In light of what's transpired over the last several months with civil unrest, and protests that were far from peaceful, you would think the last thing on President Obama's mind would be to take away the tools so vital to police in these situations.

Military surplus items were not the root cause of these riots. On the contrary, even with their use several officers were injured while attempting to regain order and protect property. So Obama's logic is to ban many of these items; not very wise.

Maybe he missed the telecast of the armored vehicle making its way through Baltimore as it was being pelted with rocks, bricks, bottles and whatever else people could throw. What should they use now, a Chevy, Ford, maybe a Dodge? As we've seen, they burn well.

The use of this surplus equipment goes beyond quelling unrest. It offers protection to our officers who we expect to get in the middle of these situations. It has greater use during weather situations when conventional police vehicles just won't cut it. To deny officers equipment they need is outrageous.

Our government has taken a stand on the side of the criminals. Support our police. Without their efforts we're all in deep trouble. And yes, I'm a retired cop.

Paul Liparulo

Waterford