Electronic Village

Bradenton Police Refuse to Accept Responsibility for Taser-Killing of Derrick Humbert

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:15:00 +0000

When will the police step up and accept responsibility for killing 38-year old Derrick Humbert back in September? Villagers may recall that Officers Del Shiflett and Christopher Roden, were clad in plainclothes, when they drove up on Humbert, who was riding a bicycle. Humbert wasn't wanted for any warrants. He was a father of four simply riding his bicycle.

The bike had no headlight affixed, which is against state law, according to the police. Shiflett and Roden made a tragic decision to hassle Mr. Humbert because his bicycle didn't have a headlight. Since when is DEATH the penalty for lack of a bicycle headlight?

Beth Burger, criminal justice reporter for the Bradenton Herald, shares a number of errors and ommissions by Shiflett and Roden in this taser-related death:

The two Bradenton Police Department officers did not turn on the blue emergency lights on their patrol car.

The officers never radioed dispatch that they were about to make a traffic stop. According to the police department's general orders, officers making traffic stops are supposed to notify dispatchers about the location of the stop and description of the vehicle.

In cases where there are two officers in one patrol car, the cop in the passenger seat is supposed to be responsible for radio communications, note taking and relaying messages. Roden did not call dispatchers until after the foot chase began, according to police radio recordings.

The officers, who were both trained to use video cameras in their police car, never activated the camera during their encounter. Having that video coverage might have given police investigators and the family of Derrick Humbert a better idea of what happened when Humbert led officers on a chase that ended with one of the officers shooting Humbert in the back with a Taser.

So, we are left with another dead Black man ... killed by taser-wielding police officers. Humbert was pronounced dead a short time after he was arrested. Officer Shiflett is the officer that used his taser gun to jolt 50,000 volts of electricity into the back of Mr. Humbert.

"You got him cuffed, Del?" Roden radioed.

"54 (Negative). I got on scene. I got him down. He's not moving," Shiflett replied.

A medical examiner's office is awaiting a toxicology report in order to determine a cause of death.

A police review of the case also is continuing, but Bradenton Police Deputy Chief William Tokajer said despite questions about how the officers attempted to pull over Humbert for a traffic stop, investigators have not found that the officers acted improperly, including in how the Taser was used. In other words, the police are not taking any responsibility for this man's death.

The Humbert family, which includes his four children, have many unanswered questions about what happened.

Humbert was going down the street to buy cigarettes, said Barbara Humbert, one of Humbert's sisters. He was staying with his girlfriend, she said.

"You really don't know what to think. There's so many rumors," she said. "We really need to know what happened that night." Had the officers used a camera and audio technology installed in their patrol car, Humbert's family would be able to watch the stop unfold.

"It looks suspicious. No matter which way the wind blows, it looks suspicious," she said.

Even though the law was followed, she believes the officers went too far.

"I think it was still wrong. They pulled him over for lights on his bicycle," she said. "If that was the main reason for pulling him over, they had the bike when he dumped it."

It amazes me that there is no consequences for the two officers involved in this extra-judicial electrocution. The shooter, Officer Shiflett was hired in January 2008 and is described by his supervisor as being a "new officer with little experience."

Officer Roden has been a police officer with the Bradenton Police Department since December 2008. He was fired in 2004 for lying in an arrest report. The sheriff's office fired Roden because his credibility could be considered questionable when making arrests.

Since the incident, the officers have remained on the job. Does the Bradenton Police Department have no shame?

What are your thoughts? Do you get a sense that something is wrong when people are being killed by taser-happy police officers at a rate of once-per-week in America? Will you support our Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture call-to-action on December 4th?

Sunday Inspirations: Minnie Riperton (1947-1979)

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Minnie Riperton was born on this date in 1947. Her goal at a very young age was to become a famous singer. Riperton studied opera and spent months learning how to breathe and listening to and holding vowels.

She left school early to make $10 a song, singing backup at local studios. Some reports indicate that Minnie signed her first contract at 14, while others report her to be 16. [SOURCE]

In 1969, she recorded the album "Come To My Garden" which was released in 1971, then came "Perfect Angel" and "Adventures in Paradise" in 1974 and 1975.

