On Monday, President Donald Trump suggested America's governors should call out their National Guard troops to "dominate" those protesting the death of George Floyd who also engage in violence and looting
Some states, including Texas, had already done so.
But the president also said that the U.S. military could be sent if necessary under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows the president to deploy troops and put Guard personnel under federal control under certain circumstances. That hasn't been used since the 1992 riots in Los Angeles after four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King.
That idea didn't go over too well with Democrats or even President Trump's fellow Republicans.
Not even in the Lone Star State, which has seen more than its share of unrest and isn't exactly known for high tolerance of such things.
On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would not be taking the president up on any military assistance. Texas doesn't need it, he said.
"We will not be asking the United States military to come into the state of Texas because we know the Texans can take care of Texas," the governor said at a news conference.
Abbott called for an end to violence but acknowledged the reason for the protests.
"Every person has the right to make their voices heard, to protest against this injustice, however violence and vandalism is never the answer," he said, adding, "Restoring calm in our communities does not end our task. Our work will not end until justice, fairness and equality become a reality in every part of our great state."
The governor hasn't given in to emotion and fear. He favors a measured response. He knows extreme force won't solve the root causes that lead to such actions. He is calm, clear and understanding. That's the kind of leadership we need in these troubled days.