Back in 85-89' I worked as a project manager/engineer on Union Station Wash. D.C.. During this Time I saw and Photo documented many Gov. "things". That I surly thought would make the nightly news.( nope )One such incedent was when I escorted a Photo jurnalist to the roof of the west wing of Union Station to Watch 250,000 prolifers march towards 200,000 prochoicers . This is when I realized the GOV. will Use force against cilivians. The Gov Had wheeled Tanks 20ish (that I saw ) fitted with twin 50"s and mortars . I saw a few 50s' fire in front of a crowd and the rubber bullets ricorshed and threw the crowd back .The mortar shot gas and kept the different sides apart . As we were watching this a helocopter flew up to us and told us to leave and attempted to block the cameras.
All through the 90's the construction company I worked for assisted in building "Readiness Centers" .Most of these centers were built in rural areas and designed to enable 10,000"S of troops to assemble/equip /deploy very quickly if needed . These are not bases . The permanent staff at these "centers" is kept very minimal 10~ ish . The US GOV. is prepared for whatever happens and has been for a long time... makes one wonder @ the response during Hurricane Katrina
ak9