Why military leaders reacted so strongly to Trump's use of troops

[aligncare]

I think the President's mouth has been writing a lot of checks he can't cash.  Let's review the past week:  He says he's designating Antifa a "terrorist organization."  Has he?  No.  He said he'll invoke the Insurrection Act.  Did he?  No.  He said he's sending in the military to quell the riots.  Did he?  Nope.

Faking threats is a bad idea.  He should know that, but seems to think a threat is as good as an action.  It isn't, it just breeds contempt.

ETA:  This is why I appreciate your insight into issues like this.  You know the score.

So, I guess the bully pulpit is not a thing anymore.

[Cyber Liberty]

So, I guess the bully pulpit is not a thing anymore.

It's not if the bully pulpit only issues empty threats.  We've seen too much of that lately.

[libertybele]

It's not if the bully pulpit only issues empty threats.  We've seen too much of that lately.

His backing down will cost us this Republic.  Anyone really doubt that?

[sneakypete]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't their federal national guards and then national guards for each state?  The governors have the authority to call out the national guards in their states and Trump has the authority to call out the federal national guard. ???

@libertybele

The truth is the governors have the right to refuse to release their troops to the feral goobermint. It had to be set up that way to insure no governor found his state and people defenseless in an emergency.

The truth is a little shadier than that,though. The reality is any Governor who refuse to give up his NG troops would soon find most of the federal money going to his state cut off.

So,yes,a Governor CAN refuse to release his troops to the feds,but he is going to pay a high price if he does.

BTW,I have never been sent on one of these cluster-bleeps,but MY understanding in the active duty guys mostly hang in the background for backup in case things go seriously wrong.

When you look up and see the 82nd or the 101st Abn manning the barricades,it just got serious,though. Throw stuff at or attack them and you WILL pay a price in pain. Shoot at them and you will die.

[sneakypete]

Did the Governor of Arkansas agree to having the military insist on school integration?  Seems to me he was rather against it.  Orval Faubus?

@Cyber Liberty

The Governor of Arkansas had no control whatsoever over the 101st Airborne Division,and that is who was sent into Little Rock to maintain the peace.

[Absalom]

IF Trump didn't intend to send in troops ... then he shouldn't have said so.  That's an awfully big threat. #1 he should have checked with military leaders before ever saying anything.  #2 For him not to go through with this threat will he not only be seen as weak, but his "enemy" will always call his bluff.  Not good.

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Isightful and wise advice!

[Smokin Joe]

Repeating, since 1789 the core purpose of our Military has been to protect and serve the
people and nation of the USA, which they have done honorably for more than 200 years.
As such, is it not highly plausible that the opposition of numerous Military Men to Trump's
intention to employ our Military in dispersing/disarming protestors and looters has little
to do w/any selfish interest and everything to do w/Trump's mercurial/volcanic temperament?
Consider if the plan goes wrong, who will carry the can??? Why the Military of course;
unless the usual suspects expect our 'stable genius' to stand up and accept responsibility!!!

Not like the Bonus Marchers?

[truth_seeker]

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/retired-generals-admirals-endorse-trump-227755

I seriously doubt these people changed. from 2016

Trump earns endorsement of 88 retired generals, admirals ...
www.politico.com › story › 2016/09 › retired-generals-...

as the Republican nominee looks to solidify support in the military community against Hillary Clinton in November.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Not like the Bonus Marchers?

Also the Civil War draft riots, whiskey rebellion, etc. etc.

[txradioguy]

I think the President's mouth has been writing a lot of checks he can't cash.  Let's review the past week:  He says he's designating Antifa a "terrorist organization."  Has he?  No.  He said he'll invoke the Insurrection Act.  Did he?  No.  He said he's sending in the military to quell the riots.  Did he?  Nope.

Faking threats is a bad idea.  He should know that, but seems to think a threat is as good as an action.  It isn't, it just breeds contempt.

ETA:  This is why I appreciate your insight into issues like this.  You know the score.

You can only bluff for so long before people stop listening and/or someone calls you on it.