Tuesday, July 17, 2007

"Minigun"

A "Minigun" (machine gun) in an SUV.

Apart from wondering how the f**k you can build a thing which can fire up to 100 rounds per second, I can only think: these are evil inventions. They are clearly not meant to mow down soldiers: soldiers don't stand around in large crowds waiting to be mowed down. They are meant to mow down civilians, and wars like Vietnam has shown us that that is what they are used for, for getting those civilians that the napalm did not get. Evil inventions.

Alex chimes in:

Interesting movie clip.

You'll notice that the vehicle used was a GMC, probably a Yukon, a sibling to the suburban, which is commonly used by enforcement agencies such as the FBI and CIA (drive around DC). You will also see that the car was equipped with a 911 lighting package, blue lights behind the radiator. Again suggesting this be used for a law enforcement application.

I can see how early machine guns were used for high repeat rate of fire, which obviated the need for accuracy, and in trench warfare, urban and guerrilla warfare, it makes sense (not that war makes sense). However, seeing machine guns mounted on jeeps as used by the militia world wide, it is obvious that the intended target is not an invading army, but civil unrest, the general populace.

This weapon of war has no right trying to present itself as an enforcement vehicle. It would not have helped on 9/11, it would not have helped Lockerbie, Manchester, Warrington, Atlanta or any of the other towns where terrorist have struck.

Back to me:
No kidding. Here in UK, even in peaceful little Bolton, the police have sometimes made a point of walking a couple of guys through town in riot gear and machine guns... My question is: even if there is a bank robbery or whatever... you're going to "keep peace" with machine guns?

TTL elaborates:

The best answer I know of as to why arms get manufactured in the U.S. and why America is obsessed with war is put forward by Eugene Jarecki in his film Why We Fight (2006).

The film re-introduces the concept "Military-Industrial Complex" of which President Dwight Eisenhower warned about.

Jarecki is very intelligent in his arguments and the film is excellently directed -- possibly the best documentary on this subject.

"The message here is that while there may be some who sincerely believe that America's various military engagements (in Iraq, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and elsewhere) since World War II are the product of our God-given duty to spread freedom and halt the influence of evil ideologies around the world, the real reason we fight is that war is good business."

Alex added:
I just remembered an old SciFi movie where they introduced an anti-terrorist helicopter gunship to the police force.

The film is "Blue Thunder" and it was set in LA just before the Olympic games were to be held there. The film looked at invasion of privacy, police state and the use of military grade weaponry in the policing arena.

Of course, everyone (TV Producers, TV Audience) thought the helicopter was cool, and there was a follow series where the hero did lots of daring deeds and rescued people, but the film ended with the pilot deciding it was a bad thing and he trashed the 'copter.

Meandering onto the American love of guns and weaponry, look at Lego's "Dino Attack" series of a few years ago, the heroes had "stun "weapons to disable the dinos, they looked like guns and missiles on the toys. Now look at every other countries Lego catalogues, you'lll see "Dino 2010", where the same trucks and helicopters came with lassos, cages and grabber claws, but not a single gun.

Sad statement about the country I chose to raise kids in.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Right On! You got it right, yet the world will not be content without war. Strange, isn't it?

As long as we are mowing down people with these guns or any other way, whether they are soldiers or not, we are condemning ourselves to hell on earth. How hard is that to understand?

Love you, Brother, and love your web sites. Be well, Darrell

Alex said...

Interesting movie clip.

You'll notice that the vehicle used was a GMC, probably a Yukon, a sibling to the suburban, which is commonly used by enforcement agencies such as the FBI and CIA (drive around DC). You will also see that the car was equipped with a 911 lighting package, blue lights behind the radiator. Again suggesting this be used for a law enforcement application.

I can see how early machine guns were used for high repeat rate of fire, which obviated the need for accuracy, and in trench warfare, urban and guerrilla warfare, it makes sense (not that war makes sense). However, seeing machine guns mounted on jeeps as used by the militia world wide, it is obvious that the intended target is not an invading army, but civil unrest, the general populace.

This weapon of war has no right trying to present itself as an enforcement vehicle. It would not have helped on 9/11, it would not have helped Lockerbie, Manchester, Warrington, Atlanta or any of the other towns where terrorist have struck.

Anonymous said...

The best answer I know of as to why arms get manufactured in the U.S. and why America is obsessed with war is put forward by Eugene Jarecki in his film Why We Fight (2006).

The film re-introduces the concept "Military-Industrial Complex" of which President Dwight Eisenhower warned about.

Jarecki is very intelligent in his arguments and the film is excellently directed -- possibly the best documentary on this subject.

"The message here is that while there may be some who sincerely believe that America's various military engagements (in Iraq, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and elsewhere) since World War II are the product of our God-given duty to spread freedom and halt the influence of evil ideologies around the world, the real reason we fight is that war is good business."

Anonymous said...

Machine guns can usually fire single shots as well. Soldiers should have the ability to spray fire if they are outnumbered. Despite what they may be used for, they're intended to be used against other soldiers.

