Normally when I hear the word “bipartisan” I shudder with fear, because typically any issue that both Republicans and Democrats agree on is in the absolute worst interests of the American people. That said, it does appear that we are in the very early stages of a political awakening in the country, one in which citizens play a more active role and place increasing pressure on their “representatives.” When this happens, good outcomes are possible. It appears the drone issue may be one of them, as it is becoming increasingly clear that, unlike Mayor Bloomberg, most Americans strongly dislike the idea of drones flying over their heads. This is good news. Let’s keep pushing hard. From CNET:
An unusual bipartisan revolt has erupted against law enforcement plans to fly more drones equipped with high-tech gear that can be used to conduct surveillance of Americans.
A combination of concerns about privacy, air traffic safety, facial recognition, cell phone tracking– and even the possibility that in the future drones could be armed — have suddenly placed police on the defensive.
A public outcry in Seattle last month prompted the mayor to ground the police department’s nascent drone program. Oregon held a hearing this week on curbing drones, following one in Idaho last week. And on Tuesday, Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a federal bill that would require law enforcement to obtain warrants before conducting drone-based aerial surveillance.
In October 2011, police in Montgomery County, Texas, received delivery of a ShadowHawk unmanned aerial vehicle from Vanguard Defense Industries. The ShadowHawk can be equipped with a TASER weapon system, which delivers a high-voltage electronic shock through what Vanguard calls “multi-shot XREP launching” delivered by a “patented targeting- and firing-system.” Montgomery County has said, however, it’s considering weaponizing its ShadowHawk with rubber bullets and tear gas instead.
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