The argument is that because he revealed details about foreign operations he "aided the enemy" (insert extremely rubbery definition of 'aid').

In the same way that far too many crimes are IMMEDIATELY proclaimed TERRORISM (for the sole reason that they have harsher penalties and lower requirements for proof, due diligence, etc)

So technically the definition of treason encompasses ANY whistleblower about ANY National Security issues.

Again we see overbroad and unnecessary interpretations of The Law which serve NO PURPOSE other than to silence dissent.

Sure we have oversight, and if you come forward raising your concerns we'll ignore you (and destroy your career) and if you go public in ANY way we'll accuse you of treason and destroy your entire life.

The core concept of The (digital) Singularity is the same as in physics.

That there will probably be some point where technology escalates at a geometric rate and passes "an event horizon" of some kind.

Typically the concept is based around either artificial or uploaded-humans type intelligence running on faster processors (or perhaps more nodes/cores) than meatspace humanity.

Once that happens, and of course assuming that said "thinkers" have the ability to upgrade/rewrite/improve their self (either software or hardware) , then theoretically we should get some kind of "runaway intelligence upgrade" (same thing as gravity escalating to the point where NOTHING can escape, not even light).

This is NOT FAITH, this is basic logic (if A and B then C).

If we never A, or we never let them B, then C won't happen.

You, sir, are a complete IDIOT!,

The money that universities make off their patents doesn't go into the pockets of some mysterious investor but BACK INTO FUNDING THE UNIVERSITY.

As a direct result of being able to profit from their patented research universities can afford to do more (or more expensive) research without having to dip into TAX DOLLARS to do so.

Russia is enjoying all the benefits of a Capitalist Free Market and America is crying about it.

Swallow a teaspoon of cement and HARDEN UP people!

You VERY SUCCESSFULLY engineered yourself into a situation where you have NO OTHER OPTION and you ONLY NOW wonder why it's so freakin expensive?

THE WORLD IS FULL OF IDIOTS, POLITICIANS DON'T UNDERSTAND CONSEQUENCES BEYOND THE NEXT ELECTION, TANSTAAFL, YMMV, Murphy Rules.

will spark a lively discussion!

185TB on a cartridge is impressive .. BUT

Does it generate XRAYS when you peel the tape off the spool?

And can you tape your children to the ceiling with it? (or make a boat, or even an airplane?)

While everything you say is true, it's also completely irrelevant.

Or do you believe that the mentality of Suicide Bombers does not apply in this situation?

The US of A runs on The Golden Rule.

Compared to Megacorps Megabux Lobbying the average american has literally zero influence over policy.

The only conceptual defence against such a weapon would have to be some kind of force-field.

Especially when you consider this is a Generation One product.

Scaling the system up in terms of Projectile Speed, Cycle Times, etc would only be a matter of engineering.

Bullshit!

Seriously, bull (or cow) shit is not dry and dusty when it's fresh.

Given the current political climate, I'd be more inclined to believe something along the lines of:

US Governmental Secret Agencies Destroy Malaysian Flight attempting to show that NOWHERE IN THE WORLD is safe from Terrorist Homosexual Paedophile Cannabis-users who hoard Files Released by Snowden.

Whether it's specifically THIS project, or another.

Whether it's The Japanese or someone else.

The incentive to achieve this is too unavoidable.

Why? (I hear you ask)

Because the distinction between a targetable multi-terawatt laser and an eco-friendly solar-power downlink is mythical (legal, at best).
So Japan can bypass (simultaneously, no less) their own constitutional ban on militarisation AND the internal treaty against "space weapons".

And as a result you were rushed to hospital as a result of your injuries?

Beware the kinetic impact of a high-speed URL!

E Pluribus Unum!!!!!!