Next Generation Stun Guns?

RoyalCheese writes "Well, I've just been reading an interesting little article on New Scientist's website about new crowd control weapons that electrocute/stun the targets. Seems we will soon be at risk of being stunned by ionised air generated by laptop sized lasers..." Reader Spetiam adds "News.com.au reports on a new weapon that will be able to zap you from afar, wires not included: 'We will be able to fire a stream of electricity like water out of a hose at one or many targets in a single sweep,' XADS [Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems] president Peter Bitar is quoted as saying." So, this company has a free-hosting website and and a free-email address for their "president", and the photo looks like cardboard tubes wrapped with green camouflage tape. Hmmmm.

Comments

Re:Look at the uses they're citing -- chilling

[An. (Coward)]

This is a weapon designed to use in case of protests or riots. What kinds of governments need this sort of weapon? The nearest thing to a potential use I can think of in the US would be the Rodney King verdict riots, maybe -- and would you want that?

Oh, no, the opportunities for use are endless. Did you miss the WTO summit protests, the pre-Iraq anti-war protests, etc.? It's disgraceful that the leaders of the free world, who do so much for all of us, need to hide away in isolated, amenities-free hovels in places like Davos and Sea Island whenever they want to meet, with all these uppity protesters trying to hound them relentlessly.

This new weapon--no, 'weapon' is such an ugly word. This tool for ensuring the advance of freedom will play a vital role in guaranteeing that they get the respect and adoration they so richly deserve, and I for one welcome our new overlords.

Re:Do I smell a 'Homeland Security' scam here?

[swillden]

And did it really matter or was this the entire basis of someones argument? Because if it was, they better damned hope they are perfect writers. They sure as hell are condescending son's of bitches.

Hey, man, I just asked a question. You said "weapons grade research" and I didn't know what that meant, so I asked.

What's up your butt?

Re:Look at the uses they're citing -- chilling

[mdielmann]

Crowd control is the only chilling effect this would have, but is kind of redundant in that realm. If I want to disperse/disable a crowd, and I don't care about any risks, I can use tear gas or machine guns. Either way, it's about as effective as this for detaining dissidents. It's also a lot smaller and more maneuverable.

The article also mentioned use in torture, but I think any torturer (geek torturers excepted) would rather deal with jumper cables (or more sophisticated options) than that monstrosity.

Re:Look at the uses they're citing -- chilling

[torpor]

You're separating user from tool in an attempt to say that "it doesn't matter", and I agree with you because any single thing in the universe can be used to kill. Anything. What matters is intent.

And the intent of directed energy weapons is to produce nothing but subservience. I'd rather face bullets, than machines and technology designed to turn me into a slave.

As for your faith in legislation, well ... yeah. PATRIOT ACT bitten you on the ass lately?