Alex said...

Strange, I thought I mentioned teh battle of Peterloo. That was when the British opened fire on a "peaceful" demonstration. I thought they would have learnt there lesson.

The M-16's that I've seen the police with, I seem to remember being told that they are locked into single shot mode, not full automatic.

I can see using them for sniper action in siege situations. In the airports they are a strong show of strength, but for a closed space like that, they are again only good for getting a gun toting maniac, and a dozen casualties in friendly fire.

Can you imagine fully automatic machine guns for crowd control at a football match?

Anonymous said...

Despite what they may be used for, they're intended to be used against other soldiers.

you don't get out much do you? are you 18 or 19? if so, i understand, if not, you should know better dick.

Alex said...

I just remembered an old SciFi movie where they introduced an anti-terrorist helicopter gunship to the police force.

The film is "Blue Thunder" and it was set in LA just before the Olympic games were to be held there. The film looked at invasion of privacy, police state and the use of military grade weaponry in the policing arena.

Of course, everyone (TV Producers, TV Audience) thought the helicopter was cool, and there was a follow series where the hero did lots of daring deeds and rescued people, but the film ended with the pilot deciding it was a bad thing and he trashed the 'copter.

Meandering onto the American love of guns and weaponry, look at Lego's "Dino Attack" series of a few years ago, the heroes had "stun "weapons to disable the dinos, they looked like guns and missiles on the toys. Now look at every other countries Lego catalogues, you'lll see "Dino 2010", where the same trucks and helicopters came with lassos, cages and grabber claws, but not a single gun.

Sad statement about the country I chose to raise kids in.

Anonymous said...

No, I am not 18 or 19, but I am a soldier and I am familiar with several variants of the M16. (I am 29, for the record. I wish people would not hide offensive comments behind the "anonymous" label.) My comments were not a reply to alex, I was merely commenting on the machine gun in general. I did not say that they have never been used against anyone other than soldiers; it was merely a comment on the intent when creating the weapon - it was not invented with the idea of crowd control. Don't infer things I have not implied.

Looking back, it is not a good idea to make assumptions based on no data. You know nothing about; there is no way you could possibly know anything about me.

Anonymous said...

Along the lines of machine guns installed in SUVs, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Don't like the idea that if police are equipped with automatic weapons then the populace should be as well, then just ask the Jews of 1930's and 40's.

The US is quickly approaching domination by government and police.

Anonymous said...

What we need are more police like those in Reno 911, then we could all relax.

Anonymous said...

Nah. What the British need is more cameras. They'll keep the peace.

Actually.. maybe now would be a good time to invest into Samsung. They make some interesting automated machine guns with built in cameras, which can detect and kill intruders on sight. Now that will make the world a better place, won't it just.

I'll never understand why the police, hunters and "recreational shooters" can carry guns, but I can't even carry a pocketknife. I don't quite grasp the logic.

Eolake Stobblehouse said...

Samsung!?

Anonymous said...

"They are clearly not meant to mow down soldiers"

I'm not entirely sure there. In many combat situations, you can't take the time to aim, so a weapon that spits out 20 bullets at the slightest trigger squeeze is definitely an advantage on the battlefield (rapid fire can also be deactivated at will).
Where movies take us for bloody fools, is when they show us a machine gun that fires for more than 30 seconds non-stop, as if a real one could possibly hold that much ammo without having long bands of bullets. A trigger-happy soldier wasting his ammo doesn't last very long.

Well, you grow up in a country at war, you pick up a few things here and there...

Anonymous said...

there is no way you could possibly know anything about me.

and you know nothing about Jesus Christ nor his teachings or the way to eternal security in Heaven through the death and resurrection
of our Lord if you should so believe.
you tell others to remain quiet about Christ that share our opinion
nor do I share yours on many occasions but I don't tell you to keep quiet.
dip that in flavored-inspired hypocrisy and see if that doesn't taste foul dick.

Anonymous said...

Your comments tell me again and again that you have not understood Christ's teachings, or you would not be such an unpleasant, hateful person. He would never talk to someone like that. You believe in him. Maybe you should try being a bit more like him.

Anonymous said...

"Blue Thunder" (1983) featured Malcolm McDowell as the villain. It wasn't a bad film im my view; it made its point (about how people in power can abuse it by inventing false threats and whipping up mass panic about them) very well, and despite being one of the most violent films I've ever seen, it was strangely gore-free, which for me was a relief.

Anonymous said...

Joe Dick said...
"it was not invented with the idea of crowd control."


Neither were water canons. Which explains why, every time the political opposition in Lebanon holds a peaceful demonstration, there are fire trucks everywhere in a city under siege, and soldiers deployed everywhere. It reached its summit of "briliancy" two years ago, when there wasn't a free fire truck left while forest fires were ravaging the rest of the country at the very same moment. :-P

I'm beginning to understand just how strongly the pilot in Blue Thunder knew he was doing the right thing trashing his hi-tech nightmare.

