Taser Cop Ken Thompson is Cleared in the Killing Brian Cardall

Hurricane police officer Ken Thompson has been cleared by the Washington County Attorney's Office for his part in the June 9 taser-related death of Brian Cardall. The county attorney's office "concluded that criminal prosecution is not appropriate in this case." [SOURCE]

Cardall died of "ventricular fibrillation" produced by an undetermined cause, according to Dr. Erik D. Christensen of the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office, according to the county attorney's findings.

"Two factors are at play in this case, each of which could represent a possible primary or contributory cause of death," Christensen's autopsy report states.

While the autopsy found it possible that a taser gun could have led to the abnormal heart rhythm, it is also "clear that Mr. Cardall was in a state of both mental confusion and physiologic excitement," and the resulting rapid heart beat and internal agitation would also put him at risk of sudden cardiac death from a disturbance of the heart's rhythm, Christensen's report states.

County Attorney Brock Belnap, concludes, "In my view, Officer Thompson responded to a tense, uncertain and rapidly unfolding situation in a manner consistent with his training and that he did not intend, believe or foresee would seriously injure or cause the death of Brian Cardall."

Villagers may recall that Officer Thompson arrived on the scene at 1:17 pm and began to yell,

"Get down on the ground! Get down on the ground!" Brian Cardall responds twice in what sounds as a panicked voice, "Is this a standoff! Don't shoot."

About 42 seconds after arriving on scene the officer deployed his Taser yelling, "Taser deployed! Stay on the ground! Stay on the ground!"

Thompson is heard on the tape to say, "He went down, he tried to get up and I told him to stay down. I tased him again and then after the second time..." Thompson knew that he did wrong. Listen to the tape ... and you be the judge!

You can hear Brian Cardall moaning and screaming for about five seconds after Thompson first deploys a Taser on him. Following a two-second pause, Thompson deploys the Taser on Cardall again. He says in the recordings Cardall had tried to get up.

Officer Thompson killed a man in June ... and now the powers-that-be are letting him off scott-free. Something is wrong and I hope that Cardall's family files a massive lawsuit in this case.

What are your thoughts on this case of taser (in)justice?

Why is David Vitter (R-LA) Still in Public Office?

Interracial marriage became a national phenomenon last month when a justice of the peace in a small Louisiana town refused to marry a mixed-race couple. The small town judge was castigated by almost everyone, including the Louisiana governor and one of the state's US senators. However, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) didn't have anything to say about it.

So, it may not have been a surprise that Sen. Vitter feigned ignorance of the 'Loving v. Virginia' Supreme Court case that struck down all laws forbidding interracial marriage when he was questioned by blogger Mike Stark.




It amazes me that David Vitter is still a public official. Villagers may recall that he was a client of the 'D.C. Madam' was the way in which the senator himself disclosed it. Vitter was outed by Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. Vitter's relationship with prostitutes in Washington DC is not unusual. After all, he was accused by a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee of carrying on a lengthy affair with a prostitute in New Orleans's French Quarter in his first Senate campaign. I seem to recall that Vitter had to quit his leadership position in the presidential campaign of Rudy Giuliani.

What are your thoughts on David Vitter and his lack of knowledge about 'Loving v. Virginia' case?

Family of Taser-Victim Matthew Bolick Issues a Statement

Matthew Bolick, described by his family as a loving brother and caring son who loved jazz and camping with friends and was a year away from a bachelor’s degree in meteorology at Central Michigan University, died Monday night while in police custody. His family issued a statement about his death:

His sister, Kellie Kettner, wrote:

We lost our wonderful son, older brother, and friend, Matt Bolick, who died last night. This is a tragic loss and he is being portrayed in a negative light. Please withhold judgment until all the facts are known and remember, Matt was a caring human being who had a zest for life, and whose family is deeply devastated by this confusing loss.

As Stephen Bolick replayed the scene of his son’s death, he said the details did not add up. Why, Bolick asked, did it take police three or four Taser gun shots to subdue 30-year-old Matthew Bolick, who, at 5'6" inches tall, weighed just 135 pounds?

Bolick died after police arrived at his East Grand Rapids home. Bolick was tasered three or four times by two unidentified police officers. He was dead 45 minutes after the police arrived.

