A chart worth enlarging

This chart from the New York Times does a pretty good job of consolidating what's been on my mind lately.  Yes, there may be a bit of editorializing about the captions chosen and the choice of time periods that have been contrasted, but the basic numbers are fairly plain to see.  Are we paying attention?

What are the best minds in America doing?

In the midst of unfolding natural disasters, foreign military interventions, and domestic political strife, an article from a couple of months ago that I'd like to bring to everyone's attention, about the XM25 Counter Defilade Targeting Engagement System. What is the XM25 Counter Defilade Targeting Engagement System? Why, to quote from the article, it's a "full solution fire control weapon." Or, more simply put, a gun that is now smart enough to send high explosive bullets zooming over a wall to kill people that are hiding behind it.

Don't get me wrong - I'm as leery of snipers as the next guy - but is this the best use of our collective intelligence here? One more instance of addressing the symptoms and not the disease...