The song that inspires me whenever I hear it is simply entitled, 'Loving You'. She sang it with gusto in 1974 on Soul Train:

In 1976, Riperton announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone a modified mastectomy. Her "experience" (as she referred to her illness) would give her yet another reason for her life ... lending her celebrity and compassion for others to become a spokesperson for breast cancer awareness, the need for self-examination, and the benefit of early detection.

In addition to being a mother, wife, activist, fund raiser, lecturer, wife, and mother, she signed with Capitol Records, a contract that gave her the creative freedom and production quality that she desired. During the summer of 1978, creating what would be her last album, simply entitled "Minnie." She passed away in her husband’s arms on July 12, 1979, at 31 years of age.

Happy Birthday Minnie!

Why Do We Keep Doubting Barack Obama?

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:30:00 +0000

I wonder when folks will stop doubting President Obama? His vision is more long-range than the rest of us. He doesn't float with the wind on important decisions.

He demonstrated his long-range vision when he ran for office in the United States Senate. We learned that he doesn't sweat the small stuff when he beat Hilary Clinton and others in the Democratic primary. Others focused on the rhetoric from his opponents while Obama focused on getting any delegates to be nominated as his party's candidate for president. We were concerned when Obama didn't lash out against McCain, Palin and Joe the Plumber during the general election. Obama didn't sweat the small stuff ... instead he ran a campaign that resulted in a landslide victory a year ago.

Many Obama supporters clamored for him to take a more visible role in the health insurance reform debate in the past weeks and months. Obama set the direction of the debate ... then quietly and confidently worked with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others to get a historic bill passed last night. Heck, we even saw our Republican buddy from New Orleans voting in favor of the bill.

I imagine that many villagers are going to begin to worry about whether or not Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be able to get the 60 votes he needs to bring a health insurance reform to the floor for a vote. I'm putting my confidence in the President and his team. How about you?

Public Rally to Protest Police Response to Taser-Killing of Michael Jacobs

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:45:00 +0000

This blog has been reporting on the increased number of taser-related deaths in America since the beginning of the year. One of the men killed was 24-year old Michael Jacobs. Ft. Worth police officer Stephanie A. Phillips shocked Jacobs twice with a Taser — once for 49 seconds and once for five seconds. Phillips told a detective that the first jolt was longer because "she unknowingly kept the Taser trigger engaged." She remains on active duty.

The decision by the police to allow Officer Phillips to remain on duty was the catalyst for over 50 people to march through downtown Fort Worth. The protestors called for police to stop using Tasers and punish Phillips for her involvement in the April death of Michael Jacobs, a mentally ill man. [SOURCE]

Jacobs’ death was ruled a homicide by the Tarrant County medical examiner and will be reviewed by a grand jury.

"I’m really grateful to this big old crowd for speaking on behalf of my son," said Charlotte Jacobs, Michael’s mother.

The protesters walked from the Fort Worth municipal building to the Tarrant County Courthouse carrying U.S. flags and signs, some of which read "Lazy Cops Taser" and "Tasers trample the Constitution."

The death occurred after police responded to a call from Jacobs’ parents that he was being disruptive. Police said the officer used the Taser after Jacobs became combative.

Jacobs’ family has filed a wrongful-death suit. Last month, an attorney for the family said witnesses have disputed claims that he fought with police.

On Oct. 16, Police Chief Jeff Halstead announced that his department had finished its investigation of Jacobs’ death and provided copies of the report to the FBI and Justice Department. He said officers would get more training in how to deal with mentally ill people and in the use of force. Personally, I hope that we hear more from the federal government ... either the Justice Department or congressional hearings.

Rev. Kyev Tatum, president of the Tarrant County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and organizer of the protest march, said that Tasers inflict cruel and unusual punishment on the community and that their use must stop.

I encourage all bloggers to join the Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture scheduled to take place on December 4, 2009. It's time to break the cycle of taser-related deaths in America!

