Looting, a Moral Dilemma?

When is looting, not considered looting?  

According to Merriam-Webster:

Looting - 1 a : to plunder or sack in war b : to rob especially on a large scale and usually by violence or corruption 2 : to seize and carry away by force especially in war

With the recent 8.8 earthquake in Chile, there have been many pictures of residents "looting" throughout neighborhoods.  Though, if you look closely, it's not flat screen televisions and jewelery these folks are carrying...it's milk, food and basic essentials.  

Is it still considered looting, if what you are taking is needed to survive?

I think not!  When a cataclysmic event occurs, your survival instinct kick in...do whatever you can to keep your family alive and well.  Once life as you know it returns to normalcy, then go wait on-line to buy groceries...

mj

Comments

[mike]

I guess that going back to the store and paying for the stuff you looted once normalcy returns may even be an option - I think.

[Franco]

Well, that makes sense.
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