The Rant

Hurricane Katrina-Our ExperiencesHurricane Katrina-Our ExperiencesLarry BradshawLorrie Beth SlonskyTwo days after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, the Walgreen's store atthe corner of Royal and Iberville streets remained locked. The dairy displaycase was clearly visible through the widows. It was now 48 hours withoutelectricity, running water, plumbing. The milk, yogurt, and cheeses were beginningto spoil in the 90-degree heat. The owners and managers had locked up thefood, water, pampers, and prescriptions and fled the City. Outside Walgreen'swindows, residents and tourists grew increasingly thirsty and hungry.The much-promised federal, state and local aid never materialized and thewindows at Walgreen's gave way to the looters. There was an alternative. Thecops could have broken one small window and distributed the nuts, fruit juices,and bottle water in an organized and systematic manner. But they did not.Instead they spent hours playing cat and mouse, temporarily cha