Grand Jury Clears Cops in Taser-Killing of Kevin LaDay in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:15:00 +0000

I don't think that the penalty for running away from the police should be death. The grand jury in Hardin County grand jury doesn't agree with me.

The grand jury reviewed the evidence in the death of 35-year old Kevin LaDay and decided that there was no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Lumberton police or Hardin County deputies, and they used no more force than was reasonable and necessary.

LaDay died on April 30 after a struggle with Lumberton Police and deputies. They say LaDay's car ended up in a ditch off Highway 69 near a nursing home, and he ran. Police used a taser on him. He later died at a hospital.

An autopsy ordered by a justice of the peace indicated LaDay died from PCP toxicity and his death was ruled accidental.

The grand jury's decision not to indict the officers brings an end the county's criminal investigation.

"My officers acted appropriately in the circumstances and I know they're gratified with the grand jury's decision," said Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins. "I'm relieved. It has to go through the process but we always believed we'd get this behind us and move on. The officers have continued doing their jobs for the citizens of Lumberton and will continue doing so."

A spokeswoman for the FBI indicates that they will send an independant report to the Justice Department now that the grand jury ruling is completed. I hope that the FBI and the Justice Department will provide some public insight into taser abuse in advance of the December 4th Day of Blogging Justice to stop taser torture.

Who's Your Daddy? by Geoffrey Philp

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Geoffrey Philp is a brother that I've met via his online joint in the afrosphere. The brother is multi-talented writer and poet and has received many awards, including a James Michener fellowship at the University of Miami.

Geoffrey wrote a book called, Who's Your Daddy?: And Other Stories that is a unique mixture of styles and genres that address contemporary life and the complexity of immigrant communities.

This collection of short stories focuses on the lives of people living in Miami and Jamaica while exploring sexuality, prejudice, troubled childhoods, adolescence, and the such. Philp's imagination flows from a casual game of dominoes that reveals the deep undercurrent of affection between father and son to the laugh-out-loud inventiveness of a dreadlocked vampire. I encourage all villagers to read this book to see a unique view of the lives of Black boys and their (sometimes) absent fathers.

Coroner Rules 'Homicide' in the Taser-Killing of Rory McKenzie

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:30:00 +0000

Rory McKenzie is a 25-year old Black man who was killed in a taser-related incident by Kern County Sheriff deputies. Kern County coroner John Van Rensselaer ruled the death a homicide. [SOURCE]

McKenzie did a bad thing on July 2. He was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife. However, the penalty for domestic disputes is not death.

There needs to be some consequences for Sgt. Otis Whinery, a 24-year veteran; Senior Deputy Douglas Jauch, K-9 Handler, an 8-year veteran; Deputy Edward Tucker, a 12-year veteran; and Deputy Patrick McNeal, a six-year veteran. The district attorney should bring criminal charges against them for this homicide.

These deputies used a taser gun to subdue McKenzie. Deputy Jaunch also let his K-9 dog bite McKenzie on the leg before they took him into custody.

After the 50,000 volts of electricity coursed through his body ... and he was bitten by police dog ... and he was handcuffed ... McKenzie began to have difficulty breathing. The deputies knew that they went to far. They performed CPR on McKenzie.

An ambulance arrived and took McKenzie to Kern Medical Center, where he died.

McKenzie's wife accused the deputies of using excessive force, but would not say if she is filing a formal complaint.

Have you noticed that more of these taser-related deaths are being ruled 'homicide' nowadays? There was a homicide ruling down in Ft. Worth TX where police killed a 24-year old man in his front yard. There is a major public rally taking place on November 7th to protest the fact that the police officer who killed this young man has not been punished by her department.

Also, I encourage all villagers to join us on December 4th as we particpate in a Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture.

Dona Nobis Pacem: BlogBlast for Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Welcome to BlogBlast For Peace! Dona Nobis Pacem in the blogosphere is upon us again. These three Latin words which literally translate "Grant Us Peace" have become a mantra for an incredible dialogue and exchange of ideas that happens twice a year. It all began with a single post in November 2006.

