Outsider, I don't think we are really all that far apart on this issue.  I believe what you are describing is a symptom of societal entropy.  More specifically, I believe the slow but steady evolution towards paramilitary police is due to the continued increasing level of civilian violence and the threat of international and domestic terrorism.  To ask a policeman to approach any situation unarmed in this country is morally and ethically wrong.  Additionally, more and more paramilitary or SWAT tactics are the only safe way police can approach many situations.  Until we address how our society fundamentally functions; despondency, frustration, anger, and mistrust of everything and everyone will continue to grow and the cycle of violence will continue.  The main uniting belief for this country in the past was the opportunity to have the ability to rise from one's current status.  Until that belief in opportunity is restored, things will only get worse and more violent.