The government has approved hundreds of domestic mini-drones. They will be used by police departments, first responders, and corporations throughout our country. They fly high and many are so small (20 pounds or less), you would never see them.
They are not armed but many could be and they can be equipped with infrared cameras which are able to peer through any wall or roof on your home. They are the warrantless searches of the near-future.
The FAA has granted 327 licenses and plans about 10,000 by 2017. This is only scratching the surface. They will be everywhere. They only cost $10,000 to $50,000 each and fly for about an hour.
This is an unacceptable invasion of privacy and completely ignores our constitutional rights. They have set up guidelines, give me a break, guidelines???
Drones have good uses such as finding lost people or chasing criminals but do you really believe they won’t be abused by the government? People have already been arrested based on the information gathered by law enforcement from drones and it was all done without a warrant.
We need strict guidelines governed by Congress. There is legislation is various state legislatures and in Congress to establish rules, but they move at a snail’s pace. The ACLU and other liberty organizations are suing but they are not moving fast enough.
The DHS has set up a working group to study the impact on our civil liberties but don’t hold your breath for them to accomplish anything.
As Charles Krauthammer said, the first one to shoot one down will be a national hero.
It’s time to email your congressmen and demand action!
If you think I am exaggerating, check out CNS News. The government made 13,753 requests for google email date in 2012, most without a warrant.
They will do whatever we let them get away with!
Read more at Fox News
There are so many examples of “government” abusing our rights in this respect that it causes ones head to spin. These machines being armed with the latest high-tech surveillance equipment will make it easier to further encroach on our privacy. With the ability to look into vehicles and windows of homes/businesses from afar, surely the criminal element will not go unnoticed. However as you point out Sara, ‘We the People’ probably won’t either and I believe this is the main reason for their use in America by the powers that be.
I’m wondering how difficult they will be to shoot down!
Only disagree on one minor point Sarah.. The guidelines were written long ago… Go to a judge and ask for a warrant
Only one thing needed Any person who uses or authorizes the the use of one (or more)of these devices in a manner inconsistent with the plain language of the Constitution shall be guilty of a felony and sentenced to no less than 10 years imprisonment..
The founders understood searching for lost kids, and other emergencies – they didn’t expect the bucket brigade to get warrant before they broke down a door and tried to put out a fire..
Our problem is Government Officials, elected and otherwise don’t face any penalties when they trash the Constitution
Just another lost freedom from the U.S. Constitution. Great article & thanks!
Thank you Greenleaf. I do think that, strangely enough, the ACLU is going to the mat on this one.
Skeet shooting, anyone?