Letter to the editor An important lesson to learn

In a poignant letter, Rozann Grunig critiques the current deployment of armed National Guard troops against American citizens, evoking the Kent State shooting where National Guardsmen killed four students during a protest in 1970. She argues that this military presence is a tactic of intimidation against those exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and protest. Grunig questions the administration's claim that the Guard's deployment is meant to fight crime, suggesting that such efforts should be coordinated with local law enforcement. The author reflects on the psychological burden faced by the soldiers involved in the Kent State incident, who have lived with the consequences of their actions for over five decades. She emphasizes the chilling effect of militarization on democratic engagement and urges current National Guard members to think critically before resorting to violence.

The letter calls attention to local concerns regarding civil liberties and the role of military forces in domestic affairs. Grunig's reflections resonate deeply in a time when the balance between security and freedom remains a contentious issue. This commentary highlights the historical significance and ongoing relevance of the Kent State tragedy in contemporary discussions about military intervention in civilian life.