| > I agree with the idea that "nonlethal" weapons are often used irresponsibly. There's a reason that the article uses the term "less lethal". These weapons are not "non-lethal". They're not "less than lethal". They are weapons that are capable of, and often cause, the death of their target. Calling these weapons "non-lethal" is irresponsible at best. They are "lethal". In the same vein, shooting people in the kneecaps is a "less lethal" response, in that with proper medical attention the victim is less likely to die than a more vital hit. It has been openly and widely employed without significant outcry from the global community (1). Let's plug that into your statement instead and listen to how it sounds: "I agree with the idea that 'shooting people in the kneecaps' is often used irresponsibly. But what is the alternative? What are police supposed to use for crowd control?" To state explicitly, I also believe it is unjust and counterproductive to allow a crowd to seize control of a common area. But It is unjust and counterproductive to use lethal weapons (even if you use ones that are a little less likely to cause death) against citizens who have done so. There are plenty of other strategies; de-escalation instead of deliberate escalation comes to mind. There are plenty of other tools; agents that cause obnoxious smells without inducing harm are a good example. (1) - https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-42-kne... |