Business

These Cities Have Fired Their Police Forces Because of the Economy

On December 1, Youngtown, AZ, joined the ranks of the many U.S. cities and towns that have fired their local police forces, reports 24/7 Wall St. In recent years, it has become somewhat of a bizarre and unsettling trend across the country for municipalities to disband their police departments, mostly because of financial restrictions.

Using information from the National Fraternal Order of Police and conversations with a number of police departments, 24/7 found nearly 50 cities and towns that either considered dismantling or have already dismantled their police forces in the past four years.

Researchers who compiled this data also received help from Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office—a department that has taken over law enforcement responsibilities for 16 police forces in the country.

The initial list was cut down to include only the largest municipalities and the most recent cases of police force termination.

There are a number of reasons that contribute to a local government dismissing its police department.

“Some cities, such as Pewaukee, Wis., face controversies revolving around questionable police actions,” writes Charles B. Stockdale. “Others, such as Pontiac, Mich., have exceptionally high crime rates, giving city officials additional incentive to take a different approach to law enforcement.”

However, the primary reason for laying off an entire police force is cost cutting. Every municipality on this list has disbanded its local police force in order to, at least in part, save money.

Once the local police have been relieved of duty, police work has been taken over by the county sheriff’s offices in every case. The economic recession has made matters much worse for police forces. According to a Justice Department report from October of this year, law enforcement is facing its first overall job decline in 25 years.

6. Millbrae, California
Cities That Have Fired Their Police ForcesDate: 11/17/11
Population: 21,532
Size of former police department: 21

In November of this year, the Millbrae city council decided with a 3-2 split decision to dismantle the city’s police force. Law enforcement will now be handled by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the same department that has taken over duties in San Carlos. And much like in San Carlos, Millbrae’s decision was made for cost-cutting reasons, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Millbrae has shrunk its police force by 26 percent since 2001 and, according to one council member, the city has considered outsourcing since 2003.

5. Maywood, California
Cities That Have Fired Their Police ForcesDate: 6/30/10
Population: 27,431
Size of former police department: 41

The Maywood Police Department was disbanded in June 2010, after serving the community for 90 years. In addition, the city council voted unanimously to lay off all city employees. County police officers replaced the local cops, while workers from neighboring cities filled other positions.

“The city can’t have any staff because it can’t get liability or worker’s compensation insurance for them,” reports CNN.

So, instead of going bankrupt, the city decided to outsource all workers.

4. San Carlos, California
Cities That Have Fired Their Police ForcesDate: 6/30/10
Population: 28,155
Size of former police department: 32

San Carlos is another city that decided to dissolve its police force to cut costs — the only one in the Bay Area city with its own police force to outsource its law enforcement.

Protecting the city has since been the responsibility of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The city’s 2011 deficit was nearly $3.5 million, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The county police force hired San Carlos’s 32 officers.

3. Pontiac, Michigan
Cities That Have Fired Their Police ForcesDate: 10/31/10
Population: 60,177
Size of former police department: 74

Pontiac voted on October 31, 2010, to outsource it policing duties to the Oakland County Sheriff. The change took effect in January 2011. Since the decision was spurred by the city’s $12 million budget deficit, according to Michigan Radio, Oakland County also made sure to protected itself.

Executive L. Brooks Patterson added a last minute amendment to the contract, allowing for Oakland to void the entire contract if Pontiac declares bankruptcy. At the time, dissolving the police force was expected to save Pontiac about $2 million a year. All the city’s police officers were hired by the county.

See the rest of the list here.

(Charles B. Stockdale–24/7 Wall St./The Blaze)

Comments (170)

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  • fly892
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:09pm

    I’m sure the city council had their backs to the wall on this subject…….
    They can’t print money………
    The cards will fall as more retirements etc. occur…….
    Hire part timers without benefits etc,,,,,It’s going to get nasty folks ………….

    Report Post »  
  • Rumrunner3
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:55pm

    All I can say is good. Less legalized thugs about. I know everyones misconception about the police. The fact is they will ticket a working person long before they arrest a criminal. Less paper work involved in a ticket and more revenue for the court. If they arrest, then it cost everyone involved.

