In 1876 “posse comitatus” was passed to prevent the Army being used to stop domestic terrorism by night riders and the KKK, who often intimidated local officials who weren’t aiding and abetting them.
Sunday’s paper notes votes in the House to add two new restrictions (“How Maine’s delegation voted this past week,” July 17).
I fail to see how further restrictions are a good idea. Would Reps. Pingree and Golden have opposed Eisenhower’s use of the Army to enforce school desegregation?
Would the restriction on use of evidence found by the military have prevented prosecution when LBJ sent in the military to look for “disappeared” civil rights workers?
Hopefully, the Senate will put these bills in recycling bin.
Tom Heyns
Chelsea
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