How could this happen?

Skybird · 01-23-10, 08:19 PM

How could it have happened that a dowsing rod worth some pennies gets sold to the military as an explosive detection device worth several tens of thousands per item...? how could it happen that nopbody realised how hilarious the explanation was that it was operated by static electricity, and how could it be that nobody cheked and found out that the primitive electric circuit has neither a memory that could hold software, nor has a processor that could analyse data?

This is one of the most hilarious stories I have heared since quite some time.

Hilarious it may be, but considering that thousands of these magical wands have been sold to Iraq, amongst other countries, and that statistically one must assume that numerous bombing attacks have been conducted becasue the preparation of the attack was not countered due to these rods being used and failed to detect explosives, one has to assume that dozens if not hundreds of people got killed due to this fraud.

Which makes it not a fraud, but assisting in mass murder. And that's what this bastard should be sued for. All authorities in the dfeense minsitry and military having participated in this deal, it's preparation and testing of the device, should be fired for incompetence. Whether they have to pay compensation, courts should examine.

This is dilletantism that stinks to heaven. And many heads should roll, as an example for others. Else next time there is a war troops get sent that are armed with marshmallow grenades and waterpistols.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programme...ht/8471187.stm

Torplexed · 01-23-10, 08:38 PM

They should have at least gone with the eco-friendly wooden divining rods. When you realize they are worthless for detecting anything, they can still make handy kindling for a fire.

Platapus · 01-23-10, 08:55 PM

Ahh the joys of a "no-bid" contract.

This item could have its uses but hardly worth the $8K

01-23-10, 09:15 PM

Confiscate ALL revenues of the company, and jail the owner(s).

If it's a publicly traded company, jail the CEO, and confiscate ALL revenues.

After trial, and pending a guilty verdict, of course.

Next, bring all of those responsable for pissing away tax dollars, in purchasing these things, to trial for misappropriation of public funds.

Letum · 01-23-10, 10:33 PM

Glad to see he has been arrested and his website taken down.
Despicable.

01-23-10, 10:41 PM

That IS good news.

Skybird · 01-24-10, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letum

Glad to see he has been arrested and his website taken down.
Despicable.

He's free again, on bail.

Acceptable, eventually, only if the bail is of the ammount of all profits he has made by selling these things, plus his private savings, so that he has no reserves to flee. Which would mean the bail must be several dozens of millions.

If I were him, I would use the opportunity he has been given now, take the money that is left, and run.

01-23-10, 08:19 PM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,669 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	How could this happen? How could it have happened that a dowsing rod worth some pennies gets sold to the military as an explosive detection device worth several tens of thousands per item...? how could it happen that nopbody realised how hilarious the explanation was that it was operated by static electricity, and how could it be that nobody cheked and found out that the primitive electric circuit has neither a memory that could hold software, nor has a processor that could analyse data? This is one of the most hilarious stories I have heared since quite some time. Hilarious it may be, but considering that thousands of these magical wands have been sold to Iraq, amongst other countries, and that statistically one must assume that numerous bombing attacks have been conducted becasue the preparation of the attack was not countered due to these rods being used and failed to detect explosives, one has to assume that dozens if not hundreds of people got killed due to this fraud. Which makes it not a fraud, but assisting in mass murder. And that's what this bastard should be sued for. All authorities in the dfeense minsitry and military having participated in this deal, it's preparation and testing of the device, should be fired for incompetence. Whether they have to pay compensation, courts should examine. This is dilletantism that stinks to heaven. And many heads should roll, as an example for others. Else next time there is a war troops get sent that are armed with marshmallow grenades and waterpistols. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programme...ht/8471187.stm __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

01-23-10, 08:55 PM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,381 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Ahh the joys of a "no-bid" contract. This item could have its uses but hardly worth the $8K __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

01-23-10, 10:33 PM	#5
Letum Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: York - UK Posts: 6,079 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Glad to see he has been arrested and his website taken down. Despicable. __________________

01-23-10, 08:38 PM	#2
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	They should have at least gone with the eco-friendly wooden divining rods. When you realize they are worthless for detecting anything, they can still make handy kindling for a fire.

01-23-10, 09:15 PM	#4
Snestorm Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Confiscate ALL revenues of the company, and jail the owner(s). If it's a publicly traded company, jail the CEO, and confiscate ALL revenues. After trial, and pending a guilty verdict, of course. Next, bring all of those responsable for pissing away tax dollars, in purchasing these things, to trial for misappropriation of public funds.

01-23-10, 10:41 PM	#6
Snestorm Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	That IS good news.