Taser Death: Roberto Olivo (Tulare CA)

It happened again. Tulare police department use of a taser gun on 33-year old Roberto Olivo resulted in his death back on March 4, 2010. [SOURCE]

Olivo's brother Ernist Wheeler said, "they maced him, tased him with two tasers at the same time — until he stopped moving and my brother left in a body bag."

The Tulare Police Department was called to the Virginia Motor Lodge on K Street on March 4th, after receiving complaints of a man banging on doors and screaming. Tulare Police Capt. Wes Hensley described Olivo's state of mind..."agitated, combative disoriented, typical signs of some kind of intoxication."

Captain Hensley said officers tried talking to Olivo, but when that didn't work, they wrestled him to the ground, used pepper spray and finally pulled out a Taser. The unidentified officer jolted Olivo three times in the back while trying to handcuff him, he said.

"While waiting for the ambulance the suspect started to lose consciousness and later started showing signs of difficulty breathing," Hensley said.

Olivo was pronounced dead at Tulare Regional Medical Center.

"No one wants this to happen," Hensley said. "Our officers are out there trying to do their job at the best of their ability in responding to a call for service — in no way did anyone want this to happen, unfortunately it did and now we are in the process of investigating the cause of that death."

The coroner's office is investigating. They don't expect toxicology results for another 6 weeks. Olivo's family is seeking a second opinion. They've hired an independent autopsy expert.

The officers involved in the incident were initially placed on administrative leave. Their actions have been deemed "within department policy". They are back on the force.

I don't doubt that the police have a difficult job. However, this cop used his taser three times -- 50,000 volts each -- in the back of Mr. Olivo. Was that level of force truly necessary? Or did this police officer simply feel entitled to use his taser gun to help him get the handcuffs on Mr. Olivo? It just seems that being intoxicated is not a good reason to kill a man.

What say u?

Obama's Weekly Address: What Health Reform Will Deliver – This Year

In this week’s address, President Obama describes how American families will have more control over their health care this year, after health reform passes.



Here are a few more points about how health insurance reform measures will benefit Americans this year:

Hold Insurance Companies Accountable:

• Eliminate lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on benefits in all new plans;
• Prohibit rescissions of health insurance policies in all individual plans;
• Prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions for children in all new plans;
• Require premium rebates to enrollees from insurers with high administrative expenditures and require public disclosure of the percent of premiums applied to overhead costs;
• Establish a process for the annual review of unreasonable increases in premiums, requiring State insurance commissioners to work with the HHS Secretary and States.

Protect Consumers:

• Provide grants to States to support health insurance consumer assistance and ombudsman programs to help consumers;
• Ensure consumers have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal new insurance plan decisions;
• Require all insurance plans to use uniform coverage documents so consumers can make easy comparisons when shopping for health insurance;
• Establish an internet portal to assist Americans in identifying coverage options;
• Prohibit insurers from discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees by charging them lower premiums.

Ensure Affordable Choices and Quality Care:

• Provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition through a temporary high-risk pool;
• Create a temporary re-insurance program for early retirees;
• Require new plans to cover an enrollee’s dependent children until age 26;
• Require new plans to cover preventive services and immunizations without cost-sharing;
• Offer tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage;
• Facilitate administrative simplification to lower health system costs.

I admire President Obama for continuing to fight for health insurance reform. If he is able to pull this rabbit out of his hat ... it would be quite remarkable.

What are your thoughts on his message this week?

Ea Shoushtari Leads LACES to Los Angeles City Basketball Championship

I had a chance to see my young cousin, Ea Shoushtari, in a LA City Schools playoff basketball game when I was on the west coast last month. Her team, Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES), won the game by a wide margin ... something like 79-23.

I had to leave California before Ea and her LACES classmates could play the championship game. They were playing against the same team that beat them in the championship game last year. I was ecstatic to see the Los Angeles Times post on last night's game:

"Going into the fourth quarter of the City Section small schools girls' championship game, it was tied at 37-37. Then the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies scored the first 18 points of the quarter and never looked back in coming away with a 55-39 victory over View Park Prep at Roybal.

