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What do you think of the president’s warning that he would invoke the Insurrection Act to stop violence during protests?

 

 

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If the mayors and governors do not protect the citizens then the president has to.

Submitted by daleal63 : Jun 4, 2020 2:31pm

Bunker Boy seems to be doing all he can do to exacerbate the situation while walling himself off from the American people. The police have been the most violent of all, beating non-violent protestors and reporters exercising their Constitutional rights and pulling innocent passerbys from cars and bike to beat them with clubs, shooting non-violent protestors in the head with rubber bullets and deliberately hitting them in their faces with teargas canisters.

They need to let the protests play out, arrest looters, but leave nonviolent protestors alone. It is already calming as charges were filed against the four thugs who murdered George Floyd. We need to come out of this in the future with more robust policing of the police.

Submitted by songbookz : Jun 4, 2020 3:14pm

Hey BUNKER BOY SONGBOOKZ, in case you have been asleep since you were born and therefore, unaware of the rules protecting the President of the United States, this is to enlighten you and other liberals! ANYTIME the Secret Service guarding the President of the United States determines his life is in jeopardy he is guided to the bunker; he isn't asked for his opinion or given an explanation, and the President CANNOT refuse their offer! Next time you open your mouth before engaging your brain, check your facts! And by the way, the President of the United States isn't referred to as "bunker boy"; he is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Services and the President of the United States of America; even if he isn't black or a woman!
The Constitution of the United States doesn't provide ANY rights to anyone destroying or stealing private property, desecrating United States monuments, or threatening or causing bodily harm to ANY individual! The police and/or the activated National Guard or elements of the Army, have the right to stop people who are RIOTING with whatever non-lethal methods possible. Obviously you are one of those who was rioting or else you were sick those days in grade school they taught these important things about the United States. Protesting is NOT RIOTING!

Submitted by breachplug : Jun 4, 2020 3:45pm

Breachplug you are spot on. This survey rang my chimes and the good folks at the American are doing a great job of pitting veteran's against veterans.

Each member of the American Legion is entitled to their First Amendment right, but the American Legion that speaks for all of us needs to be more guarded than this.

Submitted by Monte.Simpson : Jun 4, 2020 4:06pm

The President must be called into action by the state legislature or by the Governor and then he must provide his intentions to the people. If these two things are done, I support it.

Submitted by ilove2sail : Jun 4, 2020 3:38pm

Wrong, the President can active the Army to put down riots as they are occurring now, WITHOUT prior approval of the legislature or governors. Maybe you are too young to remember the riots in Watts, CA. when the Army was employed to put that riot down.

Submitted by breachplug : Jun 4, 2020 3:49pm

To my knowledge the President has not called up the Army, some governors have called up the National Gard.

Submitted by ilove2sail : Jun 4, 2020 5:02pm

Summer of 68 the riots were referred to as riots.

Submitted by freedumbsenior : Jun 4, 2020 7:40pm

I do not hear or see any outcries for the people who have been murdered, injured, maimed and hospitalized by the rioters.

Submitted by ilove2sail : Jun 4, 2020 3:43pm

I agree, the liberal weenies in the press selectively cover the news they want to use to brainwash the masses.

Submitted by freedumbsenior : Jun 4, 2020 7:38pm

This President is not a leader. He continually has his mouth overrun his brain. The use of military force is only used as a last resort and should not be used against American citizens using their Constitutional Right to Free Speech, and the use of tear gas/flash bombs/mounted troops to push back peaceful protesters so he can stage a political photo op, and he had to look at the bible that his daughter handed him to make sure he had it right side up is ridiculous. He is hiding behind an inner and outer fence with armed guards like the dictator he wants to look like. The poll numbers show his failing programs mostly due to the false rhetoric that flows out of his mouth. He needs to be totally blocked off Twitter and other sites that he is blaming for his own short comings.

Submitted by dnimo : Jun 4, 2020 3:54pm

So sad to hear you say these things about our president, you do have free speech are you a person that kicks another person when he's down. Our president Trump has been kicked from the beginning but he has not fallen away and he has still got a lot accomplished.

Submitted by bermanh2006 : Jun 4, 2020 9:59pm

Legionnaires need to thank our wise retired Generals to halt this action, you do not send our armed forces into an area saturated with potential COVID-19 virus carrying people. When we see the number of COVID-19 cases possibly in three weeks we will respect the knowledge of retired smart Generals. Will not be our armed forces that are sick.

