[Tin-Legions]

As a person soon to wear a badge myself, I agree more funding needs to go to most PD and FD's.

However, I don't think people in Montana should be paying for the NYPD-as the NYPD does not patrol downtown Helena. Nor is the NYPD the bulwark of our nation's defense more than any other PD. The various NY PD's (city PD, port PD, transit PD, park PD...)are the size of a small nation's army, and in some cases are better armed than the same. Most money sent to these huge departments get swallowed in salaries and their massive buerucratic (sp) staffs. Little ever makes it to upgrade response systems and training.

Bottom line: NYC pays for NYC police and fire. If they can't afford it, shrink that army.

[Tin-Legions]

Oh, and I forgot...
LET THE CITIZENS DEFEND THEMSELVES-ALLOW THEM THE RIGHT THE CONSTITUTION GIVES THEM.

[KarlInOhio]

But money that goes through Washington is better than money collected locally. The water of the Potomac baptizes the money making it holy. That's one of only two explanations I have for why so many states and cities want to get money from Washington after the bureaucrats have skimmed some off for themselves and added a bunch of regulations on how the money will be spent.

Of course, the other explanation is that local officials are too cowardly to account for the real cost of local government services to their voters, and want the IRS to do their taxing dirty work for them.

[presidio9]

As a person soon to wear a badge myself, I agree more funding needs to go to most PD and FD's.

Last time I checked, there was no shortage of people who wanted to be NYPD and FDNY.

[ken5050]

With respect for all the FD and PD and EMT..but they are NOT first responders.....the Marines and the airborne are....we cannot make this country 100% safe...the cost in $ and to our civil liberties is too high to pay..we kill 'em all in Iraq...