This blog is proud to stand with other blogs around the world in an effort to preach peace in our homes, our neighborhoods, our community, our nation and the world. President Obama earned the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year ... and it is up to each of us to encourage peace whenever and whereever possible.

I encourage all villagers to share the spirit of peace with everyone that you meet today. Dona Nobis Pacem!

Wordless Wednesday: First Family Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Anderson Cooper Brings Heather Ellis Story to Mainstream Media

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

What are your thoughts on this case?

Tune In Tuesday: Jill Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

I can't find my little iPod thingamajig. I may have left it in Atlanta when I was down there a couple of months ago. As a result, I don't listen to much music nowadays. However, when I do get a new iPod ... I'm going to load up on Jill Scott songs. She is truly a talented sista who doesn't seem to get her full measure of respect. Anyhow, I invite all villagers to check out these two videos showing different aspects of Jill Scott's magic:

What is your favorite Jill Scott joint?

Good News Tuesday: African Genesis Media Group

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

National Elder, 91 year old Dr. Edward W. Robinson, Jr., is calling to action those individuals and organizations that are ready to step up and help him implement his solution to combat the rise in violence and other social ills that disproportionately affect the African American community ("THE PROBLEM"). For 65 years, Dr. Robinson, an author, attorney, activist, curriculum specialist, film maker, historian and past president of a Black-owned insurance company has conducted numerous experiments to define the causes of, and find the solutions to, "the problem". This effort has led Robinson to launch a new company called the African Genesis Media Group (AGMG).

His work has proven that THE PROBLEM is that the total society (inclusive of Africans and African Americans) has been programmed by the media to despise everything African. He contends that all of the conditions referred to as "problems" are merely symptoms or manifestations of that one problem. His ground-breaking research recently resulted in the Philadelphia School District commissioning him to infuse African history into the curriculum which all students must complete in order to graduate from high school.

He has gathered together some of the best and brightest minds to form the African Genesis Media Group. The mission of this new company is to promote positive images of the African American community through television, film, print, the arts, lectures and cultural trips. Its purpose is to correct the false perceptions generated by the media over the past 400 years concerning Africans and to restore the world's belief in the fact that ancient Africans created civilization.

If you are sick and tired of your community being plagued by "the problem"; fratricide / teen pregnancy / rising school drop out and incarceration, then heed the call of Dr Robinson to all serious minded individuals and groups interested in doing something in an organized, scientific manner as opposed to just moaning and groaning.

Join him in this effort by visiting their website and signing up. Further information can also be obtained by email or by calling (215) 247-1545.

Leadership Tip: Avoid The Word 'But'

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:30:00 +0000

If you eliminate the work 'but' from your memos, e-mail, phone conversations, and dealings with villagers, you'll strengthen your ability to persuade others.

Why?

Any time you use the word 'but', what you're really saying is that you disagree with that person. For example, if you say, "I agree with you, but let me say this...," villagers will wonder if you really agree with them or not.

The solution?

Always replace 'but' with 'and'. In the above example, you would say: "I agree with you, and let me say this..." Replacing 'but' with 'and' eliminates all contradiction from your message, and makes what you say more powerful.

Lakeesha Alert: Mitrice Richardson is Missing

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Villagers, have you been following the case of Mitrice Richardson? She is a young college graduate from California State University of Fullerton, in Psychology, with a 4.00 GPA. Mitrice Richardson has begun the process of acceptance into the Psychology Professional College, Alliant, to pursue her Ph.D. as a Clinical Psychologist.

The Amber Alert system is failing. Mitrice is not blue-eyed woman with blonde hair ... so her disappearance isn't valued by the mainstream media. It is time for us to put out a Lakeesha Alert for this sister.

On September 16, 2009, Mitrice Richardson was booked into custody after 10:00 pm, and then the police released her shortly after 12:38am.

