Christian Living

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One of my passions is debating with folks of all stripes on Christian forums. Sometimes I get all excited over something new I've learned; other times I become frustrated over the incredible lack of common sense exhibited by so many.

Here's an example: I've had a tête-a-tête recently with a couple of men who promote the idea that a "shoot to kill" order regarding looters in New Orleans following the Hurricane Katrina disaster would have been the solution to virtually all their problems.

"Justice, then mercy" is the mantra being repeated ad nauseum by these folks.

Hmmmm. Sounds a lot like "shoot first, ask questions later" to me.

I guess the main problem (besides the obvious lack of mercy, despite their promise of dispensing that after they get done dispensing their justice) is that the situation in New Orleans wasn't like a man-made catastrophe such as a riot. Along with those hoodlums swiping DVD players and digital cameras were those taking water, food and medical supplies because they had no choice.

Through circumstances beyond their control, they found themselves stranded in a war zone without even the basics. Shoot to kill? I don't think so.

The problem is that unless the police or military can ascertain without any doubt exactly what a looter has taken, mistakes - deadly mistakes - can and will occur.

From 100 yards away, can you tell if a man is carrying a bag of food or a bag of liquor?

I asked the guys on the Internet forum where they would draw the line as to who should be shot, and they said they would excuse those who took food and water. Well, what about clothing? What about medical supplies? What about medicines? Do you shoot a looter who takes aspirin as well as the one who takes oxycontin?

In a situation like New Orleans, there are just far too many variables to institute an across the board policy like "shoot to kill." If that means that some guilty escape, then so be it. Mercy extended to the victims of these horrible disasters certainly outweighs the justice that some want to impose on the looters.

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