Was ‘the enemy within’ that Trump warned of on Interstate 5?

Re “Key Camp Pendleton document has no approved artillery firing locations west of I-5” (Oct. 21): Nov. 10 is the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. One wonders why the military chose Oct. 18, the date expected to turn out the largest protest in U.S. history against Donald Trump’s policies, as the date for its celebration, and chose to use live artillery over a public freeway as a way to celebrate. Live weapons make sense for official training, but for birthday parties? A round that exploded prematurely, landing shrapnel on this public highway and a CHP patrol cruiser, is embarrassing evidence of what can happen when officials choose show over safety.

Trump has announced his intent to use the military against an “enemy within,” and to use our cities as military “training grounds.” This seems now to include our public highways, seemingly intended to intimidate those “enemies” on their way to exercise their constitutional right to differ with Trump. This is a disgraceful way to celebrate our freedom heritage.

— William Radatz, Chula Vista