Torture by Taser has become standard procedure

The Taser was originally introduced to local law enforcement officers as a less-lethal alternative to the firearm. The idea was to get cops to use it for situations in which they would otherwise shoot to kill. In other words, the Taser, like the gun, was to be a weapon of last resort.

Unfortunately (and unsurprisingly), it has become standard procedure to use this device in virtually every situation, even when no threat is posed to anyone. The latest example is the take-down of a Philadelphia Phillies fan who ran out onto the field during a game:



What most people don't seem to understand is that the Taser is actually a reliably lethal torture device. And given that its use is considered to be entirely justified when someone is merely slow to comply with the wishes of a guy in a government-issued costume, you'd think more people would be just a little upset.