lsu2001 wrote:The story is that they were taking clothes and shoes and underwear, etc. not just for themselves but for other officers as well. The stories say that many officers had been on duty non-stop for about 2-3 days at that point and had not had a change of clothes. The were to take what was needed at the wal-mart whether permission was given or not. They had permission/orders from their superiors.
The main reason they were suspended was because of their attitude and for not stopping looters. However, none of the NOPD were stopping looters anywhere in the city from what I understand. The local papers/radio say that the key reason for the punishment was the attitude and the perception that the video gave the country.
I disagree with the way it was handled but I do tend to cut them some slack. They were in a disaster area, many cops had deserted, the streets were becoming more like a war zone than an American city and the ones that were left were trying to survive right along with everybody else. It is easy to respond to a video while sitting in judgement either far away or far after the event. You may have a different perspective had you been there. I was not their so I cannot judge the actions. I have heard many people on this board state 'YOu just cant tell what is going on by the videos/pictures" My question is this: Could this case be one where the camera and the reporter does not show the "whole story" I will leave ya'll to answer that one but for me. I simply cannot pass that judgement.
Tim
An excellent point, Tim