It was the first time a Taser has been used by an East Grand Rapids police officer. The identity of the officers involved have not been released.

No cause of death has been determined yet. An autopsy Tuesday showed no internal trauma; additional tests, including toxicology, could take weeks to complete.

The facts as we know them don't bode well for the East Grand Rapids police officers. I don't recall any of the other 47 people who died in taser-related shootings that were shot four (4) times.

What are your thoughts on this case? Or the taser situation in general?

Wordless Wednesday: Soldier or Mom?

Army Spc. Alexis Hutchinson and her son, Kamani.

Tune In Tuesday: Bootsy Collins

Soulclap to LaShawn for reminding me about this song from Bootsy Collins and his Rubber Band. I warn you in advance that this video is not appropriate for workplace viewing ... however, when you get it home I encourage you to enjoy the flow! Ain't no funk like the P-Funk!

Grand Jury Clears Ft. Worth Cop in Taser-Killing of Michael Jacobs

Police officer Stephanie Phillips, who used a Taser in the homicide of 24-year old Michael Jacobs for 49 seconds was no-billed by a Tarrant County grand jury today.

The grand jury was asked to consider criminal charges for her actions in the April 2009 death of Michael Jacobs. He died within an hour of being shocked, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office ruled the death a homicide caused by the Taser.

The Fort Worth Police Department has not disciplined Phillips for the incident and does not plan to do so. Perhaps the police in Texas and elsewhere will have an open mind on December 4th as we join in a Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture online activism event.

Taser Death: Matthew Bolick (East Grand Rapids, MI)

Once again we have an episode of Tasers Gone Wild in which 30-year old Matthew Bolick ends up dead in police custody after being jolted 4-5 times by the taser-happy East Grand Rapids police. Our nation continues to endure these taser torture killings at a rate of once per week. When will the police realize that they do not have to kill a person in order to get handcuffs on them. Resisting arrest is not supposed to be punishable by DEATH in our nation.

Bolick's father called police to report he was worried about his son's behavior. The man then left the home with another son. I'm fairly certain that neither Bolick's father or brother wanted to see him killed by a barrage of taser gun activity when they called in the police. It would be nice to see the police do more 'protect and serve' and less 'taser and kill'.

Police say when they arrived the suspect, 30-year-old Matthew Bolick, assaulted an officer in front of the home. Police say the officer then tased him, with no apparent effect. The suspect then ran into the home.

Bolick was taken into custody after a struggle with police that resulted in him being tased another 3 or 4 times. Bolick died at the scene while under police custody.

It seems that the police were treating some cuts on Bolick's hands while his heart stopped beating from the multiple electrical shocks of police taser guns. I wonder if the police even noticed that he was dying? Did they call paramedics at any point? Perhaps they simply stood around trying to figure out how to cover for the multiple taser shots as we heard the police do in taser-death of Brian Cardall earlier this year in Utah.

Meanwhile, the officers involved in this Michigan incident are on administrative leave while Grand Rapids' major case team and an internal affairs unit investigate. An autopsy to determine the cause of death also needs to be completed.

Villagers, I'm not mad at the police officers that are involved in this killing. I'm made at a taser-happy policy within police departments all over the nation. A policy that won't allow for the fact that killing people with a so-called non-lethal weapon is no longer acceptable.

It is time to stop the Taser madness -- it's time for all bloggers whether you be, Black, White, Latino, Native American, Asian, or progressives to come together on this issue. I encourage all bloggers to join us on December 4, 2009 when we gather for a Day of Blogging for Justice to Stop Taser Torture.

Please Sign up now!

What Has President Obama Accomplished?

Former Vice President Dick Cheney accused President Obama of 'dithering'. My view is that our president is more active in more areas than any other president in my lifetime. Soulclap to Robert Watson, Ph.D., coordinator of American Studies at Lynn University for documenting some of President Obama's accomplishments between January-August 2009.

1. $789 billion economic stimulus plan


2. Announced his intention to push for energy reform


3. Announced his intention to push for education reform


4. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government


5. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production


6. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court


7. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more underinsured


8. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles


9. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans


10. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to secure the release of an American held captive


11. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons


12. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force... this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.


13. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq


14. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops


15. "Cash for clunkers" program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulates auto sales


16. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan


17. Closed offshore tax safe havens


18. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan


19. Ended media "blackout" on war casualties; reporting full information


20. Ended media "blackout" on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover A.F.B.; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family


21. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts


22. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules


23. Ended previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings


24. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports


25. Ended previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions


26. Ended previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back


27. Ended previous policy on torture; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards


28. Ended previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices


29. Ended previous "stop-loss" policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date


30. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources


31. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient


32. Established a new cyber security office


33. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare


34. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children


35. Expanding vaccination programs


36. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover A.F.B.


37. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research


38. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools


39. Held first Seder in White House


40. Housing rescue plan


41. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters


42. Improved housing for military personnel


43. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals


44. Improving benefits for veterans


45. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants...) after years of neglect


46. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program


47. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel


48. Increasing student loans


49. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses


50. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud


51. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return "home" to visit loved ones


52. Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women


53. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible


54. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000


55. Limits on lobbyists' access to the White House


56. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration


57. Lower drug costs for seniors


58. Making more loans available to small businesses


59. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration


60. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals


61. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans


62. New federal funding for science and research labs


63. New funds for school construction


64. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending


65. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices


66. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness


67. Paid for redecorations of White House living quarters out of his own pocket


68. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan


69. Put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform


70. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions


71. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic


72. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research


73. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel


74. Restarted the nuclear non-proliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols


75. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters


76. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy


77. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program


78. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards


79. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced


80. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job


81. The FDA is now regulating tobacco


82. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010


83. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out


84. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying


85. The "secret detention" facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed


86. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act


87. US Auto industry rescue plan


88. US financial and banking rescue plan


89. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast


90. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!

Sunday Inspirations: When I Am Gone

I woke up this morning thinking about my Dad and my brother as they look down on their family from heaven. At some point I will sit side-by-side with them behind those pearly gates.


When I Am Gone
To those I loved and those who loved me
When I am gone, release me, let me go...
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for awhile that we must part.
So bless the memories that lie within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone...
I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home.'

Taser Death: Darryl Bain (Coram, NY)

The police got tired of messing around with 43-year old Darryl Bain. This time they tasered Bain twice and he died in the Long Island home of his mother in Coram, New York.

I wonder if Darryl Bain's brother had any idea that his brother would be dead less than 80 minutes after he placed a call to the police on Saturday morning? Bain's brother called to complain that his brother was high on cocaine and barricaded into the house of his 78-year old mother.

When the police arrived, they heard a struggle inside and officers broke down the door and tried to wrestle the 43-year old man to the ground.

Police say that Bain continued to fight with the the three officers who entered the house. One of the police officers decided it was a good point to pump 50,000 volts of electricity from his (or her) taser gun into Bain's body. Since Bain didn't make it easy for them to cuff him ... they zapped him again.

Bain died shortly after the second zap.

Bain's mother is Phyllis Hawkins. She has an order of protection against her son. However, she said he was not posing any threat to her or himself and the officers did not need to use the Taser on him.

She said she was trying to get her son to get his hands off the door when officers heard the struggle inside and from past experiences, the police know that when Bain “gets like that, he calms himself down.”

Since 2000, Suffolk County police were called to Bain’s house at least 70 times. It could have been 700 times ... that still is no excuse for killing a man. The penalty for being a jerk isn't DEATH. When will the police figure it out that a taser gun isn't supposed to be used for their convenience.

Please join us on December 4, 2009 for the Day of Blogging for Justice!

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

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?

Taser Death: Herman George Knabe (Corpus Christi, TX)

It appears that the police have killed another bicycle rider with their taser gun. It appears that the police are cracking down on illegal bicycle use! This time we learn that a 58-year-old Herman George Knabe was shot with a taser by Corpus Christi police. The man was removed from life support Friday afternoon by doctors at Christus Spohn Hospital South.

The dead man is described as a 58-year-old white man, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. He had long salt and pepper hair with a long, braided beard of the same color. Police said the man rode a faded red women’s bicycle with an H-E-B basket strapped to the front.

