The inappropriate and counterproductive militarization of local police forces can be clearly seen in Ferguson, MO, where police have been confronting unarmed peaceful protesters with armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Media reports suggest that the equipment and rules of engagement being deployed in Ferguson are more aggressive than those which were used for crowd control in Iraq. Furthermore, Ferguson has been part of the Pentagon's 1033 program, which provides weapons to local police forces without adequate training.
The Pentagon should end the 1033 program, and recall all heavy weaponry sold through the program. The militarization of America's streets disproportionately targets minority communities while threatening first-amendment rights of free speech and assembly.