Trump’s illegal occupation of Texas and Arizona
The Posse Comitatus law makes it illegal for U.S. troops to operate within U.S. borders
It was a grim period in U.S. history. In the wake of the Civil War, America engaged in a process of restructuring southern society to correct many of the wrongs associated with slavery. Called Reconstruction, it was generally reviled by southerners who resented the elevation of African-Americans and northerners — referred to as “carpet-baggers” because of how they carried their possessions — into positions of power.
In effect, the period constituted an occupation of the rebellious states by the north. Union armies were stationed throughout the region, enforcing laws aimed at undoing the legacy of slavery. The coercive nature of the Union military presence resulted in growing resentment among the occupied, resulting in the formation of the KKK and other seditious groups. The surge of lynchings were an effort by the once-ascendant white southerners to keep the former slaves “in their place” despite the protection they received from the military.
Like any military occupation, however, Reconstruction was expensive — think Afghanistan or Iraq. Eventually, as always happens, the American people tired of having to foot the bill of this endeavor, and they elected leaders who…
