03 March 2010

CHILE: Widespread Looting Hurts Nation's Pride And Image.

AP/MIAMI HERALD/   President Michelle Bachelet is being criticized for her slow response to earthquake damage, especially in calling out the military as widespread looting broke-out. "They used to call us (Chileans) the jaguars of South America," slang for proud and strong. "But now we know that we're not even close to that," said one observor. A student in Concepcion said she felt"rage, impotence and disillusion" with the lawlessness. "I'm shocked. Not only criminals but well-off people are stealing." Bachelet is appealing for calm and reports that 14,000 troops are now in the region after dozens of looters were arrested.  Curfews are imposed in four major urban areas, including an 18-hour curfew in Concepcion. "The thugs have taken over the city. Now we are not afraid of the earthquakes, we're afraid of the criminals,"said one politician.