The police released Mitrice Richardson in a desolate area of canyons and wildlife with no money, food, water, identification or cell phone. She was not familiar with the area and had no transportation. The police did not contact her mother ... despite the fact that the mother had been talking with the police at 10:30 pm that same night. Mitrice was obviously in a depressed state of mind. She is loved and supported by her family and friends. Mitrice Richardson is in a crisis and is in danger, support is needed to find her.

Villagers, there is something seriously wrong. First, I ask you to listen to the police audio from the night of her arrest:

Now compare those audio clips with the police interpretation of events a few days later:

This blog joins other online activists who seek a federal investigation into the whereabouts of Mitrice Richardson to bring her home and to ensure that this does not happen to anyone else.

Taser Cops That Killed Brian Cardall Get Updated Taser-Training

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:45:00 +0000

I wonder why it took so long for Hurricane police officer Ken Thompson and his mates to get updated training on the use of Tasers. It would seem that killing an innocent citizen on the streets of Utah would cause a quicker response from the Hurrican Police Department.

The sessions covered a recommendation by Taser International that suggests its products be fired, whenever possible, at an area below a person’s chest, said Hurricane Assistant Police Chief Shayne Copeland. [SOURCE]

The company’s new guidelines — announced Oct. 12 — remind officers that firing the weapon’s twin barbs at the chest area still remains an option and says the change "has less to do with safety and more to do with effective risk management for law enforcement agencies."

The training sessions come nearly five months after the death of Brian Cardall, who was stunned twice with a Taser by a Hurricane police officer in an incident that is still under investigation.

President's Weekly Address: Milestones on the Economy and the Recovery Act

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:45:00 +0000

While there is nothing to celebrate until job numbers turn around, the President cites the recent dramatic turnaround in gross domestic product as a sign of better things to come. He also applauds the fact that the Recovery Act has now created or saved more than a million jobs.

Was the $800 billion stimulus package worth the effort? What say u?

Day of Blogging for Justice: 'Stop Taser Torture', 12/4/2009

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

The call is going out to all bloggers to support Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture on December 4, 2009. We ask bloggers to take a single day out of their schedule and focus it on an important related to the tasing issue. Our hope is that the focused effort of the blogosphere will have a positive impact on the issue on the issue of taser abuse in America, Canada, Australia and elsewhere.

Perhaps the idea of an electric rifle made sense when it was first conceived. The idea is now warped. Villagers, we have a problem when police tasers cause death on a weekly basis. The problem is being discussed by bloggers like African American Political Pundit, Pam Spaulding, Yobachi and others.

Some say that using the term 'torture' is counter-productive. I don't agree. In fact, even Taser International ... the manufacturer of the taser gun issued an alert to the fact that their invention tortures people and may cause unintended heart attacks. Continued use is torture in my view.

Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture should create a worldwide discussion with ideas, advice, plans, and action. We want to expand the discussion on the issue of tasering and how the issue threatens us all.

I hope that all villagers will join us in this online activism on December 4. What say u?

Ed Markey (D-MA) Discusses Net Neutrality with Black Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I was pleased to receive invitation to join a conference call today with Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) regarding his Internet Freedom Preservation Act (H.R. 3458) bill. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act would protect Network Neutrality under the Communications Act, safeguard the future of the open Internet, and protect Internet users from discrimination online.

Rep. Markey is best known for his work in Congress on the global warming issue. However, he made it evident during the conference call that he feels the time for net neutrality legislation is now.

Rep. Markey is one of seven congressional leaders to co-sponsor HR 3458. He asked that bloggers and other online activists encourage other members of congress to co-sign this legislation. You can find online petition that allows you to write your congressional representative in the 'Take Action for Net Neutrality' section of this website.

Rep. Markey also suggested that villagers participate in the debate currently taking place within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The conference call helped me to better understand the importance of supporting Net Neutrality. I appreciate Rep. Markey, Garlin Gilchrist II (The SuperSpade) and Timothy Karr (Free Press) for providing this open forum of discussion by Black bloggers!

What are your thoughts on the Net Neutrality movement?

