Dawn of the Drones: The Realization of the Total Surveillance State

[Newest Reality]

Unfortunately, with the wars abroad winding down, America has become the new battleground in the war on terror, to the delight and profit of the military-industrial complex. In fact, with companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin making their influence felt among members of Congress (Boeing spent over $12 million lobbying in 2011, and Lockheed spent over $11 million), you can be sure that their technologies will continue to be purchased by the government, even when there is no need for them. Thus, in the same way that our domestic police forces are now armed with mini-tanks and grenade launchers taken from the military’s armory, it was simply a matter of time before drone technology made its way back home.

https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/dawn_of_the_drones_the_realization_of_the_total_surveillance_state_short
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I'm curious as to what people think about the intent and long-term ramifications of bringing the war home. Can we really tolerate going in this direction? Considering our most important problems and issues, what about the use of our resources to fund yet another set of bricks in the wall going up around us?

[Jackpine Radical]

1. How can anyone see this as anything but evil?

We're all suspects now, as someone bitingly commented before on this board. The DEAA is so ambiguously written that nobody seems to know whether or not habeas corpus is suspended for citizens (let alone for legal residents).

Name a single incident in which local cops needed tanks, automatic-fire weapons and grenades. (Remember, Waco was a Federal fuckup, not local). The only role for weapons in that class is to suppress mass uprisings. That, ultimately, is what they're afraid of, and that's what they're gearing up for.

I think this whole trend makes one thing perfectly clear: The only way for dissenters to succeed is through nonviolent means such as general strikes and suchlike peacefully obstructive actions.

[msongs]

2. please don't say Obama is turning into Bush 2 on steroids lol nt

[Fumesucker]

3. Send in the Drones..

[stevenleser]

4. I really dont think the drones change much in the US if used for surveillance

In most US cities, the moment you step outdoors, you are in view of some kind of a video camera whose recording can be pulled by law enforcement to see what you were doing at various times. That plus satellite more than equals what drones are capable of seeing overseas.

Perhaps it might change the game for people living in rural areas or nearly rural parts of suburban America, assuming law enforcement wants to send up drones to see what you are doing. Otherwise, you are already under a ton of surveillance anytime you are outside.