[gulf1609]

I wonder if the military even has the power to forcibly remove people from their home. If Blanco does not turn over control I don't think the troops can forcibly do anything but rescue and help. The National Guard and police (who might be in Vegas by now) would have to do the forcing.

[Loyal Buckeye]

I agree. The troops can, however, "show" force just by being present in the neighborhoods. I'm also sure they can return fire if fired upon.

The only thing they can't do is arrest people.

[AppyPappy]

I wonder if the military even has the power to forcibly remove people from their home.

The police should handle this. We don't want to start a precedent.

[RGSpincich]

If Blanco does not turn over control I don't think the troops can forcibly do anything but rescue and help

The reporter said that Nagin has authorized the military to forcibly remove residents. Military says, "What's a Nagin?"

[TaxRelief]

At this point, only Blanco can order the Louisiana National Guard to "forcibly remove" people.

[Sacajaweau]

I don't think the military have the power to remove folks. I don't believe they have police powers, just protection powers.

[.cnI redruM]

Two issues here.

1) Chain of Command. If they follow orders from Mayor Nagin, they get in trouble for accepting orders from a legally valid issuer.

2) Posse Comitatus (huked on fonix werked fer me) - Soldiers under Federal Command are specifically forbidden from serving as local police forces.

[CDHart]

According to Fox News yesterday, the N.O. police are being replaced by federal marshals. I'll bet they won't have qualms about moving people out. Remember Ruby Ridge?

Carolyn

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

I was wondering how the dems would use the forcing of black residents out of Republicans in the next election. Smart choice to allow some other local agency to do the dirty work.

[blinachka]

Unlessn martial law is declared (something ONLY the Congress can do) people cannot be forcibly removed from their homes. Only the Governor of the state has the power to ask Congfress to declare martial law and she must be asked by the Mayor to do so. He may have asked but she hasn't done it therefore making it moot.

These politicians down in Louisiana are a bunch of incompetent fools. They prove it more and more each day.

[golfisnr1]

The military cannot do policing action in the US.
Its called posse camatatis. I really think that the Governor and the Mayor are acting under the orders of the DNC. They are trying to get G Bush to commit an impeachable offense.