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    Part One: Excited Delirium: How Cops Invented A Disease

    enMay 04, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Building and strengthening community connectionsConnecting with neighbors, sharing interests, volunteering, and expressing oneself through fashion can all lead to stronger communities and personal growth.

      Building and strengthening community connections can bring numerous benefits, from social bonds and support during uncertain times to personal growth and even disaster preparedness. Neighbor to Neighbor is an example of a volunteer network that encourages people to connect with their neighbors and build stronger communities. Meanwhile, finding joy and community through shared interests, like online casinos or volunteer organizations, can also be a powerful way to enrich one's life. Additionally, it's important to remember that community and connection are valuable at any age, as demonstrated by AARP's focus on volunteering and community involvement for people of all ages. Lastly, fashion can also be a way to express oneself and feel comfortable and confident in one's own skin, with retailers like JCPenney offering a wide range of stylish and comfortable options for different body types and sizes.

    • The controversy surrounding 'excited delirium' and its use by law enforcementThe term 'excited delirium' is not widely recognized in the medical community and has been criticized as a justification for excessive force against Black individuals, with George Floyd's death serving as a recent example.

      The use of the term "excited delirium" by law enforcement to justify the use of excessive force, particularly against Black individuals, is a controversial and potentially misleading concept. During the discussion, it was revealed that this term is not widely recognized in the medical community and has been criticized as being invented by law enforcement and Taser manufacturers to justify deadly force. The case of George Floyd's death served as a recent example of this issue, as the term was used to explain his death despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The recognition of historical genocides, while politically charged, can lead to important conversations about the treatment of marginalized groups and the use of power by authorities. However, it's crucial to approach these discussions with a critical and informed perspective, recognizing the potential biases and motivations behind the language and actions of those in power.

    • Historical misdiagnoses of Bell's maniaMisdiagnoses from the past, such as Bell's mania, underscore the importance of updating medical knowledge and questioning long-held beliefs.

      Historical diagnoses, even those made by well-intentioned doctors, can be incorrect due to limited knowledge and resources. Bell's mania, a diagnosis made in the 1800s for agitated, delirious patients, is now believed to have been largely misdiagnosed. Many of these patients likely suffered from infectious or autoimmune encephalitis, which was difficult to recognize and treat at the time. Bell, who made these observations, was doing his best with the information available to him. However, the diagnosis persisted until the development of antipsychotic medications in the 1950s. The diagnosis took an unexpected turn in the 1980s when cocaine use became more common, and women who died from cocaine overdoses were initially misdiagnosed with Bell's mania. This highlights the importance of continually updating medical knowledge and questioning long-held beliefs.

    • Misdiagnosis of Excited Delirium during the 1980s Cocaine EpidemicThe diagnosis of excited delirium during the 1980s cocaine epidemic was based on flawed assumptions and served as a convenient scapegoat for law enforcement to blame black individuals for their own deaths, perpetuating victim-blaming narratives and ignoring systemic issues surrounding drug policing and disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

      The diagnosis of excited delirium during the 1980s cocaine epidemic was not based on sound medical evidence and instead served as a convenient scapegoat for law enforcement to blame black individuals for their own deaths. Charles Wetley, who popularized the term, incorrectly assumed that chronic cocaine use led to psychosis in men and death in women. However, further investigation revealed that the deaths were actually caused by asphyxiation from a serial killer. Despite this, Wetley's diagnosis continued to spread, contributing to the demonization of cocaine use and perpetuating victim-blaming narratives. A study in 1997 found that excited delirium deaths were more likely to be black, male, and younger, and occurred more frequently in police custody. These findings contradicted the common perception of cocaine overdoses as sudden and fatal for white individuals who had overdosed while partying. Instead, the study highlighted the systemic issues surrounding drug policing and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

    • Controversial explanation for deaths in police custodyExcited delirium is not a valid medical diagnosis, and deaths in police custody are more likely due to police use of force than to cocaine use or excited delirium as a distinct condition

