A furious Gov. Kathleen Blanco issued a message to House Speaker Dennis Hastert: "I expect an apology as soon as possible."

She was referring to Hastert's comments about spending billions of dollars to rebuild New Orleans.

Hastert told an Illinois newspaper, "It looks like a lot of that place could be bulldozed."

Blanco said it's an insult to even suggest that "one of the most historic cities is not worth an investment."

"To kick us down when we're down and destroy hope" is unnecessary, Blanco said.

Hastert said in a transcript that the people of New Orleans would rebuild their city, but said "we ought to take a second look" at federal insurance and other federal aid involved.

Hastert announced an emergency session Friday to approve some $10 billion in federal aid for hurricane victims.

Blanco also issued another message to the "hoodlums" in New Orleans: Arkansas National Guardsmen fresh from Iraq have M16s locked and loaded, and they know how to shoot and kill.

She said these hoodlums are taking away limited resources to save babies, children and good people. Blanco said she expects the National Guardsmen to use force if they must.

The violence in New Orleans area has impelled some city police to turn in their badges, said Col. Henry Whitehorn of Louisiana State Police.

"The ones who have resigned indicated that they have lost everything and didn't feel it was worth going back to take fire from looters," Whitehorn said. "Violence is bad. We need more help."

Whitehorn confirmed that one policeman had been shot. He didn't have a figure yet on how many looters had been arrested, but the situation at the Superdome and in the central business district was stabilizing and getting under control.

Whitehorn said 80 more policemen have joined law enforcement to patrol the streets of New Orleans. He said new telephone and wireless networks were installed this afternoon.

State Police also are reconnecting the database to determine people wanted by the law.

Commentary:
Tough call? One would think taking care of the living and the dead would be the ONLY thing on their minds. There's plenty of time to take them down again after they're back on their feet and can fight back.