Directed Energy Weapons: An Issue for SD?

Would property value be a factor?

There is a lot of discussion about the “wildfires” in Maui, Hawaii, and Southern California. In both cases, extremely valuable land was burned. While it is possible these were freak of nature events, there has been speculation that the fires were started by directed energy weapons.

It is also interesting that insurance companies stopped providing coverage for some of the homes in the path of the Southern California fire a few months before the fire occurred. People are rightfully asking why the cancelations occurred so close to the fire. Was this because utilities in Hawaii and California have restrictions on when and how power is cut during the fires which makes the risk higher for the insurance companies? Did someone want access to amazing properties at lower than market prices? Something else?

With all the talk and speculation, one has to wonder how directed energy weapons might impact South Dakota. With a population of less than 1 million and relatively low property values, there would not be any real incentive for someone to damage land so it could be acquired at a reduced price.

In South Dakota, it is more likely that directed energy weapons would be used to damage the power grid or water or sewage treatment systems or disrupt transit on the I-90 interstate (a major transportation artery that moves goods across the U.S).

Regardless of the likelihood that directed energy weapons will be used in South Dakota in the next few years, it is imperative that we understand the technology, its uses, and how it could be used against the citizens of South Dakota. This way we are prepared and not just in response mode if an incident occurs.