posse comitatus

There is something within every man that rejects having armed, uniformed troops patrolling the streets. I don't think it's just an American thing. I suspect that it's a universal reaction, with a deep and abiding psychological basis behind it.

Looking back as far as the Declaration of Independence, you will find protestation to the armed occupation of the colonies by troops and mercenaries of King George III.

Some folks are even troubled by civilian police forces, especially when they are armed and in, for instance, anti-riot formation.

Police training emphasizes non-use of weapons and force when possible. Each and every case where police officers use force is reviewed to assure that force was used appropriately. Citizens are quick to protest any action which seems too brutal for the situation.

Nations where law enforcement is carried out by the military are very often viewed as brutal states. Public resentment within such places has never been far beneath the surface, and the government that rules with force often finds that force is met with resistant force.

Only infrequently have American troops been used against our own people. There is even a law, Posse Comitatus which places strong restriction against such action. In practically every case, law enforcement within our borders is carried out by civilian police agencies.

Even in Waco, Texas, in the standoff against the Branch Davidians, the military presence was under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department.

While troops are often called upon to assist during major disasters, they are very seldom allowed to carry weapons or to otherwise exercise police powers.

On any occasion when troops have been brought against the people (Kent State, the Pullman Strike, the Bonus Army) severe criticism has always followed.

OK, I have beaten this horse until it's dead.

What's my point?

One reason given why US troops cannot be withdrawn from Iraq is that they can't be removed until Iraqi troops are trained and ready to replace coalition forces.

Not building infrastructure.

Patrolling streets, arresting insurgents, carrying out military actions within the country.

If WE don't like having armed troops in our streets, how do you think the Iraqi people like it?

I think that if troops were in the streets of OUR country as they are in Iraq, they would meet strong resistance from a similar insurgence.

But what can we do? How can civilian contractors do the job of restoring the water and power needed throughout Iraq without the protection of armed troops? Obviously the emergency dictates the need for a military presence. And when such a need exists, I can find no other way to describe what's happening other than to call it a civil war in progress.