Submitted by Marvin25 : Jun 5, 2020 11:31am

These bunch of wise Generals are undermining our nation. The riots are a terror campaign similar in tactics used by terrorists who strap explosives to children, set to go off when picked up. They use protestors, who are complicit, as a smoke screen as their shock solders weave in, do their damage, then disappear into the crowd (smoke). It's forced authoritarian socialism by provoking civil direst and fear. The masks are intended to depersonalize individuals. The Defunded/disbanded police is the tool that will be used to create a NAZI Style SS. ANTIFA was created by Soviet Russia, utilized by Mussolini (Fascism) and by Hitler to convince the masses of their need for the NAZI rule. Marxism does not support allegiance to anything but the state. They will, and are, dismantling our military as well.

I have been pleading for Trump to declare war powers for 2 years- saw this coming, saw the pandemic coming as well.

Useful idiots all feel they will be positioned if they kneel when we are conquered. Useful idiots have no understanding that they have given up all their integrity and will not be trusted, considering how easily they cowered.

Submitted by sgtcruz : Jul 2, 2020 2:27pm

Every American Legion member should really refuse to respond to this survey. It is either wrongfully or ignorantly worded improperly. What on earth are you thinking in the American Legion thinking? We deserve a response to that question.

The insurrection act as the discussions goes is not to put down lawful protests. IT IS TO PUT DOWN UNLAWFUL RIOTING OR DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE? Every American has the right to protest, you know like throwing the tea into Boston Harbor. Every American has no right to pillage and plunder. No American has the right to destroy a fellow American's right to earn a living and support their family.

This survey is more about stirring up trouble than evoking thought. You get maggie's drawers on this survey.

Submitted by Monte.Simpson : Jun 4, 2020 4:00pm

Legionnaires need to thank our wise retired Generals to halt this action, you do not send our armed forces into an area saturated with potential COVID-19 virus carrying people. When we see the number of COVID-19 cases possibly in three weeks we will respect the knowledge of retired smart Generals. Will not be our armed forces that are sick.

Submitted by Marvin25 : Jun 5, 2020 11:33am

keep the legion non political!!

Submitted by kwhitson930 : Jun 4, 2020 4:54pm

Could not have agreed more with Monte Simpson ! If the governors and mayors demonstrate lack of ability to handle situation, what recourse do everyday citizens have ? A ragtag group of untrained unorganized armed citizens reacting to any little noise in the dark ! A dangerous recipe !!!

Submitted by hmdii47 : Jun 4, 2020 4:57pm

When the President is telling peaceful protesters he's their ally and at the same time tear gassing them and shooting rubber bullets at them. I am appalled!! I agree with comments made by General Mattis that our military is not for American citizens. Seems to me the Governor's are handling the situation just fine now.

Submitted by da505 : Jun 4, 2020 6:23pm

As our President shows leadership he has offed to the State Governors the assistance of the military reinforcements if needed. When other Presidents have used the military to squelch violent riots going after looters and rock throwers. In a peaceful protest you don't throw rocks or things at the police AND EXPECT THEM TO STAND AND TAKE IT. Protest means WORDS, SITTING DOWN, AND USING SIGN'S. The problem is that outsiders are being bussed into the area and are infiltrating a peaceful protest and using them as shields and throwing rocks and such. Peaceful protesters need to call them and exclude them as they are not there for PEACEFUL PROTEST. And they put those that are doing it constitutional protest in danger by association. Talking,Yelling and Singing is OK and allowed. But THROWING ROCKS and stuff at the police. They will and should get arrested and tell it to the judge. May the good lord guide us and protect us from harm and violence.

GOD BLESS AMERICA HOME OF THE BRAVE AND LAND OF THE FREE.

Submitted by Paul C. Rodriguez : Jun 4, 2020 7:19pm

What, you don’t like “Bunker Boy” nickname? Have you called out President Trump whenever he uses demeaning nicknames towards others? Every MP has to learn about Posse Comitatus - despite what President Donald J. Trump, A.K.A, Bunker Boy, wishes were true, we are not a banana republic. Any attempted use of the Insurrection Act of 1807 by Bunker Boy is a cause for great concern that he is attempting to subvert the Constitution.

Submitted by grady_rose2000 : Jun 4, 2020 7:33pm

Long overdue, God Bless the President and God Bless the USA. All rights to protest are surrendered with the first object thrown or stolen.

