Jeff Van Drew initially said they’re from Iran – actually a “mothership,” in the Atlantic, which makes things sound a bit more sinister.
Chris Smith, one of two other Republican House members from New Jersey, went a bit further. In comments reported the other day, Smith said:
“The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities – or worse – by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea.”
How does Smith know that?
Is he drawing on his long experience? Smith has been in the House for more than 40 years.
Or, is he relying on contacts and sources in the intelligence community?
The congressman’s office didn’t respond to an emailed inquiry, so we do not know.
What we do know is that speculating that a foreign adversary is involved is unsettling to those worried about drones.
One must refer to those who are worried, because there are, one assumes, some people in New Jersey who couldn’t care less about drones. They have not seen any, nor are they looking for any.
Nonetheless, it is necessary to find out what is happening.
To that end, Josh Gottheimer on Monday called for the nation’s intelligence agencies to hold a press conference on the matter and answer questions. That’s a good idea.
For the record, the feds have ruled out any foreign adversary involvement and have suggested that some, if not many, of the sightings are not even drones, but planes and helicopters.
And the official line is that the drones pose no harm.
Gottheimer popped up on CNN Tuesday and said it’s good to hear that there is not a foreign threat.
Still, more info is needed.
Donald Trump, for his part, has said the U.S. military knows where the drones are coming from.
Does he know that? Or, is he just guessing?
Let’s end on a bipartisan note.
If, indeed, the military knows all about drones, it’s time to say so.
That would make everyone happy – unless, of course, the drones are from Mars.
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Drones have become a popular and controversial topic in recent years, with their use expanding rapidly across various industries. In New Jersey, drones have been making headlines for their potential applications in areas such as agriculture, law enforcement, and even package delivery. However, there is still much mystery surrounding these unmanned aerial vehicles and the regulations that govern their use.
One of the main concerns surrounding drones in New Jersey is the issue of privacy. With drones equipped with cameras and other surveillance technology, there is a fear that they could be used to invade people’s privacy by spying on them without their consent. This has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of drones in the state, with some lawmakers pushing for laws that would require drone operators to obtain a permit before flying their drones in certain areas.
Another concern is the potential for drones to be used for malicious purposes, such as carrying out terrorist attacks or smuggling contraband. While there have been no reported incidents of drones being used in this way in New Jersey, the state has taken steps to address this issue by implementing laws that prohibit the use of drones near certain sensitive locations, such as airports and government buildings.
Despite these concerns, drones also have the potential to bring about positive change in New Jersey. For example, drones are being used by farmers to monitor crop health and improve yields, by law enforcement agencies to conduct search and rescue missions, and by companies like Amazon to deliver packages more efficiently. In fact, some experts believe that drones could revolutionize industries such as transportation and logistics in the coming years.
In order to fully unlock the potential of drones in New Jersey, it is important for lawmakers, businesses, and the public to work together to address the challenges and opportunities that come with their use. This includes developing clear regulations that protect privacy and security while still allowing for innovation and growth in the drone industry.
Overall, drones are a powerful tool that can bring about both benefits and risks in New Jersey. By uncovering the mystery surrounding these unmanned aerial vehicles and working together to address their challenges, the state can harness the full potential of drones for the benefit of its residents and economy.