Scientists Slam US Plasma Weapon

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

[JoeGar]

... you get temporarily incapacitated without suffering permanent injury ...

If this is the complaint, let's just go back to using bullets.

[Jack of all Trades]

To me, this sounds like a Taser minus the wires. There were some articles posted a few years ago about using a laser (UV I think) to create an ionized air path over a long distance. The ionized air path was then used to transmit electrical current to the target. I can think of a few other interesting applications for such a device that don't involve shooting it at humans.

[Little Ray]

I think they should round up these scientists and put them on riot control duty for a couple of years.
Without armor, shields, batons, guns, tear gas, etc.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Nein, Herr Kapitan.

[Mike Darancette]

pain reasearchers fear that the proposed riot control weapon could be used for torture

A pair of pliers or a soda straw can be used for torture.

[Modernman]

It depends on whether or not there's information to be obtained from the target.

And whether or not there are people around the target that you don't want to kill.

Plus, imagine the psychological effects of a weapon like this. I imagine it would freak out the average third-worlder.

[SaltyJoe]

Less then lethal weaponry means that soldiers or cops are more likely to use them on a threat that's real or perceived. Those effected who are deemed not to have been a threat will still be alive to tell about it. If Americans have this technology, unfortunate victims will more than likely receive an apology and compensation rather than a cold reply, "tough cookies for being an innocent bystander."

I favor less than lethal enforcement since the moral consequences of deadly encounters for victims are much more permanent than getting a good butt-kicking but living to complain about it.

Furthermore, if this technology were used against good people, it would only make their character stronger (reference Christian martyrs).

[johnb838]

How about a nice steamin cup 'o STFU?

[johnb838]

No, they're advocating leaving the poor enemy alone.

[johnb838]

I wonder if you can turn up the juice and instead of making pain you can create a slug of plasma that goes right through the target?

[JTHomes]

Terminator: "Phased plasma rifle with 40 watt range" Gun dealer: "Hey, just what you see pal"

[johnb838]

I just heard today of an optical laser point-to-point data connectivity link between institutions a couple of miles apart. That is cool.

[JimRed]

...pain reasearchers fear that the proposed riot control weapon could be used for torture...

So can a piece of string and a cup of water, a lit cigarette, a blowtorch, toothpicks, acids, ice cubes...

[DannyTN]

When it comes to defending the US, I'm all for maximum beebage.

[JimRed]

Set phasers to stun!

Star Trek and real life merge again! Was it the Romulans who used the "agonizer" as a punishment?

[add925]

Us FReepers have been using Plasma Weapons for some time. Here's a sample of a troll's nightmare:

[fella]

So the limp wrist peaceniks think that it's better to kill and maim than to stun and do no harm. ?

[PoorMuttly]

Hey, the WHEEL was used as an instrument of torture, and execution.

"Could" is a manipulator's word. When these folks ride mules to work, I'll start paying attention to their opinions. They do have a valid point, and with all technology there is need for responsibility. My Chevy "could" mow down scores of grandmothers and Cub Scouts bringing cookies to a hospital.

"Could."