rightwingjustice.jpgIn what has emerged as a predicted perversion of justice, the UHP’s internal investigation of the Tasering of Utah motorist Jared Massey concluded that Officer John Gardner’s actions were “reasonable.” Said UHP Superintendent Lance Davenport, Gardner’s actions “were lawful and reasonable under the circumstances.” Gardner is currently on administrative leave (read: vacation), because of death threats. Though I’m not shocked at the outcome of the investigation, I am outraged. You should be, too. I suppose the southern officers who unleashed their dogs on protesting civil rights advocates were lawful and reasonable, too.

The day after my Tasering blog post, I called and spoke with a very unreasonable man at the UHP who attempted to persuade me that it was very appropriate to Taser people whenever an officer feels so inclined. I called and left a message for the Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. as well. (Those numbers again are: UHP office at (801) 965-4518 and the Governor’s office at (801) 538-1000.) Huntsman did not return my call.

I have lots of unanswered questions. Why is the investigation of abuse by a member of the UHP being done by the UHP? Does no one think such an investigation might be biased? Is there no oversight of the UHP? Are they responsible to no one? (’The UHP has received thousands of phone calls and e-mails since the video was posted online, many of them critical of the trooper. … “I think mostly it’s people blowing off steam, and that’s fine,” Sgt. Jeff Nigbur, a UHP spokesman.’) Is it impossible for the insolent Gardner to be punished for this crime? If this is left unaddressed, what will the next violation of our rights by police forces be?