01-24-2013, 05:09 AM
This discussion takes us into "interesting" times.
Here is the scenario that worries me: The current tension over moves toward socialism and agitation for full disarmament of the population causes some to engage in extralegal activities to demonstrate civilian resolve. The citizens are declared armed insurrectionists with the troops and officers convinced that they need to act to maintain order. In that event, the rules change unless the declaration can immediately be shown to be illegal.
At least some of the soldiers will follow their orders while the legal case is argued in courts, congress, and state houses. Then, in the classic regulars versus civil populace sense, a few hotheads take potshots against the troops. The troops respond in self defense by returning fire injuring and killing apparently innocent civilians.
At this point we would likely see splits within the military and we might see sides being taken, with a slide into full-blown civil war.
Any sitting US president is smart enough to follow this line of reasoning to the logical conclusion. No sane president would push things so far.
Here is the scenario that worries me: The current tension over moves toward socialism and agitation for full disarmament of the population causes some to engage in extralegal activities to demonstrate civilian resolve. The citizens are declared armed insurrectionists with the troops and officers convinced that they need to act to maintain order. In that event, the rules change unless the declaration can immediately be shown to be illegal.
At least some of the soldiers will follow their orders while the legal case is argued in courts, congress, and state houses. Then, in the classic regulars versus civil populace sense, a few hotheads take potshots against the troops. The troops respond in self defense by returning fire injuring and killing apparently innocent civilians.
At this point we would likely see splits within the military and we might see sides being taken, with a slide into full-blown civil war.
Any sitting US president is smart enough to follow this line of reasoning to the logical conclusion. No sane president would push things so far.