Say one thing for the Chileans

[malaise]

They don't put up with shite. You don't deliver goods they need after a devastating earthquake and tsunami and they just help themselves. No food, no water and they clean out the stores.
I agree with everyone who helped themselves to food and water particularly in areas where no help has arrived as yet.

[Chakab]

1. So you condone "looting"

and consider it to be a justified act of self-sufficiency?

[malaise]

2. It's not looting when your home has been destroyed

you have no food and your family is starving. Go ask the birds and other animals - it's basic survival instincts kicking in.
Perhaps you might ask whether it's murder/suicide not to seek food and water for you and your children.
Sorry after a major natural disaster there is nothing called looting food or water.

[Canuckistanian]

3. "looting" is in the eye of the beholder

When the survivors of a major disaster start grabbing big-screen TV's then let's talk about "looting".

If it's food or water, then yes, it's a justified act.

[Rage for Order]

6. Exactly

While there have been some instances of looting in Chile - breaking into ATMs, banks, electronics retailers, etc - the vast majority of the activity is people taking food and drink necessary to their survival. I won't condemn anyone for trying to survive, unless it is done at the expense of someone else who is also just trying to survive.

[malaise]

11. I support helping yourself to food and drink

During the post- earthquake rescues in Haiti I asked whether those who had survived in supermarkets or markets should have been arrested for looting since they only survived for that length of time because they had access to food and drink. The guy at the hotel shop who survived off coke and biscuits should be in jail now.

sp

[pampango]

7. Agreed. If it's food, water, the essentials, it's not looting. If it's TV's, it is looting. n/t

[4lbs]

13. +1

.

[malaise]

14. Lawrence O'Donnell is showing this now

Where the fugg will people find food after an earthquake and a tsunami if not in stores that weren't destroyed. Why should they and their families starve.
I am convinced that no government can handle a massive disaster properly for at least two to three days. During that time, people will take food and water where they find it.

[Lyric]

15. I might even understand taking non-essentials like TVs if things are really bad

because if you can't find food or water, you can use stuff like that to trade for it. When government help is slow, I don't blame people for doing what they have to do in order to keep themselves and their kids alive.

[malaise]

8. That simple

:hi:

[PeaceNikki]

4. Aren't you cuuute?

[Mr. Ected]

5. Can't say I wouldn't do the same thing

Catastrophic events lead to desperate measures. If my child was in need, I would opt for self-help...until the rule of law offered an orderly alternative.

I don't consider this acting reasonably. It's instinctive.

[malaise]

9. Absolutely correct

Someone needs to remind some folks that instinct predates capitalism.

[aungsungsuchi2]

10. i was kind of thinking the same thing today...

...

[malaise]

12. Chileans have learned a lot of political lessons

One of them is looking after themselves when there is government inaction.
I saw people on balconies throwing foodstuffs for people in need. I say Bravo!!!

[rabs]

16. I have no problems with Chileans taking food from Walmart

Was watching Chilean TV online on Sunday. There was footage of people taking boxes of Soprole-brand milk for infants and children, food, toilet paper and other stuff from a supermarket named LIDER.

The LIDER chain of supermarkets and other businesses is controlled by Walmart of the United States and had 2007 net revenues in excess of US$3.8 billion, D&S has more than 180 stores, 10 shopping centers and 85 PRESTO financial services branches.

http://walmartstores.com/AboutUs/8935.aspx