How about a SPECIAL ankle bracelet - one that pops out a sharp blade, so that the victim, with one swipe, can cut the attacker's hamstring?

Actually, you haven't thought it through as you seem to imagine you have. You've once again demonstrated why I point out that Salon BS fans like you just like to hyperventilate and aren't in the habit of thinking much.

First of all, nobody suggested it had to be worn on the ankle. The suggestion was for a removable piece of jewelery with GPS 911 capability, that could be worn as a bracelet, on the ankle or wrist, in purse, in hand, whatever.

Secondly, there are advantages and disadvantages anywhere one would keep it.

On the wrist it would be more visible to a potential attacker and so potentially denied or removed. An attacker may more likly hold the arms of the victim than the ankles. Activating a wrist bracelet probably requires the freedom of both hands. Presuming both hands are free, it would otherwise be more accessible.

On the ankle it would be more inconspicuous. Sexual positions require bent legs so presumably it would be more in reach during intercourse rape, with the victim lying down, bent over, or kneeling. It would be more difficult to activate while running however.

Regardless, if one feels a GPS 911 device is needed, whether it's on the ankle, wrist, or in hand, it's better than nothing at all. And of course an individual would be able to keep it where they choose, with consideration for guidelines from the maker.

Again, nothing to hyperventilate about if one thinks about it. But that seems to be rare with BS fans who are just another facet in our intellectually challenged culture wars, equivalent to racists, misogynists, and various cultural warrior bigots.

"well it's kinda humiliating, ain't it? I mean really, who wants to be tagged like a rare critter on Animal Planet?"

-- Allie_

How is it being "tagged" exactly? It would be disguised as a peice of jewelery. It's not an ankle bracelet like they make parolees wear. It's more of a miniaturized 911 device, like a cell phone dedicated to that purpose, without other calling capability.

It seems rather pathetic BS readers aren't capable of making that distinction. They hear "ankle GPS bracelet" and think of parolees, and just assume it's the same thing. Of course BS writers intentionally stir up such sensationalism for their audience comprised of sloppy associative thinkers prone to paranoia and hyperventilation.

It goes to show BS fans aren't that bright. Lots of issues, not much brains.

shock collars for struggling alcoholics.

I have no problem with women being given devices which could help prevent their being raped, but an ankle bracelet is silly from a purely practical standpoint. If you can imagine a assault scenario, asking a woman to reach a device on her ankle is plain dumb. It's not as if her attacker will wait patiently for the few seconds this will take. Forget whether he knows of the bracelets; he might think she's reaching for a hidden weapon or doing something else to thwart him (and he'd be right), so he will stop her. Bend over and you'll get a knee in the face or a blow to the back of your neck.

A wrist bracelet makes sense. A locket makes sense. An alarm held in the hand while walking through a dark street makes sense. And Electro Robot is absolutely right: a cellphone makes a handy and very effective bludgeon. Smash it into the attacker's nose or cheekbone or forehead -- any bony area -- and he'll be in a world of hurt. (Then, run away as fast as you can).

Obviously we need to do what we can to stop men from raping in the first place, but until that happy day arrives, women should do whatever they need to do to defend themselves from the assault.

I mean really, who wants to be tagged like a rare critter on Animal Planet?

"The problem is that men have not been sufficiently taught that a woman walking alone on a public street, is not a sexual plaything that is freely available to satisfy any man's sexual hunger.

-- Tom in Central Illinois "

Hey genius, rapists aren't unaware it's immoral or illegal. This is a proposed rape deterrent to get police help. If your plan is to "educate" rapists it's not OK, good luck with that.

"politicians are such blithering idiots!"

Only the ones elected by people like you.

Could people be any more paranoid? BS fans really are something else.

The GPS isn't on all the time so it's not spying, counter to what the paranoid hyperventilating Salon fans seem to think. GPS is "ON" only when activated in such "911" devices.

Are you opposed to dialing 911 on a GPS enabled phone for police or ambulance? Are you opposed to miniaturization and wearable electronics? OK, so what's the problem?

All he did was suggest a wearable 911 device like a high tech rape whistle with a direct line to the police. It could be anything from a key fob to a purse item to a bracelet or otherwise incorporated into jewelery. Being much smaller than a phone, a person could always have it at hand, and it could be disguised. It's not a substitute for law enforcement. It's a law enforcement tool to make them more effective. It could prevent a lot of rapes or other crimes. Anyone could use this for muggings, kidnappings, etc.

It's not going to protect you if someone slips something into your drink.

And then no technology is hack-proof.

Predatory rapists could learn to jam the signal or something.

I prefer the kind of protection that only social evolution can bring.

Except that most people killed with a gun in their own home are killed with their own gun. So the odds say you'd get raped and then killed in your own home. Me? I'm a fan of the liberal application of violence where it's warranted. But I really don't want armed people running around settling domestic disturbances on their own.