Canadians vow mass-mooning of US spy-blimp
70+ Canadians in Sarnia, Ontario have committed to dropping their pants and mooning a spy balloon that a US company is launching to surveil the border, including their town.In a letter to the PM Thursday, Mike Bradley said the camera hovering over Port Huron, Mich. is scanning Sarnia's waterfront, which includes many homes, private businesses and government offices.'Moon the Balloon' protest grows, mayor writes PM (Thanks, Gord!)"There was absolutely no consultation with the local community and I am not aware if there has been at the national level about this particular initiative," he said.
The surveillance balloon based on Port Huron's waterfront is equipped with a $1-million camera and is being tested on the international border.
The 50-foot dirigible, shaped like an airplane wing, is owned by the Sierra Nevada Corporation and operated by True North Logistics of Port Huron.
It has clearance to fly to 1,000 feet and can read the name of a ship from nine miles (14 kilometres) away. Its owners hope to draw interest from U.S. Homeland Security.
Cory Doctorow
Upcoming appearances
* Oct 26, Torino: VIEW conference
* Nov 8, Berlin: evening reading (TBD)
* Nov 9, Munich: evening reading livestreamed in cooperation with www.lovelybooks.de (TBD)
* Nov 18-20, Philadelphia: PhilCon
* Nov 22, Washington DC: Public Knowledge/New America Foundation event (TBD)
Recent books:
* Context (essays)
* With a Little Help (short stories)
* For the Win (YA novel)
* Makers (adult novel)
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