1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

The Missouri governor's move to preemptively activate the National Guard and declare a state of emergency in anticipation of potential protests infringes on constitutionally protected rights of peaceful assembly and free speech. This decision presumes unlawful behavior from citizens before any such actions have occurred. Proactive militarization and emergency declarations should not be used to chill legitimate First Amendment activities. A measured law enforcement response that respects civil liberties and allows for lawful demonstrations is warranted instead of escalating tensions through excessive shows of force. I urge reconsideration of this overreaction which curtails fundamental democratic freedoms.