With the introduction of the National Guard in Washington D.C. and other American cities, public opinions have varied from strongly opposing the deployment to some giving warm welcomes to the soldiers. Recently, the Trump Administration has chosen to send troops to Memphis, Tennessee. The National Guard was established for states of emergency, though they have no doubt done the job they were assigned to do. Not all cities should be considered states of emergency though some that are in states of emergency should be under the protection of the National Guard.
The National Guard has no doubt done its job in D.C. CBS News reports, violent crime rates have dropped 49 percent. Public opinion has called the deployment more fearful than safe, other residents have admitted that the introduction of the Guard is reassuring for their own and other’s safety.
Crime in D.C. is notorious for being some of the worst in the country. Other cities in the country, including Philadelphia here in Pennsylvania, also have a high crime rate. Does this mean that eventually the National Guard will find its way to Philadelphia, and maybe even Pittsburgh?
I don’t think so, Philadelphia has a high crime rate but not on the same level of D.C. or Memphis. Pittsburgh has an even lower crime rate and was never considered to be a dangerous city. The National Guard only acts in a state of emergency, and neither Pittsburgh nor Philadelphia are in an environment that could be considered a state of emergency.
In some cases, the National Guard is considered to be the best show of force in certain situations. High crime rates can be interpreted as a state of emergency, especially in Washington D.C. The national guard in D.C. was questionable but was the right choice to make. The capital of the country should be a safe place, and the guard was one answer of many for lowering crime numbers in the city.
Every place in the country should be safe, however the National Guard is not the answer for all of their safety.
Recently the New York Times, reported activity inside Chicago has been unusual due to the National Guard’s presence, to the point where city streets seem quieter and less busy. In some instances illegal and even legal immigrants and citizens ask their white friends and neighbors to do common tasks for them, such as grocery shopping and walking their kids home from school, just in fear of detainment and possible deportation. With the recent developments in Chicago, this shows how the presence of military force can turn on its head from safe to dangerous. What is happening in Chicago is an example of how the National Guard can actually make a city more dangerous than welcoming.
So what is the best approach ? This question has many answers with multiple approaches, and activating the Guard is just one.
Another solution to this problem is to increase police activity. I understand that the police have very important jobs that exceed just patrolling neighborhoods and cities, but a few extra officers on foot could be the answer to a small drop in crime. Even using other police forces or government tools, like the FBI or increased S.W.A.T. activity could lower crime.
Cities deserve to be safe no matter what the cost should be. People should never be scared to leave their homes, walk on the sidewalk, or go to school. The National Guard is one of the many solutions to this problem, but that also doesn’t mean it’s the only one that the nation has to resort to.
