Now as long as the machines never get self-awareness, I'm happy with that!

Wonder what Hadji thinks when the Tonka toy rolls up?

My response to Kevin was:

The real question to ask - is what are the ROE when hajj sends his grandmother or 8 year old daughter out with a plastic bag to cover the camera?

Or a stick to stick in the track?

These were Kevin's answers:

Good thought, hmmmm. I don't suppose you've mounted a speaker system on it to give instructions or warn off folks? With a lack of Arabic speakers, perhaps pre-recorded msgs that the operator can merely push a button to send?

Why not add a 'bear mace' (South Park comment) cannisters on it for non-lethal deterrence? Arrange them similar to smoke cannisters on APCs, or a spray nozzle for direct fire. That nasty CS foam comes to mind. Preferably colored to mark the perps.

A bit more forceful, but mebbe bean bag ammo for a piggybacked shotgun?

Or.... a nice, fully charged up battery of multiple tasers....

Finally...

How about a big cannister labled "Lard" (in Arabic) with a wide-spray nozzle? And/or have it shoot up and out like those old wacky water toys we had as kids. A nice umbrella pattern all around the vehicle. Let's see if the jihadis get close to it then! With my evil infidel mind, I like this one best.

I'm sure there are other non-lethal systems out there, but your point is well taken. It can't be that difficult to add something non-lethal on it.

And, the remote speaker would be a useful addition I would think, esp with the addition of a microphone in case a conversation is required.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Now, about that sub-contractor's fees....

Got any of your own?

The comments over at Wired are a hoot, too.