By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The ongoing legal battle in California centers on President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles amidst protests against his deportation policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom contends that this action violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which restricts the use of the military for civilian law enforcement. The Pentagon reports that approximately 250 National Guard members are still active in the state.
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Federal Court Hears Arguments Trump Violated Posse Comitatus Act by Deploying Troops to L.A.
Alright, so here’s the deal: a federal court is taking a look at whether or not deploying troops to Los Angeles by Trump was a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. This is a pretty big deal because it gets right to the heart of how much power the President has and what limitations are actually in place. We need to block this kind of thing from happening across the country, plain and simple.
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prevents the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. It’s there to keep the military separate from civilian policing, to avoid the potential for abuse of power, and to preserve the balance of power between the different branches of government. The arguments, I gather, are centering around whether the specific deployment to Los Angeles fell into a legitimate exception, or if it was a clear overreach. The situation, as I understand it, seems to be viewed by some as an unlawful order, with troops potentially following said unlawful order. The outcome of this case could set a precedent and impact future actions.
It’s easy to get bogged down in all the possible scenarios, like what happens if the court rules a certain way, or if the Supreme Court gets involved. However, it is important to note that the courts can be captured. It’s a scary thought, but it’s something to be aware of. We also cannot forget that even if the courts decide the order was unlawful, that doesn’t necessarily mean the consequences will follow. The courts’ power is definitely at risk.
Thinking ahead, it’s worth considering all the angles. If the court says it was illegal, then what? Does Trump get arrested? Does the Supreme Court step in? Who is held accountable for the actions of the troops who followed orders? Will there be pardons? These are tough questions, and they really highlight how crucial it is to have checks and balances in place.
If a ruling goes against Trump, he could just ignore it. The GOP and SCOTUS are a factor to consider. They may not want to or have the power to stop him. This whole thing has become a bit of a joke. With everything that’s been happening, it’s hard to have faith in the system. At least some are hoping that the courts will uphold the Constitution.
The situation in Los Angeles is complicated. If the court deems the deployment illegal, the consequences could be limited. But, if the court rules in favor, it could give Trump legal legitimacy. What’s really needed is some way to stop him from doing it again. Some people believe that mass boycotts and strikes are needed.
The fact that troops obeyed the order is concerning. There’s no question that military personnel are there to follow orders. They go through training, of course, but they aren’t legal experts. They also may not be well versed in all of the legal ins and outs of every command.
There is a concern that manufactured “emergencies” might be abused for political gain. It’s a serious problem, and the courts seem to be stuck. If the courts don’t act, then it could be seen as an opportunity to make the rules whatever someone wants them to be.
Some are suggesting the courts may simply avoid the whole thing. They could point to an existing exception or find some way to dismiss the case.
It’s critical to remember that a pattern of rule-breaking is present. Democrats are seen as more likely to follow the rules. What is needed are actions that go beyond just complaining and instead seek to fight back. The outcome is not guaranteed, and anything could happen, but it’s important to stay informed.