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Editors note: This article does not reflect the opinions of PuckerMob or its general staff, and solely represents the opinion of the contributing author.

Currently in the United States it is nearly impossible to turn on a news station, or browse the internet, without encountering media reports of the happenings in Ferguson, MO. Sparked by the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown, local residents have been protesting harsh treatment by police in their town. In order for our nation to move forward, we, as Americans, will need to critically examine the numerous issues presented by the tragic death of Michael Brown and the subsequent reaction of the Ferguson police force. What are the lessons to be learned from this incident?

While the specifics of the situation still remain unclear for many people, what IS clear is the over-policing and unjust tactics used by law enforcement in Ferguson, which have exacerbated the situation and caused more civil unrest. Of notable concern with the strategies employed by the police in the area is the type of equipment that they are using to quell the protests.

Looking at photos from the reports in Ferguson can (and should) be fairly frightening to every American citizen. Seeing the police dressed in full military attire, heavily armed, and accompanied by “mine-resistant” vehicles supplied by the US armed forces, makes it seem like the town of Ferguson is a war-zone rather than a place of protest within our very own borders.

Examining the behavior of officers in Ferguson, is it safe to assume that those we entrust with military grade equipment also possess the level of responsibility and respect necessary to operate weapons of such caliber without overstepping the boundaries set forth by the constitution? Are we creating a future where police have total control, and the rights of every day citizens can be suppressed without any ability to stand up for ourselves? Whether you are a conspiracy theorist or not, the reality is local police forces are being given surplus weapons and vehicles that they are not necessarily prepared to use. This can be seen by the use of tear gas and the pointing of assault-style rifles at unarmed protesters and media in Ferguson. It is important, now more than ever, that we make a distinction between police and soldiers.

Before we continue current policies, which the Obama administration have recently called into question, governing the equipping of police, we need to learn from the events in Ferguson, Missouri and find legitimate answers to the questions: “Should police receive weapons from the military? What situations warrant the use of this equipment? Are Americans fostering an environment in which we will be unable to defend our rights as citizens? How much force is too much?” The death of Michael Brown and the events that have transpired will hopefully force Americans, and the administration we have elected, to confront these concerns now before it develops into an ungovernable situation.