GOP Texas Congressman: Concerns About Military Takeover Are ‘Just Silly’

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 29: Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Tx., at Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee hearing on "Department of Defense FY2013 Science and Technology Programs." (Photo By Chris Maddaloni/CQ R... UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 29: Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Tx., at Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee hearing on "Department of Defense FY2013 Science and Technology Programs." (Photo By Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call) (CQ Roll Call via AP Images) MORE LESS

House Armed Services Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) on Monday dismissed concerns about a military takeover of Texas as “silly,” the Dallas Morning News reported.

“These are incredibly capable, patriotic Americans and the notion that they’re going to be some sort of private army for the President to take away all our guns is just silly,” Thornberry said.

Thornberry’s comments came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the State Guard to monitor the military training program known as “Jade Helm 15,” which conspiracy theorists have said may be a covert plan to take over the state. Abbott defended his decision on Monday.

The White House has said the operation, set to take place later this year in seven western states, is a “standard training” program.

Some of the theories also suggested that recently closed Wal-Marts were being used as cover for underground tunnels that would enable the takeover. A spokesperson for Wal-Mart denied that there was any truth to the “rumors.”

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  1. R.I.N.O.
    Manchurian Candidate
    Fifth Column
    Traitor to the cause of traitors.

  2. If I was in Hillary Clinton’s campaign staff, I would use examples JUST LIKE THIS ONE, to paint ALL Republicans as not just incompetents but KOOKY incompetents. Stuff like this is your key to the White House door.

  3. Well now FINALLY we have a high profile, current Texas GOP officeholder willing to speak out against this ridiculous conspiracy theory. Better late than never.

  4. [sarcasm mode]Texas! Don’t listen to him. The military is coming to take away your rights. The only thing you can do is declare that you’re an independent country![sarcasm mode off].

  5. Any public official that addresses this stupidity with anything less than Rep. Thornberry’s approach has proven themselves as incapable and invalid as a candidate for public office. Cruz, Paul, Perry, and all the rest of them. Anyone giving this craziness air should be laughed out of the pubic square.

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