I just found out my little town police force owns a half-track

[CanonRay]

We have about 8000 people, leans progressive, but Homeland Security apparently "gave" it to us some time ago. I've only lived here a year, and was unaware of it. I'm a little taken aback, and thinking of starting a process of getting the town to give it back.

[agbdf]

1. Have you read the Dennis Kucinich column posted onto DU?

Dennis Kucinich nailed this issue. Although I got a big laugh out of a 8000 person town needing an APC. It reminds me of the episode of Mayberry RFD, when Barney Fife (Don Knotts) challenges Andy Taylor by running against him for Sheriff. As part of his campaign platform, Barney was calling for Mayberry to purchase "tear gas and machine guns."

[KurtNYC]

4. a tangent but...I looked for that clip of Barney Fife

found this instead (?!)

[KurtNYC]

2. the cost to repair the streets would be huge

if they drive that thing in a parade for example, it would rip up the top of the asphalt. The cost of additional training, maintenance, insurance, etc. and for what ?

[HooptieWagon]

5. Yes, it will tear up pavement.

And off-road, it will do a lot of enviromental damage. I can't see any public use for it that a large truck wouldn't do much much better.

[whistler162]

3. Since you live in Oregon it could

be useful in the rainy/snowy season for off road rescues. First find out what it is used for then raise the hew and cry if needed.