Pentagon Fires Back At Critics of 'Police Militarization' Program

The Wire via Yahoo news ^ | August 19, 2014 | Russell Berman

[stevie_d_64]

~ snip ~

Despite the move, however, Kirby insisted the Defense Department was not "militarizing" police departments and that the program as a whole was "useful" and "served a purpose."

"Let’s be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater here," Kirby said.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

This is the purged Pentagon with Ubama's replacements, right?

[a fool in paradise]

Just wait until the liberal establishment press gets militarized!

[stevie_d_64]

Yeah, riiiiiiiight...

This is almost like putting Pinocchio on a Botox/Steroid IV infusion to take care of his “nose” problem...

[stevie_d_64]

Goebbels would be proud of what they have achieved...

[Night Hides Not]

De-militarize the police and re-militarize the military.

That will be my next tagline after November's mid-terms.

[rjsimmon]

[no-to-illegals]

LOL ... that works for me.

[Foundahardheadedwoman]

I have an idea that the fire sale prices the Feds give to the local police departments is making the purchase of new toys to the cops irresistible, but that is not the purpose of the program. The Feds are pre-positioning military assets for when the Feds need them. Think the local cops really have need for this stuff and when the Feds turn up and say we are taking this humvee the local cops will protest? Not likely.

[stevie_d_64]

Very astute...I like it...

[shove_it]

Good one! I’m liberating it.

[no-to-illegals]

First thing am going to do if society breaks down is join the criminals... LOL .. Nope truly will not join the criminals. Upbringing will determine those normally turning into criminals and those attempting to uphold Law and Order. With a complete societal breakdown it becomes everyone for themselves and everyone providing their own protection. If the Feds want the equipment back they better move quickly. If society breaks down completely, everyone is going to want a machine gun, plenty of ammo and an armored vehicle.

[Starboard]

There should be congressional hearings on this. The American people need to be aware of and consider all of the implications of putting military grade equipment in the hands of local police forces. And we need to know what’s driving this “generous” distribution of equipment. But all you hear are crickets chirping in the background as the congress sleepwalks through another term.

[no-to-illegals]

Might or could it be classified? I hate it too. The lack of information or hiding of information. Maybe a game of being all alone while everyone plays hide and seek? Tag, you are it?

[Starboard]

Might or could it be classified?

************
Yes, but what percentage of this program is sensitive because of its strategic/operational basis and how much is protected for political reasons? I suspect there are elements of both at work here.

[no-to-illegals]

Good question for a congressional hearing that will probably never occur. My compliments Starboard.

[Foundahardheadedwoman]

The Feds will be in your local city or town the day before the reason for them being there is made public. Bet on it. Only they know when they will create the crisis.

[lavaroise]

Ceasar turned against Rome in time of peace, let us remember that.

Those vehicles should be handed out to farmers or private security properties and turned into plowshares, back to the tax payers.

These vehicles go beyond the limited duties assigned to police.

[no-to-illegals]

Good point ... I to hate the lack of transparency at the Federal level.

[reed13k]

Hell with that - get after the county and city boards to prevent the acquisition to begin with. Doesn’t need to go to congress or even the state with exception of the allowance to sell, it’s a local call that allows the buy.