Our troops are finally set to withdraw
National Guard set to pull out of New Orleans
Three and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the National Guard is pulling the last of its troops out of New Orleans this weekend, leaving behind a city still desperate and dangerous.
Residents long distrustful of the city’s police force are worried they will have to fend for themselves.
“I don’t know if crime will go up after these guys leave. But I know a lot more of us will be packing our own pieces now to make sure we’re protected,” said Calvin Stewart, owner of a restaurant and store.
Well, unless the cops come knocking on your door to confiscate them again.
Police Superintendent Warren Riley says “we’re ready to handle things.” We all hope he means handle crime and security and not handle regular citizens out of their legal firearms. (Be sure to read Gordon Hutchinson’s The Great New Orleans Gun Grab if you haven’t already.)
To be honest, I don’t think I knew there were still any NG units in New Orleans. Apparently it was down to only a few dozen. But three and a half years later?
In less than four years our military stabilized the region and re-established law, order, and democracy for its citizens.
Yes, that’s sarcasm. Barely.
Pathetic.
Be interesting to know what they were actually doing. Stuff like this can take on a life of its own for various reasons — mission creep and all that.
Linked at Pax. Buy Guns. Buy LOTS of Guns!
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I’m glad they kept them there to enjoy one last Mardi Gras.
All joking aside, I’ll bet “School Bus” Nagin is getting nervous.
[...] Our troops are finally set to withdraw [...]
They were doing what patrol cops usually do, patrolling neighborhood and answering calls for assistance from citizens. They spent a lot of time in the half empty areas.
Many were Military Police and/or cops called up, so they were not unexperienced in policing. There were a couple of incidents over the period when they shot perps.
Crime is so high in the city already, if it gets worse, it may not be noticeable.
[...] one blogger wrote (sarcastically): “In less than four years our military stabilized the region and [...]
It’s surprising that this troop withdrawal is receiving decidedly less fanfare than the Iraq withdrawal plan, considering troops are withdrawing from an American city. . .
[...] from New Orleans. [...]