    Report Post » Rumrunner3  
    • wheels
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:40pm

      Say No to Koolaid, wow…please crawl back into your slimy little cave sir, we have plenty of clueless citizens running around these days, really

      Report Post » wheels  
    • Exiled
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:44pm

      You misunderstand. There are not less officers on the streets. The difference is that now you have County Sheriff’s Deputies on the road instead of city officers. County Sheriff is an elected position, and therefore much more accountable to the public – and, in my experience – a lot tougher on “real crime”.

      Report Post »  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:06am

      Hmm…Has the Blaze just given criminals a “hit list”…

      Report Post »  
    • Sheepdog69
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:41am

      Wow, you are really pissed about getting a ticket, huh?

      Report Post » Sheepdog69  
    • PoliticalJunkieToo
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:54am

      Rumrunner3
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:55pm
      All I can say is good. Less legalized thugs about.
      _______

      Agreed. Fewer police means less of them confiscating people possessions out of their cars and keeping the booty to enrich their police departments which Texas says is legal. Also fewer police downloading people’s cell phone information when pulling them over for traffic violations and doing God knows what with the information like a judge said Michigan cops could do. Also less police to taser people just because they can. With the Patriot Act and Homeland Defense, the police dress like military personnel and act more like thugs of the government keeping an eye on the general public than getting rid of criminals.

      I grew up to respect the police but now the police act like thugs. Also, their pensions are so much more than the general public which is paying for them, it is ridiculous.

      Article on the Militarism of our police
      http://www.hotair.com/archives/2011/06/08/video-swat-team-raids-house-over-unpaid-student-loans/

      Police Physical Abuse
      http://www.hotair.com/archives/2011/07/21/video-police-officer-threatens-concealed-carry-driver-with-execution-beating/

      Police Taser Abuse
      http://policetaser.net/

      Police CORRUPTION updated daily
      http://stopthedrugwar.org/taxonomy/term/27?page=15

      How Police Confiscation Is Destroying American Part 1
      http://www.fff.org/freedom/1093c.asp

      Highway robbery? Texas police seize black motorists’ cash, cars
      http://www.chicago

      Report Post »  
    • sundance_sp
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:36am

      No doubt I can understand the sentiment of RUMRUNNER, but not 100%. I live in So. Orange County, CA.. We are very aware of the financial meltdown and the effect it has on our municipalities. Over the last year we have witnessed a dramatic spike in the Sheriff’s departments, and actually, to a greater degree, a presence of the CHP in our areas. Funny thing is, although we have very little crime in our area (law enforcement statistics do not support the necessity for their presence). However, I am in an area that is very affluent, with some degree of middle class families, to which I am one of them. However, it seems that both the sheriffs and CHP feel that our area is ripe for traffic citations. Mind you, my area is nowhere near an area where the CHP should be patrolling, but, it’s not uncommon to find them hiding out near stop signs, trying to snag a patsy not making a complete stop at a stop sign, or pulling someone over for going over a few miles over the limit. Just a couple of weeks ago, my nephew got a ticket for “rushing a yellow light”, wer’e still trying to figure that one out. Look, bottom line, the police and cities are trying to fleece us. It’s a joke, it’s like taxation through extortion for them. I no longer have respect for the police, or CHP in my community because it’s obvious what they are doing. They can go screw themselves, and the horse they road in on!

      Report Post »  
    • sundance_sp
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:39am

      Nope, RUMRUNNER is right! Cops and municipalities are going broke, the best way for them to bring in extra income is to screw the public, through “chicken tickets” and questionable fines. I was ticketed down at the San Diego Zoo parking lot, $40 for my expired registration, which was two days over expiration. You don‘t think they’re trying to fleece us? Please, pull your heads out,,,, of the sand!

      Report Post »  
    • The Postman
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 4:22am

      lol @Sundance. Here’s an idea, yellow means slow down not speed up. Renew your registration on time, you would have saved yourself $40. Funny thing is you’re getting upset at the cops for doing their job. They would be out there catching more bad guys if they didn‘t have to stop and write stupid tickets for lazy stupid people who couldn’t take 2 seconds to take care of simple tasks like renewing your registration…. duh!

      Report Post » The Postman  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 4:54am

      Non-story in my opinion.
      Many states allow local cities to ‘outsource’ policing to the county or the state by paying taxes to those respective jurisdictions. If it becomes economically more feasible to pay someone else to provide you a service than it does to do it yourself – why not?
      If building an addition on your home cost you 30k in tools, and 60k in materials, and you have the headaches of doing it yourself, vs., paying a contractor 75k to do it and be done… that’s the thought process involved here.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • lukerw
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 6:28am

      If you do not have a Gun… get one… because the Evil Doers have weapons!

