In defence of lasers............
Well I use a penlight laser harmonised to the optics of my telescope as a pointing aid, never felt the need to point it at anything earthbound TBH, don't know if it a "powerful" one but it runs off a single AAA battery.
They are really very useful in the astronomical field insofar it allows pointing without kneeling in freezing winter mud (and that's my back garden)
I have also seen ads for lasers that can ignite matches and pop balloons at distance.
But lets be clear here, it is not the tool but the hand that wields it that is the problem.