Lately I've noticed some disturbing historical parallels. In the 1960s, Northern Ireland was rocked by civil unrest over discrimination against Catholics. Britain's response was to send military forces to Northern Ireland, patrol the streets with tanks and post checkpoints. The result was increased levels of violence culminating in the infamous Derry Massacre in January 1972.

Today President Donald Trump is employing the same methods in American cities, allegedly to combat crime, even in places where violent crimes are on the decline.

Interestingly, these measures are only being sought in cities and states run by Democrats, even though the crime rates are significantly higher in some Republican-governed cities in red states. For many residents, this has created a climate of fear, not greater security.

Trump has announced his intention to double down on this policy and send troops to more U.S. cities. It's only a matter of time before violent incidents will occur. Could this be his true intention?

In the words of George Santayana,"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."