1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

So once again, the President of the United States sees an opportunity to exploit an opportunity to incite violence to his perceived benefit. Deploying the National Guard to a peaceful demonstration in California is nothing more than deliberately picking a fight with the governor of California, whom he has shown open contempt for, and the citizenry of the state. California didn’t need military intervention. The demonstrations were forceful, as allowed by the First Amendment, and overwhelmingly peaceful. The governor and local law enforcement publicly stated that the situation was under control. They did not request help. Did that stop our president from seeing an opportunity to cause disruption, possibly violence (what could be better for him), to then set about spinning the consequences to make himself the innocent victim? He’s good at this. He has done it successfully repeatedly—case in point: The Big Lie, where he so thoroughly convinced his MAGA following that the election was stolen that a violent insurrection occurred on January 6, 2021. Now, citing vague claims of “riots and lawlessness,” Trump federalized 2,000 National Guard troops under Title 10, stripping the governor of command and placing California’s National Guard under presidential control. This action bypasses the consent of the state leadership and circumvents the typical protocol where governors retain control unless the Insurrection Act is invoked. Which it was not. Because this was not an insurrection. This action directly violates the Tenth Amendment. This was a political show of force by a man who wants to be seen as a tough guy. Pure and simple. All this does is intentionally inflame tensions between Americans. And what good can come of that. These people were exercising their First Amendment rights. These actions turn our democracy into theater with the National Guard forces as props……. all for his own benefit. To the Democrats – Scream! Shout! Let your constituents know you are well and truly outraged, and fighting. To the Republicans – what are you waiting for? Once again, you have an opportunity to stand up against this tyrant, and still, you remain silent. Your constituents voted you into your position in good faith to defend and protect the Constitution. Still, you abdicate that responsibility at every illegal, unconstitutional, and outrageous decision the president makes. It’s shameful. Do your job. Stop being so afraid, DO YOUR JOB.