What is Jade Helm 15?

Members of U.S. Army Special Operations Command will train with other U.S Armed Forces units July 15 through Sept. 15, 2015, in a multi-state exercise called Jade Helm 15.  Jade Helm will take place across seven states.  However, Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) will only train in five states: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.  The point is using terrain somewhat similar to that found in overseas ‘hot spots.’

What are the conspiracy theories?

The theories are vague, at best.  In general, the claim is that the exercise is for the implementation of martial law and the subjugation of the American people by their government.  I have seen one writer make a connection between this exercise and the Kennedy assassination.  No, really!

Why the conspiracy theories are ridiculous.

For most readers, no explanation is necessary.  This notion of a martial-law plot, across much of the Southwest, doesn’t pass the giggle-test.

For the sake of thoroughness, here are some of the reasons this is pure delusional fantasy.

First of all, what possible motive could there be?  The only one articulated, more or less, follows the notion that President Obama is a power-mad tyrant, bent on becoming a dictator.  Other than the generalized character assassination, this doesn’t address what the president could hope to gain by initiating armed conflict inside the USA.

Government forces withdrew from the standoff at the Bundy Ranch last year, despite having a court order.  Would the same administration drag the country into a bloody internal conflict, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over 100 years, with no provocation or stated justification?

Keeping such a plot secret would be impossible.  The Special Operations Command includes literally thousands of military personnel.  Such a conspiracy would have to include a command structure of dozens of commanding officers.  Because the theorized objective is clearly contrary to law, the probability of all such officers being in agreement is remote.  Their being able to keep it secret would be next to impossible.
One other thing – the public announcement contained an assurance that the soldiers will not carry live ammunition.  A few may have blanks.  These troops are not raw recruits.  If issued live ammo, they would recognize it instantly.  Any secrecy would be gone.

The scenario also assumes that enlisted personnel would fire on civilians.  The exchange of fire would have to be assumed (It does include Texas, after all).  Historically, armed forces have been reluctant to fire on their own civilians.  It would not be rational to assume they would do so here.

What, exactly, have Governor Abbott, Senator Cruz, and Senator Paul said?

All three men had an opportunity to calm the waters.  All three failed.

Governor Gregg Abbott said, “… I think it was a misplaced perception by people in Texas who have problems with the Obama administration and connected that trust with the Obama administration to the military.”  But he hedged his bet and requested that the Texas State Guard stand by.  He spoke more about the underlying reasons for distrust than the reasons why such a plot is ridiculous.

Senator Ted Cruz said, “My office has reached out to the Pentagon to inquire about this exercise. We are assured it is a military training exercise.  I have no reason to doubt those assurances …”
If he had stopped there, it would have reassured those concerned.  He didn’t.  Instead, he went on, “but I understand the reason for concern and uncertainty, because when the federal government has not demonstrated itself to be trustworthy in this administration, the natural consequence is that many citizens don’t trust what it is saying.”

Senator Rand Paul said he would “Look at” the planned exercises.  That was on April 21, 2015.  Since that time, he has made no public statements to the knowledge of this writer.

In a defining moment of that the 2008 presidential campaign, an agitated woman was at a rally for Senator John McCain.  She declared, of Candidate Obama, “He’s an Arab!”  Without hesitation, Sen. McCain calmly replied, “No, ma’am.  He’s not.”

In that response, which he had to know would be unpopular among many of those in attendance, he displayed courage and honor.  He refused to fan the flames or irrational hatred and fear.

Senators Cruz and Paul have failed to disassociate themselves with the conspiracy theorists.  They could have given calm assurances that the exercises will not result in Texans being incarcerated in vacant Wal-marts.  By their failure to do so, they have indirectly lent credence to the groundless accusations of the fringe-dwellers.

This tells us two things.  First, both candidates consider the conspiracy-theorists and their followers too important a group to risk offending.  Second, they lack the moral courage to do or say the right thing, when it serves their purpose to allow hatred and fear to grow.

One other thing, and remember you read it here.  When the Jade Helm exercise is over, with no implementation of martial law, one of these guys will try to take credit for preventing it.