Perp Walk Update: Larry Langford Convicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

We have an update to the Perp Walk post we shared with you last year about Birmingham, Ala. mayor Larry Langford. He was convicted in federal court on 60 counts of bribery and fraud during his term on the Jefferson County Commission. The Democratic mayor faces a sentence of up to 805 years in prison. Federal prosecutors said that Langford accepted money and gifts totaling more than $230,000 from a banker in exchange for $7 million in business on county bond deals. [SOURCE]

Langford and several supporters questioned the jury’s verdict, some blaming the conviction on race.

"In Alabama, Black people will never get a fair trial," wife Melva Langford said. "There should be a total investigation of the Justice Department."

Prosecutor George Martin said calling for such an investigation was "ridiculous," and he denied that race played a role in Langford's prosecution or the trial's outcome. "It was a diverse jury. It was because of the evidence, not the jury," he said. One of Langford's attorneys, Glennon Threatt, who is Black, said he has done previous corruption cases with white defendants, and race was not a factor. The jury had both Blacks and whites on it. The case was tried in Tuscaloosa, 60 miles away, after Langford requested a change because of publicity.

Carole Smitherman, the president of the City Council, will serve as interim mayor until an election is held within three months.

Defense Contractors and Republicans Take Side of Rapists and Sex Abusers

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:15:00 +0000

I removed photo of Pfc. LaVena Johnson from my blog's sidebar earlier this month. There didn't see to be much activity online or in Congress to deal with the issue of rape and sexual abuse in the military.

As such, I was glad to learn about Sen. Al Franken's (D-MN) anti-rape amendment in the defense appropriations bill. The amendment would withhold defense funding from companies barring their employees from taking sexual abuse cases to court. Franken's amendment passed the Senate on October 21, 2009 by a voting margin of 68 to 30. All 30 of the votes against the amendment came from Senate Republicans.

I guess it is no surprise that defense contractors are lobbying Sen. Dan Inouye (D-HI) to strip the amendment out of the bill. "The defense contractors have been storming [Inouye's] office," said one source.

Black Woman Faces 15 Years in Prison for Cutting Line at Walmart; KKK Threatens Her Family

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Soulclap to Dr. Boyce Watkins for bringing us the story of Heather Ellis, a young college student out of Kennett, MO. This woman is now facing 15 years in prison if she is sentenced after being accused of cutting line at a local Walmart.

Heather was in a Walmart store 3 years ago with her cousin. The two split up to find the shortest line. Since her cousin was in the shorter line, Heather joined him. That’s when the clerk accused Heather of cutting in front of the other customers. An argument ensued, leading to the manager and security guard being called, and finally the police.

The incident left Ellis, an honor student on her way to medical school, charged with disturbing the peace, trespassing and two counts of assaulting a police officer. After Heather refused to sign a plea agreement, Stephen Sokoloff, the town’s prosecutor, filed felony charges against Heather.

Read the full story here.

I wonder if this case will be settled prior to the November 15th trial date?

Taser Death: Jeffrey Woodward (Gallatin, TN)

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:30:00 +0000

I wonder what goes through the head of a police officer involved in these taser-related killings? Does their adrenaline get flowing so much that they lose control of their senses? Police are killing citizens at a rate of once per week in America with these taser guns.

The police in Gallatin, Tennessee decided to jump on the taser abuse band wagon. They used a taser and a police dog to take down 33-year old Jeffrey Woodward after he 'filed a false police report'. [VIDEO]

The police are engaged in damage control right now.

"This person did not immediately die as a result of being Tased," said Sgt. Bill Storment, public information officer for Gallatin police. "He died a short time later."

Three unidentified Gallatin police officers responded to a home invasion call. En route to the scene, police encountered Woodward. According to police, Woodward was walking down the street carrying a knife. After surrendering the knife, Woodward reportedly told officers that someone was holding his mother in her house against her will.

Upon investigation, Woodward’s mother was found to be OK, resulting in police arresting Woodward for filing a false report.

As officers attempted to arrest Woodward, police say, he began to fight with officers. This gave the police all of the excuse that they needed to jolt Woodward with 50,000 volts of electricity from their taser guns. The police brought Woodward to the ground and handcuffed him.

