We Need to Explain Why We Don't Want the Military as POLICE

[snot]

I'm very concerned that I hear so many commentators, including "liberals", suggesting we NEED the federal military to take control after disasters. I think many of these commentators are well-intentioned but haven't thought through the risks.

I think we need a clear, concise, compelling summary of posse comatatus etc. that we could use to educate media, gov'l reps and friends.

I can't work on this right now and hope others here may be better equipped to write something up, although I'll try to get to it later if no one else does it before I do.

[genius]

1. We could use the peace corps to take charge.

Wait, Bush cut funding for the Peace Corps.

But, you are right. Seeing those pictures of armed tanks going through New Orleans was sickening. It reminded me of Chile, 1973.

[Jon3]

2. The law itself works for me.

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.

[mattclearing]

3. Is this why Bush waited on Congress to act? n/t