I am concerned, very concerned, that the Leyden police received a Humvee through a federal initiative dating back to 1990 that donates military surplus to towns and cities throughout the United States. Leyden (population 700) is not alone in nationwide efforts to militarize the police. I have had amazing conversations with some local officers and appreciate their skill as they navigate a complex job. And there have been other police who targeted me solely because I am African American. No matter our hue, we all want to be treated as fully human, not prejudicially cast as the enemy. I implore all our communities to inventory every military-capacity weapon and apparatus they may own and return them for immediate disposal.
Rev. Dr. Adele Smith-Penniman
Wendell