Ted Rall for February 08, 2012

dude, ’ere…

Proliferation + Miniaturization + Latest Technology + Lawlessness = “Goodbye Fourth Amendment, We Hardly Knew Ye”. How soon before the first American is killed by the American government on American soil by a drone? Sooner than you think.

This will eventually lead to a larger hyper-militarization of the police force. In Tampa the police there have a tank. Imagine them using a drone to take out a hostage taker.

There is talk about using a large swath of Colorado for drone testing. Now, nothing could possibly go wrong there, could it.

Hmmm, theme parks may never be the same.

Ever seen Robocop? “Show me your customer loyalty card: you have 15 seconds to comply!!!”

Drones ARE proliferating at a terrifying rate. Expanding their operations threatens security, it doesn’t “enhance” personal security. It also is soon to be a VERY big problem with civil aviation. Of course, google Earth has very precise SATELLITE imaging! It is possible to even improve, if the military released their REAL capability to the public. But, “real time” means drones. Considering Israel is “taking out” suspect vehicles with drones now, why DO “right wing civil rights” folks, NOT see a problem with using drones to take out drug dealers, immigrants, or maybe guys skipping out on their alimony payments?

Reminds me of Tom Selleck’s 1984 movie,Runaway.

Let me know how that works out for you.