USATODAY: Right to protest also means freedom from militarized police: Column

Protesters should not have to face intimidation by weapons of war. At a time when trust between communities and law enforcement is at such a low, arming local police forces with militarized equipment is a terrible proposition. These tactics only serve to escalate tension and raise the imminent threat of violence. The systematic militarization of the police can only be seen as an effort to stifle voices and dissuade dissent. (Read the full article here)