Heart of the National in Immediate Peril

President Donald Trump is quick to call in the US National Guard for any situation he deems necessary. Beginning with the city of Los Angeles and its countless ICE raids endured, it has spread to the nation's capital, where nearly 800 troops have flooded the so-called "lawless" district. In addition to the 23 arrests made overnight, the US Park Police has removed 70 homeless encampments around the streets of the city. Trump recollects an anecdote his father told him, " Son, when you walk into a restaurant and you see a dirty front door, don't go in. Because if the front door is dirty, the kitchen is dirty also." The president applies the same logic here by comparing our capital to the front door. Yet, nowhere does Trump substantiate his claim about Washington, D.C. The incessant rhetoric paints a vivid picture, yet reality shows an entirely different perspective. D.C is not in a public safety emergency because of its citizens. It is a public safety emergency due to the Trump administration's continued overreach, lack of care for its citizens, and malicious intent for the near future.

At the time of writing this article, three minutes ago, The Washington Post gained access to exclusive documents detailing a new plan for a nationwide militia dealing with situations of civil unrest. Specifically, "The plan calls for 600 troops to be on standby at all times so they can deploy in as little as one hour". Documents call for military bases of 300 troops each in Alabama and Arizona for quick deployment across the entire nation. Entitled "Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force," this development violates the civil liberties of every single U.S. citizen, effectively rendering our country a police state. The implications for a militia used on American soil to oppress American citizens are massive. The National Guard in D.C. was the first step.

Data shows violent crime rates in D.C. have been declining, contradicting Trump's claims of lawlessness

Washington, D.C. has a decreasing crime rate. Crime has been on a downward trend over the past two years and is likely to continue doing so. Yet, the words echoed by the administration would lead you to a different conclusion. The most common excuse is calling the city entirely "lawless". However, Trump and his allies are merely looking for a reason to expand their unconstitutional breach of authority. First, starting with the nation's capital, where the executive has the most power, then expanding into all 50 of America's states. The grasp of power is evident not only because of the leaked documents, but also because it aligns with the central goal of the Trump administration: to perpetuate fear.

Political dissidents, journalists, politicians of opposing views, and nearly every citizen are in danger if the United States, a country founded on the principle of free speech, transforms into a police state. Meanwhile, those in power stand to benefit from absolute control over the people. The formation of a militant group targeting American citizens isn't a step towards fascism; it's a leap. Moreover, the emphasis on "cleaning out" the homeless in D.C. showcases massive dangers for America's marginalized populations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt of the White House repeats, "Homeless shelters, [being] offered addiction and mental health services, or jail if they refuse, are the options on the table right now." Aside from the ridiculousness of the demand, the fact of the matter is that these undisclosed homeless shelters and institutions away from the city are suspicious at best. No details on the location, quality, mode of transportation, or even existence have been provided. Crucially, the other option is jail. Although it cannot be said with certainty, I doubt there will ever be a choice to begin with.

The Trump administration continually utilizes dangerous rhetoric to further peddle its ambitious policy goals. Citing crime, homelessness, dirtiness, and lawlessness, Trump is crafting a deceptive narrative to get what he wants. The MAGA agenda starts at the heart of our nation: our capital. The deployment of the US National Guard is the first building block towards a police state. The next big piece is the materialization of a nationwide militia imposed on U.S. citizens at the whims of the White House. "When the people part with power, they can seldom or never resume it again but by force." If we let our government consolidate absolute power with the establishment of the Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force, then the chances of returning to normalcy are slim. Our government's grasp for repressive control cannot, should not, and will not be realized.