Quake Video

[FireWater]

Not to cast an ugly light on human nature, but some of the more notable crimes during Katrina were by the police.

Have you ever been to NO prior to Katrina? What happened there was nothing new. While the "notable" crimes were reported thousands more were committed. I saw videos of people walking through chest deep water carrying looted items. Those looted items included among other things, big screen tvs. How and why are you going to use.......... Nevermind, I am fixing to head in a different direction than I originally wanted to go. People are people no matter where they are at and they will react however they have been socially brought up and what they see on a daily basis. I can go on for days about how different countries react. I will say that I was embarrassed about Katrina and how folks acted. I did see one video of where they were handing out water and food in Japan and there was an organized line, and get this - no one was fighting, pushing, griping, stealing, robbing, or creating chaos.

[allan]

Yeah, I've been there before. And my experience afterwards was only different because of the close relation that we had with the remaining police force. In fact we treated a couple of knuckle breaks because the police kept 'catching their hands in closing trunk'[s].

Sorry john, wasn't attempting to point fingers at the folks doing the job, merely pointing out 'human nature' as evidenced by the things that bring out that behavior. Everyone can quote law as far as looting and some of the truly horrendous acts that occurred during katrina that never made the news, and it takes someone in your position to really feel embarrassed by it. In fact I think that's a noble feeling in light of those actions. We've always seen through the media the crimes of the few in like-conditions by those in which trust has been given.

However, I did not mean to cast aspersion to the police or any other organization. For what it's worth, please accept my appologies.

[FireWater]

It's all good Allan.

I understand your point 100%. My point was the spot light cast on a couple of issues brought forth by some bad moral and ethical decisions by a few in uniform. I had my own experiences there that I try to forget. It is amazing what "people" can do is all I can say.

[allan]

I know what you mean. I had to do a research paper on capital punishment and did some research on methods used during the ages. On the surface I've got to wonder what kind of mind comes up with some of the stuff that we've done to our own over the years. But down deeper I did a whole lot more research than was necessary for my paper because I was fascinated with the cruelty, and the fear that must have been running through those poor people who couldn't escape what was being done to them.

But you were spot on, John. My comments had no place on this thread.

I wish I wasn't here in a staff position. In field units I would be hoping that my unit would be selected to go and provide assistance. But in this place I can't go very much further than my desk or internet connection.

[allan]

Sheesh....

Hover your mouse over the pictures and scroll left and right. One of the pictures shows a new bay created by the tsunami...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/ja...eforeafter.htm

[Kristy]

Whoa... that was very powerful. It is hard to even wrap your mind around the devastation, looking at what was happy organized civilization and then is filthy wet muddy and primitive. Thanks for that link, Allan.

PS: You guys are taking me back with your discussion to my social psychology classes. It is truly horrifying what good individuals will do in a group when the circumstances turn ugly.

[allan]

I don't know if it's when things turn terrible... Or an opportunity presents itself.

[FireWater]

I don't know if it's when things turn terrible... Or an opportunity presents itself.

That is the question that can't really be answered. It is in the eyes of those taking part in it that defines the outcome.

After going through several different natural and man made disasters I have seen both sides of the aftermath (Geographically and socially) and it never ceases to amaze me.