Using Military During Time Of Unrest

[stash]

There is an article in the El Paso Times newspaper (elpasotimes.com) this morning captioned "Unrest caused by bad economy may require military action, report says". I wish I had the ability to transfer that article here so you could read it but I don't know how to do that. Basically the article indicates a report was done which indicates the military could assist LEO's in the event of unrest in the country due to the failing economy. My question is, is there a point that we as CHL'ers lose our rights to carry because of "unrest" and is it the feds or the state that dictate that we cannot carry?

[Jeff B.]

Maybe a lawyer or someone else with in depth knowledge of the law will chime in...

My impression is that before the Federal Government can declare 'Martial Law" in an area, there must be a request from the Office of the Governor of the affected state. Once "Martial Law" is put in place, I believe the military Commander on the ground has the ability & authority to put such rules in place to assist in the restoration of order and general public safety (which could include suspension of CHL privlidges or firearms possession).

I'm not sure of what ability the Governor (Perry in our case) has to either rescind or suspend CHL privlidge or firearms possession in case of emergency... Anybody?

Jeff B.

[M9FAN]

Interesting...

[Mike1951]

Interesting article here:

http://www.homelandsecurity.org/journal ... ilcock.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rex B]

Very interesting, Mike. Thanks for posting that.

[casingpoint]

McClatchy-Tribune Information Sources:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_11326744? ... ost_viewed" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RiveraRa]

Well why not?! They are already in California.

http://www.duiblog.com/2008/12/16/here- ... oadblocks/

Might as well put them to good use. Ehhh, Posse Comitatus...that was so 1800's.

</sarcasm>

[E10]

Dr. Boehmer of the University of Texas at El Paso said it best: "The military always has contingency plans. It's a think tank's job to come up with scenarios, but that doesn't mean it represents an active interest on the part of the (Pentagon)."

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Originalist]

Posse Coma....something Act prevents military police from enforcing civilian laws. The president (w/ approval from congress) can declare martial law during times of emergency or severe civil unrest. What martial law does is makes EVERYONE subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Meaning the Commander on the ground can issue lawful orders and detain/arrest violators to be tried in federal court.

Keep in mind I am very rusty on this issue, nor am I read up on it since Technical Training so I could be a little off base, but not far



Edit: I assume Governors/State Ligislature have similar powers over the national guard

[Locksmith]

. .

[Fangs]

So, uh, what happened in Louisiana?

[stevie_d_64]

So, uh, what happened in Louisiana?

Touche'!!!

Allow me to throw some cold water on all of this...

Does anyone really believe that in the event of economic collapse and civil unrest that our government is going to have the time and lack of judgment to expend time and effort to assign people to enforce the bearing of arms (whether it is licenced or illegal carry)???

After the lessons learned from that natural disaster in Louisiana a few years ago...

Now I believe anything can be said and done at that point, but I am sure none of us will be surprised by much at that particular time...

[Aric]

I was always one who was against military use on US soil. But the more I think about it. IF the US had another "Great Depression" Certain segments of our population are spoiled and I think we would have riots and such. Not so much in the South but I believe that in those democrat controlled areas (IE, Chicago, Detroit, Boston... New Orleans ... etc) they could not handle themselves like the Americans of the 30's, heck they get mad when the internet gets cut off imagine if they had to go to soup lines. Its one of those things me and my uncle where discussing over Christmas dinner.

[Liberty]

I was always one who was against military use on US soil. But the more I think about it. IF the US had another "Great Depression" Certain segments of our population are spoiled and I think we would have riots and such. Not so much in the South but I believe that in those democrat controlled areas (IE, Chicago, Detroit, Boston... New Orleans ... etc) they could not handle themselves like the Americans of the 30's, heck they get mad when the internet gets cut off imagine if they had to go to soup lines. Its one of those things me and my uncle where discussing over Christmas dinner.

Having come from Massachussettss, and very much disliking the political climate particularly in Boston. I think you underestimate the strength and stoicism of those people. I dare say that it is is a trait of those people not to over react to much of anything.