The 'Active Denial System'

The device works by sending a beam of microwave radiation in the direction of an undesirable person, within 2 seconds the skin temperature of the target can reach 144'C - causing extreme pain and thus making them leave the area . . . protest over!

Apparantly the device is non-lethal and does not cause permanent damage (like cigarettes, mobile phones?), although a leaked pentagon memo described the term 'non-lethal' as inaccurate.

Whether or not this would violate (a)the right to peaceful protest, political or otherwise and (b) The right to not have your skin boiled for possesing opinions is open for debate.

The system is earmarked for deployment in 2009, although tests have been taking place for the past 2 years. The UK government has expressed interest and has been a partner of the Pentagon in the developement of 'non-lethal' weapons.

My advice for potential protesters is to start researching microwave shields so political dissent will not be exterminated by the new weapon. Some tin foil and MDF might just do it . . . I wish I studied physics!

Some links:

www.motherbird.com/zapper.html

www.howstuffworks.com/pain-beam1.htm

 http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,825082,00.html

 http://www.observer.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,458681,00.html

for more just search for 'Active Denial System'

Peace