      The phenomenon known as "excited delirium" has been used as a controversial and potentially misleading explanation for deaths in police custody, particularly among black individuals. Research suggests that these deaths are more commonly linked to police use of force, specifically restraint techniques and the use of chemicals like mace, rather than to cocaine use or excited delirium as a distinct medical condition. The use of this label has been criticized for obscuring the true causes of these deaths and perpetuating biased narratives. It's important to note that excited delirium is not recognized as a valid medical diagnosis by major organizations like the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization. Instead, further investigation and transparency are needed to understand the underlying causes of these tragic incidents.

    • Community Connections, Entertainment, and Controversial DiagnosisNeighbor to Neighbor fosters community bonds, Chumba Casino provides escape, and Snagajob links businesses with quality employees. Controversy surrounds 'excited delirium' diagnosis, questioning its validity and potential for police brutality.

      Neighbor to Neighbor encourages building strong community connections, while Chumba Casino offers an escape for entertainment. Snagajob, on the other hand, serves as a platform for businesses to hire quality employees. A less pleasant topic was discussed regarding the controversial diagnosis of "excited delirium," which some medical organizations recognize, but many do not. Characterized by bizarre behavior and failure to respond to police presence, this diagnosis has been criticized for justifying brutality against those who resist. It's important to note that there's no such thing as a nonlethal weapon, and specific cases of deaths attributed to this diagnosis raise concerns about its validity. Overall, these discussions highlight the importance of community, entertainment, and critical thinking.

    • Controversial diagnosis of 'excited delirium' in police custody deathsOver the past decade, 85 people in Florida died from 'excited delirium', 62% of which involved police use of force. Most were men, and a third were black men, raising concerns about potential bias and homicides being ruled as accidents.

      The term "excited delirium" is frequently used in medical reports when people die in police custody, often following the use of force by law enforcement. This diagnosis is controversial, as it is often applied when individuals are under the influence of drugs or experiencing a violent, agitated state. However, a significant number of cases involve no drug use and only police intervention. The diagnosis of excited delirium allows for deaths to be ruled as accidents, avoiding the need for investigations into potential homicides. Over the last 10 years, 85 people in Florida have died from excited delirium, with 62% of these cases involving police use of force. Most of these deaths were of men, and a third were black men. While some medical examiners may use the diagnosis for cases that seem like drug overdoses, it is important to note that not all excited delirium deaths involve police involvement or drug use.

    • The controversial use of 'excited delirium' diagnosis in police custody deathsSome law enforcement officers use 'excited delirium' diagnosis to avoid scrutiny in custody deaths, but it's not widely accepted in medical community and lacks scientific evidence.

      The diagnosis of "excited delirium" has been used by some law enforcement officers to avoid investigations into potential misconduct leading to deaths in custody. This diagnosis, which is not widely accepted in the medical community, suggests that the deceased person's death was caused by an excess of neurotransmitters like adrenaline rather than the actions of law enforcement. However, critics argue that this diagnosis is not credible because it is rarely applied to people outside of police custody, and that it is often used as a way for law enforcement to avoid scrutiny. Doctors like Michael Baden have criticized the use of this diagnosis, stating that it is not supported by scientific evidence and is used specifically for people dying during police encounters. Other doctors, like Russell Vega and Steven J. Nelson, have distanced themselves from the diagnosis and avoid using it in their work. The Axon Corporation, which manufactures Tasers, has been criticized for promoting the use of this diagnosis to downplay the role of their stun guns in deaths in custody. Overall, the use of "excited delirium" as a diagnosis in cases of death in police custody is a contentious issue, with some arguing that it is a legitimate way to describe behavior, while others see it as a way for law enforcement to avoid accountability.