View Park (24-6) didn't score until there was 1:02 left. LACES (29-5) received three-pointers in the quarter from Ea Shoushtari, Rachel Totten and Jasmine Scott. Shoushtari finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Taylor Holeman added 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Danielle Pruitt had 11 points for View Park."

Congratulations young cousin! I (and ESPN) look forward to seeing how you and the rest of the Unicorns do next year when you are a high school senior!

1 in Every Six Dollars Spent on Health Care

1 -- in every six dollars in the U.S. economy is spent on health care today.

If we do nothing, in 30 years, 1 out of every three dollars in our economy will be tied up in the health care system.

Skyrocketing health care costs aren't just crippling the U.S. economy -- they're emptying the pocketbooks of American families. If we do not enact health insurance reform, individual and family spending on premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs could increase 79 percent in just 10 years.

I ran a business in downtown Cincinnati for five years. I employed two people. One of the major cost factors was health insurance. It kept getting more and more expensive at the time. I can't imagine what it is like for small businesses with employees in today's economy.

President Obama was in Ohio today speaking out about the impact of rising health insurance costs (premiums, co-pays and such). Have you noticed increases with your health insurance? Is it enough of a reason to support health care reform?

Mo'Nique and Ed Gordon Bring Positive Vibe to Black Entertainment Television (BET)

This blog has been very critical of Black Entertainment Television (BET) over the past few years. I rarely watch the cable television network. However, I must admit that BET is making some good moves lately.

First, it is clear that BET made a smart move last year when they gave Mo'Nique her own talk show. Mo'Nique is one of the best-loved female comedians of the new millennium and a role model for plus-sized women everywhere. Her comic talent carried her from the comedy club stage to television, film and beyond. Mo’Nique received surprisingly glowing reviews for her award-worthy work in the drama, “Precious” (2009), a family drama based on the novel by Sapphire. Mo'Nique gave a shout-out to BET during her Oscar acceptance speech.

BET continued to move in a positive direction when they re-hired Award-winning broadcast journalist, Ed Gordon. Gordon, a well seasoned anchor, reporter, interviewer, radio host and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster will join the network for a variety of news programs and specials. Gordon’s return bolsters the news division’s roaster which includes correspondents Jeff Johnson, Andre Showell and April Woodard.

“As BET celebrates its 30th anniversary, it brings me great joy to welcome back one of America’s most prominent news personalities,” said chairman and CEO, Debra Lee. “Ed has always remained part of the BET family and I am sure viewers will share in our excitement to have him back.”

The BET news department recently won two NAACP Images Awards in the categories of Outstanding News / Information Series and Outstanding Variety Series or Special for “The Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States” and “The Michael Jackson Memorial: Celebrating the Life of Michael Jackson.”

I think that more nubians will give BET another chance if they continue to bring on positive talent such as Mo'Nique and Ed Gordan. That's my thought ... what say u?

Hispanic Caucus Threatens to Vote Against Health Care Bill

We are in the final countdown to an up-or-down vote on healthcare reform in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers are beginning to realize that now is the time to make their voices heard on the issue.

The Hispanic Caucus is meeting with the White House today to discuss their concerns about certain immigration-related provisions in the health care bill. They threaten to vote against the bill if the Senate language that bars undocumented immigrants from buying insurance from the proposed exchanges with their own money isn't removed.

President Obama is pushing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) "to go further than Obama has previously disclosed" to strip the special deals for individual senators from the final health care reform bill. These include Sen. Ben Nelson's (D-NE) 'Cornhusker Kickback' and a handful of other deals.

It is never good when your secret backroom deals go public and get a name, like 'Cornhusker Kickback', attached to 'em! I bet Sen. Nelson wishes he had just supported the bill in the first place ... without using his blackmail techniques to get special treatment.

625 People Lost Their Health Insurance Every Hour in 2009

625 -- that's the number of people who lost their health insurance every hour in 2009.

A statistic like that tells a frightening story -- losing insurance can happen to anyone. How many more Americans have to lose their health insurance and how many more businesses have to drop coverage before we fix our broken health care system?

We've been debating what to do about our broken health care system for decades -- not just this past year. Every idea has been put on the table. Every argument has been made. Everything there is to say about health reform has been said. It's time to decide how to reform our health care system to give American families and businesses the security and stability they deserve.

