Stossel is a lib fool.
Say what you will about the militarization of local LEO’s, but one thing is clear.
The Ferguson PD (and St. Louis County) along with their tanks, tear gas and military gear did more to curtail the rioting and looting than did the State Troopers and the National Guard.
Only AFTER Captain Ron Johnson took over (and begn protesting with them people) did things get WORSE - not better.
The government has a constitutional responsibility to the citizens to put down riots and insurrections.
--Individual cops may feel threatened -- and may be threatened in the course of doing their jobs -- but they still do not have the right to use more force than is necessary. Too often, panicked or angry cops pump multiple rounds into already-wounded suspects, as appears to have happened to Michael Brown.
FUJS
Your post seems to indicate that a heavily armed paramilitary police force is OK so long as they are applied against the “correct” targets.
I have some problems with that. The definition of “correct” is highly subjective, and may change not at all to your liking.
I’m against the militarization of the police in general. Every Federal agency doesn’t need a military style SWAT squad. Police don’t need an armed platoon breaking down doors, shooting dogs and terrorizing families to serve ordinary arrest and search warrants. But if there is one time when military style police tactics are warranted (no pun intended) it’s when armed rioters are looting and burning down businesses.
So I take it you haven’t signed up for the libertarian ping list on FR?