    • Doctors Defend Taser Safety, Debate ContinuesDoctors hired by Taser manufacturer Axon defend the safety of Tasers, but some experts dispute their claims, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

      Axon, the company behind Taser weapons, has long emphasized their safety and has hired numerous doctors to support this claim. Dr. Wetley, one such doctor, has defended Tasers against allegations of contributing to deaths, stating that excited delirium is the cause and that Tasers do not interfere with heart rhythms. However, other experts like Dr. Werner Spitz dispute this, claiming that Tasers can indeed interfere with heart electrical impulses. Despite this, Axon continues to promote the safety of Tasers, and the debate continues. It's important to note that the relationship between these doctors and Axon, as well as the timing of their employment, can raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.

    • Exploring Tools and Platforms for Connection, Convenience, and Cost SavingsFrom Monopoly Go to Neighbor to Neighbor, Snagajob, and Mint Mobile, various tools and platforms offer opportunities for connecting with communities, simplifying lives, and saving money.

      There are various platforms and tools available to help us connect with our communities and simplify our lives. Monopoly Go offers a fun and engaging way to connect with friends through trading and unique game elements. Neighbor to Neighbor empowers individuals to build stronger community bonds and prepare for emergencies. Snagajob provides businesses with access to a vast talent pool for hiring needs. Mint Mobile offers affordable wireless plans, helping individuals save money on their monthly bills. Additionally, it's important to note that safety and accountability are crucial, as seen in the ongoing debate about taser usage and liability. Overall, these tools and platforms offer opportunities for connection, convenience, and cost savings.

    • Doctors promoting 'excited delirium' syndrome questioned for financial gainSome doctors, like Deborah Masch and Charles Wetley, have been accused of promoting 'excited delirium' syndrome for financial gain, despite lack of consensus and potential conflicts of interest. Their arguments and credibility are questioned due to their relationship with Taser manufacturer Axon.

      Some medical professionals, like Dr. Deborah Masch and Dr. Charles Wetley, have been accused of promoting the syndrome of "excited delirium" for financial gain, despite the lack of consensus within the medical community and potential conflicts of interest. Masch, who has argued for the legitimacy of excited delirium, has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on the subject and has been a prolific expert witness in lawsuits involving Taser use. However, her credibility is called into question due to her mentor relationship with Wetley, who has been hired by Taser manufacturer Axon as an expert witness in over a dozen cases. This relationship raises concerns about potential bias and conflicts of interest, as well as the validity of their arguments. The continued promotion of excited delirium as a syndrome, despite the lack of solid evidence, can lead to unnecessary use of force by law enforcement and potentially harmful consequences for individuals.

    • Dr. MASH: Shifting Blame from Tasers to HealthcareMedical experts like Dr. MASH are hired by companies to defend controversial tools like tasers, expressing sympathy for victims while shifting blame to the healthcare system for budgetary constraints.

      Some medical experts, like Dr. Deborah MASH, are hired by companies like Axon to defend the use of controversial tools like tasers in law enforcement. Dr. MASH has become Axon's go-to expert in Florida when someone dies after being tasered, and she manages to express sympathy for victims while avoiding placing blame on the cops. However, she also advocates for more funding for jails to hire nurses and improve healthcare, implying that the cops are not to blame for budgetary constraints. Axon values her ability to shift responsibility away from their product and towards the healthcare system. It's an impressive Matrix Dodge that keeps the focus on the perceived need for more resources rather than the potential harm caused by their tasers.

    • Live NASCAR Racing and EntertainmentEnjoy live NASCAR racing on MRN and NASCAR.com, or endless entertainment with Zumo Play and Iheart radio

      NASCAR racing is live and in action on various platforms, including hometown radio stations and MRN or NASCAR.com. The Motor Racing Network provides live coverage of NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series Racing, with exciting side-by-side action, last lap passes, and photo finishes. Additionally, Zumo Play offers free, endless entertainment with a diverse lineup of over 350 live channels, movies, and full TV series. For music lovers, Iheart radio music channels provide a range of options, including nineties hits and hip hop beats, without the need for logins, sign-ups, or accounts. So, whether you're into NASCAR racing or entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy right away.

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    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

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    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

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