zlacker

>>pera+(OP)
This was very predictable. Tools invented for military operations abroad eventually, predictably find their way back domestically.

Despite that, its a dangerous thing to happen. I am aware of how unlikely it is for the current US Government to use the drone offensively, but once you have a massive fleet of drones flying over the US, patrolling "troubling" neighborhoods constantly, the temptation to use those abilities rises significantly.

I hope that Congress takes action to outlaw this practice, but I have little faith it will happen. It seems like everyday the country is falling further into the pit of becoming an authoritarian police state.

>>pm90+Qf
Blue Thunder was 37 years ago. Not seeing why drones will be so much more easily weaponized than manned helicopters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Thunder

>>hindsi+tG
There are a couple of major differences. My understanding is that helicopters can’t typically reach and maintain the altitude that unmanned drones can, making drones more effective to be used in less conspicuous ways. There’s also the difference in the baseline level of security between the two. Helicopters do go down from time to time, thus creating a human risk that isn’t present in drones.

I feel that since drones pose less risk to the lives of their operators, the desire to use them will be greater.

>>save_f+QX
Drones also make it easier to get people to fire on civilians because they are remote controlled.