17 | Opinion (State, National, or International Issue)

Opinion (State, National, or International Issue)

Madisyn Morphew

Professor Reppert 

Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Fall 2025

Understanding What Is Happening

The debates over the National Guard being sent into different cities have raised a lot of concern across the country. As stated by the BBC, President Donald Trump has ordered Guard members into places like Washington DC and Chicago, and even attempted to send them to Portland and California. Many state and local leaders have pushed back, saying these actions are unnecessary and could increase tensions instead of easing them. Some states have taken the issue to court, and it has sparked a national conversation about how we should respond when people protest or challenge the government.
The National Guard is usually called in for natural disasters, major events, and emergencies where communities need support. It is not normally the first response when people are gathering to express frustration. That is why so many people are asking whether these deployments actually help or if they add more strain to cities that are already under pressure.

My personal view is clear. Escalation should not be our automatic response when individuals protest. Real safety comes from slowing down and choosing understanding instead of force.

Why Calm Approaches Matter

People protest because they feel dismissed or overlooked. Bringing in military aligned forces can make them feel even more distant from the leaders they are trying to reach. It can heighten fear and stress for everyone involved, and it can pull the focus away from the actual issues people are trying to address. Instead of encouraging solutions, it keeps communities locked in conflict.

Choosing to de-escalate does not mean ignoring the situation. It means responding with thought and care. It means listening, communicating, and giving communities room to share their concerns without treating them as threats. When leaders choose communication first, it shows that people matter and that their voices deserve to be met with respect, not pressure.

As college students, we are part of the generation that will influence how our country handles conflict. Paying attention to these situations is important. Understanding how escalation impacts communities is important. And remembering that connection builds safety, not confrontation, is one of the most valuable lessons we can carry forward.

Choosing de-escalation is not a weakness. It reflects a desire to move toward a future where communities grow stronger instead of breaking apart.