ProgressOhio

The litany of law enforcement abuses detailed by Brian Rothenberg clearly shows a consolidation of police power that has steadily expanded since September 11, 2001. Whether motivated by fear or ignorance, too many Americans, including many of our fellow Ohioans, have bought into the notion that "9/11 changed everything".

Under the guise of keeping us safe from the terrorist boogie man, law enforcement has opportunistically adopted a policy of militarization as evidenced by the brute squad mentality under which many local police departments now operate.

Federal, state and local lawmakers are all to blame for allowing and even encouraging a resurgence of the old police Red Squads that were so prevalent during the 1960's and 1970's. Counter-intelligence activities conducted by local law enforcement against peaceful, law abiding citizens engaged in protests against government policies is surging.

But lawmakers are not the only ones responsible for these abuses of police and prosecutorial power. As citizens, we have acquiesced many of our constitutional rights in exchange for a false sense of security leaving a dangerous vacuum which law enforcement clearly taken advantage of. The Federal government has sweetened the pot by making money available to local police departments to aid the so-called fight against terrorism - and legitimate dissent.

Online organizing, contacting elected officials and increased voter turnouts are key components in the fight against the coming police state. But there is no substitute for peaceful, nonviolent direct action which means taking to the streets and showing our brothers and sisters what real democracy looks like.