Comments on: Scary Stuff

By: MikeD

MikeD — Fri, 12 May 2006 23:33:56 +0000

I think I’m less terrorized by RC helicopters equipped with explosives and GPS than by more common objects potentially exploding. If a terrorist were to rig up a watermelon in a produce department it would be much more insidious because nobody would expect it. If we do start to expect that kind of thing, we will be living in constant fear of everyday life. That (imo) is far worse psychological terrorism than an assault from high-priced gadgetry.

By: ivankirigin

ivankirigin — Thu, 11 May 2006 21:18:38 +0000

The solution to speech you don’t like is more free speech.

Similarly, the solution to terrorist UAVs is … more UAVs. LOTS more. Everywhere.

Remeber ‘Diamond Age’? Eventually we want a virtual wall of micro-uavs that need to be penetrated to enter secure areas.

By: Stephen Gordon

Stephen Gordon — Thu, 11 May 2006 20:53:25 +0000

Bdunbar:

No argument here against the idea that terrorists and their sub-culture are the problem. The fight was taken to them. But we also locked and reinforced cockpit doors. To win you play offense AND defense.

Phil:

Yeah, the good guys always pay for the misdeeds of a few. Try to buy Sudafed lately? It’s kept behind the counter now because of the meth heads. I bet if you tried to buy more than one box they’d give you a hassle.

I’m sure there’s some legitimate fire arms enthusiasts would love to be able to buy and sell machine guns freely, but it’s probably better that they can’t.

And if someone already on a terrorist watch list takes a sudden interest in jet powered RC planes with 9 foot wingspans, perhaps the Feds might want to take a look.

In fact, I have to wonder how much less fun the RC hobby would be if it were limited to aircraft under a certain size.

- Stephen

By: Phil Bowermaster

Phil Bowermaster — Thu, 11 May 2006 17:00:15 +0000

The only way the government can protect against that sub-culture — in this context — is to watch whether members of it take a sudden interest in model aircraft. And the only way to do that is to pay attention to who’s participating in the hobby.

Also, the demographic is probably broader than you might initially think. There will be equal concern about both Zacharias Moussaoui and Timothy McVeigh types taking it up.

Having said this, that kind of government scrutiny is a crummy burden on the legitimate hobbyist. I used to work with a woman who was a hydroponics enthusiast. Grew tomatoes in her basement. She got no end of grief from the cops because they were certain that “no one uses that stuff except to grow pot.”

By: bdunbar

bdunbar — Thu, 11 May 2006 16:44:54 +0000

I don’t like big brother in my business any more than anyone else, but this hobby needs to be closely monitored or regulated. Government will eventually be involved – either now or after a major attack.

Hunh. I can carry at leat 100 pounds on my back, I’m capable of piloting a car at speeds in excess of 100 MPH, I’m capable of learning to pilot a variety of machines at lethel speeds, I’m agile and I adapt well to new conditions.

I don’t like big brother in my business any more than anyone else, but people need to be closely monitored or regulated. Government will eventually be involved – either now or after a major attack.

Please. It’s not the hobby that is the problem it is, oh, I dunno, the people who wish to kill others and the sub-culture that nurtures them? Just a thought.