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As I watch the deteriorating situation in New Orleans day after day, I can't help but think how this tragedy has brought out the best in only a few, the worst in too many others. When I read the following excerpt in The Toronto Star about police officers in the area, I was furious. I have a great deal of respect for public workers, especially officers - it upsets me that so many officers are ready to so casually free themselves of the public's faith in and expectations of them. I can understand that police officers from New Orleans are now as desolate as the citizens they are meant to protect, but there is absolutely no justification for a uniformed officer to act so selfishly and offensively.

The chief of the Louisiana State Police said he heard of numerous instances of New Orleans police officers — many of whom from flooded areas — turning in their badges.

“They indicated that they had lost everything and didn’t feel that it was worth them going back to take fire from looters and losing their lives,” Col. Henry Whitehorn said.

Tourist Debbie Durso of Washington, Mich., said she asked a police officer for assistance and his response was, “’Go to hell — it’s every man for himself.’’'