Strangely, My Views Change Over Time…
By British activists called for a ban on “ultra-sonic dispersal devices.” The devices drive away teenagers by delivering unpleasant noise at high frequencies that can be heard only by people under 25. Activists say 3,500 of them are in use. Merchants’ rationale: We use them to drive away “anti-social gangs” that “deter customers, intimidate staff and can commit vandalism and violence.” Objections: 1) The devices “target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are … misbehaving.” 2) “Young people have a right to assemble … without being treated as criminals.” 3) “Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender.” Device inventor’s solution: I’ll “introduce a contract which stipulates to shopkeepers how it can be used.”
Odd; ten years ago I would have been strongly in favor of such a ban. Now, for some reason, I don’t have a problem with it. On the other hand, would anyone be surprised to find the McCain campaign installing such devices outside polling places in November?