So there should be a lot less reasons to object carrying a phaser stun than a conventional gun. Somehow I doubt that it would be permitted. I'd be happy to carry one though, especially if it's small and not too expensive. Should somebody help him collect money for a prototype? sounds like a good investment.
And I don't think our ideas on issues of technology and liberty i the long-term future are worth much if we can't logically analyze the existing evidence of the current ones. Doing something now to influence the future is the best use we can put our visions to. That includes resolution of controversial issues and development of new technologies, whether by writing code or making investments.