Buffalo
09-06-2005, 08:14 AM
http://www.counterpunch.org/whitney09012005.html
Why were 40% of Louisiana's National Guard troops in Iraq during the hurricane season? Here is one possible explanation. . . . [excerpt]
Traditional defenses provided by the National Guard have been substantially weakened to allow the Pentagon to insert itself into domestic affairs and establish an ongoing military presence within the United States. Donald Rumsfeld has already stated that the military will play a greater role . . . .
Rumsfeld has savaged the National Guard; 40% of who are now serving in Iraq. That means, that the American people are 40% "less safe" in the event of terrorist attack or a natural disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, regardless of how one looks at it.
Rumsfeld's behavior has been identical everywhere across the country. He is determined to undermine the National Guard and limit the states' ability to protect themselves against attack. His intention is to smash America's internal defenses, which are currently under control of the states' governors, and introduce the military into homeland security. It is a clear attempt to centralize authority and further militarize the country.
By weakening America's defenses, Rumsfeld has paved the way for deploying troops and aircraft within the country and setting the precedent for a permanent military presence within the nation. It is one giant step towards direct military rule.
There is no other conceivable reason for weakening national defense during a period when there is an increased likelihood of a terrorist incident.
Why were 40% of Louisiana's National Guard troops in Iraq during the hurricane season? Here is one possible explanation. . . . [excerpt]
Traditional defenses provided by the National Guard have been substantially weakened to allow the Pentagon to insert itself into domestic affairs and establish an ongoing military presence within the United States. Donald Rumsfeld has already stated that the military will play a greater role . . . .
Rumsfeld has savaged the National Guard; 40% of who are now serving in Iraq. That means, that the American people are 40% "less safe" in the event of terrorist attack or a natural disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, regardless of how one looks at it.
Rumsfeld's behavior has been identical everywhere across the country. He is determined to undermine the National Guard and limit the states' ability to protect themselves against attack. His intention is to smash America's internal defenses, which are currently under control of the states' governors, and introduce the military into homeland security. It is a clear attempt to centralize authority and further militarize the country.
By weakening America's defenses, Rumsfeld has paved the way for deploying troops and aircraft within the country and setting the precedent for a permanent military presence within the nation. It is one giant step towards direct military rule.
There is no other conceivable reason for weakening national defense during a period when there is an increased likelihood of a terrorist incident.