From time to time we are amazed at the dedication and courage shown by ordinary people when confronted by an emergency. The media recount instances where the injured are dragged from burning vehicles by rescuers who totally disregards their
own safety. A house burns down and the occupants are left destitute. Furniture, clothing and money comes from everywhere - often from givers who themselves are experiencing hard times.
And then there is the other side of the coin.
The most savage storm for decades struck the Newcastle area last weekend. High winds toppled trees and unroofed homes - and everywhere flood waters caused death and destruction, leaving thousands in temporary shelter and hundreds stranded in homes still isolated by floodwater - without telephones or electricity.
Once again the generous spirit of the community is donating money and lending a helping hand. Emergency services are stretched to the limit trying to deliver food to those stranded and the insurance companies are being urged to quickly settle claims and allow people to get on with their lives.
Amid this spirit of help and assistance there is a darker side at work that seeks personal gain from the misfortune of others. Looters have moved in to abandoned shopping centres, stealing electrical goods and any merchandise that they can manage to carry away - and worse - they are smashing their way into flooded homes - multiplying the damage caused by the flood - to scour the premises for personal items that have value - but huge significance to the owners.
The reaction across the country is one of repugnance. Looting at the time of a disaster is one of the lowest points of human nature. Hopefully, some of these people will be caught and brought to justice - and when that happens the hope is that the justice system will not administer a slap on the wrist. Hopefully, looters will be ordered to serve prison time - and again hopefully their fellow prisoners will show them the error of their ways - somewhat forcefully !
If it came to a referendum - most people would gladly sign on for looters to be shot on sight !
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