I'm trying to get worked up RE: local police owning military equipment (like KCSD's new BearCat) and gear, but I can't. I trust Sheriff Ben & Co. to use the equipment sparingly and wisely. Also, I want the good guys -- yes, I consider the local police to be good guys (call me old-fashion) -- to have the best equipment possible when tracking down the bad guys, some of whom wouldn't hesitate to take an officer's life. That's why I'm bothered that our ambitious 1st District Congressman Raul Labrador has co-authored a bill to limit the "militarization" of the local police. I know, I know. Everyone's up in arms about Ferguson and the dog shooting at Java on Sherman -- the so-called straw that broke the camel's back. But I think our local police have performed admirably for a long time. The dog shooting was a mistake. We all make mistakes, including the crowd with rocks who are ready to stone the local police. Raul's has succeeded in grabbing headlines again. But I wonder whether he took time to confer with local police before making his legislative move. (File Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

Thoughts?