      Simply… the Death Rate will Increase!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • loriann12
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 6:55am

      When Clinton got in office, I was around a segment of people who thought th world was going to end. (I didn’t drink that Kool aid). This group of people I knew all wanted to join a Militia. they claimed the Militia and the Sherrif’s dept were the only ones granted authority by the constitution. They believed ALL other police forces were unconstitutional. I never thought about the fact that the Sherrif is elected could be the reason. I was a dispatcher for a combined police force (they combined 5 towns that were really small and had one dispatch agency). The director was appointed by whatever sherrif was in office. When they got a new mayor, and thus a new administration, I was set up and fired. Just because they’re elected, doesn’t make them above reproach.

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:10am

      … ultimately, the politicians in this country are the ones responsible for the financial straits we are all in. And California will be the first state in the union to slide into the sea. That will be the day I stop paying taxes for I will have nothing to do with bailing out a bastion of Liberal Marxism! That goes for New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon etc. etc.

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:59am

      @sundance_sp
      I am with you they are robing us blind out there. I do however still believe that the cops are the good guys but our system is now set up in such a way that they no longer go “after” the bad guys they just wait for them to run a red light.
      Lazy police work and increased revenue for the municipality through tickets….
      that is law enforcement today.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • OklahomaBound
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:48am

      Hate to break it to you anti-police, pro-law breaking anarchist libtar ds and Paultar ds, but these police forces are just being replaced with County Deputies so your desire to commit your crimes without fear of arrest will go unfulfilled. Awwwww.

      Report Post » OklahomaBound  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:54am

      Looks like we are going back to the days of Peace Officers instead of Law Enforcement Officers. They’ll be only zeroing in on the violence stuff instead of the stop sign stuff.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • Freedomtothink
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:59am

      Unfortunately I agree with you.

      Report Post »  
    • robert
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:06pm

      It isn’t just the police forces that will eventually be reduced throughout the entire nation, but their pension funds will be gone as well.

      No more double dip. In fact, no more pensions at all in many cases.

      This will usher in a new age of police graft. Soon it will be possible to buy your way out of anything, just like it is in Mexico right now.

      Get ready NOW fror the coming collapse. It will advance to a large degree in 2012, making everyone understand that there is NO CHANCE of recovery.

      This multicultural empire is in great jeopardy.

      Report Post »  
    • ME
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:00pm

      Rumrunner3
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:55pm
      All I can say is good. Less legalized thugs about.

      only would add
      Less UNION legalized thugs about.
      revenue enhancement officers as I like to all them, working there revenue enhancement zones that have not had a piece of construction equipment in them for over 6 months. Tell me I am wrong:)

      Report Post » ME  
    • mollyway
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:51pm

      Yes, this is true; use sheriff dept- as police- they have county wide jurisdiction.

      Report Post »  
    • JohnnyRaiden
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 4:26pm

      @Postman you know the cops wait for people at specific intersections to give out those bs tickets right? They wouldn’t be out stopping anymore crime regardless so you post makes you seem a little, how to put this, retarded. As for the reg? Can’t say much, here you have 1 month to renew your tags AFTER they expire.

      Report Post »  
    • Hoseycanyousee
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:22pm

      I agree. We dont need more people living off the system. I had my wallet stolen from me and they never went after the thug that did it. However there is a police on every corner to see if you are going 7 over the limit in a 35. Police are doing the dirty work to pay their own salaries.

      Report Post »  
    • gda
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Arrest for what rumrunner3? Would you suggest we arrest for murder, rape or robbery? Or do you wanna go after them yourself? Who’s gonna do it if not for the brave men and women who do it everyday? I understand you’re upset about a ticket, but let it go. You may thank officer one day for saving your rear.

      Report Post »  
    • Rajaat99
      Posted on December 15, 2011 at 5:32pm

      I agree with you Rumrunner3. I read this article and thought “Wow, good news for once”.

      Report Post »  
  • neverending
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:52pm

    Police and fire department are the first to go. Some cut back so far gotta file police reports yourself if so called minor accident. And so true the worthless morons running the city and county make big bucks and not a chance of cutting their salaries or benefits. Welcome to barry’s world.

