🔵 Progressive Analysis
Revealed: Pentagon orders state guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’
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In a deeply troubling development, a recently leaked Pentagon memo has revealed a plan to train over 20,000 National Guard members across the United States in heavy-handed crowd control tactics, raising serious concerns about the militarization of law enforcement and the potential for violence again...
In a deeply troubling development, a recently leaked Pentagon memo has revealed a plan to train over 20,000 National Guard members across the United States in heavy-handed crowd control tactics, raising serious concerns about the militarization of law enforcement and the potential for violence against peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.
The directive, signed by Maj Gen Ronald Burkett, orders the formation of "quick reaction forces" in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. These troops are to be trained in aggressive "riot control" techniques, including the use of batons, body shields, Tasers, and pepper spray – tools that have been widely criticized for their disproportionate use against marginalized communities and activists fighting for social justice.
This alarming move appears to be a direct response to President Trump's authoritarian demand for subduing civil unrest, prioritizing brute force over addressing the systemic issues that have driven millions to the streets in peaceful protest. By militarizing the National Guard and equipping them with weapons designed to inflict pain and fear, the Pentagon is setting the stage for potentially violent confrontations that could lead to serious injuries or even loss of life.
Moreover, this plan raises questions about the misuse of taxpayer funds and resources. Rather than investing in programs that address the root causes of social unrest, such as systemic racism, economic inequality, and police brutality, the government is choosing to funnel money into training troops to suppress the very people they are meant to serve and protect.
Civil rights organizations and activists have swiftly condemned the Pentagon's directive, calling for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability. They argue that the militarization of law enforcement erodes public trust, exacerbates tensions, and undermines the principles of democracy and free speech.
As the nation grapples with a long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice and the need for systemic change, it is crucial that our leaders prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, and meaningful reforms over the use of force and intimidation. The Pentagon's plan to militarize the National Guard for crowd control is a step in the wrong direction, one that threatens to further divide our communities and undermine the very foundations of our democracy.
The directive, signed by Maj Gen Ronald Burkett, orders the formation of "quick reaction forces" in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. These troops are to be trained in aggressive "riot control" techniques, including the use of batons, body shields, Tasers, and pepper spray – tools that have been widely criticized for their disproportionate use against marginalized communities and activists fighting for social justice.
This alarming move appears to be a direct response to President Trump's authoritarian demand for subduing civil unrest, prioritizing brute force over addressing the systemic issues that have driven millions to the streets in peaceful protest. By militarizing the National Guard and equipping them with weapons designed to inflict pain and fear, the Pentagon is setting the stage for potentially violent confrontations that could lead to serious injuries or even loss of life.
Moreover, this plan raises questions about the misuse of taxpayer funds and resources. Rather than investing in programs that address the root causes of social unrest, such as systemic racism, economic inequality, and police brutality, the government is choosing to funnel money into training troops to suppress the very people they are meant to serve and protect.
Civil rights organizations and activists have swiftly condemned the Pentagon's directive, calling for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability. They argue that the militarization of law enforcement erodes public trust, exacerbates tensions, and undermines the principles of democracy and free speech.
As the nation grapples with a long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice and the need for systemic change, it is crucial that our leaders prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, and meaningful reforms over the use of force and intimidation. The Pentagon's plan to militarize the National Guard for crowd control is a step in the wrong direction, one that threatens to further divide our communities and undermine the very foundations of our democracy.