Op-Ed: Let ‘Em Have It
by The Special Man

Much has been written about what to do with looters now that the City of New Orleans is returning back to normal. Some argue for stiff penalties, while others advocate leniency as long as the merchandise can be returned.

But to truly understand this question we must put ourselves in the mindset of the looter.

Imagine if you were caught in the middle of the flood. What would you have been thinking?

My home and livelihood have been destroyed.
My city is in chaos.
My life is in danger.

But I could use a new flat-screen TV and DVD entertainment center.

To those wondering what to make of looters, I say I say, I say I say:

Let ‘em have it.
With no problem.

Who cares if you don’t have a house? You need a new bedroom set.

What does it matter if you can’t find any food? You’ve got a brand-new microwave.

Who’s going to notice that you’re a police officer in uniform? Take that Cadillac.

What happened happened. It’s all water under the floodwall.

New Orleans cannot move past this disaster until we accept that the past is in the past and resolve to move forward together into the future.

The Special Man, a New Orleans native, is the spokesman for Frankie and Johnnie’s Furniture.

All opinions expressed in Op-Ed pieces are the solely those of the author. The Creole-Tomato assumes no responsibility for their content.