NationBuilder

We all have the right to peacefully protest, and Californians who want to make their voices heard should be able to. Peaceful protest is a fundamental American freedom. However, acts of violence such as arson, looting, and the destruction of property are not expressions of protest — they are criminal offenses. Those who exploit moments of unrest to commit these crimes should be held fully accountable under the law.

But Trump is using California as a political prop. Instead of listening to law enforcement when they said they could handle the situation, Trump decided to raise tensions by sending in the National Guard.

Trump’s deployment of the National Guard is illegal and a clear indication of this administration’s incompetence. The law requires that National Guard orders be issued through the Governor, and Governor Newsom has not done so. These National Guard troops were sent under unlawful orders and without any federal funding for food, sleeping accommodations, and equipment. These troops, just like our state, are props in Trump’s game.

What Trump is doing is morally unjustifiable, against the law, and incredibly incompetent.

We will keep speaking out. We will keep protesting peacefully. We will keep standing up for our neighbors and communities. We will keep fighting for our democracy.

Thank you,
Ted

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