Politics behind Trump’s decision to send troops to Southern border

“Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.” Instead of Mark Antony seeking revenge in “Julius Caesar,” Shakespeare’s words could just as well describe President Donald Trump’s governing style.

By portraying a caravan of mostly women and children seeking asylum as an “invasion,” the president is crying “havoc.” The “dogs of war” he is unleashing are not the troops being deployed to the border but the divisions he continues to sow in this country with his lies, malice and attacks on decent, patriotic Americans who happen to disagree with him.

Operation Faithful Patriot is not only unnecessary but also a terrible waste of money, and it is inconsistent with the rules that govern how the military should be used. Since this is not an actual invasion by hostile forces, the troops cannot legally engage, detain or deport anyone who crosses the border. They can only provide logistical support for border agents doing their jobs. It is a task best suited to the National Guard, not the Army.

Trump’s order to send troops to the southern border is more about politics than national security. If the midterm elections were not looming, I doubt troops would have been on the move.

The president will continue to cry “havoc” about the press, immigrants and the Democratic Party. Will his angry words continue to “let slip the dogs of war” or will we heed Abraham Lincoln’s call to the “better angels of our nature” and realize “we are not enemies, but friends”?

Lawrence Gasda Bethlehem