While the victim admittedly does seem a little nutty and more interested in making a speech than answering a question, he didn't seem to be a danger to anyone, and the police response seems way overboard and inappropriate (unless we aren't seeing the entire story):

Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaiWCS10C5s&mode=related&search=

Story info here:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5igFKO9Qa4e5qeGs6UWf2oRYvtYpQ

Andrew

had this been at a Bush speech and this man was treated this way it would no doubt start a national riot. The guy was nutty but they had no right to treat him that way.

Yeah, They wewnt a little overboard.

Why, the police offered him every chance to calm down, and shut up or leave. The taser was the least harmful way to subdue him. Cant shoot him, and physical force can end up in serious harm to the subject or an officer.

This is a classic case of police brutality. There was no need to taser the guy as there were at least 4-5 cops on top of him while he was on the ground. He was already subdued.

I don't think it really matters whether he was at a Kerry rally or a Bush rally, it's the cops that overreacted, and the cops don't work for the politicians. But then again, in our modern day world of pre-emptive strikes, this is what we are coming to as a society. Strike first, ask questions later.

No he was not subdued, he kept fighting, and trying to get away, anything but shut up and sit down or leave.

They could have put him in a choke hold, but that can cause serious damage. A taser was the quickest, least likely to cause serious damage.

witnesses say he was on the ground and CUFFED when tasered

The guy set this all up himself. He is a publicity idiot. They should have used billy clubs, as he wanted to do this for cameras.

So, a cuffed person can hurt you, or himself.

Police have lots of options, in a case like that, and the least likly to cause serious injury to the offender or cops, is the taser.

That guy got his fair due. He was given ample opportunity to co-operate peaceably and chose to resist with everything he had. He could have harmed himself or others needlessly. Bravo, in my opinion he needs to be in an establishment were he can get continued shock therapy!

I think Radioblogman's got it.

Looks like from reports I heard is that he set this up and wanted to get tasered. I dont really feel sordy for him, Senator Kerry could of handled it better though. I do believe police are taser happy now adays though, more training is obviously needed.

Mc said>>>
Senator Kerry could of handled it better though.

And what.... Jumped in there and tased the kid himself??? Now, I'd watch that.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc

No, but I understand Kerry has applied for a purple heart, because he felt a tingle from being so colse to the taser.