By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Governors from several states are expressing deep concerns about President Trump’s potential use of military assets to disrupt upcoming elections. They believe Trump may attempt to influence or even take control of elections by deploying the National Guard and federal agents to key cities. These governors warn that such actions could be a tactic to suppress voter turnout and undermine democratic processes, possibly by falsely claiming issues with elections. They further highlight his public criticism of mail-in voting and his past efforts to subvert election results, emphasizing the urgency to address these actions, which are reminiscent of historical authoritarian strategies.
Read the original article here
Blue State Governors Warn Trump May Use Military to Disrupt Elections. The air is thick with a sense of foreboding. The whispers of potential election interference, once dismissed by some as alarmist, now resonate with a chilling plausibility. Concerns voiced by blue state governors are escalating, and the central point of this anxiety is a very real fear: that Donald Trump might deploy the military to disrupt the upcoming elections.
It’s not just a matter of speculation; it’s a calculated assessment based on his past actions, his rhetoric, and the company he keeps. The warning signs are all there. From his repeated claims of widespread voter fraud, to his open admiration for leaders who subvert democratic processes, the groundwork is being laid. The “may” in the sentence is doing heavy lifting, as it is the potential of action, not the certainty of it that creates alarm. The proposed actions could be numerous. Some believe a declaration of a national emergency might be used to justify military presence, perhaps under the guise of “election safety.” Others speculate about attempts to seize voting machines, or to challenge voters at the polls based on their appearance or presumed identity.
The most likely scenario could unfold in several stages: first, the deployment of military personnel, ostensibly to ensure “fairness.” Then, through disruptive actions and intimidation, the elections are destabilized enough to cast doubt on the results. After which the courts get involved, potentially declaring Trump’s actions unconstitutional and illegal. However, if this plan were executed, and the chaos he’s striving for is successful, we may find ourselves in an unprecedented situation.
The focus on mail-in ballots, which Trump has vehemently opposed, fuels these concerns. Mail-in voting is a more challenging target for direct military intervention, but it leaves room for legal challenges and the spread of misinformation. Regardless of whether they’re paper ballots or machines, the fear is that Trump might attempt to keep people from voting or seize the voting machines.
The threat is not limited to disrupting the voting process itself. There are fears about the aftermath, and the potential for escalation. This is based on the use of the National Guard in recent years.
The worry extends beyond mere electoral interference, as the signs point to larger potential issues. The appointments of people in his circle and their rhetoric have led to talk of war.
This potential turn of events raises fundamental questions. Will the military, whose oath is to defend the Constitution, follow orders that undermine the very foundation of democracy? What recourse do state governors have if federal forces overstep their boundaries? The answers to these questions will define the course of our nation.
The potential for unrest is high. The emotional pitch of these times is very high, and any action that could be perceived as election interference might be a trigger for a volatile response. The potential for a decline in confidence in the election results could be devastating, leading to a further breakdown of social cohesion.
There’s a grim recognition that the worst-case scenarios are being openly discussed, not in the realm of fantasy, but as real possibilities. Many people are planning in-person voting, but there will be a greater awareness of the need to protect the right to vote. State governors have a critical role to play in preventing this scenario. They must be prepared to protect their citizens’ right to vote and resist any attempt by the federal government to undermine the democratic process.
The path ahead is uncertain, and the stakes are higher than ever. It’s a time for vigilance, for courage, and for a steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy. It is important to be aware, and to be ready to stand up for the right to vote.