While Representative Steven Palazzo (R-MS) concedes that Operation Jade Helm 15 is probably not a secret plot that involves tunneling under local Wal-Marts, he has requested a private briefing just to be sure.
Jade Helm may not end in a coup, but the threat in our back yards is real enough according to Palazzo.
"I've requested and will soon receive a private briefing from Special Operations Command regarding the scope of the exercise, but after looking into it, I think it is a very important event," Palazzo said Friday in response to questions from The Sun-Herald newspaper. "All you have to do is turn on the news to realize that real dangers exist just outside our back door. I support our military continuing to train in order to be fully prepared for the real threats that we face."
One would hope that a sitting representative is not relying on Fox News for updates on national security.
If that's the case, it would come as no surprise that Palazzo believes "real dangers" that may require a military response exist just outside our back doors.
Contrary to popular belief and conservative media reports, there is no secret ISIS camp on the other side of the border outside El Paso, Texas. And contrary to reports from reputable sources such as Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, there are no ISIS camps or "no-go zones" in Minnesota, Virginia, or New York.
Once again, conservatives use one conspiracy theory to justify and form the basis of another conspiracy theory. It's a self-sustaining loop.
As a member of Congress, Palazzo is entitled to intelligence briefings. He should consider using them.