posse comitatus

this is the term in so-called common law which a local sherif (authority) can conscript local men into service.

i wonder what will become of this practice, rather what has become of it? i do not know if it has been used in california in this century, but i suspect it was used often back in the days of the wild west. how else could order be restored if a gang of misfits walked into town? yet i must wonder what would happen today?

given a scenario in which security cannot be established by either the federal or state governments. the various communities would have to fend for themselves. i suspect rural communities would be ok. they are generally less diverse and have tighter community bonds. the cities and suburbs however, will probably not fare too well. mercenaries may be conscripted if a city has foresight and is wealthy. it is hard to believe most american cities will not go the way of new orleans.

granted the racial tensions and general poor shape of the city makes new orleans an extreme case. yet it is instructive. it seems the federal government was either unwilling or unable to respond effectively to that crisis. if there develops a general national emergency situation the federal structure will devolve into smaller parts. supposedly there are ten regions the FEMA has mapped out in case of such an event.

these are general musings. this country is so large and diverse it becomes impossible to generalise. it is interesting though to speculate on what it is that actually holds this nation together. the rule of law, respect for the law of the land, is a primary ingredient in the national glue. as we see it being disregarded how will the rest of us react?