The recent deployment of National Guard units to Washington, D.C., raises serious concerns. There’s no actual emergency, civil unrest or natural disaster — yet troops patrol peaceful streets. With crime rates lower than they have been in 30 years, the rationale is unclear. Is this just political theater, or a quiet rehearsal for normalizing military presence?
The impact is real. Local businesses near federal buildings report fewer customers, canceled bookings and reduced hours. Museums and service providers are scaling back; small businesses and hourly workers are hurting. Guard members feel financial strain too — pulled from civilian jobs or freelance work with little or delayed compensation. For the self-employed, a single deployment can mean lasting damage.
This isn’t just a show of force — it’s a threat to public trust, economic stability and the line between civilian governance and military control. It looks like a rehearsal for martial law.
James Norris
Monmouth
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