While many Americans have learned of police militarization and the misconduct it can enable for the first time thanks to recent events in Ferguson, the billionaire Koch brothers have funded opposition to militarized police for decades. Often vilified by the left as a paramount negative influence in American politics, the Kochs have a long history of support for what is sometimes considered a liberal cause célèbre — as explained by Mark Holden of Koch Industries:
"We need to address issues such as overcriminalization, excessive and disproportionate sentencing, inadequate indigent defense that is inconsistent with the Sixth Amendment, and the militarization of police. We have deep respect for the moral dignity of each and every person and because of this, we've worked for decades to support those who defend the full range of individual rights." [The Daily Beast]
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