The Michigan State HB-4336 “Defend The Guard Act” should be supported and adopted in the state of Michigan as law. HB-4336 is currently sitting in the Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security committee in the Michigan State House Legislature and it is my desire along with many others who support not only the constitution of the United States, but also advocate for the lives of our state national guard. This is a bipartisan- sponsored bill that must be passed by the committee in order to be introduced on the house floor.
This bill was initially introduced to the Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security committee on March 23 by Representative Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers). The bill would essentially prevent the Governor of our state from deploying the Michigan National Guard for active duty combat unless there is an official declaration of war passed by Congress as required by the US Constitution under Article 1 Sec. 8 Clause 11. This however would not prevent the Governor or President from deploying the Michigan Guard for natural disasters, riots, and other violent events that might occur here in the states, which is a common misconception when reading this bill.
For far too long the executive branch of the U.S. has wielded unchecked war powers of foreign intervention. The U.S. Congress has not officially declared war since June 1942 during World War II, yet our military has engaged in conflict time after time since then. While the President of the United States is acting commander in chief, they still should not have the power to deploy military forces, or engage in any conflicts unless Congress declares war. This has happened through passing of resolutions, basically giving the president the privilege of using our military for American interests. Furthermore, for several decades presidential administrations have abused this power to engage in many military conflicts in foreign countries in order to “liberate” oppressed people under dictatorships, or to simply show a force of hand to let other regimes know that the U.S. is in charge.
The ACLU chapter in West Virginia has also publicly issued statements in support of Defend the Guard in their state. It is hopeful that the Michigan Chapter follows suit in our state. A movement is sparking in this country and across several states to get this legislation passed. If several states pass this legislation, this sends a statement to the federal government that we do not support any unjust conflict, and will protect our national guard against overreaching federal government and unconstitutional military actions.
It is about time that our government starts adhering to the very document that is supposed to keep them in check, respect our military service members, and only use our military to defend our way of life and freedom here. It is time for the people of Michigan to invoke the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and protect our Michigan guard against abusive governmental overreach.
Ryan Roberts is the president of the Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party, the local affiliate of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Local party leadership may submit a guest editorial once a month by contacting (906) 207-1899 ext. 1 or emailing bburge@cherryroad. com.