Submitted by freedumbsenior : Jun 4, 2020 7:35pm

Trump is the great divider. Ask yourself why thousands of current and former federal prosecutors have signed on with their criticism and warning regarding Cadet Bonespurs. Now hundreds of former military leaders have begun to speak out regarding the threat to our democracy that Trump escalates nearly every day.

Wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by jsmella : Jun 4, 2020 9:47pm

I read the comment about the man hiding in his bunker and he is exacerbating the problem with the bad police. Sounds to me as have a communist in our midst.

Submitted by hanskruithoff : Jun 4, 2020 9:49pm

While I respect the office of President and think the action of deploying the military as a last resort to restore law and order to the "protests", which have been allowed to run amok, is a proper use of the military. I also think Trump should keep in mind the saying, "It's better to remain silent and thought of as dull than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." He should consider his words and hold his tongue more often. Insulting and belittlement of ones piers isn't a proper coarse of action for the president, and he should remember those other folks ARE his piers, not HIS employees, but OURS. Just as he is. He should be concerned that he's not a very considerate employee of his constituents, US, and that while we respect the office unconditionally, he is not given the same latitude. Respect is earned, not owed or freely given in our country. That's part of what makes us free, the right to decide what is and isn't acceptable. Protesting is a right, rioting, looting, assaulting others and especially our police officers who are only doing their jobs and protecting the protesters as well as the rest of the public is not a right. It is a crime and should be treated as such. If people act like animals they warrant being treated as animals, rabid dogs are shot down for the good of the public. If you can't treat others with proper respect then you don't deserve respect yourself.

I don't like Trump, but that's my opinion, which I have a right to. I won't belittle the office which he holds because he won't have it for long in the grand scheme of things and I respect the office. He needs to be a better man and since he choose to step into the world of politics he needs to learn how to be more of a diplomat, more gracious and more respectful of others. He is after all representing us all as a people and I'd hate for the rest of the world to think we were all stupid a**holes who don't think of others.

I believe these "protests" have been allowed to go in the wrong direction and should, for the good of the many who have been made to suffer for someone else's bad behavior, be called on to stop.

Before anyone says anything about me, I'm old enough to remember the civil rights movement, being bussed as a child into the projects to "achieve racial equality" in our schools and the riots of the 60s and 70s. I'm not racist, I've welcomed folks of different races into my family and consider them as my family. I'm not prejudiced but old enough and wise enough to judge things for myself. When people blindly follow what the media has to say without considering the source or they're possible agendas we're heading down a road that can't end well for any of us.

Think before you act and act like your family may have to pay the price. The Legion is a family is it not? I'm proud to have served and sincerely hope this letter will serve to help the peace.

Submitted by MarkAMitchell : Jun 4, 2020 10:02pm

The president has ordered measures to be taken to keep Americans safe, and in doing so, protecting us from ourselves. Thus, why has so many years past, that we have failed ourselves when authority exceeds the honorable "protect and serve" with the blood of useless deaths. Perhaps with the respect that too many years of abuse at the local, state, and federal levels it's time that we listen to ourselves calling out for a demand of our president to Presidential address us with a draft of a well-coordinated process regarding indicating a Trump Bill amendment/campaign to systematically and structurally change "protect and serve" as originally intended. Do you think that a "Trump Bill" is a self-evident direction to take? Following up support of the Presidential institution, is it time for our president to call upon the world countries to celebrate a Global Communication/s Day by having the countries of the world determine when that day is and what symbol should be represented through a coordinated online voting process?

Submitted by chsulens : Jun 4, 2020 10:11pm

Oh man,i am a new memberof the Anerican Legion. As a new Legionnaire i hope and ptay, I have Not joined a group of liberal President hating Asshats? I will be deeply saddened if this is the case.Some of the comments i have just read give cause to my concerns. What has happened to our America. What happened to RESPECTING the American Flag, the Constitution,the rule of Law. Lady Justice being blind. How about RESPECTING the Office of the President of the US. I just dont recognize my country anymore. It is Depressing to see the amount of degradation that i see everyday. I will tell you what, those 8 years under Terrorist and Chief, did far more damage to US than people realize. Truly saddened and disgusted. Screw a bunch of dang commies.

Submitted by redwings278 : Jun 4, 2020 11:45pm

Some of the comments here make me sick. We are supposed to protect the civilians, not suppress them. You should be ashamed of yourselves suggesting military action against our own people.

