A few weeks ago, we discussed the possibility that the three people caught stealing alcohol from a store during the Katrina disaster would each receive a maximum sentence. Yesterday, the judge sentenced Coralnelle Little, 36, Rhonda McGowen, 42, and Paul C. Pearson, 36 to 15 years in prison for stealing wine, liquor, and coolers. A jury convicted the trio May 2 on a portion of the state’s looting law that took effect two weeks before the Aug. 29 storm. The amended law set a three-year minimum sentence, and a maximum of 15 years in prison, for looting during a declared state of emergency.

Every day, molesters, drug dealers, rapists, and murderers receive far less severe sentences for their crimes. Why would this punishment be so punitive? According to the judge, he wanted to “send a message” to the world about looting.

But what message does this REALLY send?

Essentially, this sentence tells us that stealing alcohol is far more serious than the government irresponsibility, indifference, and ineptitude that created the tragedy in the first place.