This week, at a hastily arranged meeting in Quantico, Virginia, the President of the United States told military leaders that our armed forces should use American cities as "training grounds" to prepare for battles overseas.

“Inner cities are a big part of war,” the US President said, “I will never hesitate to protect our people from the horrible plague that is taking place from within.” The current Administration has sent in the US National Guard to Los Angeles, Washington DC, Memphis, and Portland—all four cities where Democrats have been leading— because he sees them as lawless and disagrees with their local policies.

Think about that for a moment: the Commander-in-Chief suggesting that American citizens be treated as mock targets for military drills. It is silly on its face, dangerous in precedent, and insulting to every community that values freedom and security.

The United States military exists to defend us from threats abroad, not to menace or "practice on" its own people. Deploying troops into American neighborhoods to sharpen their skills is not leadership--it is reckless rhetoric and an unprecedented misuse of authority.

Here in East Lyme, our Democratic slate of candidates rejects that kind of thinking. We believe every resident--regardless of age, race, sex, gender identity, or political affiliation--deserves respect, dignity, and the assurance that their government will not use them as props in a political drama.

Our local Democratic leaders are committed to doing the real work: protecting the rights and well-being of our citizens, ensuring safe and welcoming communities, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with state and national leaders who value reasoned dialogue over reckless threats.

We Democrats in Southeastern Connecticut will never treat East Lyme residents as pawns. Instead, we will continue to fight for greater opportunity, greater safety, and the greater good for all.