Submitted by mchlspllck : Jun 5, 2020 12:40am

I do not agree. I am disheartened to see this unfold into a divide opinion column like everything else in America right now. Name calling, slurs, and the like. This should have been the form for Legioneers to start their own conversation and talk. Yet is seems this is yet another club of typical norms.

This is a great time to see official remarks from Legion Commander around the Country. Right now I am reading posted comments and thinking "yes, the problem is pervasive, infest, hiding everywhere, and now next door.

Submitted by george3438 : Jun 5, 2020 5:58am

I do not agree. I am disheartened to see this unfold into a divide opinion column like everything else in America right now. Name calling, slurs, and the like. This should have been the form for Legioneers to start their own conversation and talk. Yet is seems this is yet another club of typical norms.

This is a great time to see official remarks from Legion Commander around the Country. Right now I am reading posted comments and thinking "yes, the problem is pervasive, infest, hiding everywhere, and now next door.

Submitted by george3438 : Jun 5, 2020 5:58am

Some of us need to read and stop listening to radio and Fox and learn some facts. Do you realize that more than a thousand federal prosecutors have expressed their concerns about Trump. Likewise many leaders in our intelligence communities. And now military leaders are stepping forward to express their concerns.

Wake up!

Submitted by jsmella : Jun 5, 2020 10:12am

When it becomes clear that peaceful demonstration in numerous area leads to uncontrolled rioting, looting, and other illegal acts perpetrated with nefarious intent by activist groups which local authorities, for whatever reason, are unable to control, then the President is within his authority to support in putting down these illegal activities.

Submitted by lordbru : Jun 5, 2020 12:13pm

So long as he has first consulted with the governor of the state.

Submitted by navycrypt80 : Jun 5, 2020 6:53pm

The president has every right to call in the army to stop looting and destruction this is not a protest These people are nothing but a bunch of thugs and low life's. Hurray for TRUMP

Submitted by larrylike : Jun 5, 2020 2:36pm

You are right in the characterization of the few opportunists (thugs, criminals); but you seem to be only the criminal element of the protests. You haven't considered the systemic injustices that promoted this whole thing. Maybe, your "privilege" has clouded your vision.

Submitted by navycrypt80 : Jun 5, 2020 6:52pm

The Insurrection Act (IA), which was enacted in 1807 and signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson, allows the president to use the U.S. military to suppress rebellion within states when the need arises. The Insurrection Act has been used several times during our history to respond to civil unrest. Notable examples include President Dwight D. Eisenhower invoking the Insurrection Act to protect the Little Rock Nine on Sept. 24, 1957 and President Lyndon B. Johnson invoking the law during the 1968 Civil Rights riots that took place in the first week of April throughout Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Chicago. President George H.W. Bush also used the Insurrection Act to suppress the Los Angeles riots in 1992 that resulted from outrage after the videotaped beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers.

The threat of the IA by President Trump is clearly for intimidation and an over-reach of Presidential power since the Mayor of DC, nor the governors have requested such action.

Submitted by sims_mark : Jun 5, 2020 6:31pm

It is truly disheartening to read many of the comments posted on the question of the use of the Insurrection Act of 1807 is a United States federal law (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255) (until 2016, found at 10 US Code, Chapter 15, §§ 331–335, renumbered to 10 USC, Chapter 13, §§ 251–255) that governs the ability of the President of the United States to deploy military troops within the United States to put down lawlessness, insurrection, and rebellion.
There are many factors to consider outside of what many of you have stated in you opinions. First and foremost, the governors have at their disposition the National Guard. There really is no reason to deploy active duty soldiers. Clearly an act of intimidation on the part of the President. Who by the way, has failed miserably in leading this country (COVID-19, national security, race relations...). Some of the comments I have read lead me to conclude you are the 39% of Trump supporters who think he can do no wrong. Time will provide us clarity and hindsight on the decisions of this Administration.
The poll question misses the mark - we should ask ourselves "Is this the country, I want?" and if not, "what can I do help bring about equality and liberty for all Americans".

