In Absence of Aid, Acapulco Residents Fend for Themselves

ACAPULCO, Mexico - In a city without water, electricity or gasoline, where desperate people have been allowed, even encouraged, to take essential goods from damaged stores since Hurricane Otis smashed Acapulco, state police officer Raul Gallardo stood guard over a mountain of excess.

Gallardo explained the distinction authorities have been making - in some cases - between what people can take and what would end u