Bonus March.

This is coolbert:

Here with a less than illustrious episode from American history. And one with a definite military dimension.

From the article in the Chicago Tribune as seen several days ago now. By Ron Grossman.

As reported by the Chicago Daily Tribune [as it was called then].

"CHICAGO FLASHBACK"

"FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1932." "2 CENTS PAY NO MORE"

"TROOPS AND TORCH ROUT VETS"

"HOOVER CALLS REGULARS; BURN CAPITAL BONUS SITE"

"Chicagoan Killed by Police; Nearly 50 hurt in Battles."

"PRESIDENT GIVES REASON FOR THE USE OF SOLDIERS."

"On July 28, police began clearing the Washington encampment. Scuffles broke out . . . that night, 3,000 infantry, cavalry and a platoon of tanks, were sent into the encampment, under the command of a trio of officers destined to become household names in World War II. On horseback and sporting his medals, Gen. Douglas MacArthur directed the operation, assisted by then Maj. Dwight Eisenhower; George S. Patton led the tanks."

"After giving the veterans a couple of hours to evacuate the camp's terrified women and children, soldiers with fixed bayonets and wearing gas masks hurled tear gas."

Bonus Marchers, veterans of the First World War [WW1], demanding during that era of the Great Depression and early payment of a promised bonus [agreed to be paid in 1945] for prior military service, a piddling amount the administration in power refused!

The encampment, consisting of  tents and ramshackle squatter-like wooden huts, finally demolished but only after military force was used.

This was an early version of the "Occupy Movement"!!

Two persons dead, one adult male killed previously by the police, one baby evidently succumbing to the tear gas.

And of course the photographs and publicity big time egg-on-the-face for the senior military commander, Douglas MacArthur.

Understand too the use of federal troop in a law enforcement role not a violation of posse comitatus. Within the District of Columbia troops can be used in such a manner.

Just obeying orders!

coolbert.