posted on Aug, 31 2005 @ 12:23 AM
There're are definitely different levels of need here.
The point is, you can't necessarily regulate this situation with the law, because the law doesn't know what to do with shades of gray. It's guilty
or not guilty.
My sense is that most crimes of this nature (mother stealing formula for baby) will never result in convictions. That's not to say a lot of people
won't be inconvenienced, because they will, my point is that the end result will probably be a dismissal of charges.
That's small consolation to the mother of course, but we do live in a society of law. We don't live in a society where personal decisions about
variables like need over-rule statutes put in place to maintain order.
Would I be stealing, if I was thrust into that situation? You bet. What would I steal? Food, water, clean and dry clothes, probably cigarettes
(dog's gotta bark, fish gotta swim) and some booze to sterilize the gunshot wounds suffered during the process, a boat if I could, along with
gasoline, depending on how bad it got I would steal scuba gear and firearms. Why would I steal? To survive. I'm opening myself to criticism here,
I know that. I'm being honest, and that's a surefire way to get flamed, but I accept the consequences for my actions on ATS. I would like to think
I can be a role model for the looters in that respect. Do what you need to do, hell, do whatever you WANT to do, but don't scream and cry and ask
why when it's consequence time.
The people who get shot or arrested are suffering the backlash for their decisions. They should take responsibility for their actions.
It's not an enviable situation, and sometimes people just have to do what they have to do, regardless of the societal stigma against such action.
For example, the father of a child molested by some pervert. Does he have the right to gun down the perp? No. Does he, to some extent, have the
responsibility to do so? Yes.
It's these sorts of situations that prove eloquently the limits of law. It's not an appropriate solution to every societal problem, because, as I
said earlier, the law lacks the flexibility to deal with those gray areas that are bound to be an issue.
It's shaping up to be a bad night. I hope people keep their wits about them until the worst is over. There will be plenty of time to clean up
later, for right now, it's jungle mode all the way. Be fit, adapt, or die. I wish the looters Godspeed and good judgement, and I wish the cops the
same. They're all just trying to survive, sometimes at the expense of others
Edit: SwearBear, it's my understanding that there is no provision for martial law in LA. It's not legally possible. The NG are assisting the local
LEOs, but not ursurping them. As I said, that's my understanding.
[edit on 31-8-2005 by WyrdeOne]