The Evolution of Non-Lethal WeaponsNicholas West A lot of attention has been paid recently to the massive buildup of lethal weapons purchased by DHS and the ongoing government secrecy about the stockpile. When combined with the increasing rhetoric against anyone professing a love of independence, there is rightful concern that this weapons hoard will be turned inward upon the American Patriot. Many argue that, in the end, most military and police will not wage war on their own, even despite overwhelming evidence that they are training for such a scenario, i.e. using no more hesitation pictures of elderly men, pregnant women and even children as target practice. Add to this a letter issued from a retired U.S. Army Captain thatDHS is prepping for war on Americans, as well as recent testimony from a Marine Corps Colonelstating the same, and only cognitive dissonance remains for not answering the wake-up call. The transfer of weapons of war such as drones from foreign to domestic use should be seen as a natural expansion of any imperial government that is actively taking steps to desensitize military, police, and the domestic public to crossing paths in a very hostile manner. So-called non-lethal weapons have almost been forgotten about in the wake of the far worse possibilities presented by weaponized drones and civil war. These non-lethal weapons have a history dating back to 1930s Germany, which has now extended into nearly all democratic countries as a means of intimidating protesters. The Taser or stun gun is another item in the non-lethal arsenal that is all but ubiquitous, but has come under intense scrutiny by researchers for its lethal results.Electrophysiologist, Dr. Douglas Zipes, published an article for the The American Heart Association which covered 8 cases where a 50,000 volt Electronic Control Device (TASER X26) was used and victims lost consciousness. His conclusion is that this non-lethal weapon can induce cardiac arrest. Indeed, as seen in the above image, Tasers are slated to be used at longer and longer distances, with the potential even to be used by drones. Casey Research goes on to highlight other areas of non-lethal weapons testing that occurred as far back as the 1970s: The above have led to new developments such as the microwave cannon crowd dispersal weapon which is euphemistically called an Active Denial System. Pesky protestersinsurgents have much more that they can look forward to when they exit their homes to make their voices heard among the din of LRAD weaponseffective long range communications system used to clearly broadcast critical information, instructions and warning.Though it would seem difficult to hear subsequent critical information with permanent hearing loss. But thats not enough apparently. A new addition to the acoustic discomfort division is A previousExtraordinary Technology report of the latest non-lethal less lethal,but potential kill tech showed trends in the growing sector of crowd control amid nearly global civil unrest. Of particular note is the flexibility to apply these devices to either disperse the unruly, or offensively use them in a full-out war setting. It is the type of flexibility that has made the drone market so lucrative; everything from surveillance, to terrain mapping . . . and remote-controlled death if need be. As the report states quite correctly: And I would add that police are increasingly called upon to perform soldier duties. The militarization of police is undeniable and all but guaranteed to usher in the next-gen non-lethal tech. Dazzling Weapons The flashbang grenade has also gained new reach with the VENOM system (Vehicle Non-Lethal/Tube Launched Munition System): One of the most dangerous aspects of non-lethal weapons is that they are far more indiscriminate than conventional weapons, especially since their evolution continues toward being deployed from a distance. Additionally, these are high-tech (expensive) weapons that have no parallel among what is available to the public, thus creating a massive imbalance in firepower. These weapons are also becoming more intrusive, literally aiming directly for the brain of the subjected population if need be: Coupled with these evolving physical technologies are those centered on crippling or altering our minds, which is the subject of a recently leaked DARPA mind control project being conducted at Arizona State University. Protesters/activists/terrorists will be fair game for the whole catalog of weaponry, both physical and psychological. This catalog will not (cannot) diminish when the profits to made by kill tech far outweigh the business model for peace. Unlesswe the peopleare willing to make the commitment tostop funding this machine, it will continue to steamroll with increasing ease and lethality. Read other articles by Nicholas West Here 