General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Governor of Minnesota Has Activated the National Guard - I have a suggestion:
He should have them form a convoy of military trucks to travel to the nearest Federal Stockpile warehouse and load the trucks with the medical PPE equipment they need. The National Guard has arms they could use to insist on receiving the items that are needed.
Other governors should consider similar actions. Imagine the dialog at the warehouse:
"I am Lt. Colonel Jason Smith. We are here to load medical PPE equipment for the State of Minnesota, by order of Governor Walz."
"I can't authorize that, Colonel."
"Step aside. Men, load the trucks!"
"But, but...."
"Step aside, Sir, or this MP will take you into custody."
Laelth
(32,017 posts)Not a good precedent.
-Laelth
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Walz will make it happen. Just heard for the St Pete Mankato area,here is somersetting that is happening in real time. People are not getting Dialysis or Chemo treatments because of Clinics being over whelmed by seasonal allergy and Colds thinking they are Virus victims.
MineralMan
(146,317 posts)However, Governors of states have a great deal of power. They also are the commanders of their states' National Guard units. Now, the Federal government can nationalize those units, but such a thing is rarely done. In times of emergency, Governors can order the National Guard in their states to do many things.
This country is not called the United STATES of America for no reason. Governors rarely have reason to override federal authority, but they do have the power to do so in many situations. Most Presidents have been mindful of this, as well they should be. I suspect, though, that Donald J. Trump does not understand this state authority very well at all. Perhaps he will learn more about it soon.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)And if what is happening this morning in his back yard and knowing a little how Walz feels about issues in his Hometown,watch for some major Policy moves early on this week. If Mankato Clinic is over Whelmed at this point,this stuff is beyond serious. This is the major go to Medical facility in Southern and Southwestern Minny outside of Mayo or Sandford in Souix Falls.
sarisataka
(18,663 posts)Starting a civil war at this time is a bad idea.
MineralMan
(146,317 posts)I'm suggesting that Governors of our states take a close look at their own lawful powers, which are considerable.
sarisataka
(18,663 posts)Which end at their state borders. Sending troops, do not kid yourself that they belong ultimately to the state, to seize supplies using the threat of armed force is not among them.