A quick and decisive response

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson yesterday directed the Arkansas Adjutant General to arm all on-duty National Guard personnel in response to the terror attacks that left four Marines and a sailor dead in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Here’s the press release:

LITTLE ROCK – In the wake of the shootings Thursday at the Navy and Marine reserve center in Chattanooga, Tenn., Governor Asa Hutchinson has authorized Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General Mark Berry to arm full-time military personnel.

In addition, the Governor has issued a proclamation ordering the state flag of Arkansas to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, July 20, 2015 as a mark of respect and as an expression of public sorrow for the four Marines killed, including Arkansas native Staff Sgt. David Wyatt of Russellville.
Governor Hutchinson released the followings statement:

"Our hearts break at the news of another senseless act of violence and terror, this time out of Chattanooga,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our prayers go out to all the families of the victims, especially the family of Staff Sgt. David Wyatt of Russellville, one of Arkansas’s own.

“I want to join in those who are calling for greater security at our recruiting stations and military installations. We’ve had numerous instances of attacks. Clearly they are a target, and for us to have unarmed military personnel makes no sense, which is why I am directing Major General Mark Berry to arm full-time personnel as he deems necessary at military installations.”

I am a native Hoosier and spent most of my life in Indiana, but the past eight years in Arkansas have given me a new perspective and a deep appreciation of the South and the spirit and character of Arkansans.

Gov. Hutchinson’s quick and decisive response to the threat of Islamic jihad in the United States impresses me and I sent him an email yesterday thanking him.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin have taken similar action in their states.

At the same time, I am heartened to see news reports of private citizens turning up at Armed Forces recruiting stations to provide volunteer security unless and until the delusional commander in chief and his dithering high command decide to arm these otherwise vulnerable military personnel.

These folks are protecting a recruiting station in Hiram, Ga.