This is what it is. It's kids or stupid adults buying green laser pointers on Ebay. These laser pointers will easily shine for 2 miles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14954&item=5741912167&rd=1
They used to cost about 200 bucks, but have come down it price recently. Hence kids no get their hands on them and stupid adults too.
When I was a stupid adult in college I mounted a red laser pointer on a pair of binoculars. If I wanted to, I could have easily tracked an airplane with a more powerful laser. Mine would only shine about 2000 feet.
"Mine would only shine about 2000 feet."
Actually, even the weakest laser shines an unlimited distance unless it it absorbed by something. A few miles of air won't do it. Remember, YOU only think it went 2000 feet since the reflection back to you was weak enough that you couldn't pick it out. But the guy on the other end who gets hit in the eye will tell you it's pretty bright still. It's like radar dectectors. They can see the radar before the police spot them since the police must see the reflected beam, which is very weak.
Or try this. Go into the woods with a flashlight mounted on your head. The sniper will shoot you before you even see him.
Talk about tin-foil. That thing wouldn't blind an ant.