As the President has said, "In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they'll go without insurance -- not for one year, not for one month, not for one day."
The millions of Americans who lost their insurance last year can't wait any longer. The time is now for health insurance reform.

Let's get it done!

Sunday Inspirations: Pray for President Barack Obama

Soulclap to Denise Johnson for reminding us that we should not stop praying for this man. Let's also visualize him congratulating congress for coming together and reforming the health care system in America in a manner that brings honor to everyone. Let's see Republicans and Democrats shaking hands and pledging to work for the people to create a better world. Ahh... Abundance Health and Harmony in all our thoughts about our government. Let the Universe figure out how... our job will be to visualize the end results being one to celebrate.

Villagers, If you have not noticed ... few Presidents have ever worked this hard for our country, having to deal with such hatred and ill-will. Many wonder, does he ever sleep? Only God can sustain such energy, knowledge and person.

Will you please join in this prayer?

Lord,

We pray for optimum health, mental clarity and political prosperity for President Barack H. Obama. We pray that what he lacks in political 'experience' you make up for with supernatural wisdom and power.

We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they will stumble and fall; and that your love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' be done through him.

We pray mightily for his protection. As we plead the Blood of your son, Jesus, over him and his family. We reverently ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt, harm, danger as he serves as the President of the United States of America .

We thank you and praise you for answering our sincere prayers, in Jesus’ precious name,

AMEN

Obama's Weekly Address: The Olympic Spirit, the Spirit of Bipartisanship, and Health Reform

The President takes a moment to congratulate our Olympic athletes. Discussing the unity and pride Americans feel in cheering them on, the President relates that sentiment to his own desire for bipartisanship in Washington. He praises the recent bipartisan meeting and talks about moving forward on health reform.





What was your taken on the past week's activity in the Olympics, Health Reform or Bipartisanship?

Brian Davis and Gary Parker, Taser-Killing East Grand Rapids Cops, Cleared in Murder of Matthew Bolick [Video]

Matthew Bolick was tasered four times by Sgt. Brian Davis and Ofc. Gary Parker. The entire incident is on videotape. Bolick didn't have any drugs in his system. He was simply an angry young man. Now he's dead ... and nobody is being held responsible. The powers-that-be are calling it 'excited-delirium'.

Four times the police shot this young boy up with 50,000 volts of electricity ... he died less than an hour later ... and they don't see the tasers has being part of his murder.

Watch the video and you decide:




What say u?

Show It, Prove It, Say It, Do It

Do any Villagers remember Brownstone? I hadn't heard of them for many moons until one of my college DJ colleagues, Mellow V, shared the following a cappella masterpiece, If You Love Me.



I suspect that the lyrics from this song would be good for any brother in America to hear and embody. What say u?

Lieberman Gets Nine More Senators to Support 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Legislation

Nine additional senators joined Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to co-sponsor legislation repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Sherrod Brown (OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI), John Kerry (D-MA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Tom Udall (NM).

There are now 23 total co-sponsors to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010.

41 - Health Care Reform Can't Wait

41 -- that's the number of leading economists -- including three Nobel Prize winners -- who sent a letter to President Obama and Congress urging the swift passage of comprehensive health insurance reform to curb skyrocketing health care costs.

41 -- is also the percentage of adults under the age of 65 who accumulated medical debt, had difficulty paying medical bills, or struggled with both during a recent one-year period.

No ifs, ands or buts about it -- if we do nothing to reform our broken health care system, costs will continue to skyrocket and break the budgets of American families, small businesses and the Federal Government.

If we pass comprehensive health insurance reform, we can reverse this trend and control rising costs. According to some of our nation's leading economists, "the health care reforms passed by the House and Senate -- with recent modifications proposed by President Obama -- include serious measures that will slow the growth of health care spending."

8 - Health Care Reform

We are at a point in the healthcare reform debate where a vote needs to be taken by congress. Let's have a vote and live with the results. Here are some reasons that the issue needs to be dealt with now:

8 -- that's the number of people every minute who are denied coverage, charged a higher rate or otherwise discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition.

8 is also the number of lobbyists hired by special interests to influence health reform for every member of Congress in 2009.

The facts speak for themselves -- the status quo isn't working, and special interests are doing everything in their power to maintain that status quo.

