Army's secret 'people zapper' plans

The Observer (U.K.) ^ | 11/03/2002 | Antony Barnett

[Lurking2Long]

Would you like your Osama with fries?

[Tennessee_Bob]

Only if he's cooked over a long, slow fire.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

[independentmind]

Another weapon discussed was a system that uses microwave beams to heat the water in human skin in the same way as a microwave oven cooks a meal.

Can someone point out a meaningful distinction between biological and chemical weapons and the above?

[demlosers]

It's simpler to just kill your enemy.

[Senator Pardek]

Yes, I can. It's being specifically designed to be able to be used in a non-lethal fashion.

[john in missouri]

Would you like your Osama with fries?

Yes, and can you supersize that?

[independentmind]

I see. Don't kill 'em, just burn 'em all over their bodies. And no doubt, all with the push of a button.

[nanny]

[Can someone point out a meaningful distinction between biological and chemical weapons and the above?]

I don't see any. If you plan to blind me or cook me - save yourself some money and just shoot me. By the way a microwave doesn't necessarily cook the from the outside in (at least mine doesn't) The inside is cooking at the same time the outside is.

[Myrddin]

Bioweapons are generally living viruses and bacteria. Many can continue to multiply and spread well beyond the intended target population. Chemical weapons are generally poisons whose targets are in a limited area. The chemicals do not "reproduce" in a "contagious" fashion, but the effects may linger in an area for periods of hours to days. The microwave weapon is directed at a specified target. It hits the target and ceases to have additional effect when the device is turned off. Troops attending to a microwaved soldier will not be poisoned or infected with a disease.

[independentmind]

Oh, so the problem is that biological weapons can have unintended victims? The weapons as described above seem to have a strong similarity to something civilized nations have frowned upon for quite a while--torture.

[Myrddin]

I've seen purported pictures of individuals hit by a microwave weapon. The skin surface looked like a piece of chicken breast left on the grill too long. Lots of black charred areas. The soldier's clothing was completely unaffected.

[Jeff Chandler]

The weapons as described above seem to have a strong similarity to something civilized nations have frowned upon for quite a while--torture.

Perhaps, but then a smile is just a frown turned upside down.

[independentmind]

You might not be so glib if Saddam had the microwave weapons, no?

[Jeff Chandler]

Depends on their range.

[Waco]

Installing these zappers along our borders may be the only way to stop illegals. Cross into to the U.S. at any place other than an official entry point and you don't get in. Smugglers, Mexico, NY Times and demoncraps will raise hell, so it be a good idea.

[Jeff Chandler]

But seriously, does this sound so much worse than flamethrowers, napalm, hand grenades, mortars, rockets, cannons, rifles, daisy cutters, FAEs, etc., etc., etc.?

Have you considered the possibility that this weapon may be used to repel an enemy without permanently injuring him? That it could, in fact, end up being more humane than current weaponry?

[Jeff Chandler]

Alien al Carbón?

[Senator Pardek]

But seriously, does this sound so much worse than flamethrowers, napalm, hand grenades, mortars, rockets, cannons, rifles, daisy cutters, FAEs, etc., etc., etc.?

Don't bother trying to explain what is so obvious. In a large demographic segment of humanity (which I will not name), emotion always trumps logic.