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MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013
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TECHNOLOGY
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This photo provided by the New Jersey Institute of Technology shows a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun configured with transducers to its handle that can detect the grasp of an authorized user.
'Smart gun' triggers debate
But when the White House called for pushing ahead with such new technology as part of President Obama's plan to cut gun violence, the administration did not mention the concept's embattled past. As with so much else in the nation's long-running divisions over gun rights and regulation, what sounds like a futuristic vision is, in fact, an idea that has been kicked around for years, sidelined by intense suspicion, doubts about feasibility and pressure tactics.
NEW YORK — It sounds, at first, like a bold, next-generation solution: personalizing guns with technology that keeps them from firing if they ever get into the wrong hands.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
in the fiery debate over guns,
personalized weapons have long
occupied particularly shaky ground
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Now proponents of so-called personalized or smart guns are hoping the nation's renewed attention on firearms following the Newtown school massacre will kick start the research and sale of safer weapons. But despite the Obama administration's promise to "encourage the development of innovative gun safety technology," advocates have good reason to be wary.
— an idea criticized both by gun-rights groups and some gun control advocates.
To the gun groups, the idea of using technology to control who can fire a gun smacks of a limitation on personal rights, particularly if it might be mandated by government. At the same time, some gun control advocates worry that such technology, by making guns appear falsely safe, would encourage Americans to stock up on even more weapons than they already have in their homes.
Without the politics, the notion of using radio frequency technology, biometric sensors or other gadgetry in a gun capable of recognizing its owner sounds like something straight out of James Bond. In fact, it is. In the latest Bond flick, "Skyfall", Agent 007's quartermaster passes him a 9 mm pistol coded to his palm print.
"Only you can fire it" the contact tells the agent. "Less of a random killing machine. More of a personal statement."
In real life, though, there's no getting around the politics, and the debate over personalized guns long ago strayed well beyond questions of whether the technology will work.
Colt's Manufacturing Company
developed a gun equipped with a microchip that would prevent it from firing unless the user was wearing an enabling device located in a special wristband. But gun rights activists were skeptical, partly because the government was funding research of the concept and because gun control advocates embraced it.
Mike Bazinet, a spokesman for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which represents gun manufacturers, said questions remain about whether the technology has been improved enough to assure police officers and civilians a personalized weapon would fire when they need protection. But there are also concerns "about individual consumers' ability to choose the firearm that they think is best for them," Bazinet said.
The White House has promised to issue a report on the technology and award prizes to companies that come up with innovative and cost-effective personalized guns, and its interest has rejuvenated hopes that the gun of the future may actually have one.
CAMPUS
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Gov. Sam Brownback will host a conference at the University about human trafficking on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in woodruff Auditorium. Brownback announced that the legislature will try to strengthen the state's human trafficking statutes.
Human trafficking talk to be held at University
The University will host a conference about human trafficking on Thursday. The Office of the Chancellor, Gov. Sam Brownback, the School of Law, the Office of Graduate Military Programs and the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department all host this event.
The conference will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Woodruff Auditorium with a keynote speech by Kevin Bales. It will continue on Friday and include group discussions.
"This has been going on for decades but more so now because it's now more pervasive," said Hannah Britton, director of the Center for International Political Analysis. "There's been more focus and attention from world leaders and the state level."
Britton said human trafficking is one of Brownback's key issues. According to a recent news release, Brownback announced that he will ask the legislature to strengthen Kansas' human trafficking statutes.
"KU is in a very good position to deal with this both domestically and internationally." Britton said. "We have a rich history as a free state and today KU has significant research in migration and equality and social justice so because of this, it lets us do international research as well."
- Elly Grimm
CAMPUS
Open house event to recognize Frank Burge
The Burge Union is celebrating the legacy of former KU Memorial Unions director Frank Burge with Back to the Burge Open House on Tuesday.
The open house starts at 10:30 a.m. and is free and open for anyone to attend.
There will be a drawing for prizes, including an HP Netbook and gift cards. KU Information Technology's Collab will be featuring the new Cisco TelePresence system. The system provides an enhanced video conference experience.
Student Union Activities will be offering hot cocoa, cookie decorating and other activities from 2:30 to 4:30 on the third level. The main activities of the open house end at 4:30, but at 7:30 p.m., there will be a free screening of the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in the Gridiron Room located on level one.
Frank Burge was the director of KU Memorial Unions for 32 years. The Satellite Union (which opened in 1980) was officially named the Burge Union in 1983.
Jenna Jakowatz
KU$\textcircled{1}$nfo
From the mid-80s to the mid-90s, camping for basketball games actually meant camping outside Allen Fieldhouse overnight. Tents were pitched between the Fieldhouse and
the parking garage. Brrr!!
POLICE REPORTS
Information based on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office booking recap.
- A 52-year-old male was arrested Saturday on the 1000 block of New Jersey Street on suspicion of unnaiting or defecating in public. He was released on a $100 bond.
- A 19-year-old male was arrested Saturday on the 4700 block of Briarwood Drive on suspicion of unlawful use of a driver's license and of possession, purchase or consumption of alcohol by a minor. He was released on a $200 bond.
- A 24-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the 600 block of Michigan Street on suspicion of escape from custody and unlawful damage of property estimated at $250. No bond was set.
- A 26-year-old female was arrested yesterday on the 1200 block 27th Street on suspicion of no proof of liability insurance, refusing testing and driving while intoxicated. She was released on a $1,250 bond.
- A 25-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the 6100 block of Howe Drive on suspicion of refusing testing and driving while intoxicated. He was released on a $750 bond.
Emily Donovan