Marines being mobilized in response to LA protests (cnn.com)

Article summary

The US Marines are being mobilized in response to protests in Los Angeles, with approximately 700 Marines joining the 1,700 National Guard members already deployed. The deployment is seen as a significant escalation in the use of military force against protesters. The Marines' specific tasks have not been publicly specified, but they are prohibited from conducting law enforcement activities unless the Insurrection Act is invoked. The move has been met with criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described it as 'unwarranted' and 'unprecedented'.

Main themes

• military deployment
• protests and unrest
• authoritarianism
• Posse Comitatus Act
• elections and voting
• polarization and propaganda
• historical comparisons
• government overreach

What commenters say

• The deployment of Marines is a test of whether anyone will stop the president from violating the Posse Comitatus Act.
• The president is seeking to stage-manage a demonstration of state force against left-wing activists.
• The use of military force against protesters is a threat to democracy and an escalation towards authoritarianism.
• The support of around 35% of the population is sufficient to win elections, especially given issues like gerrymandering and voter suppression.
• The country is experiencing a slide into authoritarianism, with a significant portion of the population being propagandized against cities and potentially supportive of violent measures.
• The comparison to historical events like Kent State is apt, and the current situation is dire.
• The goal of the president's actions may be to 'both sides' the concept of insurrection and deflect criticism of his administration's handling of January 6th.
• The response to the protests is disproportionate and potentially intended to provoke a violent reaction.