The more thought I give it, the more convinced I am that all those involved in the post-Rita/Katrina gun grab should be brought up on charges. Furthermore the commanders/leaders that not only allowed it to happen but issued or forwarded the commands should be held responsible for their actions AS WELL AS those of their sub-ordinates. This was a direct, deliberate, even malicious breach of the public trust, in direct contradiction to the very Constitution that those in uniform SUPPOSEDLY swear to uphold. To me this constitutes treason, as much as it demonstrates treachery by those that we are supposed to be able to trust in emergencies! I can tell you with absolute certainty that the Guard, the State Police, or any other official organization will never be trusted completely - if at all - again. The police officer that body-tackled the old lady in her home should be charged with assault AND trespass. In fact, aggravated assault would be appropriate since all were armed and "brandishing." It was her home -HER HOME - after all; they had no warrant, no "probable cause" excuse, and as she had expressed her wishes to stay, they had no authority to forcibly evacuate her - or to remain on her property. (Remember the Constitution? Ever bothered to read it? Anyone?) In fact, if anyone gave a damned about the REAL laws, those "rescuers" are also guilty of kidnap for removing her AGAINST HER WILL from her home. She has the constitutional and GOD-GIVEN RIGHT (whether or not you choose to believe in Him) to make a wrong decision. She is a sentient being, not a sheep; a CITIZEN, not a Subject. She pays taxes and votes. Leave her alone if she says "Leave me alone"!
Many of our laws today are unconstitutional, and many of our law-enforcement agencies use illegal laws to accomplish their goals. Not just law enforcement; the whole government. (A Federal police force with nation-wide jurisdiction? Read the Constitution.) But the reality is, whether the Government has the RIGHT is irrelevant; it has the POWER. Just as that big kid in third grade had no RIGHT to your lunch money, he had the POWER to take it. You probably still, to this day, in the back of your mind distrust and resent him - that's natural. If he had worn a uniform, would that have made you feel better about him? Remember, street gangs have their "colors" and leadership ladders too, but does that make them legitimate?
The Guard and Coast Guard boats that way-laid the refugees evacuating in their private boats are guilty of piracy, just as much as those that prey on the political refugees escaping in boats from any other country. What's next, Letters of Marque to be issued, to confiscate firearms from those that would (otherwise) be self-reliant? Why stop there? Let's take their supplies of food, fuel, batteries, water. After all, ONLY the Government can make our decisions for us, and take care of us, right?
How about Janet Reno and her "party" in Waco? That has never been satisfactorily explained or justified. The whole thing seems to have been based on rumours, and the simple fact that those victims publicized their fantasy that they could "hold their own" in the event of an emergency. Apparently, such ideas are illegal to the point that they deserve the eradication of those that hold such thoughts. Our founding fathers must be real proud of Janet for proving that our Centralized Government (read the Constitution?) has the ability to totally devastate any subjects that may hold such silly fantasies. Uncle Sam apparently is the Supreme Being now. Instead of apologies or repercussions or reparations(!?!), we suddenly get "news" stories about J-Lo and idiotic acting basketball stars, and Ms. Hilton to entertain and distract us. The real shame is, it seems to work.
How sad.
Perhaps the whole insidious intent is to make sure that everyone is beholden to the "authorities" for any shred of safety that may be perceived, much as a battered woman is deeply thankful for the times that she is NOT abused.
Those who pledged their lives and resources to create a better nation for us, must now be turning in their graves like lathes!!
I love my Nation - The REPUBLIC (NOT a Democracy- READ YOUR HISTORY!) - as it was built, by some of the finest minds in history, well-versed in history and the writings of the greatest minds of THEIR history - but I am saddened by the erosion and decay of that marvelous system.
