Critical Times

Did you see where the NBC TV network in the US ran a poll asking viewers to name their best and worst quotes of 2007? The viewers’ favourite as best quote of the year was the extraordinarily crass advertising slogan for Glock handguns: “You’re never alone with a Glock!”

However, while a Glock may be the weapon of choice for people who want to blow someone away — police and bad guys alike — the other increasingly popular weapon in the USA is the electric shock gun from weapons manufacturer Tazer.

In a country that not only practices and condones torture but has made it a key element of government policy, a weapon that delivers a 20,000 volt shock to the person on the receiving end is viewed with official equanimity. Australian police have now been issued with these horrific devices.