Being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition is something we all know is wrong. And for those 8 people every minute who can't find health coverage or face discrimination because of a pre-existing condition, reform can't wait.

It appears that the White House is putting on a full-court press to get a healthcare bill passed. Where do you stand on this issue?

Being a Weasel Doesn't Stop Lieberman From Seeking Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

Am I the only one that thinks Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is the most chameleon-like weasel in public service? I first became aware of the guy in 1980 when he ran as the vice presidential candidate with Al Gore. Lieberman was actively courted by Sen. McCain to be his vice presidential candidate in the 2008 election (before losing the nod to Sarah Palin). Last year Lieberman scuttled the public option and almost took down healthcare reform by his actions and demands.

Today, I see that Lieberman introduced a bill in the Senate that would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) ban on gay men and women serving openly in the military within 13 months of enactment. This blog has been on record in favor of the repeal of DADT policy. However, it rankles me that Lieberman is sticking his nose into the process.

"Today we introduce legislation to stop the prohibition of men and women based on their sexual orientation in the American armed forces," Lieberman said. "[We] offer in its place a policy of equal opportunity to serve and defend our country."

Lieberman introduced the measure along with Sens. Mark Udall (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Roland Burris (D-IL), and Carl Levin (D-MI), chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee. Udall wrote that Lieberman's bill would shift the Pentagon DADT policy review from "considering whether to repeal" DADT to instead focusing on an assumed repeal.

It says something that lameduck Roland Burris is part of Lieberman's team on this DADT legislation ... don't you think?

Taser Lawsuit: Craig Prescott (Modesto CA)

Money talks. It may take losing some taser lawsuits in order to get the attention of the 'powers-that-be' around the nation. As such, I'm encouraged to learn that the family of former sheriff's deputy Craig Prescott who died in the aftermath of an altercation at the Stanislaus County Jail has taken its first steps toward suing the county. [SOURCE]

The family claims that deputies mistreated him in a drawn-out struggle that preceded his death in April 2009.

The claim alleges violations of civil rights, wrongful death, assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, citing the use of "unreasonable and excessive force against Mr. Prescott including the use of Tasers and clubs."

It alleges jail staff knew of the psychotic episodes that plagued Prescott, 38, and failed to provide him "adequate medical and physical care, thereby proximately causing his death."

This blog continues to follow the story of taser-related killings taking place all across America. Let us know if you have any thoughts on this lawsuit?

Over 50% of People Shot by Tasers in Louisville are African American

Louisville began using tasers in 2005. The Louisville Police Department added tasers to their arsenal in response to protests over several controversial police shootings of Black men.

Louisville Police love them some tasers -- they've averaged one Taser incident every two days, and as many as 239 incidents in one year.

Local media analyzed 268 Taser incidents over 18 months in Louisville, and found that while African Americans only make up 18 percent of Louisville Metro's population, three times that number -- 54 percent of the people being shot with Tasers -- were African Americans.

Read the full article here.

The Louisville statistics are in line with the information that we've been tracking on this blog. Police are killing African Americans at a disproportionate rate with taser guns.

What are your thoughts on the taser student conducted in Louisville?

Erykah Badu Goes Nude in 'Window Seat' [Video / Lyrics]

I love me some Erykah Badu ... her music and her message is always strong. Her current single, Window Seat, is no different. Frankly, I enjoy the flow from the music even without the video ... however, Sis. Badu decided to go all out with the video.

She filmed the 'Window Seat' video in one take at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Tex., the site where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Once Badu gets fully nude, a gunshot rings out and her body collapses on to the sidewalk, as blue blood spills out to form the word "groupthink."

Then Badu says in a voiceover, "They play it safe, are quick to assassinate what they do not understand...they are us. This is what we have become. Afraid to respect the individual. A single person within a circumstance can move one to change. To love ourself. To evolve."

