Impromptu Lending a hand doesn’t require being armed
Aug 29, 2025
Theodore Johnson, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, dives into crucial discussions about the National Guard’s role in domestic crises, particularly its deployment during Hurricane Katrina. He critiques the militarization of disaster relief and argues for a humanitarian approach. Johnson also reflects on the lasting impact of past mistakes and how they echo in current events, emphasizing the need for preparedness and empathy in leadership during emergencies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Caught Off Guard In Nebraska
- Ted Johnson recounts watching Katrina coverage while on a military base focused on war planning in Nebraska.
- He realized he and many others were blindsided by the scale of the disaster because attention was fixed on overseas combat.
Armed Guard Signals Political Judgments
- The Katrina response exposed structural failures beyond the storm: physical, social, and political.
- An armed National Guard presence signaled which communities the government treated as threats rather than victims.
Guard Deployments Reflect Political Will
- Politicians often use the National Guard as an extension of executive power, shifting its mission with political winds.
- Deploying and arming the Guard domestically communicates who leaders view as a problem and heightens risk of violence.