Re: Has the military been properly used in its role as peace

Is peacekeeping rightfully a function of the military? Only in times of insurrection should our military be considered for that capacity, and I cannot see where the chaos in New Orleans, caused primarily by a leadership vacuum at the local level, warranted the use of the military. Having said that, the obvious absence of local and state resources being properly staged and utilized required the decision to bring in the "cavalry."

Re: Has the military been properly used in its role as peace The Coast Guard is the only military service not covered by posse comitatus. This due primarily to its original mission of stopping smugglers who cheated the young republic out of taxes.

Posse Comitatus was passed two years after Civil War reconstruction ended (1878), largely because of the Federal occupation of the southern states AKA military districts.

The Coast Guard arrived on time right after Katrina and saved vast numbers of lives. over 33,000 at last count. If the service was larger as it should be given its increased responsibilities, AND, the state authorities did their job, we probably would not be discussing this now.

Yet aside from posse comitatus, there are two other issues that should be investigated. First is the use and possible revision of the insurrection act. It could be amended to allow for presidential action in the event of a natural emergency; and second is the 10th amendment which delegates powers to the statethat are not currently held by the Federal government.

These all point out a massive failure on the part of local state and Federal government. The local and state government in Louisana in my opinion are the biggest culprits. Fema was no great shakes either, but it starts with those closest to the scene.

Bill