PCA Forums

hmmmmmmm.........

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... Nov20.html

not so sure I like this idea.

I don't see the problem. Sounds like a good idea.

Do you seriously think we have to worry about a military coup in THIS country?

This country is under siege. We're going to have to learn to live with terrorism like the Israelis have. Some things are going to have to change.

Already regional SAC commanders have the authority to shoot down airliners CARRYING AMERICAN CIVILIANS if they pose a threat. Not nice to think about, but it's a reasonable precaution in light of what occurred. Hate to by the poor bastard who has to launch a missile at a civilian aircraft, but it might be necessary someday.

........it usually starts by the military getting people to think just like you.

So I guess you don't think we need to have them spell out EXACTLY what they plan on doing, how far reaching this authority will be and whether it's just a temporary measure or not?

I wonder how long it'll take for this to mutate from a "Homeland Defense" to a "Government Oppression" force?

I'm guessing however long it takes for a Democrat to be elected President.

(Many CONSERVATIVE columnists have been jumping on Dubya for the military tribunals and other attacks on liberty. I'm worried too, if this gets out of hand.)

What bothers me about it is that they waited till now to do it

The troops are already in place, there should at least be a unified command and some kind of central organization.

Dirk: You need to get a grip on reality. Do you see black helicopters in your sleep? BTW, there was opposition to the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's on the grounds that it was a para-military force that Roosevelt might use as an army to create a dictatorship.... The Republic endured that threat. Otherwise, I guess some things never change.

I think that the greatest threat of a military coup in the U.S. existed at the height of the cold war. It wasn't much of a threat then and I don't think there is much of a threat now.

Originally posted by VidmanII
So I guess you don't think we need to have them spell out EXACTLY what they plan on doing, how far reaching this authority will be and whether it's just a temporary measure or not?

Every CINC's position has a clearly defined "job description".

I think one is needed, and would approve of one only if his "job description" was clear. (ie...protect the people of the United States). Besides anyone who was in the service and took the oath knows that you are to protect the United States from enemies both foreign and domestic.

My concern is that we have this little thing called a Constitution and a Bill of Rights, and when peeps start playing fast and loose with them I get a little alarmed. After all they were created in order that all the branches had a systematic series of checks and balances. Having the military all of sudden think that they are the most qualified to administer it, runs counter to the aforementioned balances of power as laid out in the Constitution.

Remember Nixon?

The Constitution is an outdated document written by a bunch of evil white men.

People have the right to own a firearm. That's terrible! <img src="http://sbp777.homestead.com/files/bawling.gif">

-some lefty

You must remember that to have a Coup you must not only have a leader you must have followers. The average enlisted man would support a coup against this country about as much as he would support putting Bill Clinton back into office. That is what makes our military what it is, the soldiers are still very much part of the public. You may not understand what I mean unless you have been enlisted.

The Machiavellian thought process argued against a full time army, he felt they would grow restless and revolt during times of peace, something that did happen quite often in the times of mercenaries. Something that the US does very well is keep it's forces busy during times of peace and allows them to be normal citizens as much as possible.

glass

The US has a General for golf courses. Why not have one for homeland defence eh?

In essence, there is already a homeland defence. It's called the National Guard. I just don't see a coup happening , there are too many "common people in the military, and the civilian side to let that happen. For evey position of power that the military has, their is a civilian one as well. Ie, Chairman Joint Chief Of Staff is controlled by the Secretary Of Defense. It's a well balanced system. It's worked this long, so I believe it will work. Every other Military in the world has some sort of "homeland defense", why not us.

There is also a homeland defense known as the Air National Guard. In fact, since we thought the end of the cold war removed any chance of air attack on the continental US, the Air National Guard was our primary means of US air defense on Sept. 11.

Having the military all of sudden think that they are the most qualified to administer it, runs counter to the aforementioned balances of power as laid out in the Constitution.

Ummm, which article did you read? Because the one you posted said nothing about letting the military run the courts or interpret the constitution. But thanks for raising the paranoia flag yet again. That seems to be something PCA is good at...