You made a false assumption - ie that I didn't read it all. I did. I just don't see what might have been true 20 years ago has any bearing on the developing US police state of today. And as far as some "turning traitor" police work appeals to those who like enforcing laws. There are very few who go into a police career thinking that there are laws that shouldn't be enforced.
Prior to 1968 you could order WWII surplus cannons through the mail and ammunition for them. Now the thought of anyone with anything but the very limited caliber and firearm selection available legally today gives police and other government bureaucrats, the MSM, and a large segment of the populations instant enuresis.
I just don't see what might have been true 20 years ago has any bearing on the developing US police state of today.
I was trying to show a progression that is contrary to the health of the nation today, but it wasn't always that way.
And as far as some "turning traitor" police work appeals to those who like enforcing laws. There are very few who go into a police career thinking that there are laws that shouldn't be enforced.
I used to make my living as a State level LEO. Then, as now we give to our police officers something called discretionary powers which means society allows them certain latitudes in enforcing the law. Ever heard this: Okay, I'll let you off with a warning this time...? Well that is a prime example. We do not expect our cops to be mindless automotons, even though they sometimes act like that.
When I was a Probation & Parole officer I saw many examples of poor judgment in the judicial system. Folks who just should not, by circumstances, BE on probation. I had the files. I had all the facts the prosecutors and judge had. If, in my judgement, a "client" had served most of their probation without violation and was to all accounts a good citizen...well I ran it by my superior (who always said USE YOUR JUDGMENT) and went to court to get them off probation early. OTOH, I wasn't shy about observing behavior that violated conditions of probation and re-arresting the offender and going forward in the process of returning that offender to prison. That is discretionary power. Florida is not an "open carry" state, yet after Hurricane Andrew, it was common for neighborhoods to go about their area armed openly and the cops turned a blind eye because they saw the display as an asset and not a hindrance or a danger. They chose not to enforce the law.
Prior to 1968 you could order WWII surplus cannons through the mail and ammunition for them.
About ten years ago, I met the requirements to purchase a surplus M1 Garand from the U.S. Government via the program run by the DCM (Directorate of Civilian Marksmanship) as an NRA certified Instructor and rifle competitor. I bought the gun for $165.00 Guess how the government sent me my gun? Yup: U.S. Mail!