Because of deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, many National Guard units around the country are severely lacking in both personnel and equipment. In fact, the average National Guard unit has less than 40% of the equipment they say they need to effectively respond to a domestic emergency, such as a hurricane or flood. In this piece for WCPN in Cleveland, Ohio, I interviewed Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), and Representative Steve LaTourette (R-OH) for their thoughts on the state of the Ohio National Guard. In particular, I asked them about proposals to give the National Guard a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff so that the Guard would have more say in how its personnel and equipment are used. I also asked them about reversing changes made last year to the Insurrection Act, which make it easier for President Bush to declare martial law and to control National Guard units without the consent of state governors.
To listen to the story, click here.