We are waiting for an official cause of death to be determined by autopsy that will be conducted by the the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Of course, the police don't need an autopsy for them to say that they were justified in killing this man.

"A preliminary investigation has shown the officers acted appropriately in responding to an aggressive individual who was acting erratically," said Police Chief Troy Riggs "Unfortunately, he has died and we will continue the investigation."

Since when is it appropriate for an unarmed suspect to end up dead while in police custody?

All five of the police officers involved in this taser-related death who were placed on paid administrative leave have now been cleared to work.

Here is the story according to police spokesman:

The incident began at 6:54 p.m. Wednesday when officer Stephan Beletic saw drivers flashing their headlights at Cimarron Boulevard and Airline Road. Beletic saw a man riding his bicycle illegally against the flow of traffic and attempted to stop him. The man didn’t stop and rode into a parking lot of restaurant where he banged on the restaurant’s window and spoke unintelligibly.

Beletic, who already had called for backup, began to frisk the man to make sure he wasn’t armed.

The man resisted, and Beletic managed to cuff one hand, but the man continued to struggle. Officers Ross Murray and Daryl Anderson arrived on the scene and Murray used a Taser, hitting the man in the lower back. The man appeared unaffected by the 50,000-volt stun gun, Green said, adding that police aren’t sure if the probe even penetrated the several layers of clothes the man was wearing.

Murray then placed the Taser on the man’s shoulder blade and shocked him. The man continued to be combative.

Anderson used pepper spray, which also did little. Officer Jason Rhodes arrived and the four fell to the ground in a struggle with the man.

It wasn’t until a fifth officer, Jason Tello, arrived that they were able to finishing handcuffing the man.

Once the man was in custody, he quit breathing. He became the 46th man this year involved in a taser-killing by police. These deaths keep piling on at a rate of once-per-week. I encourage all villagers to join us on December 4, 2009 when we gather for a Day of Blogging for Justice to Stop Taser Torture.

Police Refuse to Take Responsibility in Taser-Killing of Rory McKenzie

We told you a few days ago that the Kern County coroner ruled 'homicide' in the taser-related death of Rory McKenzie. The Kern County Sheriff's Office didn't like the negative publicity from the coroner's decision. So, the Sheriff's Office convened a group this past Monday to review the case. After a quick review, the Sheriff's Office announced that the four officers involved in the taser-killing operated "within department policy".

You may recall that these four police officers attempted to take McKenzie into custody on July 2, 2009. He physically resisted arrest. During the struggle, a deputy deployed a Taser as McKenzie continued to physically resist arrest. A Kern County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was utilized and McKenzie was bitten on the right leg, allowing deputies to take him into custody.

After McKenzie was taken into custody, deputies noticed he was having difficulty breathing and called for medical aid. McKenzie stopped breathing and deputies administered CPR. McKenzie was transported by ambulance to Kern Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The four officers are Sergeant Otis Whinery (24 years with the Sheriff's Office), Senior Deputy Alan Fullerton (21 years with the Sheriff's Office), Deputy Douglas Jauch (8 years with the Sheriff's Office), Deputy Patrick McNeal (5 years with the Sheriff's Office) and Deputy Edward Tucker (12 years with the Sheriff's Office).

The penalty for resisting arrest should not be death ... and it should not be "within department policy". I hope that the Kern County District Attorney files criminal charges in this case.

In the meantime, I encourage all villagers to see if they can get a copy of the 'use of force continuum' policy from their local police department. We may need to deal with this issue on a local level. What say u?

Lou Dobbs Resigns From CNN

The pressure continued to build against Lou Dobbs over his near-racist rants on CNN. Tonight we learn that the pressure got to be more than Dobbs could handle. He announced his resignation tonight on his show.

---

LOU DOBBS: Tonight, I want to turn to a personal note, if I may, and address a matter that has raised some curiosity. This will be my last broadcast here on CNN, where I've worked for most of the past 30 years and where I have many friends and colleagues whom I admire deeply and respect greatly.

I'm the last of the original anchors here on CNN and I'm proud to have had the privilege of helping to build the world's first news network. I'm grateful for the many opportunities that CNN has given me over these many years. I've tried to reciprocate with a full measure of my ability and my energy.

