At What Point?

At What Point?: "During my twenty years of service in the U.S. Navy I lived in and visited many foreign nations. I was stationed in the Philippines during the “People’s Power” revolution and participated in a historic port visit to Shanghai, China in May, 1989, during which the Chinese took to the streets to protest the communist regime (remember Tiananmen Square?). In both cases, I always wondered, at what point did the people risk their lives to stand up against their tyrannical government. More specifically, at what point did the military and police decide to side with the people and rebel against the government.

Searching for an answer to this question is not just an academic exercise for me. Although I am retired from active duty, I am still obligated in my oath to support and defend the Constitution. In my current capacity as a Police Chief, I am sworn to uphold the law. So, at what point would I, and all others in my position, determine that the assault on our Constitution is so severe it would warrant us from disobeying laws and regulations that are clearly in violation of the powers granted by the United States Constitution?"