Stop the proposed airline “shock bracelets” now!

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the Washington Times reports:

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®.

And what exactly would this bracelet do?

• 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

It doesn’t take much comprehension to realize that the Department of Homeland Security is keenly interested in this bracelet as a “security” measure to be used on all airline passengers. That means your husband, wife, grandparents and… children.

We are not cattle and neither are our friends and families. We are humans with inalienable rights. If anything could demonstrate our government’s lack of respect for our basic rights and human dignity, it is this. Luckily, this has yet to be implemented, so the time to act against this horrendous idea is now, before the seed has time to germinate, sprout and bloom.

It is recommended that you contact Lamperd Less Lethal, the designer of this device, immediately and air your opposition in no uncertain terms:

The quick contact form is located here.

Here is the address, email and phone number for Lamperd Less Lethal:

Lamperd Less Lethal
1200 Michener Road
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 7H8 Canada

Telephone: 519 344 4445

email: info@lamperdlesslethal.com

This story is already gaining traction, but mere publicity won’t stop this in it’s tracks. It will take all of us voicing our opposition to bring this to a dead stop.

Bouquets for Bureaucrats

Politicians and bureaucrats aren’t exactly known as harbingers of happiness. So why not send them a little happiness instead, coupled with a simple message from their constituents?

Libertarians in California, lend me your ears for a moment on this proposition.

Currently, the California legislature is considering SB 1499, What is this bill, you ask? It would effectively ban those cheerful and colorful mylar balloons that we give to our children and others whom we love during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Dour kill joys such as bill sponsor Jack Scott want to take away just one more slice of happiness out of our already stressful lives! You know what I say? Let’s give Senator Jack Scott and his bureaucratic buddies a message by sending a little taste of happiness to their offices with a nice, colorful mylar balloon bouquet!

It won’t cost much to do this. One person can easily send a small mylar balloon arrangement to their State senator — and maybe a bonus bouquet to the ever special Jack Scott! If you like, share the expense among your local LP activists!

Although it’s always nice to bring a little sunshine into someone’s life, this action is not without some seriousness. Each balloon bouquet should be accompanied by a statement as to who the bouquet is from and why it is sent:

Dear Senator/Assemblyman X,

This is sent to give you a little happiness today, but to also remind you of the happiness you will deny many children and others within California if you vote to ban balloons such as the ones you see right now. We strongly urge you to oppose SB1499.

An alternative message could simply read: “Thank you for opposing SB 1499”, accompanied with a nice “thank you” mylar balloon (H/T to Lady Gaura for the “thank you” suggestion!).

Of course, LP affiliates should also send out a news release announcing this action a few days in advance. If delivering this bouquet locally, be certain to have media presence, because this is a wonderful photo op!

For more information on S(ad) B(ill) 1499, please visit here.

As always, I am glad to assist in any way I am possible to, so feel free to contact me.

–Gene Trosper

**UPDATE**

I have been informed that the California Assembly will be holding a hearing on this bill on Tuesday, June 24. Since it would be difficult to organize a balloon protest of the likes suggested above at this time, it is strongly urged that we call, email and fax our state representatives to simply urge their NO vote on SB 1499. To find your Senator, please visit http://www.senate.ca.gov/~newsen/senators/senators.htp . There is a handy “Your Senator” link provided if you are unsure as to which one represents you. The Assembly can be found here with a link that can find you your local assembly member.

Once I find out the bill status after Tuesday, I’ll post another alert.