A State of Denial

After hurricane Katrina, John Carolan decided not to leave his half destroyed home in the Garden District of New Orleans. Armed with a handgun, and a supply of food and ammunition, he was one of the "hold outs" who were targeted by the likes of Eddie Compass and Warren Riley.

Men like John Carolan had every right to remain in their homes. They had every right to arm themselves against the lawless gangs that roamed the dark nights after hurricane Katrina. They were not suspicious of law enforcement officers roaming during the day wearing riot gear and riding on tactical vehicles. They thought the officers were there to help. For many honest homeowners in New Orleans, that was a mistake.

Many gun owners outside of New Orleans were skeptical of the early reports of gun confiscations. Then as video showing confiscations emerged, many skeptics maintained the illegal gun confiscations were not widespread. Now, after the Big Easy has admitted to hiding over 1000 firearms that were taken from private citizens, it is difficult for even the most obtuse skeptic to maintain a state of denial.

Over a thousand firearms were seized by law enforcement officers in New Orleans, and tossed into storage. Not one gun was cataloged. No inventory was performed. No receipts were given. Now, after five months, when the confiscations have been wrenched into the light of day for all to see, the City of New Orleans has decided to let anyone who can prove ownership have their property back. How nice. Perhaps Ray Nagin believes this gesture might result in the illegal confiscations being forgotten. No way Ray.