pardon me while i climb on my soapbox

I just read an article about the cop who tased the 72 year old woman. Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't cops given tasers to use instead of a gun? So if they feel their lives are threatened, they're to use the taser instead of the gun to subdue the suspect. I hardly doubt that a 72 year old woman resisting arrest for refusal to sign a traffic ticket is a death threat. I understand she was in the wrong for resisting arrest, and hell she even provoked the officer by asking to be tased!, but seriously? Was a taser really necessary?? it sickens me every time i read yet another article about a police officer using excessive force when not needed.

And the 5-0 wonder why they aren't respected...

Don't tase me, bro.

{article via MSNBC}