Reinventing the Wheel Militia

Oh, how I remember being mocked for pointing out to people (on message boards or letters to the editor, for example) years ago that the militia still served a useful purpose.

The "organized" militia is of course the National Guard. Most don't realize there's also an "unorganized militia" which is the body of armed citizens, and is a resource that can be drawn upon in times of need, and that can self-organize in extremis. The latter is the militia referred to in the 2nd Amendment; if you're an adult citizen, you're already in it!

(though apparently if you're over 45, Congress will give you a pass, according to US Code Title 10 sec. 311)

I would warn that civil disorder could break out at any time, especially after some natural disaster.

Oh, how they laughed!

Well well well:

After the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee is questioning whether changes are needed in disaster-response policies, including repealing a law that prohibits the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement.

The law dates to the 1870s. It was a reaction to the deployment of federal troops to former Confederate states to supervise elections and maintain law and order, known as Posse Comitatus. It was a practice that many in Congress were uncomfortable with because of the potential for abuse.

Well duh.

What, we're supposed to have soldiers read Miranda rights? The army kills things. Let's not be so hasty to declare martial law. I think they passed Posse Comitatus for a reason, and not on a whim.

But that was just one idea:

Some policy analysts say the active-duty military or National Guard should create a rapid-response force whose job is to deploy immediately. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman says the National Guard is better suited to deal with domestic emergencies than the active-duty military.

They got that right.

And now the funny part:

James Carafano, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, says it's time to create National Guard units that can be called to an emergency in a matter of hours.

Oh, I know, we could call them Hourmen or something.

Or maybe we could get some guys who'd be ready in mere Minutes.

Hmmm, wonder what we might call them...