It was soon after that that police believed Woodward was suffering from a medical problem and called for an ambulance. Woodward was transported from the scene to Sumner Regional Medical Center, where he died soon after.

The three police officers involved in the killing of this citizen are not being placed on suspension or administrative leave during the investigation.

"They will be back at work on their next tour of duty," Storment said.

The police may have a hard time slipping this taser-related death under the rug. There was a witness to the killing this time. [SOURCE]

Shawn Hill, 22, of Gallatin, said he was trying to get a little extra sleep Tuesday night before going to work, hitting the snooze button on his alarm clock when he heard a struggle outside.

Stepping out of his home, Hill said he witnessed the struggle between Woodward and police.

Hill said he watched as Woodward ran from the police and dove onto the hood of a police car.

"All I could hear was tick tick tick tick tick (the sound made by the Taser). That was when he was on the ground."

Hill said Woodward’s mother pleaded with officers not to kill him. He said Woodward himself was also yelling.

"He was yelling, ‘Help me, help me,’" Hill said. "I won’t ever forget that."

Hill said that police deployed the K-9 unit against Woodward after he jumped onto the hood of the patrol car and was taken to the ground by several officers.

"While he was on the ground, they let the dog out to get on top of him," Hill said.

Storment said a K-9 was there, but as of Wednesday afternoon, Storment was unsure whether a K-9 dog made contact with Woodward.

While police are investigating what happened, Storment said he doesn’t believe any charges will stem from the investigation and that they have no reason to believe the officers used excessive force.

Hill, however, disagrees.

"For somebody to die, you did too much," he said.

We have raised awareness of the continued taser torture in America. It is time that we take our protests and concerns to a new level. There are two upcoming events that I encourage all villagers to support and publicize.

November 7 - March for Dignity in Ft. Worth, TX. The SCLC is calling for 10,000 people to join them in a march to protest the aftermath of the taser-related death of Michael Jacobs.
December 4 - The AfroSpear is asking all bloggers to support a Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture.

What say u?

45 Taser-Related Deaths in the United States

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Perhaps the idea of an electric rifle made sense when it was first invented. However, we now see too much taser abuse and it may be time for congressional hearings.

This blog has been pointing out incidents of police taser torture for quite awhile. The work done over the past few years by Patti Gillman and Cameron Ward inspired this post. Gillman and Ward documented over 450 taser-related deaths in North America on their blog.

Our blog has documented 45 taser-related deaths in the United States since the beginning of the year:

Jan 9, 2009: Derrick Jones, 17, Black, Martinsville, Virginia

Jan 11, 2009: Rodolfo Lepe, 31, Hispanic, Bakersfield, California

Jan 22, 2009: Roger Redden, 52, Caucasian, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee

