January 10, 2008
Has "Big Brother" Gone Too Far?
| Host: | Vic Eliason |
| Listen: | RealAudio | Windows Media | MP3 | Order Tape or CD |
On January 8th, Crosstalk reported on a young Colorado boy, Jon Shiflett, who injured himself while trying to grab the door handle on his sister's car. His parents treated him and rejected the demands of paramedics that he be taken to a hospital.
Nearly 36 hours later, S.W.A.T. team members went to the boy's home. Authorities took Jon to the hospital where a doctor said that the family should keep ice on Jon's head bruise, which was the kind of treatment the family had already been providing.
How far is too far? Was the use of a S.W.A.T. team justified in this situation? What are the limits of law enforcement in such circumstances, especially when you consider that sometimes there are instances where children are abused?
Vic gives details regarding an e-mail he received from the Sheriff responsible for responding to this incident, and listeners also weigh in with their comments.
Action Points
To make your views known about the Glenwood Springs, Colorado S.W.A.T. team forcible taking of 11-year-old Jon Shiflett from his family, contact
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter
303-866-2471
email: governorritter@state.co.us
