Bring New York's Troops Back Home

CJ Maloney on the Illegality of sending the State National Guard and Reserves to Iraq.

During the battles along Canada’s Niagara front at the opening of the War of 1812, an American invading army under General van Rensselaer had to fight at severely reduced strength because “most of the New York militiamen refused to cross the river, insisting on their legal right to remain on American soil”, leaving his force instantly down 2,300 men[1]. Shortly following, in a campaign along the upper Niagara River, it was the turn of Pennsylvania’s militiamen to refuse to cross out of American soil.

By ordering New York’s military to the Middle East, the federal level has clearly overstepped her bounds. During the War of 1812, New York’s sons who had pledged themselves to defend her liberty refused to leave American soil. Our political leaders in Albany should take time to recall the courage, patriotism, and love of the Constitution that went into their decision – and emulate it.

CJ Maloney is a frequent columnist for Mises.Org, LewRockwell.com, and Anti-War.com. He also writes under "Cyd Malone". Mr. Maloney has worked on Wall Street for over a decade and graduated from NYU Stern. A registered Democrat, he lives and works in New York City.