L.A. Law, Wilson-Style

By Janice Castro

California Governor PETE WILSON has launched an official investigation of the National Guard's response during the Los Angeles riots last month. No wonder: he called up the Guard at 9 p.m. on the first night of rioting, as hundreds of fires burned. But by 2 p.m. the following day, as the looting continued, the troops were still not on the streets. Wilson demanded an explanation, and was told that the Guard was short of ammunition. Asked the onetime Marine: "If you give each man one bullet, and a larger quantity to unit commanders, can you, No. 1, ensure the Guard's safety and, No. 2, accomplish your mission?" Guard commanders said they could. Wilson exploded, "Then divide up the f ---ing ammunition and get out there!" Before order was restored, other state officials even considered placing the city under martial law. Meanwhile, the talk in some law-enforcement circles is that if any major urban unrest occurs, Wilson may just skip the frustration and ask for the Marines.