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To: State Governors
Governors: The National Guard is not a tool to uphold white supremacy. Send the National Guard home.
The National Guard is not a tool for Trump or Governors and Mayors to limit the freedoms of Black communities, silence dissent in a democracy, or allow state sanctioned murderers to walk free while using force against unarmed protesters. The National Guard is not a tool to protect racist institutions. Governors and Mayors: Stand down the National Guard. In a time when they are playing a crucial logistical role to stop the spread of a pandemic that has taken over 100,000 lives here at home, keep them focused on supporting their communities in a non-militarized capacity. Use this time to hear the cries of your constituents, to learn from the lived experience of communities of color in your jurisdiction, and to address the systemic racism in your criminal justice system and among its enforcers.
Why is this important?
The National Guard is a vital component of a state's ability to respond to public health emergencies, and natural disasters. They are our neighbors, and active members of the communities they serve. They swear an oath to the Constitution, not the Executive. Using them to further militarize the response to protesters is a violation of their oath. The security of our nation must mean the security of all. Putting the Guard on the streets risks dangerously escalating the threat from law enforcement on marginalized communities. The National Guard have been training for combat, not crowd control. The American people joining in solidarity to dismantle white supremacy and protect Black lives are not enemies of the state, they are patriots in pursuit of justice, crying out for our nation to live up to its lauded ideals and aspirations.