[Infowarrior] - Speaking of tasers, a question

[Richard Forno]

(cc'd a few places)

Funny how we read and see "taser abuse" stories on a regular basis yet  
not many stories about "abusive shootings".

One thing that's bugged me about tasers and other so-called "non- 
lethal weapons" such as sticky foam, slick suds, laser dazzlers, sonic  
beams, heat waves, and other technologies is that it makes it far more  
likely that the person wielding it will shoot-first since they know it  
likely won't kill the target.

I always believe that (in terms of military NLWs) that blood, injury,  
and death makes war unpalatble to most (civilized) people and as a  
result serves as a rudimentary form of deterrent to civilized  
societies.  Know that a cop will SHOOT you vice TASE you, and you'll  
likely give them a moment of your time instead of running from them.   
That sends a very strong message of "don't f--k with the cops (when  
properly) doing their jobs."

I daresay if you remove the blood, injury, and potential for death  
from the employment of a weapon or other 'personnel control device'  
for the military or law enforcement, you end up making it far more  
likely such items will be used frequently, if not abused -- but the  
end result is a form of social control that appears "safer" and more  
"humane" and thus more "agreeable" to people because it offers a "way  
out" for mistakes and avoiding accountability for its employment.

Think about it:  if you wrongly taser someone, your job is likely safe  
because you "didn't shoot" or kill the target and even if you were  
wrong, the victim didn't "suffer" much -- but if you wrongly shoot  
(and/or kill) someone your career likely is over because,  
well....injury or death by gunfire is so disturbing to modern  
society.  So perhaps the taser also is viewed as a silent form of job  
security for law enforcement and less about providing them a  
"graduated response" to perceived threats?

Anyone else feel the same way?  Opinions will be collected and shared  
with all.

-rf