The question of whether the American military -- if called out against mass protests -- would fire on civilians is hopefully not something that will be put to the test. I do think it's clear at this point, however, that militarized American police absolutely would.
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That's why I'm asking what people are prepared to do once that happens.
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/constitutional-sheriffs
Our best weapon will be a general strike.
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240503-kent-state-university-1970-protests-that-shook-the-us
Much of the military would probably not fire on civilians but millions of cops across the country are probably salivating for a chance to shoot people for trump.
They are the true danger.
The units tend to be nepotistic and political. Advancement is not merit-based
None of them should be in service to the public.
Argued with one in particular every time we crossed paths. Dumb as the day is long.
No empathy douche.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings
Throw in the fact that soldiers are mostly Trump voters and I see no reason for hope.
On site, the murderers were ready to do more murders, and stopped only because the protestors yielded and dispersed.
They'd just use drones
They -the rational ones- do not want to be put into the position of brute squad. It is why there was so much ignoring Trump during his previous term
This is why he wants to purge Generals, install loyalists
https://bsky.app/profile/magitekdad.bsky.social/post/3lcg36nbdkc2e
Cops use force against other Americans every day and are totally desensitized to it.
An Aaron Sorkin script notwithstanding, they will fire with only slight hesitation.
I'll stick with my assessment though, and hope I won't get to find out. The troops deployed will be handpicked, and will execute as commanded.
However, Trump will be able to use our militarized police to create violent situations where the actual military feels pressured into shooting civilians.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/light-em-up-video-appears-to-show-law-enforcement-shooting-paint-rounds-at-citizens-on-their-porch/