Drones over America

[max]

Uncle Wig wrote:
[quote=Ted King]
I don't have a problem with police using unweaponized drones to help them find someone who is lost or there is probable cause to think someone has committed a crime and they are trying to find or track them. I do have a problem with using drones for general surveillance of the general public - just snooping around all over the place - and I definitely don't like the idea of using weaponized drones in non-military situations (and I think they are way overused as assassination devices well away from active combat).

I agree with this. Not unlike red-light cameras: drivers who want to run red lights complain endlessly that it's an invasion of privacy (har har har) or a money-grab. To the latter I'd say it depends on how much or little corruption exists in your locality. The use of drones isn't an inherently bad thing, but they are certainly very prone to misuse. Sure, "we are here to help you" is the foot in the door.
And weaponization may not happen for a long time.
But the big expansion will happen when they will find a way to make money off them.
Automating citation generation will provide all the incentive the government parasites need.
"It is for the children."
"It is for your own protection."
"Our drones are to help you."
Or to paraphrase Uncle Wig, "what do you have to hide, eh?"....