Enough said. Tasers are a solution in search of a problem. Though no one responded to my previous post on the issue, I've yet to see data presented that demonstrates their need, effectiveness, reliability, safety, etc. I think it's a gruesome tool that gives the illusion of safety and an effective altenative to lethal force, but the reality is that just as there are few situations that require lethal force--and many times where civilians might question the justified use of lethal force--there are even less arguments I would think where tasers are an effective alternative to good policing and building of relationships, especially when it involves school kids. Although I don't know if Renee Jenson would agree with me, I can envision situations where tasers might be warranted for use by those officers specially trained to deal with mentally ill individuals suffering from a psychotic episode or strung out on drugs--assuming that these weapons would be effective in those situations--but that's about it. Their reminiscent of cattle prods, fire hoses, and other tactics used to control unruly crowds and demonstrators, and I would not be surprised to see them used in such situations in the future. Let's at least not have them in the schools and risk their improper use.
Tom Goldstein now in Hamline-Midway ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Erickson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "St. Paul Issues Forum" <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 6:27 PM Subject: [StPaul] More on Tasers... > Well, this is timely in light of our discussion last week! > > Maybe more discussion on this is necessary? > > ------------------------------------------------- > Taser sends teen into cardiac arrest > > http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/story.php?template=print_a&story=5232528 > > CHICAGO -- A 14-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest after police > shot him with a Taser stun gun, raising new questions about a weapon > that is already the subject of a federal investigation. Star Tribune > > ------------------------------------------------- > > TIm Erickson > Hamline Midway > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > -- > ================================================= > Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com > St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim > ================================================= > > > > _____________________________________________ > To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion > Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ____________________________________________ > NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [email protected] > > To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul > > Archive Address: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/ > _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [email protected] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
