RA_pierce said:
I think a ban on
pointers would be fine- I couldn't care less (it actually exists already).
I'm just interested in Class IV lasers now. As long as the OEM components and lasers like Aries and [highlight]RPLs can be imported (FDA approved) [/highlight]then I don't see an issue.
I'll bet that the majority of these incidents are caused by a 13-25 year old with a pointer from dealextreme.
The key here is to ENFORCE existing laws. Enforce the ban on importation of laser pointers that are not FDA approved.
I think it is good that the media covers this. It makes parents who watch the news more aware of what their kids are buying with their dad's credit card.
Last time I checked, RPLs are actually NOT, FDA approved. However, I believe the Hercules is, considering it does have all the safety requirements to be FDA approved.
Being FDA approved, or having all the necessary safety requirements, doesn't make lasers more "safe", or less harmful to the operator or influenced people, in my opinion, and are usually more of a haste then anything else. Even a gun doesn't have that many safety requirements. I believe there's the dongle delay switch (normally 3 sec.), key switch, armed LED indicator, and aperture shutter, please correct me if I'm wrong. Anybody could theoretically do all those steps and perform the aircraft attack... only those lasers are usually much more expensive therefore usually those with that kind of "spending money" have more sense not to do such a STUPID THING. So yes, in theory, the "cheap Chinese" imported lasers pose more of a chance getting into the hands of a... Laser Abuser.. (lets call the
ass holes who do this negligent crime, among other stupid things) and thus pose a greater threat to who ever it may concern: the pilot and their passengers, or attacker, or the hobbyist. To prevent it, would I guess be up to the government to decide... as we know the importation of illegal fire arms and drugs still exist. What do you want them to do, have each and every laser be registered under law like guns are, to of which costs lots of money, because the only economically beneficial banning of anything like this, would be better off by making a law to give two felonies, 1 year min in prison, and tons of money fine for caring a "hot" laser? Check up on your federal gun baring laws.
Now, let me tell you readers my opinion of what the FDA really is. It is an organization/ program that monitors the import and export of unnecessary goods. To govern and control the amount of pleasure one may receive with physical objects, or substances. And to help keep the public safe and healthy is a byproduct. You can smoke cigarettes, but you can't smoke marijuana. I'm sure the majority of people, well maybe 1/2, will get more pleasure out of marijuana then they would a cigarette, I may be mistaken, I don't smoke........ cigarettes. ;D And to some, lasers are a drug, just ask my good friend John Lawson!
And now for my 3 cents, this is never going to stop. NEVER. NEVEREVER. NEVEREVEREVEREVER. IT'S NEVER GOING TO STOP. Just get over it, and be glad it isn't you cursed with such a stupid mind. Or be thankful that you don't mess with your lasers while being extremely drunk. And if it does stop, then our hobby will be pretty damn illegal by then. So relax. OK?
-Peace Ace
Please don't do this. Lasers will be banned in the US at this rate. I hope the idiots who do did this were caught and served 2 or more years jail time in state prison. In Seattle in one night a dozen incidents reported of green lasers being pointed at planes! 
. They should think situation that they see plane falling down just because their ''funny'' pointings and next day news tells that plane crash kills 100 people.i don't think they feel so happy anymore
