By John Q. Hosedrinker Joe Biden Can—and Should—Take Over the Texas National Guard
As an American citizen deeply concerned with the state of our nation, I believe it is time for President Joe Biden to take decisive action in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s flagrant disregard for the Constitution. If Abbott is going to use his National Guard to go against the established legal framework, then President Biden should follow in the footsteps of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and nationalize the state agency entirely.
Abbott’s recent actions in deploying the Texas National Guard to the border are not only unconstitutional but also undermine the rule of law. The Supreme Court has already settled the issue, and Abbott finds himself on the wrong side of history. By federalizing the Texas National Guard, President Biden would send a powerful message to GOP governors who align themselves with Abbott’s misguided stance.
Critics may argue that Biden’s intervention would only serve to ignite a larger national debate, playing into the hands of conservatives who are eager to discredit his presidency. While I understand the concerns surrounding the potential optics of such a move, I believe that we cannot allow bad actors to go unchecked simply because we fear the repercussions.
It is essential to remember that President Eisenhower faced a similar challenge during the Little Rock Crisis in Arkansas. When Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from entering the school, Eisenhower stepped in and federalized the state agency. This decision, while certainly controversial at the time, ensured the integration of the school and sent a clear message that the federal government would not tolerate such blatant acts of discrimination.
Likewise, President Biden must seize this moment to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all Americans. By taking control of the Texas National Guard, he would show that the rule of law cannot be circumvented by partisan political stunts. This move would not only have a symbolic impact but also serve as a significant rebuke to Governor Abbott’s overreach.
Moreover, it is important to note that federalizing the Texas National Guard would have minimal financial implications. The federal government already fully funds the Guard, and removing the governor as the commander-in-chief would simply mean having the General of the National Guard report to the Pentagon. In other words, this action would cost nothing but would deliver a significant blow to Governor Abbott.
Some may question Biden’s priorities, arguing that he should be focusing his attention solely on Texas instead of dealing with other issues across the nation. However, it is crucial to recognize that the president cannot abandon the affairs of the other 49 states for the sake of one troublesome state. By federalizing the Texas National Guard, he can send a message that while he acknowledges the situation, he will not be manipulated into prioritizing one state above the others.
Of course, I understand that the situation at the border and the broader issue of immigration is complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, that should not prevent President Biden from taking a stand against those who flout the Constitution. It is incumbent upon him to forge strong agreements with other border states and implement new border policies that can serve as a tangible response to the crisis. This way, Democrats can demonstrate their commitment to solving the problem while holding accountable those who refuse to cooperate.
Ultimately, we cannot allow Governor Abbott and his allies in red states to undermine the rule of law and act as if they are independent of the federal government. President Biden must assert his authority and defend the Constitution by federalizing the Texas National Guard. By doing so, he will show that the United States is a nation of laws, not of partisan whims. It is time to put an end to this constitutional crisis, and President Biden can lead the way.