Over the past six months, it's become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us, and some leaders in media, politics, and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.

I've talked extensively with Jonathan Klein -- Jon's the president of CNN -- and as a result of those talks, John and I have agreed to a release from my contract that will enable me to pursue new opportunities.

At this point, I'm considering a number of options and directions, and I assure you, I will let you know when I set my course. I truly believe that the major issues of our time include the growth of our middle class, the creation of more jobs, health care, immigration policy, the environment, climate change, and our military involvement, of course, in Afghanistan and Iraq. But each of those issues is, in my opinion, informed by our capacity to demonstrate strong resilience of our now-weakened capitalist economy and demonstrate the political will to overcome the lack of true representation in Washington, D.C. I believe these to be profoundly, critically important issues, and I will continue to strive to deal honestly and straightforwardly with those issues in the future.

Unfortunately, these issues are now defined in the public arena by partisanship and ideology rather than by rigorous, empirical thought and forthright analysis and discussion. I'll be working diligently to change that as best I can. And as for the important work of restoring inspiration to our great, free society and our market economy, I will strive as well to be a leader in that national conversation.

It's been my great honor to work with each and every person at this wonderful network. I will be eternally grateful to CNN, to Ted Turner, and to all of my colleagues and friends and, of course, to you at home. I thank you, and may God bless you.

The news continues for the rest of this hour, and I'll be right back after this.

---

I think that this is a good news message. Maybe Roland Martin can find some airtime on CNN now!

Wordless Wednesday: I Got a Speeding Ticket

I got stopped for speeding this morning.
I thought I could talk my way out of it.
Until the cop looked at my dog in the back seat!

Good News Tuesday: Dr. Ethelene Crockett (1914-1978)

Dr. Ethelene Crockett (1914-1978) is a member of the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. I thought the time was right to share some good news about Detroit. I also happen to think that Dr. Crockett is a remarkable role model for nubian sisters all over the world.

Dr. Ethelene Crockett was a Detroit physician who became well known as a community leader and humanitarian. “She was involved in the betterment of society in areas beyond medicine. Her unselfish contributions of time, knowledge, energy and leadership served to rectify social inequality to help those whose need was immediate, and those who could not speak for themselves,” stated a 1978 New Detroit, Inc. resolution.

Dr. Crockett began medical school at Howard University when she was 28 years old, married to George W. Crockett, Jr., later a Congressman, and the mother of three children. She became Michigan’s first Black woman specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. For 35 years, Dr. Crockett practiced medicine as an outstanding obstetrician in Detroit.

Dr. Crockett was an energetic advocate for day care centers to assist working women. She frequently lectured on family planning and public health care. She directed the Detroit Maternal Infant Care Project from 1967 to 1970, and helped design and direct the Detroit Model Neighborhood Comprehensive Health Center. In 1980 the first Detroit Public Schools Vocational-Technical Center was dedicated in her honor as the career training center for the Health Occupations.

In 1972 she led the fight to liberalize Michigan’s abortion laws. In 1977, the Detroit Medical Society selected her 'Physician of the Year'. She was the first woman to be president of the American Lung Association, the nation’s largest and oldest voluntary health organization. She served on the Detroit Public Library Commission and as an officer for the Michigan Cancer Society. In 1971 the Detroit Free Press cited Dr. Crockett as one of “nine of Detroit’s Most Successful Women." She received the 'Woman of the Year' Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Beta Omicron Zeta Chapter in 1972. In 1973 the Howard University Alumni Federation, Washington D.C. cited her “For Conspicuous Service to Her Profession and Community.”

Ethelene Crockett came of age during the Depression. A Black woman from a poor family, she was able to go to college and then to medical school.

"If you want something badly enough...and if you can communicate that desire to others...what you want can be had," were her words in explaining her accomplishments.

She was a remarkable woman. I'm blessed that she was my grandmother!

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

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:

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


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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?

Why Do We Keep Doubting Barack Obama?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson Cooper Brings Heather Ellis Story to Mainstream Media

What are your thoughts on this case?

Tune In Tuesday: Jill Scott

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

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.

Lakeesha Alert: Mitrice Richardson is Missing

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

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.