Most people, including conservatives, still believe it was okay for “federal agents” to use military equipment against civilians. As far as I’m concerned, a federal agent IS the military. There were no letter agencies when the constitution was being written.
“Most people, including conservatives, still believe it was okay for “federal agents” to use military equipment against civilians.”
Huh? Conservatives?
There were no "letter agencies" when the Posse Comitatus Act was originally written. Under the "if it walks like a duck" principle, if a federal agent is carrying military-type weapons and gear, and has had military-type training, then he is military.