Like millions of other Americans, I am stunned and vigilant after the events surrounding September 2009’s G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, PA. I am trying very hard not to jump to conclusions about any of the video clips I have watched, because I suppose part of me is yet hopeful that at least a few of these are staged by students or Anarchists to stir up trouble. However, when I see the overwhelming amount of video footage streaming in and I see what look to be police and military taking action covertly with one another and in some cases right in the open, I am not put at ease. Not everything could be ’staged’ for our eyes. In fact, I’m wondering why the President of the United States is not immediately demanding answers from his Chiefs of Staff and discussing the Posse Comitatus Act.
But I really need not wonder. Most of me knows that we are seeing history repeat itself, but even I could not have predicted the changes we are seeing coming so fast and so furious.
Posse Comitatus states:
“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.”
In addition, Title 10 of the United States Code (concerning the regulation of the armed forces and Department of Defense) states:
“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.”
The only exceptions to Posse Comitatus are when National Guard are called by a state governor, when the President of the United States orders use of the military “as a result of a natural disaster, epidemic, or other serious public health emergency, terrorist attack or incident, or other condition” (Swine Flu anyone?), or the Attorney General has certain and specific powers to ask for assistance in the case of a nuclear threat.
Where are we heading after Pittsburgh? I can’t help but wonder, but I can tell you this much: the anger I see from the ranks of university students after these events have been plastered across YouTube is not going to go away. Is this part of the plan? Is this instigation so even more and worse force might be used at the next “event” along the lines of a G20? Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m not a betting man, so I’ll save my money today.
I am sad for the U.S. Republic right now. We are witnessing something historical and evil, I believe, seeing the snakes come out from under the floorboards at long last. Be prepared for anything, folks.
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