[meadsjn]

It is certain that the best defense against criminals in both high and low places can be found in strong, effective, independent, local police -- and an armed, responsible citizenry.

I'll agree that an armed, responsible citizenry is detrimental to the security of the people and the nation.

There is little difference, however, between a national police force like NAZI Germany's or Stalin's, and a country full of local police forces which have been corrupted by asset forfeiture laws and militarized by the same national government.

Good cops have left their careers by the gazillion, and the ranks have been, and continue to be, filled by those who see the opportunity to pillage and murder with reckless abandon and the permission of the congress.

[Drammach]

As the argument went, during the last Presidential Election:

No difference between Gore or Bush running the country
Except, with Bush, the Sleigh Ride to Hell will be a Little Slower.

I honestly believe that was a correct analysis.
The Police State was already in place, and these new laws, and actions are simply consolidating the planned totalitarian agenda.

Send me a tin foil hat if You wish, but G.H.W. Bush was quite clear about the need for a "New World Order", and as far as I'm concerned, the succeeding administrations (as well as all administrations since F.D.R.) are simply fillng in the gaps for Amerikas' own Iron Curtain.

[Verax]

, responsible citizenry is detrimental to the security of the people and the nation.

I think you meant fundamental

[gulfcoast6]

Good policemen leave because of the politics, the average stay for someone on a police dept is 7 years. National I don't know but a lot of money could be saved if they would let Sheriffs offices take over some of the towns.