Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost, But Trump's Guard Federalization Certainly Is!

A Dark Cloud Gathers Over the Golden State

Hoom well met my friends! Gandalf the Grey here reporting from my study where the scent of pipe weed is far more agreeable than the political winds blowing from across the Brandywine... or rather the Potomac. News has reached even these ancient ears that a certain Mr. Trump not entirely unlike a certain Saruman in his thirst for control has attempted to federalize the California National Guard. He sought to wield them as a weapon against… well against whom exactly? Protesters it seems. A most curious foe for a national guard wouldn’t you agree? It reminds me of the time Pippin thought to take on a Balrog. Bold perhaps but utterly misguided.

Judge Breyer: 'You Shall Not Pass!'… Without a Proper Lawsuit

Fortunately a wise Judge Breyer a stalwart defender of the realm (or at least the Constitution) has seen through this thinly veiled power grab. He declared Trump’s actions 'illegal,' a word that stings more than a goblin’s blade! The judge rightly pointed out that Mr. Trump’s actions smack of monarchy a comparison that would surely make King George III blush. It seems even kings must follow some rules or at least possess the proper authority unlike certain ring bearing individuals who thought they could simply waltz into Mordor. And let's be clear Los Angeles is not Mordor despite what the news might suggest.

No Invasion No Rebellion Just a Whole Lot of Fuss

The good judge bless his wig (or gavel as the case may be) further noted that none of the necessary conditions for federalizing the Guard were met. No invasion no rebellion – just a few disgruntled citizens expressing their shall we say *spirited* opinions. Last I checked voicing dissent wasn’t quite the same as storming the Black Gate. It appears Mr. Trump mistook a minor squabble for the War of the Last Alliance. A rather grave error wouldn't you say?

Newsom Strikes Back: Death Star Down!

Governor Newsom not one to let sleeping dragons lie responded with a flourish. He tweeted a video of the Death Star exploding a clear message to those in power: Overreach is a dangerous game even in a galaxy far far away. 'The military belongs on the battlefield not on our city streets,' he declared. A sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse. One does not simply walk into a peaceful protest with tanks!

A Dangerous Precedent: One Does Not Simply Militarize California

Judge Breyer rightly worries about the precedent this sets. If a president can simply federalize a state's national guard on a whim where does it end? Will we soon see hobbits drafted into the ranks? I shudder to think. It reminds me of Saruman's Uruk hai bred for war and devoid of independent thought. A chilling prospect indeed. This 'illegal militarization' as Newsom calls it could lead to a very dark place indeed.

The Eagle and the Bear: A Tug of War for the Ages

And so the battle rages on. The Trump administration has appealed seeking to block the judge's order. This is not the end; it is not even the beginning of the end; but it is perhaps the end of the beginning. We shall see if the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has the wisdom to uphold the Constitution and remind Mr. Trump that even the most powerful figures must abide by the rules. Now if you'll excuse me I have a pipe to smoke and a few prophecies to ponder. May the best side win and may it be the side of reason and justice. Farewell!