    Report Post »  
    • Orion the truth hunter
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 2:48am

      Marion, Ohio will lay off 16 police (about a third of the force) and about 10-12 firemen next month unless “something” changes. http://www.marionstar.com/article/20111213/NEWS01/112130303/Police-make-plea-council-avoid-layoffs
      Ohio recently repealed a law (Ohio senate bill 5 or issue 2) that would have reduced public union benefits and possibly prevented these layoffs. Now the Marion union is offering concessions to prevent the layoffs. Three other cities in Ohio are also reducing their staff: http://biggovernment.com/tobytoons/2011/12/02/budget-realities-come-home-to-roost/

      Report Post »  
    • Navyveteran
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:03pm

      My question is when any city government is hurting for money the first things they cut are the police and fire departments. I have a solution don’t cut services that the tax payers need, cut things tax payers don’t need or use. For example State Governors, City Mayors, State Legislators, and City Council all take a 50% pay cut. Cut welfare, food stamps and other benefits abused by citizens and illegals both by 30%. Also we cut school buereacrats incomes by 50% as well. Use that cash to pay for the extra firemen and policemen that are needed.

      Report Post »  
    • hud
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:28pm

      Orion—Fire the mayor, council, etc before you let the police/firemen go.

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:40pm

    That’s it fire the cops making 50.000 a year but you keep the school superintendent making 300,000.

    IDIOTS!!!!

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:54pm

      Get rid of them all, good riddance to them. Love to see them take the $300K a year guy(s) along too.

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:03pm

      Fire them all.

      But alas, the Feds will just write a check and “grant” (give) the police and teachers our money to keep them on board while everything else crumbles around us, because that is their structural apparatus to indoctrinate and control the public, from public reeducation camps/ police state conditioning camps (public school), to the police themselves placing themselves at the entrances of our children’s schools and acting like little Johnny might have a hand grenade in his lunchbox.

      I swear to God, this stupid, fat, lazy, sloppy, Nazi Police State prison guard found it especially important to disarm me of a one centimeter blade smaller than the blade in most pencil sharpeners which happened to be on a bottle opener on my car keys, just so I could be admitted to Open House and observe my child’s indoctrination.

      He had to train me and let me know that I’m the bad guy, you see. Not him and his little smug smirk. Petty power tripping loser.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • lketchum
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:16pm

      @V-MAN MACE.

      Gawd, V-MAN, that is one awful experience; I feel for you. I put all my kids into and through private schools and that was 20 years ago when Clinton started with his BS. I can’t imagine how insane things are now.

      Report Post » lketchum  
    • Exiled
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:50pm

      V-Man: So don’t send your kids there.
      Problem solved.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:25am

      Problem not solved.

      What about YOUR kids? What about everyone elses kids?

      What about freedom?

      How about actually standing up against an intrusive police state?

      They’re not going to give you any quarter… so stop cowering in the corner and making excuses for them. They’re going to have their way with you otherwise.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Cuthalu
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:02am

      Don’t forget the ones making the choices of firing others, city councils who are not about to vote themselves out of well paying, cushy jobs.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Brasky
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:02am

      Cuthalu, most city councilmembers don’t make an awful lot of money. In fact, in some of the smaller towns, you’ll find many do it for free- like this one.

      Report Post » Bill Brasky  
  • Maidoff101
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:38pm

    Gee, I wonder if these Cities cut Entitlements? You never here of cutting entitlement costs, They go right after the cops, the only ones standing between a civil society or total anarchy. Brilliant!

    Report Post »  
    • certified ethical hacker
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:40pm

      wow just cut those awful racist white cops, they are the ones targeting those poor gangsta blacks that are just trying to make a living selling dope. and for sure cut those slim ball border cops that are also racist against illegal mexicans and preventing poor mexicans coming here to help get more democraps in power

      Report Post »  
    • Exiled
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:53pm

      The article mentioned, but didn’t emphasize, that there are not fewer law enforcement officers on the streets. The county Sheriff takes over the responsibilities, usually necessitating hiring more deputies. Since the Sheriff is an elected position (unlike a police captain), there is a lot more accountability. Law enforcement usually IMPROVES when the sheriff resumes control.

