National Guard Deployment In Elwood: State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. Has Something To Say

ELWOOD, IL — State Representative Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood has issued a statement regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to the Elwood US Army Reserve Center.

“Brave and dedicated members of the Illinois and Texas National Guard were federalized by the President and deployed to the 86th district yesterday," Walsh announced in his press release. "This ineffective plan does not address any of the real issues the residents of the 86th district are facing. Higher prices for everything from groceries to electricity. A job market that has slowed to a crawl. An energy grid that is struggling to keep up with demand. Instead, our communities, our families, and our neighbors will have their peace of mind taken from them by an act of political theater.

"There are actual issues the federal government could help solve with the money we are spending on this.

"We could change federal rules to better schedule barge traffic, so resident commutes are not extended randomly. We could reopen the federal government and have a serious conversation about energy policy to bring electricity rates down for everyone. This administration could even come together and negotiate with congress to actually fix our immigration system.

"All of these are better ideas than what we are now witnessing. The strength of the people has always come from our willingness to roll up our sleeves, come up with the best plan, and work together. Armed troops on any street in America should be a crimson flag for any and every patriot. We should all be asking how exactly we have strayed so far from our ideals.

"Our founding fathers made it clear what path we should be on. We must stand together or we will fall alone. I am asking that we all take a breath and ask ourselves the question, “what would actually make our lives better”. Then let’s do that instead.”