"Brave" New World

Many years ago I had occasion to read several science "fiction" novels by Isaac Asimov. In one of his novels of the Foundation series he described the use by henchmen of the tyrant of a distant planet a device which he called a "neuronic whip". The whip as described by Asimov eerily resembled the tasers of today and were used essentially for discouraging groups of citizens who had congregated to protest the most recent ukase issued by the government the "Mule".

Enter stage left the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Regular readers of these postings will understand that the threshold precluding ΛΕΟΝΙΔΑΣ from utilizing commercial airlines for travel was reached when he was subjected to a body search some years ago by one of the recently nationalized incompetent minions of the Transportation Security Administration. Be that as it may, our rulers are now expressing interest in a device which would be required to be worn by all air travelers which would among other handy functions serve as the means to administer "a disabling shock" to the wearer by airline personnel. Imagine the potential for dealing with disgruntled, drunken or otherwise obstreperous passengers , not to mention wailing infants.

In the letter to the manufacturer/developer of this bracelet device Mr. Paul S. Ruwaldt of the US Department of Homeland Security (PDF) states regarding when further development of the "bracelet concept with the localized emitter/interrogator/restraint stations, will occur": "To make it clear, we are interested in the mobile read/write emitter in conjunction with the immobilizing security bracelet, and look forward to receiving a written proposal."


There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Our rulers public servants have plans for those of us unfortunate enough to be forced to engage in commercial air travel. Come to think of it, this is evidence they have plans for the rest of us as well. As for this old Spartan, he will fly again when he either sprouts wings or is allowed to board with his Glock model 23 .40 cal S&W with the 29 round magazine. In the mean time ΛΕΟΝΙΔΑΣ will not be holding his breath.

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!