State Representative Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone) issues the following statement regarding the United States and Georgia constitutions and the deployment of Georgia’s National Guard:
“As a retired naval officer, it goes against my core values and principles to use Georgia’s National Guard for purposes beyond its lawful duties. I believe the brave men and women in uniform did not take an oath to use force against our citizens in the United States. Let me be crystal clear: the purpose of the Georgia National Guard is to defend against foreign threats and aid in natural disasters.
“As a retired Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, I share this five-point rationale for my opposition:
- Unconstitutional: the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers to the states and the people. I believe the use of military force for civilian law enforcement is a dangerous and unconstitutional overreach that could undermine the separation of powers and the role of local police and sheriffs.
- Inconsistent to Military Oath: the men and women of the Georgia National Guard have sworn an oath to the Constitution. Using them as pawns could violate their service and their honor. Their mission is to defend against foreign threats and to aid in natural disasters, not to police our own communities.
- Not aligned with the values of representative government: the deployment of military forces against civilians could undermine the principles of a free and open society. It is a path that we must refuse to walk down.
- Unsustainable: the deployment of Georgia’s National Guard could be an economically and socially unsustainable course of action. The cost could drain funds from critical state services, such as schools, healthcare and infrastructure.
- Not Scalable: military solutions would not be a scalable answer to the problems facing our state. Real challenges require real leadership and a commitment to dialogue, community partnership and constitutional governance.
“True strength comes from protecting the rights and freedoms of the people of Georgia, not from military force. My commitment is to the people of Georgia and the Constitution we all hold dear. I will always protect our state.”
Representative Derrick Jackson represents the citizens of District 68, which includes portions of Fayette and Fulton counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and re-elected in 2022. He currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Regulated Industries and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
