OPINION:
The controversy surrounding President Trump’s military parade brings attention to the real and symbolic dangers of deploying military hardware, including combat weapons, military helicopters and heavy tracked vehicles, in American cities. However, these types of equipment are already being used by law enforcement agencies all over the country, often with little accountability or oversight.
Law enforcement agencies have acquired these military tools, including mine-resistant tanks and weaponized drones, from the Department of Defense through the latter’s 1033 Military Surplus Transfer Program. It allows police and other law enforcers to receive surplus military hardware without the approval of their city councils or other civilian oversight.
This flow of weapons has served only to breed mistrust between law enforcers and their communities, and intensify abusive police violence. Experiences like those in Ferguson, Missouri, have shown how quickly these combat weapons are turned on American citizens. Indeed, this flow of armaments exacerbates the growing trend of police brutality.
Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin should take a strong stance to end this dangerous program by championing legislation such as the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, which would stop the unfettered and poorly regulated flow of military weapons onto American streets. As a democratic nation, we know there is no glory in presenting military weapons to unarmed citizens.
JESSE GREEG
Silver Spring
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