> -----Original Message-----
> From: The Fool [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2002 5:55 PM
> To: Brin_L
> Subject: U.S., chemical, biological weapons
>
>
> http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,722395,00.html
>
> American military chiefs are developing plans to use Valium as a
> potential weapon against enemy forces and to control hostile
> populations,
> according to official documents seen by The Observer.
> The Pentagon has also asked scientists to evaluate proposals to use
> genetically modified bugs that 'eat' the enemy's fuel and ammunition
> supplies without harming humans.
> The development of these 'non-lethal' weapons angers campaigners who
> claim that they would breach international treaties on biological and
> chemical weapons.
> US documents reveal that two years ago the Pentagon commissioned
> scientists at Pennsylvania State University to look at
> potential military
> uses for a range of chemicals known as calmatives. The scientists
> concluded that several drugs would be effective to control
> crowds or in
> military operations such as anti-terrorist campaigns. The drugs they
> recommended for 'immediate consideration' included diazepam,
> better known
> as the tranquilliser Valium, and dexmedetomidine, used to
> sedate patients
> in intensive care. The scientists advised that these drugs can
> 'effectively act on central nervous system tissues and produces a less
> anxious, less aggressive, more tranquil-like behaviour'.
They forgot to add, it inhibits short term memory retention, especially
Diazepam (or its stronger cousins). I have seen it in action when I used to
work in the O.R.. Patients would ask the same damn annoying questions on
queue every 5 minutes, because they forgot that they just asked the same
question 5 minutes earlier.
> Other official documents reveal how genetically engineered
> micro-organisms to destroy equipment but not harm troops are
> also being
> considered by US military scientists as 'non-lethal' weapons. One
> proposal from the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia,
> proposes creating genetically modified bugs that would
> corrode roads and
> runways and produce 'targeted deterioration of metal parts,
> coatings and
> lubricants of weapons vehicles and support equipment as well
> as fuels'.
There is already natural occuring molds and funguses that feast on Diesel
fuel. A common ailment of fuel systems in older diesel trucks is when they
become 'infected' with these molds, which clogs up the fuel systems.
There is a lot of debate about non-lethal weapons. For instance, if the
millitary uses high-powered lasers to blind soldiers and pilots, this is
usually considered worse (or less humane) that shooting at them with
bullets. Go figure... we are a strange race.
Nerd From Hell
