The issue of deadly force by urban police is the broader issue in Missouri and the rest of the USA. This issue is one of many that have received attention in the press. Much of this is related to the militarization of local police forces at the behest of the federal government. Chiefly, the spread of military hardware has created the situation where local police believe they are part of the global war on terrorism. Sad but true; but that is the direct result of the mindset formation that creates the impression that all police are now soldiers.
This is not a good thing. Not good for the police, not good for the people who live in any city or town so affected. The weaponry alone induces feelings of dominant power, which, unchecked, widens the divide between the local population and the police. Opinion in the media have expressed the belief that it is time to restrain the spread of federal influence at the local level. It is not necessary nor wanted. Not here or in major cities across the country.
Eric Holder, US Attorney General, announced a federal investigation into events surrounding the shooting of the 18 year old unarmed resident of the city in Missouri. The National Guard has been deployed to control demonstrations and restore order.
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