Submitted by navycrypt80 : Jun 5, 2020 6:48pm

Well said. Trump has overstepped his constitutional bounds. He constantly uses intimidation and threats at every turn with anyone or anything that he perceives is detrimental to him. It is always me,me,me. What about all the peaceful protesters who have been assaulted by the police, like the 74 year old man that was shoved by police and put in the hospital with a head injury, or the girl that was leaving a peaceful protest and was body slammed by a police officer and broke her collar bone. Everyone needs to be treated equally and fairly, and Trump does not understand that him and Attorney General Barr who is Trumps lackey just want to undermine the Constitution that we swore to abide by and support. I support the office, but I do not have to support an autocrat.

Submitted by dnimo : Jun 5, 2020 9:28pm

When it is clearly that the governors or mayors do not step in allowing these criminals, and that is exactly what they are, to attack, destroy, businesses and homes of fellow citizens of that state then I believe that the President has every right to step in. And if people don’t understand that, then I guess every law abiding citizen needs to move. But with that be said, we’re are they to go because it is continuing on in other states. So in short who’s rights are being violated? The law abiding ones, the elderly that are knocked down and beaten, the business owners who now have no businesses to go back to, the children that can’t play in THEIR yards because someone comes by and shoots them. It has become a viscous cycle. And enough is enough. I believe in peaceful protesting not this mess that is going on day after day by a bunch of criminals that their local government allows. We will have no United States left for our children and grandkids. Well I feel better now. And one thing I don’t understand is why are Veterans on this site siding with these criminals. Shame on you. You are not the veterans my father’s were.

Submitted by talligoodts : Jul 21, 2020 12:24pm

I am glad I am one of the silent voters. Because again I cannot understand anyone that is a veteran to make these kinds of comments, our President did not create the Covid. He has constantly stood for All ethics that are law abiding. Right now you are again seeing the Democrat’s letting their states and cities go out of control in order to make the sitting government look stupid. So the one that our playing in the hands are the other percentages are going along with the beat of the band.

Submitted by talligoodts : Jul 21, 2020 12:41pm

Mr Trump you have just been Guaranteed another 4 years in the White House.

Submitted by andretta15 : Jun 6, 2020 1:57am

Amen!

Submitted by talligoodts : Jul 21, 2020 12:25pm

Well stated, we all need to remember our Legion family is not political, as members we can have political opinions and we can express them, but we should do it respectfully to our brothers & sisters.

Submitted by dpavlick : Jun 7, 2020 3:37pm

These aren't just your run of the mill protestors. Diehard Anti-American leftists, extremists, and global collectivists. Military will have to intervene in our streets eventually. They won't just leave. We were busy fighting it and containing it overseas while they just came in and started the slow revolution right here on our own shores. Tearing down and revising our proud American heritage and history and conquering our institutions from within is just part of their battlefield tactics and operational strategies.

Submitted by keary.oflaherty... : Jun 19, 2020 5:45pm

Well said.

Submitted by talligoodts : Jul 21, 2020 12:42pm

Each and every one of us is obligated to do our civic duty.
We must "Stand United as one Nation". Remember? Divide & Conquer. Take note of bigoted and lawless crimes committed the citizens of the U.S.A.
The organized crimes are eroding our country. When law and order is ignored, is that what you want? It starts at the top and Mr.President Trump sticks up for all of us, except our enemies. When a man cannot stand up for law and justice like Our President does each and every moment, then what good to society it that person?
The next time you complain about how had we it, think about what your allowing our children to be taught. Patriots or not? Respect first and friendship next!
When will the fight for freedom start? If our local officials refuse to obey and enforce the Law, we must do it ourselves. How can any decent American put someone down for obeying our laws? I prey and hope that prosecutions occur with the insubordination of all who Tread on our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Insure our politics are kept civil!
Rioting, looting, vandalising, destruction is not right!
Are we under martial law 2ith this shut down order strife? Mobilization orders anyone?

Submitted by songskeeper2010... : Jul 15, 2020 2:43am

P.S. Sorry for the misspelled words and grammar errors, the software available is not great.
God Bless all of us and peace for all who dare.

Submitted by songskeeper2010... : Jul 15, 2020 2:49am

P.S. Sorry for 4 the errors in writing. I really need to learn how to edit before posting.
In summary;
I plead, that we all follow our declared preambles,etc.
God Bless all of us and allow peace for all who dare.

Submitted by songskeeper2010... : Jul 15, 2020 3:01am

I am with you. You have put together the words that have been going in my head since this unrest has started. In the end God save our United States of America’s

Submitted by talligoodts : Jul 21, 2020 12:45pm