Dan GillmorJul 15, 2023

DeSantis' Florida is creating a state-run, brownshirt "militia".

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/07/14/florida-state-guard-desantis-national-guard-training/

At least some honorable people there are saying, "No way will I be part of this."

But America's new fascists are more and more brazen. And if the rest of us don't start taking the threat they represent more seriously, they could prevail.

Veterans quit DeSantis’ Florida State Guard over militialike training

One retired Marine Corps officer called the police on instructors, alleging abuse.

Tampa Bay Times
Show threadJohn ShirleyJul 15, 2023

@dangillmor That month, state lawmakers and the governor revealed that they wanted to assign the State Guard $89 million to buy boats, planes and helicopters. They wanted a specialized unit within the guard to have police powers and the ability to carry weapons.

And they wanted to boost the State Guard to 1,500 members. Instead of being activated only during emergencies within Florida, they could be sent to any state to “protect and defend the people of Florida from threats to public safety.”

Show thread@stevewfolds
@JohnShirley2023 @dangillmor The Guard will probably show up in other states to block women’s healthcare.
Jul 15, 2023 at 2:03amWeb
Show threadJohn ShirleyJul 15, 2023
@stevewfolds @dangillmor Perhaps the idea is, DeSantis shows such a militia can be raised at a state's expense, and then other right-wing-controlled states do it. Then...
Show thread@stevewfoldsJul 15, 2023

@JohnShirley2023 @dangillmor
A SLC housekeeper’s side note: Mormons have recommended months of food storage for emergencies. There is also a recommended number of rounds of ammunition for each month’s food.

Armed religions, what could go wrong?

Show thread@batyalee 🌿Jul 15, 2023
@stevewfolds @JohnShirley2023 @dangillmor You’re probably right.