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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 2007)
TO THE EDITOR TOOL FOR TORTURE A FINAL EXAM I have watched a number of the online videos of Taser guns being used on people, and there are some obvious problems. It is claimed by those who have tested the devices that they are “safe.” It is also claimed that their use is for subduing suspects who are resisting arrest. This all sounds good, for it is probably better than the old means of subduing a suspect through use of fists, boots and clubs. However, videos of them being used re- veals that they are not being used only as in- tended but are being used indiscriminately. One video shows a man getting zapped sim- ply because he was shooting a video of an al- leged illegal search. The female officer walks over to the guy with her Taser gun, he says something about not being involved and not to Taser him, she zaps him and he lets out a scream due to several seconds of 50,000 volts. In one video, a man was mouthing off to the cops when they zapped him. I could not see whether or not he was struggling with them physically. After being zapped, he lets out a scream and falls to the floor. After they handcuff him, you can then hear some officer repeatedly screaming at him to get up and zapping him a few more times. He just lies there until two guys drag his limp body from the room. There is also the video of the very large cop trying to arrest a drunken woman perhaps half his size. When she won’t get out of the car, he zaps her. After she falls out of the car and tries to get up, he orders her to get down. She is totally disoriented and tries to crawl on the ground, so he zaps her a few more times. When she is finally in his patrol car, she is struggling and kicking, so he zaps her again. What is very obvious here is that cops are not using the Taser guns only to subdue sus- pects, but to punish people for not obeying orders or for doing something that irritates the cops. With their already well-established repu- tation of abuse and lack of control by our mayor and police chief, the Eugene Police Department certainly should not be allowed to start using Taser guns. Wayne Pierce Eugene Bill McKibben’s summary of the Kyoto/climate change situation (cover story, 12/6) was right on, and I particularly liked his last paragraph, where he asserted, “It’s a test, a kind of final exam for our political, eco- nomic and spiritual systems. And it’s a fair test, nothing vague or fuzzy about it. Chemistry and physics don’t bargain. They don’t compromise. They don’t meet us halfway. We’ll do it or we won’t. And 10 years from now, we’ll know which path we chose.” In addition to chemistry and physics, there is a portion of this “test” he failed to mention. Population pressure doesn’t bargain either. Governments must agree to TALK about overpopulation. EVERY nation, (in- cluding especially the U. S.) which is where control and sovereignty resides on this issue, needs to immediately establish a national population policy designed to stabilize popu- lation at a level/range deemed sustainable for the long-term future. If we fail to include this in our schemes to address climate change, population-pressure demands will override whatever gains we might achieve. Without this inclusion, 10-20-30-50 years from now, we will still be wondering, “What went wrong, and why can’t we solve this problem?” M. Boyd Wilcox Corvallis in Eugene and Springf s n o i t a c ield 8 Lo VEGETARIAN MENU • Veggie Taco Salad • Veggie Nachos • Veggie Burrito • Tofu Burrito • Bean Burrito • Bueno “No-Cheese” (vegan) • Potato Hard Taco • Chile Relleño • Cheese Enchilada • Cheese Quesadilla • Veggie Taco • Potato Taquitos • Veggie Tamalé *menu availability varies by location* DECEMBER SPECIAL $ 50 5. Large Veggie Taco Salad *Remember our gift certificates for all your Holiday needs* A COMPLETE SELECTION • Hinges & Latches • Master Mechanic Tools • Screws & Bolts • Keys Duplicated EUGENE • Cleaning Supplies • Housewares • Paint & Supplies • Wire, Rope & Chain • Lawn & Garden Supplies • Plumbing & Electrical Ask about our • Lock Sets & Security Latches TrueValue Rewards Card HARDWARE NO INSULTS INTENDED In my recent letter I noticed that your edit- ing staff changed the phrase “white-bred” to “white-bread.” Your correction was not what was intended and I do not make mistakes when writing out a colloquialism. Also, I wish to apologize to the staff of the Bier Stein for any perceived hostility. I will continue to buy lunch and beer from your fine establishment. No insults were intended. Justin Bengtson Eugene mv DB 2825 Willamette • 342-5191 CIVILIZATION AT RISK Based on the overwhelming amount of climate and biologic science it is becoming apparent that our biosphere and those organ- isms that are essential for its continued func- DECEMBER 13, 2007 5