Speaking of war, it looks like somebody's still desperately trying to pick a fight with one sensible blog contributor after another. Aren't you tired, Mister(Miss?) whatever-your-name? Do you genuinely feel you're making positive use of your time and effort? Or that the peaceful love message of Jesus is mainly a weapon for you to put down others with?
Sheesh! Even the best and most noble inventions/ideas are not safe from being turned into weapons of aggression.

Anonymous said...

Jesus will forgive you if you repent your sins and accept him into your black heart as your lord and saviour. Otherwise you will burn forever in a pit of fire, tortured by demons.

You will eat naught but burning hot coals and drink naught but burning hot cola.

Fiery demons will punch you in the back.

Your soul will be chopped into confetti, strewn upon a parade of murderers and single mothers.

Your tongue will be torn out by ravenous birds.

Maggots are your sheet, worms your blanket, there's a lake of fire burning with sulfur. You'll be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Anonymous said...

Well, I would repent, but then I would have to find myself a new online alias. It's too much effort for me.
Besides, I hear that Hell has all-year, FREE central heating! And maggot-worm beds would keep me fresh in the hot summer days. Totally grossed out, but fresh.

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't you get used to it, like in a hot tub?

Anonymous said...

My guess is, the hot temperature might be because of the point of view they have on all those people in Paradise above, wearing just a robe on their shoulders. I can't wait.

Besides, all the hookers and free-loving girls will be down there with me. While all the morality speakers will be out of hearing reach!

Let's see: blasphemating about Heaven with overt sexual hinting... check. Tearing wings off flies... check. Smoking pot... check. Masturbation... check. Lying, cussing, cheating on the missus... check. Speeding... check. Internet porn... check. Silently farting in church... check. Stealing pacifier from a baby... check. Mooning at the U.S. flag... check. Missing a sunday mass... check. Lying in confession... check. Telling on a harmless pedophile servant of the Church... check. (This one was great fun.) Eating meat on a friday... check. Reading Darwin with approving nods... check. Making the blog-master an accomplice of my outrageous opinions merely by not deleting them... check. Watching Mike Moore... check. Drawing musketeer's mustache & beard on a Pat Robertson poster... check. Wearing mixed-fiber fabrics... check. (Stil itchy.) Working on Saturday... check. Tying an empty can to a dog's tail... check. Putting a Monopoly $500 bill in the collection plate... check. Eating pork and oysters... check. Wolf-whistling at novice nuns... check. Turning them off after giving them false hopes... double check!!! Converting to a non-theist religion... check. Calling Dubya a hapless wino... check. Littering... check. Not taking my hat off in front of respectable old bats... check. Gossiping... check. Picking my nose... check. Slouching, staring, pointing, burping with garlig breath, talking back, chewing gum... check. Sticking said gum on a bus seat... check. Dancing the Lambada... check. Supporting one of Pascal's views... check. Writing a $0 check for charity... check. Whopee-cushion on the Pope's seat... check. Praising Col. Kaddhafi... check. Skinny-dipping and nekkid tanning... check. Giving the finger... check. Giving whole fist... check. Using the "N" word, the "F" word, the "B" word, and in fact one offending word for each letter of the alphabet... check. (That was a tough one.) Playing Grand Theft Auto... check. Making boring enumerations... check.

Sorry, gotta go, gotta go, I've got a very busy schedule for the next few decades. My final sin will be committing homicide on my own person, therefore escaping earthly justice. This has to come last, I guess. Hard to get any decent sinnig done after that one...
Come to think of it, I could make it even worse with a suicide euthanasia. I hope I live old enough for it to be on the news, though. THAT would be perfect, pleading my choice in public before doing it.

Anonymous said...

Mis-spelling a simple word like "garlic"... check!
Should bring the writing levels of school students plummeting down, and promote ignurense.

Anonymous said...

I would disagree with the statement “They are clearly not meant to mow down soldiers: soldiers don't stand around in large crowds waiting to be mowed down.”

First, from Wiki -
”Ironically, it is said that Gatling's hope was that his invention would actually put an end to war. His reasoning was that society would become revolted by the infliction of so much carnage, so quickly, by a single weapon." Interestingly, Gatlin later added an electric motor, increasing the rate of fire. So his intention I believe was indeed to mow down soldiers.
Second, I would agree soldiers do not typically stand around "waiting to be mowed down", perhaps an ideal situation for the weapon however I suspect those opportunities are vary rare...rather it is deployed as a weapon with a very high cyclical rate of fire used to overwhelm the enemy via violence of action and superior fire power. In short, a stream of lead aimed at the enemy. Many factors of course influencing its effectiveness.

Now, regarding the “Apart from wondering how the f**k you can build a thing which can fire up to 100 rounds per second”…well, just take a look at the Metalstorm concept. 1,000,000 rounds per minute…f**king 16,666 rounds per second.

Is it the most appropriate weapon for the Presidential Motorcade….I guess that would depend on what they run up against.