The state of Arkansas was actively defying federal law, and was using state agencies such as the state police to deny people of their Constitutionally protected rights.
Just like the MP’s helping to watch over a small part of a crime scene that stretched over two counties, and four towns is different than what happened in Arkansas.
As I said before, the MP’s were not there to enforce laws. They did not assume patrol duties from the civil authorities. They were not doing traffic stops, issuing tickets, questioning witnesses, or making arrests.
Now with that said, do I agree with federal laws being enforced at bayonet point? No.
Do I agree with the state denying the rights of those students? No.
But I do understand the use of federal troops in the case of Arkansas because the governor would or could refuse federalization of the state's National Guard for one. Second, the state National Guard troops would more than likely share the same sentiments as the governor, and the local agencies, and thus are unreliable.
Who is left to protect the rights of Americans if state agencies are corrupted as they were in Arkansas?
“As I said before, the MP’s were not there to enforce laws. They did not assume patrol duties from the civil authorities. They were not doing traffic stops, issuing tickets, questioning witnesses, or making arrests.
Now with that said, do I agree with federal laws being enforced at bayonet point? No.”
I’m not really taking a stand on any of this, you and I might even be in agreement I just like to remind people that none of this Posse Comitatus type stuff is as clear and settled as some people like to pretend (not you).
We seem to be in the earliest stages of these discussions here at FR and it is no wonder, it is a very difficult subject and especially with the mix of differing theories and actual history.
Here is an enlightening forum discussion by military police and other law enforcement, even they are having a difficult time sorting out this issue although they seem to be getting somewhere as regards MPs.
“Powers of MPs in the States”
http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37488&page=6