You did not; I'm just having a bit of a depressive point in life (unemployed, no "vision", no [felt] accomplishments, etc) and almost regretful of my service: I'm not exactly "standard-issue" and doubt that my service had much lasting impact, especially my idealistic side.
Second, they are provided to protect against invasion. This article plainly discusses their use in police actions. How this is Constitutional is beyond me.
And insurrection. I have little doubt that should the armed forces be used against the general population, especially if it is only a few localities, that it will be considered insurrection and that the resultant deaths [and mistreatments] will be, like Fast and Furious, "rough spots"/"botches" in the operation.
This garbage recently where they handcuffed a bunch of drivers at an intersection to search for bank robbery suspects was a test-bed, in my opinion, to see how far the police state can stretch its legs without having too much push back from people.
Agreed. However, let up flip things around a bit: what would your reaction be if someone stepped up with say a PS-90 (50-round mag, semi-auto) and killed the police that were present? (Let's assume that he got gunned down because he was outnumbered.) Now let's change that assumption and assume that God was watching out for him and he survived without a scratch, later to claim that he was protecting his fellow-citizens and the Constitution from domestic enemies; how would you react then?
How would the general public react? (Let's ridiculously assume that the media didn't spin/edit it when presenting it.)
Therein lies the problem: the philosophy that any reaction against those in authority is wrong. (And the corollary that those in authority earned it and thus deserve respect.)
You change the enforcers from law enforcement to military with tanks and explosives, and you’re essentially permitting the imprisonment of the People BY the People (read: the military) for any purpose north of simple shoplifting, and even that might turn out the same way.
There is little to no difference between the police and military right now aside 1) uniform, and 2) possible deployment overseas. The police have already been militarized.
The Federal government’s purpose should be to protect the several States from incursion on the outside or insurrection from within barring peaceful insurrection at the ballot box.
You're making the mistake that authority = legitimate, that insurrection /= legitimate.
I think TN's Constitution says it well, Art 1, § 2:
Doctrine of non-resistance
That government being instituted for the common benefit, the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.
You start putting armed troops at polling stations and riding around conducting “checks” of cars or homes, and we’ve officially permitted Soviet Russia right in the front door with little more than a smile, a nod, and the simple question of “Will American Idol still be on Fox?”
We already experienced that; don't you remember the New Black Panther/Philadelphia polling-place incident.
We’re on the same page, Shark. I have no doubt that we would have quite the conversation over a brew.
As far as your situation, let me offer you this: I was unemployed recently for close to 6 months. I had been “on the wagon” and alcohol-free for 2 years prior to losing my job, but I fell hard off that wagon and was so despondent as to be unable to get out of bed most mornings.
I was regretful of my education, my job experience. I was feeling like how I envision most Liberals feel on the daily basis. I wanted to be a “titty baby,” as my fiancee calls it, and wanted to be coddled.
When I watched the news on a daily basis and spent the days trolling FR, it lit a fire in me to get up, get out, get motivated, and get employed. My tax dollars may go to supporting these idiots, but when the SHTF, I’ll be better armed, better prepared, and better off than any of their stinky asses.
Your service to our country is honorable, and I, for one, am proud to know you. Please keep your chin up and remember there are men and women out there working for you and with. You are in my prayers.