When is looting okay?

As I interpret the current news, much of the world is shocked by the widespread looting in New Orleans.

People who steal guns, electronics and other valuable items are nothing more than criminals taking advantage of the inadequate law enforcement. Their actions are no surprise. But other looters are actually getting a bye from television reporters. "They are taking only food or water, things they need for survival, and they are sharing with others" is the way one reporter described what he saw.

One might argue that any food left in grocery stores or restaurants after the flood of filthy water could not be sold and would have to be destroyed. Or, you may reason that the business owner is going to be reimbursed by his insurance company, whether his inventory is stolen or just sits in the store and rots.

Does this justify the looting? It is still stealing someone else's property.

My father taught me that there is never justification for stealing. There is no such thing as part time honesty. A man is honest or he is dishonest. He cannot be both. I can still hear my father saying, "If a man doesn't have his word, what does he have?"

In my opinion, not much.