Whatever happened to the looters?

The days following Katrina were awful no matter where you were. They were filled with frustration, anger, despair, and a feeling of complete helplessness.

Like millions of others, I was angered not only at the awful response, the dead people, the dead animals, the chaos. But also at the looting. I can understand taking food but TVs, alcohol, and other luxuries crossed the line. And of course the violence that led to more deaths, slowed the already slow relief efforts even further, and scared volunteers away away from New Orleans.

Take a minute to remember how bad it was.

Well at least some of the looters are being forced to pay now.

From WDSU:

"Three people convicted of hauling away liquor, wine and beer from a grocery store after Hurricane Katrina were sentenced today to 15 years in prison."

Which in isolation seems a bit excessive (15 years), but somehow, someway, the message must be sent that the next time a storm hits (or terrorist attack, or earthquake, or???) we will not allow looting and violence to worsen an already horrible situatuion.