http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/7/coming-to-a-sky-near-you/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSSThe U.S. government expects there to be 30,000 drones over the U.S. by 2020.....um...to provide surveillance of the borders... :(

At what price tag? Holy mackerel. I wish I could get away with this spending.

At what price tag? Holy mackerel. I wish I could get away with this spending.

Some of the drones would replace manned aircraft so they would not be an extra expense.

This is so wrong and and not good news, either financially or liberty wise. Another means & tool for our govt agencies (Federal & local) to spy on their citizens. We continue to head down the path of losing more privacy and freedoms.... Bob

Predator drones cost 5-10 million each, just for reference. I think most of what they're talking about are much smaller, for photo surveillance only, by local police. The 30,000 number quoted in the article (by 2020, no less) is another example of government exaggeration.On the other hand, the manufacturing spin-up could reduce costs and improve the breed for the RC aircraft hobbyists. Silver lining, if nothing else. Other than that, it's just more overpriced, almost useless high-tech cop gear.Uh oh. How long until the TV networks get wind of this. "Drone Patrol." "Drones Along the Border." And the sci-fi thriller, "Revenge of the Drones."

I remember back in Summer Camp the chant...Their Aint No Flies On Us.Well I can say the same thing today....Their Aint No Drones On Us...LOLSeriously, the place with the highest security in Wellington is the US Consulate, even our Parliament Buildings are watched by unarmed security guards and closed circuit TV. You guys have more security in a gated community in the USA then our Prime Minister has. Imagine your white house being guarded by private security guards with no guns, that's what New Zealand is like......civilized and free society. We are the old American Dream.Even the police in New Zealand still don't carry a gun....Imagine That...LOLCheers

The reason they have guns is so they can be equally equipped.

The reason they have guns is so they can be equally equipped.

I know...I have only been living in New Zealand for just over a year. I was in New York City just before moving here. It still amazes me the way things are here compared to North America.However I will say that New York has never been better as I was very surprised at its current low crime rates and it was a very safe city to walk around, even late at night. I just wouldn't move to Baltimore or Detroit, but the USA is still a great place, drones and all.Cheers

I know...I have only been living in New Zealand for just over a year. I was in New York City just before moving here. It still amazes me the way things are here compared to North America.However I will say that New York has never been better as I was very surprised at its current low crime rates and it was a very safe city to walk around, even late at night. I just wouldn't move to Baltimore or Detroit, but the USA is still a great place, drones and all.Cheers

I must agree on your opinion on NYC. What a great city it is, I loved every moment there in last summer with my wife! Of course I spent my time in Manhattan in fairly nice hotel on 42th Street next to central, bu still: not a single moment, even in the evening I felt unsecure or threatened. Friendly people on police, nearby pub and hotel and most importantly, everything was just working; whether it be a nearby store, KFC or subway train.Supporting US of A is not the most popular stuff in Europe nowadays, but if I had to choose a place to live in after my home land, first would propably be Sweden (our dear neighbours and a bunch of great people) and third US of A.Cheers all to you across the pond (and fellows in Sweden too)!

Edited February 13, 201214 yr by TheGrunt

The government is not enforcing the mexican border,so what are they going to be used for?

Edited February 13, 201214 yr by BIGSKY

The government is not enforcing the mexican border,so what are they going to be used for?

Make sure that we don't pirate software or spread ideas.... :(

We better get someone to work making an AI Drone addon for the United States. It will reek havoc on all of us low flyers, especially helicopters.

I find myself thinking about the opening scenes from Terminator 2 where the SkyNet drones are putting it to the resistance fighters as they crawl through the skeleton-studded remains of a major city. Actually the pictures reminded me of present-day Detroit...But in all seriousness, we do need those drones to spot the illegals coming across the border so we can get right to them and get them registered to vote for Obama in November. :(

Seriously, the place with the highest security in Wellington is the US Consulate, even our Parliament Buildings are watched by unarmed security guards and closed circuit TV. You guys have more security in a gated community in the USA then our Prime Minister has.

Yes, everyone hates the US Government, including most of us here in the US.The US has more income inequality than New Zealand. Also, you can't just walk across the border into NA, either to move there or to smuggle. Drug use in the US is also much higher. Still, the statistics in this country are skewed by small urban areas. Most of the US is a pretty safe place to live. When it comes to stealing from me, it's the Government that I have to worry about.

Edited February 13, 201214 yr by Captain_Barfbag

Yes, everyone hates the US Government, including most of us here in the US.The US has more income inequality than New Zealand. Also, you can't just walk across the border into NA, either to move there or to smuggle. Drug use in the US is also much higher. Still, the statistics in this country are skewed by small urban areas. Most of the US is a pretty safe place to live. When it comes to stealing from me, it's the Government that I have to worry about.

I am a big big fan of the USA...I only criticize when I think it can do better. Some of that does include criticizing the Government, but maybe that is just the Irish in me....You do have to consider that the USA does come across as a little over the top in Security when seen from abroad. In NZ we have the option to fly back to England and the choice is Air New Zealand that flies from Auckland to Heathrow stopping in Los Angeles. Option 2 is to fly the other way through either Hong Kong or Changi airport. If you go the LAX route then you will have to deal with a tremendous amount of security that may touch your junk....If you go through Changi then you can enjoy the swimming pool and spa while you stop over. 9 out of 10 prefer Changi or Hong Kong. Both Air New Zealand and QANTAS are reducing routes through the USA now as LAX has become a pain in the &@($* for travelers, even though it is the shortest route, it is not worth all the trouble.If you are going to the USA for a visit then have a great time. It is a great place and the people are amazing. If you are just passing through then don't bother, Their are other more welcoming countries in the world that would prefer that business instead.Cheers