In an article by Andrew Gumbel in The Guardian called “Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’” it is telling that these American troops do not want to be there. The subtitle adds to their concern. “Several service members told advocacy groups they felt like pawns in a political game and assignment was unnecessary.” Here are a few paragraphs:
“Troops deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order after days of protest against the Trump administration have told friends and family members they are deeply unhappy about the assignment and worry their only meaningful role will be as pawns in a political battle they do not want to join.
Three different advocacy organisations representing military families said they had heard from dozens of affected service members who expressed discomfort about being drawn into a domestic policing operation outside their normal field of operations. The groups said they have heard no countervailing opinions.
‘The sentiment across the board right now is that deploying military force against our own communities isn’t the kind of national security we signed up for,’ said Sarah Streyder of the Secure Families Initiative, which represents the interests of military spouses, children and veterans.”
Irrespective of one’s opinions about illegal immigration and possible solutions, civil protest goes hand in hand with what America is supposed to be all about. Uncivil and violent protest must be condemned by all parties. The even-handed reporting I have read notes the majority of the protesting is civil, but there are some bad apples.
Yet, the comments by the troops are telling. Do they all feel this way? I don’t know, but the advocacy group said they only heard from the more disillusioned ones.
To me, when any political body or president does not follow procedures and protocols on any issue, it usually is political. This is the first time in 60 years the National Guard was deployed without being invited in by a governor. As for the Marines, they are simply being deployed illegally as that is not their mission. The thing is the troops know that.
Illegal immigration and immigration in general are nuanced topics. They both deserve more thoughtful analysis than being given. Yet, whatever is decided, we should follow due process and procedures and protocols. The people impacted on both sides of the fence deserve this.
musingsofanoldfart 