New Orleans Takes Drug War to Next Level

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanko sat dazed and confused for several days after Hurricane Katrina hit, refusing to send in the National Guard when it would have helped the most. But, she didn't hesitate to send in the National Guard when a drug-related shooting killed five teenagers this weekend.

Blanco said reinforcements would cycle in-and-out of the city. No deadline has been set for their mission, which did not require a special order because Louisiana is still under a state of emergency 10 months after Katrina hit on Aug. 29.

The troops were to patrol heavily damaged and largely unpopulated neighborhoods, freeing police to focus on hot spots. State troopers will work mostly in the French Quarter, where they often patrol during major events like Mardi Gras.

It was the first time the National Guard has been used for law enforcement in the United States since the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

A line has been crossed. Our Republic is no more.