By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump has moved to further militarize Washington, D.C., deploying the National Guard under the pretense of restoring order. This move bypasses the city’s elected leaders and follows a pattern of increased federal troop deployments across the country, including a new “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” planned by the Pentagon. The administration is also threatening to exert similar control over other cities. Critics argue that this escalating use of the military for domestic matters is unprecedented and violates the principles of Posse Comitatus, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the normalization of military involvement in law enforcement.
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Trump’s Use of Troops for Policing Hasn’t Been Seen Since America Was Ruled by a King
The use of troops for policing within the United States, a move that has sparked considerable concern, is something rarely witnessed in American history, a situation that evokes echoes of the pre-Revolutionary era, when a king held absolute power. The deployment of military personnel to manage domestic issues, particularly in the context of civil unrest, is a stark departure from established norms and traditions. This is a significant shift, reminding us of a time when authority wasn’t balanced by a system of checks and balances.
The historical parallels are striking. The complaints lodged against King George III, detailed in documents like the Declaration of Independence, paint a picture of a ruler focused on exerting control and undermining the very foundations of self-governance. The king’s actions, from obstructing justice to imposing new offices that burdened the people, created a climate of fear and resentment. Now, we see the deployment of troops being used in response to events, seemingly mirroring a pattern of asserting control.
The very idea of sending troops into American cities, to respond to domestic issues, is a drastic move. It’s a tool that is usually reserved for situations that require a declaration of war. This is a level of force that is far removed from the principles of a democratic society. It’s important to remember the fundamental principles of our Constitution and how these actions challenge them.
As a veteran wrote, the use of military force within the country raises serious questions for those who serve. Soldiers take an oath to defend the Constitution, which includes the right to peaceful assembly. The possibility of being ordered to take arms against fellow citizens, even in the face of perceived unrest, presents a moral and ethical dilemma. It is crucial to recall that the Posse Comitatus Act traditionally limits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes.
The historical context, like the use of troops in the Reconstruction era, should be examined closely. Even then, the deployment of federal troops to the South had a complicated legacy, eventually leading to the rise of segregation and oppression. Using troops for policing now carries similar risks, potentially exacerbating existing tensions and undermining the trust between the government and its citizens.
The very nature of this situation has the potential to dramatically change the fabric of American society. The perception that the system isn’t fair, and that those in charge are out of touch, is a danger signal. The American people don’t want a king. The current situation might accelerate actions that could potentially lead to long-term instability.
The use of troops to address crime, even if crime statistics are dropping, could be seen as an attempt to manipulate public perception. When issues, such as the Epstein files, are being discussed, there is a potential for an attempt to distract the public’s attention through an exercise of power. Transparency and accountability are essential to prevent abuse of power.
The concentration of power, the disregard for long-standing legal and ethical guidelines, and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions all paint a concerning picture. These are steps toward a less free society. The ability of a leader to simply declare things “as they are” resembles the actions of a king rather than a president of the United States. It is important to recognize the warning signs and understand the long-term implications of such actions.