Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Ferguson dilemma: Was calling up National Guard the right move?
CSM ^ | 11/18/2014 | By Mark Trumbull

Posted on 11/18/2014 2:21:38 PM PST by SeekAndFind

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s decision to activate his state’s National Guard is being welcomed by some in the St. Louis area as a wise precaution for public safety, but others warn will only antagonize already fragile race relations.

The sharply divided responses follow Governor Nixon’s announcement of the National Guard callup Monday, a move tied to a grand jury decision, expected in the next two weeks, that could touch off a new round of protests in Ferguson, Mo.

The grand jury is weighing whether to indict police officer Darren Wilson on charges related to his fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, in the St. Louis suburb on Aug. 9.

Ferguson has been rocked by demonstrations against what protesters say was an unprovoked and tragic death. The FBI issued a bulletin warning of that violence by some “extremist” protesters could follow the grand jury announcement.

Some leaders in St. Louis voice worries that the Guard callup will backfire.

St. Louis Alderman Antonio French said in a Twitter update Tuesday:

"It's hard to keep people calm when officials use phrases like "state of emergency", "precipice of pandemonium" & urge stocking up on water."

— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) November 18, 2014

On Monday, he said that “military presence in my city will mark a historic failure” on the part of government.

(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; US: Missouri
KEYWORDS: ferguson; jaynixon; kenyanbornmuzzie; michaelbrown; missouri; nationalguard; waronterror
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-37 next last

1 posted on 11/18/2014 2:21:39 PM PST by SeekAndFind
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Anthony Gray, an attorney for Brown’s family, accused Nixon on CNN of “preparing for war,” and said he hoped the move won’t create conflict by provoking a reaction.


2 posted on 11/18/2014 2:22:10 PM PST by SeekAndFind (If at first you don't succeed, put it out for beta test.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Not if you don’t give them ammunition, or give them a burdensome ROE.


3 posted on 11/18/2014 2:23:43 PM PST by DCBryan1 (No realli, moose bytes can be quite nasti!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

He had no choice. But he could have been a bit more circumspect. I would advise all local law abiding citizens and business owners to be well prepared even with the guard mobilized.


4 posted on 11/18/2014 2:24:36 PM PST by jwalsh07
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

National Guard will be used to keep the Homeland Security Army from instigating some rioting. What the hell are they there for anyway? Protect our homeland, head south to the damn Mexican border and enforce a law or two


5 posted on 11/18/2014 2:24:57 PM PST by shadeaud (Be strong when you are weak and stand up for our Constitution.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: DCBryan1

Absolutely the right move. Shoot to kill orders for looting too.


6 posted on 11/18/2014 2:25:01 PM PST by refermech
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Another situation where they were going to be wrong no matter what they chose. Too early, according to some, is a provocation. Too late, they are castigated for “not being prepared” or “they should have known.” The governor chose to err on the side of caution, seems prudent to me.


7 posted on 11/18/2014 2:25:22 PM PST by T-Bird45 (It feels like the seventies, and it shouldn't.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

“It’s hard to keep people calm when officials use phrases ...’

It’s up to people to keep THEMSELVES calm. If they can’t....


8 posted on 11/18/2014 2:25:35 PM PST by TalBlack (Evil doesn't have a day job.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Yeah, we don’t want to make them mad! or madderer /s


9 posted on 11/18/2014 2:25:53 PM PST by TexasCajun
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Only with live ammo and a ‘no bullshit’ ROE .. otherwise it’ll be one very chilly circlejerk.


10 posted on 11/18/2014 2:28:23 PM PST by tomkat (cynicism helps fight truth decay)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

He got ahead of the situation; that’s usually a good move.


11 posted on 11/18/2014 2:28:52 PM PST by JimRed (Excise the cancer before it kills us; feed & water the Tree of Liberty! TERM LIMITS NOW & FOREVER!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind
All this because Dorion Johnson, Michael's thug partner, posted a video full of "Hands Up" lies!

The slime ball has since told the police Michael attached officer Darren Wilson.

12 posted on 11/18/2014 2:28:54 PM PST by TexasCajun
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

The FBI warned there would be violence after the Grand Jury decision, thereby, giving permission.


13 posted on 11/18/2014 2:29:44 PM PST by depressed in 06 (America conceived in liberty, dies in slavery.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

There has been months of rioting, looting, and property destruction. “Protesters” have been “training” and threatening more of the same if the Grand Jury doesn’t return an indictment. These protestors have no just cause. They are a lynch mob.

I see nothing wrong with being prepared to put down any disorder. Hopefully a show of force is all it takes, but if the mob wants more give it to them. I don’t care if they get a face full of lead.


14 posted on 11/18/2014 2:30:48 PM PST by Ray76 (We must destroy the Uniparty or be destroyed by them.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

“...but others warn [activating the National Guard] will only antagonize already fragile race relations.”

Based on the population make-up of that state, I’m thinking a good chunk of the National Guard is of color. Am I wrong?

This whole thing is SO out of hand. Curfews, arrests, water cannons, dogs - whatever - just tamp it down immediately!

As someone who lived through the absolute TRASHING of our beautiful State Capitol Building during Scott Walker’s recall election by the Rent-A-Thugs, I wish MORE would’ve been done during those 18 months of HELL.

The only GOOD thing to come out of it was that the Capitol Police Chief was fired. But, that was after the damage was already done...


15 posted on 11/18/2014 2:30:53 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: TexasCajun

RE: The slime ball has since told the police Michael attached officer Darren Wilson.

Hmmm... this is new to me. Do you have a link for that? Thanks.


16 posted on 11/18/2014 2:35:32 PM PST by SeekAndFind (If at first you don't succeed, put it out for beta test.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

“Was calling up National Guard the right move?”

Only if they are issued an ample supply of ammunition and authorized to use it to stop criminals.


17 posted on 11/18/2014 2:35:56 PM PST by Iron Munro (DHS has the same headcount as the US Marine Corps with twice the budget)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: refermech

To just see the main stream news, it looks like only the blacks are upset and rioting... but they interviewed some black business owners in Ferguson and they are SICK of this, too.


18 posted on 11/18/2014 2:38:29 PM PST by buffyt (EBOLA CZAR says Overpopulation is the biggest threat to mankind Call the village we found your idiot)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin

Is there any sign the lefty thugs are starting to relent? You guys deserve a lllllllooooooonnnnnnnnggggggg break from that evil crap.


19 posted on 11/18/2014 2:38:53 PM PST by txhurl (2014: Stunned Voters do Stunning Things!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

This psychological build-up will result in an indictment of Officer Wilson. Think ‘OJ Simpson’ verdict all over again.


20 posted on 11/18/2014 2:44:18 PM PST by Obama_Is_Sabotaging_America
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-37 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson