Pentagon may get involved in sniper hunt

CNN

[Dr Warmoose]

"The posse comitatus act was passed to end Reconstruction"

Directing the united States military to rape, pillage, immolate and murder civilians was Abe Lincoln's (Republican) idea.

Reconstruction was a Republican idea.

George Bush is merely following the party line.

[Demidog]

With due respect to colleagues on this board, the [notion that our armed forces can only serve in Kosovo] has outlived its usefulness.

You misspelled [constitution].

[WarSlut]

Homeland Security has no personnel, no funding and no authority. At present, Tom Ridge is merely an advisor to the President.

Refer all further questions to Tom Daschle.

Got a phone number?

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

Sadly Yes, some time ago...

[Lobbyist]

What link?

[SunStar]

Why is this not a Homeland Security Department issue instead of the Pentagon?

Because the Department of Homeland Security does not officially exist yet as part of the government. The Senate is still stalling it's creation. It cannot "issue" anything.

[El Gato]

Perhaps they are talking about National Guard troops. The Guard, when under state orders, can be used for domestic duties. Homeland Security would coordinate, if we had a Homeland Security Department, but thanks to little Tommy, we don't yet.

[texasbluebell]

Re: #4 Bingo!

[Tuor]

The only reason I can think of is if they think it is Al Qaeda related. Otherwise it doesn't make sense at all.

This is Al-Queda related in the same way that Lou Pinella is leaving the Mariners to manage a team that is closer to his family home in Tampa Bay (even though he's managed here for 10 years).

Incrimentialism: the beat goes on. Remember, it will be for our own good.

Tuor

[Mo1]

Sure looks like the feds think so. I don't think that the military would get involved if they thought the sniper went by the name "John" or "Bubba".

I agree .. this be a huge step if it was just a domestic nut case

[tiamat]

I agree that it is important to keep an eye on pentagon troops being deployed.
HOWEVER, what if this is a "training exercise", as another Freeper suggested?
Also, does it break the Constitution if the troops are merely being used in an advisory capacity to assist LE, perhaps as spotters ?
Just thinking.

Tia

[UB355]

.....Congress give the President the power to attack any nation he wishes without getting their prior approval......

Read this statement to yourself slowly.............

[El Gato]

Nevermind that it violates the constitution.

It does not. It may violate the law, but not the Constitution. Unless you can point out what part of the Consitution, by Article, section and if necessary paragraph, it violates.

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

It is so long I hate to waste band width posting it.

It can be read here in POST # 44.

[Catspaw]

A friend of mine went to the Michaels near the Home Depot on Sunday. She was terrified then. I know she's even more frightened now, if that's possible. I also have family in the area, as do any number of freepers. I want them safe. I do not want them to die at the hands of a mass murderer.

I want to find out exactly what role the military is going to play. I do know that the military has been asked to search their records for military with sniper training. Until this story is fleshed out with a few more facts, I'm not going to jump to conclusions.

Oh, and I remember the National Guard in various states being called out for the riots in 1968.

[Lokibob]

Possee Comitatus applies to ACTIVE DUTY troops. It does not apply to National Guard troops.

NG has been involved in the drug war for years.

[Henchman]

The use of Troops doesn't bother me if they are under civilian control. Usually, such "extras" can be deputized as US Marshalls.

The possibility of troops indicates the "clues" of this AM, e.g. partial plates of the "creaming" truck didn't prove out. Such possible combinations in relation to vehicles should have been run by now (he switched plates, DUH)....and perhaps it is terroristS - two subjects seen on occassion, possible second car etc etc etc

[hispanarepublicana]

Note that this "leak" comes just before authorities are due to release a sketch of last night's suspect. I'll bet the sketch won't look like a "Billy Bob" or a "Bubba," but like an "Achmed" or "Mohammed."

[Snowy]

If everyone in the area who has a camera of some sort, or a camcorder would carry them in their cars, we can get this guy or guys. Many people have a cheap camera lying on a shelf somewhere...

[concerned about politics]

Find in the constitution where the federal government is authorized to prosecute crimes other than treason, piracy and counterfeitting.

So why can't they just aid in the capture of these guys by helping the locals? Once the guys are busted, the proper athorities take them.
So why is the sky falling here?
The article says nothing about how the pentagon may be used.
I believe many are over reacting.