      Report Post »  
    • Rednekdaddy
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:39am

      Local municipality‘s don’t have one single thing to do with entitlements, All of that crap is on the state or federal level They just leave these towns and local police forces to “clean up” the aftermath of those on the entitlements!!

      Report Post » Rednekdaddy  
  • KusoJiJi
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:28pm

    makes sense from an economic standpoint to consolidate small town police forces under county jurisdiction.

    Report Post » KusoJiJi  
  • girlieprepper
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:26pm

    I am quite capable of protecting myself, my children, and my property. Let citizens “handle” criminals the way it was done a couple hundred years ago, and crime will diminish drastically. Of coarse that would eliminate most of Washington, that place is full of criminals!

    Report Post »  
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:25pm

    Uhuh and how many of those cities had their leaders take a reduction in pay? How many local government jobs were created while vital services like the police and fire are cut? This is YOUR fault America for continuing to re-elect outright destroyers into office. You are insane, you continue to do the same things over and over again expecting a different outcome by re-electing the same dolts who “promise to change” “will turn the systems around”.

    I will say it and continue to say it NOTHING will ever change in this country until every single sitting politician (dont care who it is either, they ALL HAVE TO GO) is voted out from local, state to federal level. Following this TERM limits, at this point no more than two totaling 4-6 years of service. The job should be part time as intended where they should only meet for a short period of time each year to settle the peoples needs then its back to a real job for them like EVERYONE ELSE.

    This nation is on a collision course with a disaster…….http://alturl.com/fjzyk

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Exiled
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:01am

      Police services weren’t exactly cut. They were taken over by the county Sheriff.

      Report Post »  
  • FANGS
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:25pm

    And the teachers and their fat Unions get paid more than Cops and they dont even risk their lives or work a full year.Welcome to obamaland.

    Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:35pm

      So all that will eventually be left are the supervisors who are protecting their jobs and pensions. Getting REAL close to that age old phrase “taxation without representation.” One of the biggest reasons why the new American residents fought for independance from England. Hmmm.

      Report Post »  
    • sgtstubbs
      Posted on December 15, 2011 at 9:10pm

      I don’t know about that, there are several schools that are hot bed of crime. Teachers don’t teach anymore they babysit;.

      Report Post » sgtstubbs  
  • Libertyordeath73
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:20pm

    Now you know how the Obama Administration can, if allowed to run unchecked, get his “civilian police force” put into action. If this continues, he will be able to raise one in place of local police…quite scary.
    Now – do your part and make sure he cannot move forward – vote conservative!

    Report Post » Libertyordeath73  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:59pm

      Like Beck always says if they say it you better believe it. I always wondered why the police and fire were the first to go. It doesn’t make sense. We’re cutting police and at the same time spending several million buildimg a memorial. You wonder if the civilian force is getting close

      Report Post » lodgerat  
    • Exiled
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:05am

      The county sheriff took over.

      Report Post »  
  • LiveforFreedom
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:17pm

    I forgot to thank the President for all the jobs that his leadership has continued to create!!?? AT THE UNEPLOYMENT OFFICE!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • macpappy
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:15pm

    fire all the city cops, give the law enforcement back to the Shierff’s Office like it was intended to be anyway. A City Police Force is the first sign of big government

    Report Post » macpappy  
    • Dutchracer
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:40pm

      I agree! The more police the bigger the government. This is not a police state! I hold the highest regard for police officers, but let’s face it the only one that will protect you from a crime when it happens to you is yourself. They police are always late no matter how fast they get there.
      Give the responsible American citizen the right to protect themselves, their family and their property and we will need less police because crimes committed in those areas will go down. It is a proven fact.
      You ask a criminal what would detour them from committing a crime?
      A) The idea of a cop on every corner.
      B) The chance that every citizen MAY be armed.
      They will go with B) every time.

      Report Post »  
  • Lord_Frostwind
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:12pm

    Who else wants to bet money that most of those cities still have enough money to fund “opera houses” welfare and countless bureaucrats while hanging their police force out to dry?

    Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
    • drago
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Sorry Frostwind, not going to take that bet…..

      Report Post »  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:10pm

    There has been a number of small Municipalities over the past few years that have dismantled their police department in Southwest PA. Many now only have State Police Patrols to take over that duty. The bad part of that the State is saying the can no longer support the Officers they have in our State. Soon Pennsylvania will be laying off up to 400 State Police Officers Statewide. That means citizens will be on their own for the most part. The only good thing House bill 40 the Castle Law was passed and signed into law this year. Which gives us the right to use deadly force to protect ourselves. Which means I have the right to use my 45 caliber hole maker to stop them.

