Flashback: Now Homeland Official Interested in Taser Bracelets

Back in March I wrote an article about a proposed new product, known to many as ‘taser bracelets’ which was proposed as a solution for all airline passengers.

My original blog post can be found here:

http://bereanwatchman.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/global-law-enforcement-gadgets-tasor-bracelets-coming/

Within the past few days, an article written on the Washington Post website entitled “Want some torture with your peanuts?” :

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/aviation-security/2008/Jul/01/want-some-torture-with-your-peanuts/

“Just when you thought you’ve heard it all…

A senior government official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed great interest in a so-called safety bracelet that would serve as a stun device, similar to that of a police Taser®. According to this promotional video found at the Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc. website, the bracelet would be worn by all airline passengers.

This bracelet would:

• Take the place of an airline boarding pass

• Contain personal information about the traveler

• Be able to monitor the whereabouts of each passenger and his/her luggage

• Shock the wearer on command, completely immobilizing him/her for several minutes”

Here is the link provided to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar2gZiT5dDM&eurl=

Is this safety, or going too far?  Is the thinking behind this perfectly rational…or perfectly Orwellian?

What do you think?

UK Authorities Tell Supermarkets: Cut Down on Sales

Its our fault: the general public has let us…down?

In the light of recent global food price spikes over the past several months, the UK government has decided to speak out concerning who they believe is at least partially responsible for the increases: the general public.

Three seperate but similar articles were recently posted from 3 major UK online newspapers.  Apparently, the UK government is concerned that people are wasting food and possibly contributing to a potential global food shortage and driving prices upward.  The articles describe certain parameters and suggestions which the government would like supermarkets to follow, including cutting down on buy 2 get 1 free deals which they claim may contribute to wasteful habits.

You may find the articles here:

“As supermarket prices spiral Brown tells families: ‘Stop wasting food’ “

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1032605/As-supermarket-prices-spiral-Brown-tells-families-Stop-wasting-food.html

“Britain declares war on food waste”

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/britain-declares-war-on-food-waste-861250.html

“Waste not want not, Gordon Brown tells families”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4282571.ece

Do you know why food prices have risen over the past few months?  What are the reasons we are given in the media, and do they concur with what you know to be true…or not?  Have food prices suddenly spiked because of the past year’s major natural catastrophes and new trends of human waste?  Or have those trends stayed about the same, and other reasons not typically being discussed are to blame?  Or….is there possibly another reason?

Is there a general trend in the past few years, whether in regards to global warming…poverty….hunger, etc… Are people globally being introduced to a higher standard of living and more liberty?  Is it globally generally staying the same?  Or are people generally paying higher prices…for a reduced standard of living…and giving up freedoms in order to do so?

What general direction do you see the future heading?  What are the solutions to the problems we face today?  More governmental oversight, responsibility, and more taxes?  Or perhaps individuals who not only focus on their responsibilities and a willingness to work together to solve problems at a local level?  (What does history tell us works best?  Is there a difference in outcomes?)

Do any of these things reveal any potential Biblical…perhaps even prophetic or eschatological….relevance?  If so, how and why?

What do you think?