CNN poll about using military for domestic law enforcement

B

blackmind

Moderator
Should there be a U.S. law enforcement role for the military during domestic emergencies?
Click to expand...


This is the poll on CNN.com right now. Go here


Unfortunately, I was in the minority when I said NO. I feel that there are many grave dangers in normalizing the notion of using the military to police the citizenry, even in "emergencies." (We might be unpleasantly surprised at just how many "emergencies" would start cropping up.) :rolleyes:



-blackmind
 
as a retired military member

not No...but Hell NO! :mad:

The greatest thing that the military has to offer is thier expertise in logistics during a domestic crisis. Should only be used to augment existing civilian law enforcment agencies.
 
That's scary. That's REALLY scary.

It seems that the mentality is, "Save us! Save us! Hand feed us, and give us a bottle of milk! We are helpless--save us, big brother!"

Now is the time for vigilance. Repressive laws and authorized Government intrusion into the private lives and rights of its citizens are most likely to occur in the wake of an emergent situation.
 
As a Law Enforcement officer, I must agree with the minority. I am definitely opposed to using regular military for normal peacekeeping duties.

I have issues with the Guard being called in for wnything more then logistics, S&R, and relief efforts, but they do have the Constitutional right to enforce state law.
 
Should there be a U.S. law enforcement role for the military during domestic emergencies?
Yes 53% 54871 votes

No 47% 47862 votes

As of noon Eastern time.
 
"The sheep have spoken....


forgive them, for they know not what they do..."


As have the supercilious, haughty name callers.

You dont have to agree with them, but if you cannot treat others with respect, expect the same in return.

The military brings a skill set and ability to coordinate activities that domestic LE will never have, and vice versa. The alternative is a national police force, and would'nt THAT just thrill us. If they can do something better than the extant system let'em at it.
 
As have the supercilious, haughty name callers.
Click to expand...

No flame, but a question.

I can see and understand the role the military could play in a natural disaster of Biblical proportions--such as Hurricane Katrina.

I can NOT see where the military could have ANY role in an emergency such as a flu pandemic.
 
I can see and understand the role the military could play in a natural disaster of Biblical proportions--such as Hurricane Katrina.
Click to expand...
Agreed. For Search, Rescue and Humanitarian Aid only. When US Soldiers start pointing guns at Law Abiding US Citizens as a matter of course, the balloon will have truly gone up.
Rich
 
Not that i expected any better from the geral public...

Didn't Kruschev say that the american people would vote themselves into socialism?

On that:
I hear often that with a Republican controlled House, Senate, and Presidency; ‘they’ still have not ‘done anything’.

Really?

They have legalized detaining persons indefinitely and secretly without charges or trial. (by declaring them an ‘enemy combatant’)

They have enacted sweeping consolidations of power to within the central government and brought most of the government under direct control of the President by restructuring most agencies and bureaus under the DHS, and federalized many formerly private industries/functions (i.e. airport security) under the Oval Office.

They have eliminated your property rights by allowing to go unchallenged the Kelo decision, which makes it legal for your local, state, or federal government to confiscate your property for their own financial gain.

They have brought under control virtually all interactions involving exchange of materials, no matter how small or personal, even that which is completely INTRAstate, by declaring that all exchanges can ‘affect INTERstate commerce’ and therefore can be regulated as INTERstate commerce.

Isn’t that enough? Is there anything left?

Yes, just one more thing:

The President now wants to remove that pesky Posse Comitatus Act restriction so that he can use the military for domestic security duties.

All we need is some Democrat in office to take advantage of the next "gun tragedy" and enact a sweeping ban and our coffin is prepared.

C-
 
You dont have to agree with them, but if you cannot treat others with respect, expect the same in return.
Click to expand...

What disrespect.

The federalist papers abound with the dangers of the standing army. People who do not concern themselves with Government or freedom will lose freedom. History shows us this.
 
sendec said:
"The sheep have spoken....


forgive them, for they know not what they do..."


As have the supercilious, haughty name callers.

You dont have to agree with them, but if you cannot treat others with respect, expect the same in return.

The military brings a skill set and ability to coordinate activities that domestic LE will never have, and vice versa. The alternative is a national police force, and would'nt THAT just thrill us. If they can do something better than the extant system let'em at it.
Click to expand...


Right on cue... :rolleyes:

The fedgov is the solution to all problems.

All together now:

"MORE POWER TO THE ALMIGHTY STATE! IT SEES ALL! IT KNOWS ALL! IT DOES ALL! IT SHOULD BE DEFERRED TO FOR THE SOLUTION TO ANY AND ALL PROBLEMS!!" :barf:



-blackmind
 
VERY Bad Idea

Eghad: As another multi-decade military retiree, I fully agree with you.

Rich: I would respectfully add logistics support -- in the broadest sense -- to your list. This, however, does not alter your fundamental point: It is inappropriate for Armed Forces personnel to act in law enforcement rolls on US territory. The USCG is a legitimate exception, since it is empowered both by Title 8 USC (law enforcement) and Title 10 USC (Armed Forces), and its area of operations is generally limited to the littoral.
 
Not if they repeal this.

20 Stat. L., 145

June 18, 1878

CHAP. 263 - An act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine, and for other purposes.

SEC. 15. From and after the passage of this act it shall not be lawful to employ any part of the Army of the United States, as a posse comitatus, or otherwise, for the purpose of executing the laws, except in such cases and under such circumstances as such employment of said force may be expressly authorized by the Constitution or by act of Congress; and no money appropriated by this act shall be used to pay any of the expenses incurred in the employment of any troops in violation of this section And any person willfully violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be punished by fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding two years or by both such fine and imprisonment.

10 U.S.C. (United States Code) 375

Sec. 375. Restriction on direct participation by military personnel:

The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to ensure that any activity (including the provision of any equipment or facility or the assignment or detail of any personnel) under this chapter does not include or permit direct participation by a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps in a search, seizure, arrest, or other similar activity unless participation in such activity by such member is otherwise authorized by law.

18 U.S.C. 1385

Sec. 1385. Use of Army and Air Force as posse comitatus

Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of
Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or the Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to
execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
 
The federalist papers abound with the dangers of the standing army. People who do not concern themselves with Government or freedom will lose freedom. History shows us this.
Click to expand...


Well, from sendec's point of view (as an LEO), he's not worried about losing his rights: the oppressors hold their boots to the throats of the people, but still get to do what they want.


-blackmind
 
The military could play a critical role in a flu pandemic: the armed forces institute of pathology and the Army infectious disease institute are pre-eminent in the field of combatting widespread disease- it is their raison d'etre. The military chemical corp is expert in decon and detection. Who better to handle a widespread outbreak of infectious disease, along with APHIS and CDC?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top