    Report Post » usmc1063  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:21pm

      Citizens are responsible for their own welfare. The cops can’t do anything except clean up the mess and file the report. People should expect to be the first line of defense.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:22pm

      congratulations to penn. with the castle law hopefully they will let you carry?………..we do here in florida……..70,000 of us

      Report Post »  
    • jungle J
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:22pm

      you have always had that right….if you were right….

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:23pm

      The trade-off is pretty straightforward: cut taxes for the millionaires, as Wisconsin did, and compensate by cutting public services such as policeman, teachers, firefighters, trash collection, libraries, repair of public roads and so on. Or not. It’s a philosophical choice. Do want to support the average person, or do you want to support the richest? The American people will decide that in the next election.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:31pm

      @JZS – That choice is simple!: The rich. OR cities could cut down on the frills (like most families) and keep the cops and teachers.It’s a crap arguement. Priorities. City park & pool or an officer and a squad car?

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:38pm

      @jzs,

      “The trade-off is pretty straightforward … Do want to support the average person, or do you want to support the richest? The American people will decide that in the next election.”

      It would be one thing if you were against politically connected businesses, but you’re against wealth disparity, per se.

      There’s nothing wrong with wealth disparity in a free market (which we do not have, but do need to have very soon). If someone creates something that many people want to buy, or that people want to buy a lot of, then this entrepreneur gets rich because people are CHOOSING to trade with him.

      Not only that, but each person that trades with this entrepreneur is ALSO richer than he was before, because he exchanged something he wanted less than the thing he got in return; Both parties of each exchange profit off of each trade.

      And if there’s no government protections for businesses, and if there aren’t any regulations which price smaller businesses out of the market, then it would be far easier for an unskilled laborer to become a capital-owner himself.

      Government is the source of monopolies, not the free market.

      See here.

      Anti-Trust and Monopoly (with Ron Paul)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C4gRRk2i-M

      Report Post »  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:39pm

      And/Or get rid of the public unions. Pay reasonable salary/benefit packages and have a decent situation for all.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:46pm

      Truth be told I think the union members are the real 1%. The rules don’t seem to apply to their members.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • drago
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:54pm

      @jzs
      Once again you are pretty straight forward, in saying something ridiculous……

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 5:21pm

      Sorry Doctor but I’m not against “wealth disparity per se.” Seriously, despite what many are telling you, you’d be hard pressed to find a single liberal against “wealth disparity.” I’m sure you could find the same number of conservatives who think it would be okay if there was one individual in the US who owned 99% of everything, and the other 250 million citizens owned whatever was left over.

      We aren’t at that second extreme yet (Russia nearly is though), but we’re moving that direction. A tiny fraction of America is getting richer (and no, not from inventing new products, even if people had the money to buy them), the middle class is shrinking and the poorest class is expanding. Right now 400 incredibly rich families own more that half of America combined. If trends continue, those four hundred families may own basically all of America. Will you be happy then?

      Of course not. You’re to smart to see this as a black and white issue.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 6:08pm

      @JZS

      Really man, what is your deal with taking positions our founders rebuked?

      “To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired TOO MUCH, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.” — Thomas Jefferson

      Where did you get the idea someone could have too much money? That idea was foreign to our founders. I would agree 100% with you if you were talking about the “rich” if they had got their money by criminal means. But the way you talk, it’s almost like you think having a job that pays a ton of money should be criminal. Did you take your stand against freedom and the rich because you don’t think the democrats would win elections without class warfare or is it some other reason?

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
  • LiveforFreedom
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:09pm

    According to the Socialist Dems and Unions a Balanced Budget here in Wisconsin is wrong??? At least we aren’t firing our Police and Teachers, Racine Wisconsin Teacher Union members have decided to disband the Union, some members who have paid $18,500 after 20 years have said what a waste of Money!! The point here is that we don‘t have the Budget Problems anymore because the Dems don’t control State Government any longer!! Long Live Scott Walker!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:06pm

    OFF TOPIC. Sorry. Turn on your TV’s!! Obama’s show is on: The Biggest Loser.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • cemerius
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:09pm

      ha ha ha Thanks I needed the chuckle! Semper Fi

      Report Post » cemerius  
  • nonofmybiznez
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:03pm

    I live in Arizona…where the heck is Youngtown?

