About Me

My photo
I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Soothing Weapons and Tactics

Got to thinking last night about how police and militia handle crowds.  To subdue means to quiet or tone down.  Granted, it also means to conquer.  But if the real intent were to subjugate a crowd, why is it that the most violent means are used?  Think of the use of firehoses on the civil rights demonstrators of the 60s.

Wouldn't it be more efficient to subdue by using ether or the aerial spraying of Valium or Prosac or even marijuana (Can marijuana be sprayed?)?  How about nitrous oxide and everyone could have a good laugh and maybe get their teeth cleaned at the same time?  SWAT  teams wouldn't even have to change their initials.

12 comments:

Mage said...

LOL...that's good thinking that I'm sure is illegal and violates everyone's rights.

Anonymous said...

I vote for nitrous oxide. lol lol lol lol lol lol...

Linda said...

What a hoot. I vote for laughing gas.

KathyA said...

Mage -- You're probably right about my method violating everyone's rights -- but isn't that just soooo very ironic?

Shug said...

Lol.... I like your kind of thinking. A more subdued way. On the other hand, we probably would see a huge increase in protesters eager to be sprayed with some form of marijuana.
Hugs

Kimberly said...

Yeah, but if it is done properly, noone will care that their rights have been violated! :)

Linda Reeder said...

I like your thinking!
But your serious point is well taken. Why do we "subdue" with violence?

George said...

I rather like the laughing gas idea.

Sally Wessely said...

Very good thoughts. LOL

Kay said...

Strange... I was just talking to my husband about that outrageous policeman who was pepper spraying those poor people who were quietly protesting at that Occupy movement. I wonder what happened to him.

Gilly said...

I think the laughing gas is the best idea! I can imagine everyfalling about laughing!

And I love your header pic - did you say that is an Osprey?? Bit more public-spirited than our Scottish Ospreys, who hide in pine trees!

Hope you will soon be 100% better and in full and blooming health!

Anonymous said...

I'm in the camp with those who chose the laughing gas. Everyone knows that tensions are eased through laughter and God knows we all need to laugh more. It would be like a big *flash mob laughing scene*