In light of the recent killing of a 15 yr-old boy by a police officer in Bay City whose weapon was the non-lethal TASER, we, the undersigned citizens of the State of Michigan, demand an immediate cease of use of TASER stun guns by all Michigan Police Forces.
The use of TASERS is being abused by many officers in a way that threatens, do as I say or else. We feel that regardless of training, our Police Officers have misused and will continue the misuse of the TASER stun guns. After all, policemen and women are subject to the same emotions, fears, and prejudices that the rest of us are subject to. We fear that the civil rights movement would not have been possible, had the police been armed with TASERS at that time. How much more difficult would it be today for a citizen to commit an act of civil disobedience without being subdued by the deadly NON-lethal TASER? How many citizens will have the courage to stand up for their God- given rights against oppressive or power-hungry police forces? When in many cases, just by speaking, they will be literally putting their lives on the line. As the public, that which our Police Forces are sworn to protect, we will not stand for these torturous acts and weapons.
When the people fear their government there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty- Thomas Jefferson
