WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Declaring that freedom is "untidy," Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Friday the looting in New Orleans was a result of "pent-up feelings" of oppression and that it would subside as hurricane and flood survivors adjusted to life without water, food, electricity, sanitation, shoes, diapers, shelter, transportation, levees and public order.
He also asserted the looting was not as bad as some television and newspaper reports have indicated and said there was no major crisis in "Baghdad by the bayou," which lacks a central governing authority. The looting, he suggested, was "part of the price" for what the United States and Britain have called the liberation of Iraq.
"Freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things," Rumsfeld said. "They're also free to live their lives and do wonderful things. And that's what's going to happen here."
Looting, he added, was not uncommon for countries that experience significant social upheaval. "Stuff happens," Rumsfeld said.
Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed. "This is a transition period between a hurricane and what we hope will be a much more peaceful time," Myers said.
http://maxspeak.org/mt/archives/001579.html
"Finish your beer. There are sober kids in India."
-- rwmartin