Scientists Slam US Plasma Weapon

The Register ^ | 03/03/2005 | Lester Haines

[NationSoConceived]

Lots of interesting stuff to think about when you think about non-lethal weapons. I like the idea of avoiding killing people who very much need to be incapacitated, but is it going to make life easier or harder for soldiers? One extra decision: shoot to kill or shoot to disable? I guess its kind of necessary in this era of asymmetric, urban, pinpoint, "Hearts and Minds" warfare.

I don't know too much about the Sunshine Group. They seem pretty leftist, but bioweapons are always a touchy subject(although I don't think that this device qualifies as a bioweapon.) Any input here would be welcome.

[Crazieman]

Set phasers to stun!

[Harpo Speaks]

Set beebers to pun!

[ConservativeMind]

I accept that this seems an ominous direction to take.

However, this is why we must always remain vigilant and maintain our character such that we use such weapons in a wise fashion.

That said, I'm glad we are creating such non-lethal options.

[Spktyr]

There's also the whole "dead men don't provide intel" thing.

That said, what do these people propose as an alternative? 120mm canister rounds from an M1????

[1FASTGLOCK45]

I'd rather (no pun intended hahaha) see them shot than stunned, whom ever the bad guys are. Why have more of them around for later? It's like the death penalty, Use it now, save money later.

[thegreatbeast]

Scientists, just STFU.

[Mount Athos]

Removing non-lethal options, drastically increases the chance of lethal options being used. It's one thing to say how terrible it is to inflict pain, it's another to imply we shouldn't consider it because killing it much better. Is that the type of "ethics" the scientists are advocating?

[DC Bound]

My first thought is that most of the people who force police to aim at them deserve something, and pain doesn't have the same long-term consequences as death.

But my second thought is along second amendment lines. The whole point of an armed populace is to prevent the government from usurping their God given freedom. If we allow our police and military to have such a weapon, it ought to be available to every citizen on the street. Obviously it wouldn't be, and that presents the problem. At some point, weaponry will be so advanced, no armed populace will ever be able to preserve their liberty. We're probably already there. Reno proved you can use the troops on Americans with impunity. So when Bill is running the UN and Hill is running the White House--well, I'll leave the argument there. Bad things, man.

[FreedomSurge]

I am still in favor of banning the crossbow.

[JasonC]

"any weapon resulting from the programme "could be used for torture"."

Unlike electricity. Fire. Rope. Metal. Little shoots of bamboo. Sticks. Dripping water. Better ban those.

Don't have the common sense nature gives puppies...

[Hunble]

PLASMA WEAPON?

Is this reporter a total idiot?

Never mind.....

[Erik Latranyi]

"Even if the use of temporary severe pain can be justified as a restraining measure, which I do not believe it can, the long-term physical and psychological effects are unknown."

Of course, the long-term physical and psychological effects of a grenade might just be a tad worse......

[thefactor]

I was taught there is no such thing as shooting to kill or to disable. You shoot to stop. I know I am splitting hairs, but there is a difference when explained by people with more training than I have.

[Hunble]

At some point, weaponry will be so advanced, no armed populace will ever be able to preserve their liberty. We're probably already there.

Nope! Americans are very inventive, and should never, ever be under-estimated.

[DC Bound]

Indians were inventive. Better arms win wars.

On reflection, however, the bigger threat is the hard left.

[GeronL]

Stune the beeber

[thoughtomator]

Time to ban knives, cigarettes, water, and electricity, all used for torture.

[DannyTN]

Set panties to torture....if that doesn't work, then
Set plasma to @!&#*&%#*!#&%#*%#)(##*&$^^$!*&*

[DannyTN]

"Time to ban knives, cigarettes, water, and electricity, all used for torture."

We've got to ban panties too!