The Feds Are Coming! Jade Helm Hysteria Rising

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGHRH-CzQsM

It used to be that conspiracy theories regarding imminent declaration of martial law were confined to the furthest fringes of alternative media, places like Alex Jones’ Infowars. Now, fear of federal takeover has become so widespread that the Pentagon feels compelled to respond. From McClatchy DC:

The Pentagon has a message for Texas: chill.

Defense officials Monday dismissed as “wild speculation” an Internet-fueled claim that a massive summertime exercise called Jade Helm 15 for special operations commandos is a covert operation by President Barack Obama to take over Texas.

What should we make of the fact that federal authorities feel they must clarify their intentions? Does it speak to the paranoia of conspiracists? Or have fears been fueled by legitimate concern?