American Academy of Ophthalmology, statement on rubber bullets

[G_j]

https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/statement-on-rubber-bullets-crowd-dispersion

JUN 04, 2020
Statement on Rubber Bullets for Crowd Dispersion

In the past week, Americans engaged in peaceful protests have been blinded by the use of rubber bullets fired at the face.  

While classified as non-lethal, they are not non-blinding. These life-altering eye injuries are a common result of urban warfare, rioting and crowd dispersion. We have seen it around the world, and we now see it in the United States.

Following numerous serious injuries in the past two weeks, the American Academy of Ophthalmology calls on domestic law enforcement officials to immediately end the use of rubber bullets to control or disperse crowds of protesters. The Academy asks physicians, public health officials and the public to condemn this practice.

Americans have the right to speak and congregate publicly and should be able to exercise that right without the fear of blindness. You shouldn’t have to choose between your vision and your voice.

[struggle4progress]

1. knr

[List left]

2. Every individual, every organization, every company, every denomination needs to speak out! nt

[Ohiogal]

3. I have nothing to add but

[Ohiogal]

4. Is Rand Paul in agreement with this

Being a doctor of ophthalmology and all ....

[aidbo]

8. Is Rand Paul against the use of force by the government on peaceful protesters?

Being a ‘libertarian’ and all.

[yellowdogintexas]

10. he probably would be in agreement with the bullets causing blindness

since he would have learned that in med school and in his residency.

However he would not be in agreement regarding the use of a rubber bullet in the first place I am sure he would think it was "just desserts" since he wasn't the one being attacked.

[Missn-Hitch]

20. Actually .... it's good for business.

[tblue37]

5. They DELIBERATELY shoot at the face! nt

[alwaysinasnit]

6. +1000

[SeattleVet]

7. They are not 'non-lethal'.

The are classified as 'less-lethal', and the instructions on many types specify that they are NOT to be fired directly at people, but at the ground where they will bounce toward them at a lower angle and will expend much of their energy before reaching the people. Several of the brands/types also have minimum distances for use against people - not shot from 5-10 feet away.

But of course, the instructions assume that the users will be able to read and comprehend.

[rgbecker]

9. There is no rhyme or reason for "Rubber Bullets" fired at people.

These weapons are used simply to assure that the police can easily move to live ammunition when ordered to do so. Think Jim Jones and the un-spiked kool aid training sessions before actually using the stuff to kill all his followers. Its hard to get even assholes to kill another human and you will need a way to acclimate the "Good Cops" to the idea that it just needs to be done.

If you think rubber bullets have a place in crowd dispersal, you need to first tell me why they are prohibiting the freedom of assembly and all the rest. Do you think they only used them against looters and after curfew?

[SunSeeker]

11. K & R

[malaise]

12. Everyone is waking it

Excellent

[Hekate]

13. Kick!

[Native]

14. P.S. We'd like our country back.

[ck4829]

15. K&R

[smirkymonkey]

16. K&R

I hope the people who were injured by these bullets sue the shit out of the police departments/agencies who employed the people who shot them.

[crickets]

22. You and me both. nt

[ffr]

17. K&R

[GusBob]

18. I think lawyers are liking this pronouncement

If the product is not used as directed

Deep pockets behind their use and manufacturing

Juries are sympathetic for blind eyes

[Missn-Hitch]

19. This Optometrist approves.

[whopis01]

21. This isn't a possibility. It is a reality. It has happened.

https://petapixel.com/2020/06/01/photojournalist-blinded-by-rubber-bullet-while-covering-protests-in-minnesota/

[Wednesdays]

23. K&R. nt