Badu challenges all of us to evolve. I hope that you enjoy the music, the lyrics and the video:

so, presently I'm standing

here right now

you're so demanding

tell me what you want from me

concluding

concentrating on my music, lover and my babies

makes me wanna ask the lady for a ticket outta town...

so can I get a window seat

don't want nobody next to me

I just want a ticket outta town

a look around

and a safe touch down

can I get a window seat

don't want nobody next to me

I just want a chance to fly

a chance to cry

and a long bye bye..

but I need you to want me

I need you to miss me

I need your attention, yes

I need you next me

I need someone to clap for me

I need your direction

somebody say come back

come back baby come back

I want you to need me

come back come back baby come back

come back come back baby come back

come back come back baby come back

so, in my mind I'm tusslin'

back and forth 'tween here and hustlin'

I don't wanna time travel no mo

I wanna be here

I'm thinking

on this porch I'm rockin'

back and forth light lightning hopkins

if anybody speak to scotty

tell him beam me up..

so can I get a window seat

don't want nobody next to me

I just want a ticket outta town

a look around

and a safe touch down

can I get a window seat

don't want nobody next to me

I just want a chance to fly

a chance to cry

and a long bye bye..

but I need you to miss me

I need somebody come get me

I need your attention

I need your energy

I need someone to clap me

I need your direction

somebody say come back

come back baby come back

come back come back baby come back

come back come back baby come back

come back come back baby come back

but can I get a window seat

don't want nobody next to me

I just want a ticket outta town

a look around

and a safe touch down...

I just wanna chance to fly

a chance to cry

and a long bye bye...

A'ight Villagers ... you've seen the video and read the lyrics. What do you think about Erykah Badu today?

Tune In Tuesday: Eric Bibbs

This has been a difficult week for a number of reasons. I heard this song last week. I thought it was perfect for many in my family. I encourage you to listen closely to the lyrics of this Eric Bibbs song ... then Shine On.



I share this song freely with all other villagers who pass this way. Never quit. Shine On!

Good News Tuesday: Dennis Christian and Lyndon Bolden Win IT Merit Award Scholarships

To help more African Americans enter the information technology (IT) workforce, the CompTIA Educational Foundation provided 239 African Americans with free IT training and certification last year, and another 19 received merit award scholarships to help them further their educational goals.

African Americans are finding new tech career success, although they are still somewhat under-represented in the IT workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2008 calculated that approximately 574,000 African Americans worked in IT and related fields. African Americans make up roughly 12.5 percent of the entire U.S. population, compared to only 8.6 percent of the IT workforce.

To help diversify the IT workforce, the Foundation’s Creating Futures program provides training and certification opportunities to U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, minorities, at-risk youth and dislocated workers. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors its training to help individuals obtain the skills employers require. The Foundation’s IT Merit Awards Scholarships recognize outstanding accomplishments by students and adult learners in both the CompTIA Education to Careers (E2C) and CompTIA Learning Alliance (CLA) programs who have trained for and received CompTIA certification.

Two recent African American merit award winners came from the Barbara Jordan High School (BJHS) in Houston, Texas, a magnet school that makes it possible for students to earn a high school diploma while acquiring career and technical skills in their chosen career. Recognized by receiving the National High Schools that Work Gold award, it was one of only ten recipients to receive the award in 2009.

BJHS Seniors Dennis Christian and Lyndon Bolden passed their CompTIA A+ certification tests last fall and already have been accepted into Texas’ top universities. Dennis will attend Texas A&M University in the fall and plans on majoring in telecommunications. Interested in computers since he was young, he will travel and volunteer with the YMCA this summer before starting college.

Lyndon will attend the University of Texas to major in management information systems. He will move into college in early July with hopes of gaining a student job within the computer maintenance department on campus. Lyndon starting off his high school career focusing on football and athletics, but a knee injury refocused him on an IT career in his junior year.

BJHS combines hands-on study with online curriculum. The school works with HP and the Houston Community College System (HCCS), but needs more local business support.

Kevin McDonald, an instructor in the program, comments, “Our students need to see where the job opportunities are and what those jobs are like, so that the students can see themselves in those roles. We need more local companies to allow field trips to their offices and job shadowing.”

“Our industry can only grow stronger with more diversification and more qualified technicians,” said John Venator, president and CEO of the CompTIA Educational Foundation. “IT jobs are available, but we lack enough qualified workers to fill them. With programs like Creating Futures and the IT Merit Awards, we help more individuals launch a career in IT. However we need more companies and training organizations to step up. Dennis and Lyndon exemplify the type of bright students our industry wants. Let’s work together to help even more people join our industry.”