ACLU calls for restrictions on taser gun use

CBS 5 News

09/26/04

"Tasers, which temporarily incapacitate people with an electric shock. Law enforcement officials and stun gun maker Taser International of Scottsdale, Ariz., argue that Tasers are a safer and more humane way to subdue suspects or mentally deranged individuals than guns, batons, pepper spray or brute force. 'The Taser is just a cleaner, safer way to do business,' Detective Bill Veteran, Fremont police spokesman, told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'I've been in all kinds of wrestling matches, I've been pepper-sprayed, I've been hit by a baton, I've seen people get bit by a police dog.' But civil rights groups are alarmed that some agencies allow officers liberal use of Tasers rather than limiting their use to situations where a life is in danger. Over the past five years, more than 70 suspects nationwide have died after being shocked by Tasers, including 10 in August, according the American Civil Liberties Union.

http://makeashorterlink.com/?G27511269


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

From: Matt Howes, National Internet Organizer, ACLU

Act now! Senate leaders will soon move to approve the flag amendment

With several Senators absent due to presidential campaigns, sickness or the aftermath of Hurricane Frances, the Republican Senate leadership is planning to slip in a vote on the flag desecration amendment –- a measure that would not otherwise pass. But due to these absences, this proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution -- which has already passed in the House -- has a real chance of passing in the Senate. We need your help to stop it!

The flag desecration amendment would alter the First Amendment for the first time. Civil libertarians, coalitions of veterans, religious leaders and other Americans have been vocally opposing this un-American initiative for many years, but its supporters have been waiting for a moment like this to slip it through.

Take Action! The Senate vote will be extremely close and we need you to tell your Senators to oppose this dangerous amendment.

Click here to get more information and to take action:

http://www.aclu.org/FreeSpeech/FreeSpeech.cfm?ID=9969&c=50

Members of Congress are currently holding hearings and considering rapid action on the recommendations issued by the 9/11 Commission in early August. While the Commission's report contains beneficial analysis and recommendations, there are also proposals which, if enacted, would have a long-lasting and negative impact on the privacy and freedoms of future generations of Americans.

Click here to get more information and to take action!
http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=16308&c=262