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Return to Article: Pentagon begins review of law on military's domestic role

• 13508
  

  We found out what happens if you bypass the posse comitatus such as LBJ did in L.A. and in Detroit. Military troops were sent in with empty weapons and empty powers and were not invited. It's a shame local government tries to pass the buck and put the blame on the President when it would have been another illegal move to send help before being requested.

  paul Posted November 18, 2005 5:37 PM
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  This is along the lines of what I was saying in a previous thread. Bush has been slammed by the press for not overriding Nagin and Blanco, but a comment that gets run with like this is grounds for new assaults on him.

  Put the accountability where it belongs, people - in this case, the idiot senators and representatives who are grandstanding for their constituencies.

  Skeptical Posted September 29, 2005 2:34 PM
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  Taxpayer, go back and read the entire issue of using the military for law enforcement. It is not Bush (and I have problems with him too) but Congress, mostly a few grandstanding Democratic and Republicans, that is pushing this idea. I have been both a police officer (Houston, TX) and militay, using the military as law enforecement is a very bad idea, even the military police are not well enough trained in local issues to be effective. I do however believe that in a case of taking sniper fire in a disaster situation deserves a military response, shoot a 22, shoot a rocket or tank round back. Maybe even use the depleted uranium rounds, then we have CSI track them down with gieger counters.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 29, 2005 7:37 AM
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  Of course, this law that has served us well for so many years including countless disasters is being reviewed by the Pentagon for revision. A revision would allow the military to make arrests during domestic "disasters." And how do we define a disaster. Perhaps if the Republicans lose the White House they can declare a disaaster and arrest all Democratic party activists or vice versa.

  The dangerous games this administration is playing with civil rights, separation of powers, constitutional protections.

  I'm sure the Emperor will build a terrific Pretorian Guard for the day that he has to arrest and execute all the Senators in what is quickly degenerating into a new Roman Empire.

  Strip the Governors of powers during emergencies, unleash the federal military, and on and on it goes.

  I personally don't want to live in a federal police state-- what about you?

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 28, 2005 12:11 PM
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  "But a sweeping statement made earlier this month by President Bush has renewed the national debate over whether the military is better equipped than local law enforcement to maintain order under extreme circumstances." Just like George the III, a stupid idea and statement. Never ever let the US military engage in law enforcement on a local or domestic level! They do not know the laws, they are not trained for police action, they implement mission based on the leaders say so, and they are not competent in the area of legal searches. They simply do what they think necessary and that is outside the law as well as inside the law. This never should be allowed in the domestic arena regardless of the situation, unless it involves a physical invasion by foreign forces.

  Also, be very careful about the definition of a disaster. High unemployment could be considered a disaster and the troops used to enforce laws that prevent the people from voicing their opinions and engaging in civil disobedience.

  This is just another stupid idea of Bush that will cost millions to studfy and end up no where with no better situation for the American public. This guy is a disaster - send in the troops!

  taxpayer Posted September 28, 2005 6:51 AM