Feb 2, 2009: Garrett Jones, 45, Caucasian, Stockton, California

Feb 11, 2009: Richard Lua, 28, Hispanic, San Jose, California

Feb 13, 2009: Rudolph Byrd, 37, Black, Thomasville, Georgia

Feb 13, 2009: Michael Jones, 43, Black, Iberia, Louisiana

Feb 14, 2009: Chenard Kierre Winfield, 32, Black, Los Angeles, California

Feb 28, 2009: Robert Lee Welch, 40, Caucasian, Conroe, Texas

Mar 22, 2009: Brett Elder, 15, Caucasian, Bay City, Michigan

Mar 26, 2009: Marcus D. Moore, 40, Black, Freeport, Illinois

Apr 1, 2009: John J. Meier Jr., 48, Caucasian, Tamarac, Florida

Apr 6, 2009: Ricardo Varela, 41, Hispanic, Fresno, California

Apr 10, 2009: Robert Mitchell, 16, Black, Detroit, Michigan

Apr 13, 2009: Craig Prescott, 38, Black, Modesto, California

Apr 16, 2009: Gary A. Decker, 50, Black, Tuscon, Arizona

Apr 18, 2009: Michael Jacobs Jr., 24, Black, Fort Worth, Texas

Apr 30, 2009: Kevin LaDay, 35, Black, Lumberton, Texas

May 4, 2009: Gilbert Tafoya, 53, Caucasian, Holbrook, Arizona

May 17, 2009: Jamaal Valentine, 27, Black, La Marque, Texas

May 23, 2009: Gregory Rold, 37, Black, Salem, Oregon

Jun 9, 2009: Brian Cardall, 32, Caucasian, Hurricane, Utah

Jun 13, 2009: Dwight Madison, 48, Black, Bel Air, Maryland

Jun 20, 2009 Derrek Kairney, 36, Race: Unknown, South Windsor, Connecticut

Jun 30, 2009, Shawn Iinuma, 37, Race: Unknown, Fontana, California

Jul 2, 2009, Rory McKenzie, 25, Black, Bakersfield, California

Jul 20, 2009, Charles Anthony Torrence, 35, Caucasion, Simi Valley, California

Jul 30, 2009, Johnathan Michael Nelson, 27, Caucasion, Riverside County, California

Aug 9, 2009, Terrace Clifton Smith, 52, Race: Unknown, Moreno Valley, California

Aug 12, 2009, Ernest Ridlehuber, 53, Race: Unknown, Greenville, South Carolina

Aug 14, 2009, Hakim Jackson, 31, Black, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aug 18, 2009, Ronald Eugene Cobbs, 38, Black, Greensboro, North Carolina

Aug 20, 2009, Francisco Sesate, 36, Hispanic, Mesa, Arizona

Aug 22, 2009, T.J. Nance, 37, Race: Unknown, Arizona City, Arizona

Aug 26, 2009, Miguel Molina, 27, Hispanic, Los Angeles, California

Aug 27, 2009, Manuel Dante Dent, 27, Hispanic, Modesto, California

Sep 3, 2009, Shane Ledbetter, 38, Caucasian, Aurora, Colorado

Sep 16, 2009, Alton Warren Ham, 45, Caucasian, Modesto, California

Sep 19, 2009, Yuceff W. Young II, 21, Black, Brooklyn, Ohio

Sep 21, 2009, Richard Battistata, 44, Hispanic, Laredo, Texas

Sep 28, 2009, Derrick Humbert, 38, Black, Bradenton, Florida

Oct 2, 2009, Rickey Massey, 38, Black, Panama City, Florida

Oct 12, 2009, Christopher John Belknap, 36, Race: Unknown, Ukiah, California

Oct 16, 2009, Frank Cleo Sutphin, 19, Race: Unknown, San Bernadino, California

Oct 27, 2009, Jeffrey Woodward, 33, Race: Unknown, Gallatin, Tennessee

I think it is worth noting that 42% of these taser-torture killings occurred against Afri can American men. We make up about 6% of the total population, yet 42% of the taser-related deaths in America this year are Black men.

However, nothing seems to be able to stop the continued taser-related killings. I remain convinced that the 'Use of Force Continuum' needs to show tasers as 'near-lethal' ... definitely an error to claim that they are 'non-lethal'.

Something is wrong. Join us in asking for congressional hearings on taser torture.

What say are your thoughts about these taser-related deaths?

Why Would Scholastic Book Fairs Ban Books With Same-Sex Parents in Them?

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I was disappointed to learn that Scholastic, one of the largest education publishers in the world with broad influence over the reading materials of children everywhere, began down a path of homophobic censorship.

The publisher is censoring a book that depicts a girl character with two moms because they consider it inappropriate for children, preventing it from appearing in its Scholastic Book Fairs. By censoring the book, Scholastic is sending the discriminatory and harmful message to children everywhere that same-sex relationships and gay/lesbian parents are wrong and should be hidden from sight.

This is exactly the opposite of the message of tolerance we should be sending to children.

I encourage villagers to offer a hand in fighting prejudice, let Scholastic know that you think they should stop censoring gay-friendly books immediately.

Wordless Wednesday: Halloween in the White House

noreply@blogger.com (Villager) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000