Insanity here is defined as $542,000, a blast-resistant body, rotating roof hatch, ten gun ports, a battering ram, a video camera with night vision, and the capability to go 75mph.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is that the local media justified this massive monster because, a couple of weeks ago, there was a standoff in a community near mine wherein this thing was used to "knock down the front door." That's like justifying the use of an ax to cut sewing thread. Under the guise of Homeland Security, states and localities are provided the funds, so Michigan police are going crazy bulking up their police state.

In Metro Detroit, law enforcement agencies are excited at the prospect of using these 12-ton behemoths on wheels.

Warren's GPV Sergeant 4X4 used in the Capac shooting is the first of three Metro Detroit will receive through a $1.6 million grant from Homeland Security. The other two are expected to arrive at the Southfield Police Department and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office in coming weeks.

The vehicles will be available to other agencies for police work or firefighting.

Law enforcement agencies said the Sergeants ensure public safety by allowing them to deploy their personnel safely.

One more thing worth noting.

It can be used in everything from hostage situations to delivery of warrants to fighting terrorism, officials said.

Delivering warrants?

On a similar note -- many years ago, a cop was a guy who strolled the neighborhood on his "beat," chatted up folks at the barber shop, and was thought of as a friend by many of the locals. Generally speaking, cops used to be guys who really did want to do some good for the community, and bring peace through a little neighborhood security. Good guys - for the most part - used to become cops. Confident, strong men used to become cops so they could hold a respected position in the community and provide leadership. Now, the bad, the bullies, the insecure, and the ugly become cops so that they can control, intimidate, militarize, and rule.