http://www.latimes.com/opinion/edito...208-story.html
and absolutely read the scathing report from the aclu. also, take note in the article:
states have access to National Guard units they can deploy when circumstances call for a military response.
when police depts request these cool toys, there is a rule regarding keeping those neato things...they have to use them within a year to show that they do indeed need them.
yeah, so hurry and use them police, so you can justify them. that's what ferguson did--in response to protests. the rioting came after they showed up in full war gear.
in many of the cases hitting the news lately....things escalated between police and the public due to the actions of the police. they then use the escalation to excuse their response.
you had a 23 year old cop who ignored texas law and tazed an old man. thankfully he didn't shoot and kill the guy. but he did lose his job. that needs to happen elsewhere as well.
now, this is what i view as a great stance that all departments would do well to emulate:
http://gawker.com/police-chief-respe...sto-1675787560