I’ve spent the time to read everyone’s comments. Some very salient points have been made. I just don’t know if an economic collapse would trigger all the actions mentioned. After all, we did have a collapse in ’29 without a complete societal collapse following it. I realize this next economic collapse would be much, much worse.
In another life I had responsibility to “war game” how a local government might continue to function during a severe influenza pandemic. At the time, “Bird Flu” was a very real concern. Its referred to as a “continuity of government” plan. How do you continue providing critical services when a majority of your employees are sick, have family members sick, or are simply too afraid to come to work and possibly be exposed. I can see parallels between the two – a pandemic and (in this case) an economic collapse that cascades into a societal collapse requiring the intervention of the military. If members of your family were very ill, or you had reason to be concerned about their physical safety, would you leave to go to work? Think about it.
Another thing, should local officials contribute to the heavy-handed actions against citizens at the behest of a federal or state government, they will pay a price. They and their families live in the same neighborhoods as do the citizens being bullied. They don’t have a sanctuary to retreat to.
Just a couple of thoughts.