LOL I wonder how many gang bangers got the fright of their life and hid indoors.

@Crassmaster, PrisonPlanet link AFTER the official KCAL9 news link. So it's not a fabricated story. They were in downtown LA doing urban warfare maneuvers.

Trust your government too much?

Just as long as they wait a few days, I'll be safely in China and could probably flee to Europe after I finish my contract out if need be.

Europe has the same plan. China, maybe you'll be safe. But if this level of corruption is there too why not take a stand where you stand?

I could, although TBH, I don't think Europe is anywhere near as far gone in that respect. They had their WWI and WWII and I doubt very much they're ready for Fascism Mk II so soon.

Here in the US, we don't really understand fascism so we're a lot more willing to sleep walk into it. Worse are the tools that are pushing for it, assuming that they'll be in a special club when it happens.

Looks like it's time to invest in tinfoil hats.

Worrying.

@hedwards

You are right about American people not understanding fascism. Because it hasn't happened yet, they think it could never happen in America. Because the people they elected will make sure it doesn't happen right? Sure...

Just found out about the Oakland riot a few hours ago.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/28/us/california-occupy/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_19843263?source=rss

There's a detention center on the tarmac at LAX.

Pfft, we have those here probably every year. This year (a couple of months ago) the urban defence unit (Kaartin pataljoona) was drilling near my workplace.

When I was driving to my workplace, I first thought there is something wrong with my car when I kept hearing "papapapapa" as I drove, but luckily it was just their assault rifles. I was joking to my workmate that have the pickets finally arrived (there had been a forewarning of a work strike around the same time).

It may be we don't think about them that much because here we have compulsory military service, so all those "soldiers" are merely 19-20 years old sons (and daughters) of ours keeping a compulsory year off of their studies or work. I might think otherwise if it was a hired army.

I take it you are in Finland? That's natural for your country. It is not natural here.

Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Although parts of the U.S. public might not enjoy military exercises taking place in those areas (and for different reasons, I guess), it doesn't have to imply that something sinister is at work. Any military organisation should be able to meet certain standards at all times. Realistic training is key.

@Primate

I'll post it again, what part of the Third Amendment do you NOT get?

Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Having large exercises like this in urban areas isn't something that's particularly common here in the US (at least as far as I'm aware). To suddenly have a fair number of such exercises occurring just as there's increasing tension between citizen groups and the government... regardless of whether there's anything untoward behind the timing, the timing itself is pretty terrible and is going to put people even more on edge.

Indeed! We'll make a damn fortune! :)