There have been spy planes for 60 years - in use by the military (presumably for military type training and exercises) - but not spy planes working as law enforcement or in assistance with your local police. Or am I wrong there?

Ive tried to be kinda humorous itt but Im really not that paranoid. I imagine the planes will mostly be used only to assist what are really normal, legal law enforcement procedures. But like Willy I get more and more uncomfortable as I consider the situation progressing to the point where some day (cameras on every intersection & most buildings and spy planes & satellites in the sky) we are all essentially under constant surveillance. Or I guess what bothers me is I feel like it shouldn't be so easy for the state to thoroughly investigate my life.

Yeah, if law enforcement is acting ethically I suppose why shouldn't they have every tool at their disposal? I can't really argue against that. But Damnit they have to do a good job. Huge responsibility. Lot of power to not abuse there

predator missles>predator drones

 

Originally Posted by Magnet Steve

Until I get flying Chinese delivery direct to my balcony, as in The Fifth Element, the terrorists have won.

It'll happen soon, don't underestimate the ingenuity of those japs.

 

Originally Posted by Willywoo

A North Dakota Sheriff with help of the border patrol, used a Predator drone to help capture an anti government family that stole some cows.

While I agree I don't like where we are headed as a country on giving too much power to the government to protect us I don't think this is a great example as to why.

Cite the recent supreme court ruling of allowing strip searches without cause or the homeland security people inappropriately searching our elderly, disabled, and kids.

Don't cite a situation where a bunch of gun carrying anti-government freaks aim weapons at local authorities when they approach them regarding a minor crime.

Last time something like that happened in North Dakota 2 cops ended up being killed by the posse comitatus when they tried to approach them when they didn't have technology available to help protect them.

 

Originally Posted by cmval

Yeah Im not joking. I will shoot at those drones if I ever see one. Im thinking of buying a new rifle just for this purpose. Its only a matter of time before they are crusing over the countryside looking for marijuana.

DUDE.... dont you fucking dare shoot my tacos man.

 

Originally Posted by wantagolf

I'm pretty sure any weapon you have/buy wont be able to shoot down a Predator doing surveillance, nor would you even know its there. haha

You are prolly right but one thing I want to note is theres a lot of hillbilly, redneck types around where I live. Do not underestimate the fire power these people can round up.

edit: Wanta is all over this

Heres a good link. All the countries that have UAV's, their names and links to the details of most airframes.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...erial_vehicles

technology - i'm against it

 

Originally Posted by BulldogCafe

must be the coolest job in the world for a games geek lol - i've heard from a good source that there's a base in Tacoma that does this 24/7

 

Originally Posted by 36crazyfists

If you're not doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about...

wow, fuck you.

im pretty well convinced we are just going to turn into soviet russia, without all the mass killings and shit tho. us government is so evil he makes barney look good.

 

Originally Posted by wantagolf

Depending on which type of Predator you're talking about these numbers will fluctuate. But the Older MQ-9 which was commissioned in 2001 and have 57 in service has a speed of 220 knots and could carry a payload of 750 pounds to an altitude of 50,000 feet with an endurance of 30 hours. Hard to believe your buddies could hit a target 50,000 feet away, straight up over your head. I could be wrong tho, but doubt it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General...cs_MQ-9_Reaper

where do i say these are my buddies? i just know people who have lots of weapons

50k not gonna happen obv...i never claimed i knew anything about drones

all I said was I would shoot at it if I ever saw one

I'm just glad they didn't have to go in with guns blazing like they apparently would have without the drone.

They arrested the man for failing to report stray livestock, call in the drone and wonder why they are antigubment.

I was amused at first by the story but after letting marinate I'm saddened by it.

How is this different than the helicopter I hear over my house every night? With its giant spotlight on my neighborhood and in my backyard sometimes

ha just remembered, had a helicopter over my house for a backyard party one time