    Report Post » nonofmybiznez  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Just look for the Gun store whos sales jumped 400%, thats where Youngtown is.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Dracon
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:18pm

      Maricopa County. Lucky for them they aren‘t in Pima County where the Sherriff’s Dept. SWAT team murders innocent Americans in their homes.

      Report Post » Dracon  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:34pm

      Does SWAT murder the innocent civilians it their homes or the civilians home?

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:03pm

    I suggest the citizens of these town to buy a gun and loys of ammo!! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:02pm

    Should we really be advertising which towns now have inadequate police protection?

    Why don’t we put a sign on their lawns reading: “This house is easy picking”

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • mbck1491
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:35pm

      That’s O.K., as long as they don’t post another sign next to it saying, “This house is gun free”

      Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:32am

      LOL. I’m sure this will be good for gun sales. But this would really concern me if it happened in states that have strict gun laws, like New Jersey. I know parts of Camden have no real police protection, yet the residents are limited in their ability to police their own neighborhoods.

      If everybody carried the world would be a safer place. But it wouldn‘t be paradise because you can’t control the nuts and radicals, so liberals will always have an excuse for thinking banning guns might possibly work if only they tried it hard enough.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:01pm

    Perhaps now people will feel a greater sense of community and looking out for each other.
    That‘s usually what happens whenever people are exposed to the elements and certain death that mother nature offers to people who venture forth unprepared and who don’t work and stick together for the common good of all.

    I would just put a sign on every street leading into town that every citizen is well armed and either they or their neighbor will shoot you ass if you break a law in this town against one of it’s citizens.

    A volunteer fire department is another good idea.

    Report Post » blazingaway  
  • CREENDN
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 8:59pm

    50% are in Caliornia – no big surprise there!

    Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:23pm

      This is what will continue to happen with Progressives in charge..This is what is needed to bring in the New World Order..if we don’t get someone in office to shut down these industrial complex wars and downsize our government..and take us back to the Constituition. If you don’t believe that we are in industrial complex war. Research the Viet Nam War…As I recall..Rockefellers made money selling guns to the enemy while the First Lady Lady Bird Johnson made a mint off of medical supplies. The Vietnam War cost the United States 58,000 lives and 350,000 casualties..It lasted almost 20 yrs and cost us 150 billion. (Gee. that’s not much compared to the 338.3 billion we spend on illegals each year..huh? )
      Want to see the cost of the wars to us taxpayers since 2001? The numbers keep running and I cant’ print them..TAKE A LOOK!!
      http://costofwar.com/en/

      Report Post »  
    • DAVIDE1333
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:27pm

      Maybe if those cities had their priorities straight and didn’t spend money on stupid things they could afford an adequate police force.

      Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 8:56pm

    This is really sad. Our city here in WA State is talking about laying off 100 police officers while always wanting to spend money on stupid things, new city vehicles, re-doing the Tacoma Dome, and other far fetched ideas they have. With the crime rate here we need to keep our police officers to keep the good people safe.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • Calcman
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 8:55pm

    The way it should be. It was never meant to have a police officer for every ten citizens. I can take care of my family and my friends can take care of theirs, and we watch each others’ backs. I have never needed nor wanted a cop in my life, and I have stopped criminals in the process of committing crimes. We don’t need the wasted trillions.

    Report Post » Calcman  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 8:54pm

    So if you shoot a criminal in a forest and there is no police around, is it a crime?

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Nope. And if he/she is in my home at the time it isn’t a crime no matter how many people hear it. And they will hear the .44 go off not to mention that I will be proud of it. Telling all of my friends.Maybe even a small scoreboard out front!

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • drago
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 10:01pm

      @Darmok and 82, thats funny you two, keep it up, i needed a good laugh ;p

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 8:52pm

    Well, I know where to go Christmas looting, er shopping this year.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • rickroland
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:32pm

      Well, if you can’t outrun a bullet, are you willing to take that chance? No, I didn’t think so.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:42pm

      Who says I go in unarmed? My point is, those towns just painted a big target on themselves. I do hope they didn’t cut the Morgue.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
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