S4. E4 The Line Between Military and Law Enforcement: National Guard's Role

In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by Dr. Jason Russell and Dr. Charles McCoy to discuss the history and current use of the National Guard, with a focus on instances of federalization. They explore the legal framework, such as the Posse Comitatus Act, and examine historical examples like Little Rock in 1957 and the LA riots in 1992. The episode also delves into the recent deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. analyzing the implications for federalism, democratic norms, and local law enforcement.

00:00 Introduction to Politics in Perspective

01:26 Current Use of the National Guard

04:47 Historical Background of the National Guard

09:45 Legal Framework: Posse Comitatus Act

16:38 Federalizing the National Guard: Key Historical Instances

22:29 Civil Rights Movement and the National Guard

25:44 1960s Turbulence: National Guard Deployments

27:42 Deployment of National Guard in Wilmington

28:48 Robert F. Kennedy's Speech in Indianapolis

30:47 Escalation vs. De-escalation Strategies

33:40 Historical Context of National Guard Deployment

35:45 Legal and Financial Implications

50:29 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement