Several Syracuse groups want to see reforms to police practices go a few steps further … by getting rid of the military trappings they say enflame conflicts and increase racism. President Trump has suggested invoking federal laws on insurrection to send the military into states to quell protests. Julio Urutia of the Syracuse Peace Council argues Trump is overstepping his authority.
“The act does not allow him to deploy the military in places where the governors of the states refuse to request intervention, which most governors, including New York State, have so far pointedly opposed.”
The Peace Council was joined by Syracuse Veterans for Peace, which points out a number of soldiers leave active duty and become cops. They say that can lead to a military mindset when police engage the public. Charles Anderson of The Pan-African Community of Central New York also calls for diverting part of the military budget to help communities.
“We call for an urgent cut in the military budget so the money can go to the millions of people who have lost their jobs.”
Finally, the groups are calling for an end to U-S military rule 1330, which allows the transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement departments. The Peace Council, Pan African Community and Veterans for Peace say they stand with local protesters calling for police reforms. They add de-militarizing police can further reduce violence and conflicts.
