The robotic age may step on us before we
realize it unless we decide to stand up and account for ourselves first.
The controversy surrounding the
use of drones both in the United States and abroad has reached a zenith where
the lack of transparency is truly a dilemma for debate.
Are we ready for a privacy
invasion?
The next time you’re in the
backyard barbequing, and you see a hummingbird, consider it may be a drone in
disguise. It may be a conduit for the government or local law enforcement
agency to spy on you. To invade your space. It may be assembling data on your
leisure life, calculating your wants and needs, or even marketing you for a
future merchandising blitz.
So, let's talk transparency.
Drones as military devices during international conflicts are a much needed and
valuable commodity. They are equalizers in the fight against terrorism,
particularly the past two years. They have proven to save lives, particularly
American lives.
But, with the advent of
technology that requires little more than a Double A battery to manipulate,
drones are becoming a smaller and more common machine here at home.
And that presents United States
citizens with the challenge of a lifetime.
What do we do with drones here in
America? Use them as spies? Law enforcement agents? Killing machines? Butlers
and maids?
Eleven states are already
considering legislation on measures to restrict and/or prohibit drones from
said territorial air space. The city of Charlottesville, Virginia recently
became the first municipality in the United States to declare itself
essentially a "drone free" zone within its city limits.
It appears as if this drone
controversy could reach the U. S. Supreme Court to decide how drones are used
in America and under what authority.
Why wait for that upcoming
controversial decision? Why not allow the people to decide how drones will be used in the U. S., via a
national referendum and a short questionnaire? Why not empower the public with
this major step forward for mankind?
About two years ago, the White
House started a secret program from a military base in Saudi Arabia designed to
thwart al-Qaida terrorists on international grounds. The so-called "kill
list" opened eyes and really got attention in Congress when the story relating
to these missile-firing drones broke in the media. The drones have killed three
United States citizens abroad, and that news has prompted even more
controversy.
So now the debate hits closer to
home. On our own territory. As technology advances, so does private industry
marketing these drones in all sorts of different shapes and sizes to government
agencies, law enforcement, and even private corporations.
A drone surveying a public park
from the air and instantly sending data back to local law agencies sounds like
a marketable idea to fight crime. A drone spying on someone's living room or
bedroom habits does not.
It sounds like the perfect issue
to start a public movement toward national referendums. Allow the voting
populace a chance to voice their opinions on how drones should and should not
be restricted within U. S. boundaries. It would also give the government an
opportunity to revamp an election voting system that, in all candor, could
really use some revamping and outside expertise.
This is not rocket science, folks.
It's a matter of getting enough Americans involved in what is good for the
future of our nation. The drone issue could become the first stepping stone
toward revitalizing a healthy society. Consider taking action. Write or talk to
your local politicians today.
If drone strikes disturb Congress,
just wait until the American public gets its fair share of attention from eyes
in the sky.
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