A Pentagon programme that gives surplus military hardware to local law-enforcement agencies can make them seem like occupying armies rather than public servants.
The NRA helped to run the National Board, and Congress later gave surplus guns to NRA-sponsored rifle clubs.After the second world war, the organisation's character altered.
Food waste: In June, Tesco said it was piloting a scheme in 10 of its UK stores to give surplus food to charities rather than let it go to waste.
"They are shouldering the burden of reception and hospitality and, ultimately, the entire burden of Europe … We will keep to the programme, but we are not going to ask anyone about giving surplus money to those most in need".
Sainsbury's is not the only grocer that gives surplus food to charities, or failing that, sending it for use in animal feed.
For months, teachers rejected the givebacks and said they wanted the city to give surplus tax money to schools. .
"We are always happy to give surplus wonky veg a home and the charities can turn them into delicious meals for people in need".
And, with some help from Congress, he nudged the Pentagon to start loaning or even giving surplus military gear to law enforcement agencies.
Back in Baltimore, I read a survey from Australia where the population overwhelmingly supported the idea of giving surplus H1N1 vaccine to a developing country when a colleague related a story of needless H1N1 vaccine wastage in the Maryland suburbs.
