need. There are ways for them to get that help. Looting is not the way for them to do it.

Scotty, why don't you go get yourself a cold one. You’ve been working hard during this thing, you deserve it.

This is a fine point of view to have, but understand this: people who have racked up a two-day or even three-day deficit of food and drink are going to get sustenance wherever they can, as soon as they can. If you want them to stop breaking into grocery stores, then get them some food and water. That’s not criminal, it’s human.

(Again, via Atrios. And yes, I do read other websites.)

UPDATE: According to the Washington Post, a military helicopter has dropped food and water near the New Orleans Convention Center. Thank goodness.