On January 19, 2006, a Texas judge ordered Guidant to hand over internal documents that might show the company continued to sell some of its heart defibrillator models after knowing that the devices might prove faulty. The NY Times reported the following day that the documents appear to show that some Guidant executives recommended in January 2005 that perhaps the company should find a way to inform doctors about failures associated with one of its heart defibrillators. Almost six months later, Guidant publicly announced that a design flaw could cause the defibrillator to short circuit.
All of this comes as the bidding war to take over the embattled company continues. Profits rise as people suffer. When corporate greed and wrongdoing are not reined in, we all suffer and people die.
Georgia County Blames Taser for Death
Gwinnett County (GA) attorneys are blaming Taser International in the death of a jail inmate who died after being repeatedly shocked with a stun gun. The county, which has been sued by the family of Frederick Williams, filed a cross claim this week blaming Scottsdale, Arizona based Taser International for providing false training documents and not warning users that their stun guns could be lethal if used repeatedly. The court documents which were filed in US District Court in Atlanta, also say Taser International’s safety studies were biased because they were conducted by Taser paid researchers instead of independent scientists.
This Abuse Didn’t Happen in the ’60s!
On January 22, 2006 a Chicago priest, Rev. Daniel J. McCormack, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim younger than 13 years old. McCormack is accused of abusing two boys , a 13 year old Chicago resident and an 11 year old from Willowbrook. According to court records, the 13 year old was molested several times from September 1, 2001 until January 31, 2005. The abuse occurred in the church’s rectory “two or three times a month after school.” After the incidents, the priest told the victim not to tell anyone and gave him various gifts. The priest in question was pastor of St. Agatha Church in Chicago. He was ordained in 1994. He became pastor in 2000.
The problem of clergy sexual abuse of minors is not new but it’s not going to go away on its own. The problem is systemic and chronic. It’s going to take true reform by bishops and secular authorities if this societal scourge is ever going to end.
NY Times Endorses One Year Window for Sex Abuse Victims
In an editorial published today in the NY Times, the paper endorsed Bishop Thomas Gumbleton’s plea for a one year window for those victimized by sexual predators to bring civil claims to the courts. This is an extremely important step for victims who seek healing.
Taser Begins Marketing Controversial Stun Gun to General Public
The makers of Taser stun guns have begun an aggressive campaign to recruit civilian buyers for devices now used in the U.S. primarily by about 8,500 law enforcement agencies.
Taser International is focusing on sales to ordinary citizens despite the high-profile deaths of police suspects after being repeatedly shocked by the weapon. The push comes after an onslaught of negative publicity, including at least 37 lawsuits and an Amnesty International report of more than 100 Taser-related deaths in the U.S. and Canada since June 2001.
In Illinois, a new law took effect Jan. 1 requiring stun gun and Taser owners to have a state firearm owners identification card and wait 24 hours before purchasing the weapon. The state’s governor likened Tasers and other stun guns to deadly assault weapons.
“The amount of voltage they exert alone can be lethal,” Governor Rod Blagojevich said. “By treating these weapons just as seriously as we treat firearms, we can make our streets and neighborhoods safer.”
It seems to me that Taser is more interested in profits than public safety. Numerous groups including Amnesty International and The Souther Christian Leadership Conference have demanded an investigation into the safety of these weapons. In spite of the public outcry, Taser just wants to make money.
Law Enforcement and Advocacy Groups Debate Taser Use
After calling for a ban on Taser guns in law enforcement for two years, a national civil rights group said Friday more dialogue is needed to encourage more responsible use of the weapon.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is now calling for better standards and training for officers using Taser guns, and their efforts are being bolstered by Georgia lawmakers who have proposed legislation calling for both a ban and a plan to address how and when to use Tasers.
Ex-Priest Gets 111 Years for Molestation
A former priest was sentenced to the maximum 111 years in prison for molestation. Jurors found Paul LeBrun guilty of three counts of sexual conduct with a minor and three of child molestation. The accusations involved six boys ranging in age from 11 to 13 years old and the alleged acts occurred between 1986 and 1991 at St. John Vianney Church in Avondale, Blessed Sacrament in Tolleson, and on camping trips.
During the trial, victims described how LeBrun abused his position to win their trust, only to molest them.
A unique aspect of the trial was Judge McClennen’s decision to allow four victims from Indiana to testify to show that LeBrun had a propensity to abuse young boys.
Bishop Gumbleton: Profile in Courage
Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, 75, has come forward and stated that he too was a victim of priest sexual abuse. Gumbleton has often spoke out for victims’ rights and argued that bishops should stop hiding behing their lawyers and deal pastorally with the victims. Gumbleton recently testified before the Ohio legislature arguing for a repeal of the state’s statute of limitations. As a victim, the bishop knows firsthand how difficult it is to come forward after being sexually abused. The courageous stance that Bishop Gumbleton has taken is unprecedented and should be applauded by people of all faiths. He is an example to us all.
And Now a Bishop Victim. . .
Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton has come forward to reveal that he too was a child victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. The scandal has now victimized one of the leaders of the Catholic Church. Gumbleton, 75, has always been an outspoken voice for peace and justice issues and decided to come forward now in order to urge state legislatures and the Church itself to deal justly with victims of clergy sexual abuse. Gumbleton courageously lends his voice to the victims when some question why it has taken so long for victims to come forward and relate their tale of horror. Gumbleton knows firsthand how difficult it is for victims to speak out and has urged the Ohio legislature to repeal antiquated statutes of limitations barring victims from access to justice in the courts. He has also called on the Catholic Church to deal pastorally with victims. He criticized some of his fellow prelates for refusing to meet with victims. Unfortunately, he will probably endure the same type of response from the Church as did Thomas More and any other courageous person who has dared fight for justice. I tip my hat to Bishop Gumbleton, a man of faith and a true shepherd.
Medical Examiner: Taser Contributing Factor in Lee County Death
According to a Medical Examiner’s report, the Taser stun gun contributed to the death of a Lee County man in 2004. Bryon Black, 39, of Ft. Myers, died after being hit by the Taser and pepper spray as police were trying to subdue him. Toxicology reports were negative for drugs.
In spite of more than 100 deaths attributed to Taser, this is the first Medical Examiner’s report that lists Taser as a contributing cause of death.