Troubling

All eyes are on Virginia.  In the legislative lull that is the Christmas season, it seems that some fairly troubling and interesting scenarios are shaping up in the run-up to the 2020 legislative session.  Some fairly egregious bills have been pre-filed that presume to limit the scope of the 2nd Amendment.  In response, many localities (both municipal and county) have declared themselves sanctuaries for the 2nd Amendment.  This sets up potential legal dynamics between local and state officials.

Some legislators made comments that they might have to call out the National Guard to enforce their legislation.  When I first heard those comments, I recoiled in horror.  As a retired officer of the Guard and Reserves, I understood implications that might be unfamiliar to much of the population.  It's called the Posse Comitatus Act.  Generally, the military forces of the United States cannot be used to enforce civil law.  There are exceptions, but that is the gist of the law.  And, I an heartened that the Virginia Guard is thinking along the same lines that I am thinking along.

“We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights. We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard,”

Were I a betting man, I would suspect that the next several months will see an increased interest in that Act by the officers and noncoms of the Virginia National Guard.  I would further speculate that the classroom discussions may be rather spirited.  It sets up several "what-if" scenarios that will be interesting indeed.

"If we have constitutional laws on the books and law enforcement officers are not enforcing those laws on the books, then there are going to be some consequences," Northam said Thursday, according to WSET.

"But I’ll cross that bridge if and when we get to it," he added.

He'll cross that bridge when he comes to it?   Isn't that what General Gage said?

All eyes are on Virginia.