“You obviously don’t realize that the entire US/Mexico border could be sealed by less than 200 Paladin howitzers (plus support & logistics).”
I am a retired army reserve officer. I am aware of what is possible.
However, unless someone can get the POTUS to order the use of force (with the backing of Congress), it isn’t going to happen. Even if the Texas Guard had “200 Paladin howitzers” available to it for its federal role...it could not legally use them for a “state” only mission. That military equipment (howitzers, tanks, even rifles....) is FEDERAL property and cannot be used without FEDERAL approval.
Friend, I am supportive of Governor Perry’s stand. He is right to keep asking - and publically - for the POTUS to act and call up the National Guard to close the border. As a governor, he cannot do this because he lacks the proper authority or real resourses.
Also, those here on FR silly enough to think a bunch of vagabond “militia” types is going to do any good are demented. No governor could trust them to follow his orders; this is NOT the 18th Century. It would be total anarchy and a dangerous situation, and that is NOT what Governor Perry is wanting.
That’s not their intent.
It’s to show that the gov is not doing its job, forcing citizens to intervene.
Sometimes its easier to ask forgiveness than permission — and in this case the Army (and Navy, and Marines) are compelled by the Constitution to prevent invasion of the states. I cannot think of a single military person who would say that the Chain-of-Command goes from the Lt. all the way up to the President… but this authority is given by another: the Constitution for the United States, to which every officer and enlisted man swears their allegiance —
| Officer | Enlisted |
|---|---|
| I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God | I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. |
Article IV, Section. 4.So, the very instrument that gives the President command (Art II, Sec 2) compels the entire federal government in this matter.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.
In short, were an officer to order him men to forcibly secure the border any order that countermanded it would be an illegal order, which he would not be bound to obey — or do you disagree? (And, if so, could you please explain why the Constitution is not law?)
Friend, I am supportive of Governor Perry’s stand. He is right to keep asking - and publically - for the POTUS to act and call up the National Guard to close the border. As a governor, he cannot do this because he lacks the proper authority or real resourses.
I'm not supportive of him. He is a poser, playing his part in kabuki — a disgustingly weak fool who is afraid to use what power he has as governor.
Also, those here on FR silly enough to think a bunch of vagabond “militia” types is going to do any good are demented.
So then you deny that the people of the states can defend themselves from invasion… interesting.
No governor could trust them to follow his orders; this is NOT the 18th Century. It would be total anarchy and a dangerous situation, and that is NOT what Governor Perry is wanting.
So you think that given both federal and state refusal to stop invasion (and indeed much evidence they are aiding it) the people have no choice but to deal with it
?
Ya think this is all show and stage? Or ya think Obama, as he's driving freight trains full of illegals in with his DHS escorts, is going to send the military to the border?
Come on...If they ever get sent to the border, it'll be to protect the illegals from angry tax payers. Tax payers who've been economically gang banged for 30+ years due to this government sponsored corruption.