24 Nov: The next forced outpatient electroshock of Ray Sandford is scheduled for this Wednesday morning, 26 November 2008, the day before the USA holiday of Thanksgiving. Join an international campaign *NOW* to phone Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today and tomorrow, before the shock:
Update 25 November 2008 to below: Today, MindFreedom has filed the “Special Rapporteur on Torture Form” about Ray Sandford to the Special Rapporteur on Torture c/o Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.
MindFreedom International – 24 November 2008
Ray Human Rights Alert #4: Please Forward
You Can Ask: Thanksgiving Reprieve?
MindFreedom Filing Complaint with UN Claiming “Torture” in Minnesota
1) Ask the Governor to give Ray Sandford a reprieve from his next forced electroshock.
2) Ask the Governor — who claims to believe in limited government — if he supports laws in Minnesota allowing this torture: the involuntary administration of electroshock therapy (ECT) of people living out in the community?
A MindFreedom investigation revealed that Ray Sandford, 54, complained of being escorted every week for months from his supported living home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota to Mercy Hospital for another course of electroshock over his objection.
After the first MindFreedom News international alert, Ray’s doctor let him skip his forced shock this past Wednesday, 19 November.
This Wednesday morning, 26 November, Ray expects to be woken up early once again to be escorted the 15 miles to what he is told will be his 34th involuntary outpatient electroshock under special Minnesota laws.
Meanwhile, MindFreedom is filing a official claim with the United Nations calling Minnesota’s abuse of Ray “torture,” using a new process and expanded definition by the UN.
** ACTION ** ACTION ** ACTION **
Join in a MindFreedom international phone-in campaign!
Telephone Governor Pawlenty’s office *NOW* — and insist on talking to a staff person.
Call any day, but especially call today and tomorrow, *before* Ray’s scheduled electroshock this Wednesday.
From anywhere in the world phone (651) 296-3391.
From inside Minnesota phone toll free (800) 657-3717.
You have the best chance of reaching staff from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time weekdays.
NOTE: Staff is directing many of these calls into voice mail. MindFreedom is not aware of anyone actually getting a response to this voice mail.
DO NOT GIVE UP! Politely but FIRMLY insist on on talking to a staff person.
If you get redirected to voice mail leave a message, but call back until you get an answer from a live person.
If you do receive any helpful information, e-mail it to news-at-mindfreedom.org.
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Ray Campaign News Updates:
MindFreedom Filing Complaint with United Nations Alleging “Torture” by Minnesota
This past Friday, 21 November, disability advocates met with Ray at the Minnesota Center for Independent Living. Ray told advoctates he very much supports this campaign.
During the meeting a teleconference was held with MindFreedom President Celia Brown in New York City and MindFreedom Director David Oaks in Oregon. Celia interviewed Ray so that MindFreedom may file a human rights complaint under a new process with a United Nations Special Rapporteur. Because of recent developments, some types of severe psychiatric abuse may now be considered torture by the UN.
Involuntary outpatient electroshock (IOE) is part of a trend to bring the power of forced psychiatric procedures out into the community, from the back ward to your front porch.
Mind your freedom: Your home is no longer your castle… it can become your ward.
Electroshock itself has made a comeback throughout the USA, and internationally, without adequate human rights protection.
You may read some of the many public comments that have been e-mailed to the Governor at tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us here:
https://mindfreedom.org/shield/ray/sandford-support-letters
For a full-sized photo of Ray click on his image here: https://mindfreedom.org/shield/ray
Past alerts:
7 Nov: Alert #1 – How to e-mail the Governor: https://mindfreedom.org/shield/ray-sandford
12 Nov: Alert #2 – First phone-in to Governor: https://mindfreedom.org/shield/pawlenty-electroshock
16 Nov: Alert #3 – Ask Governor’s Director of Communications Brian McClung for answers: https://mindfreedom.org/shield/ray/16-nov-08-update
REMEMBER RAY – TAKE ACTION NOW!
Don’t let Ray get escorted without you saying “no” to torture out in our communities.
It takes just a few moments. Please nonviolently “zap back” by asking questions.
The campaign is being heard in the Governor’s office. MindFreedom has evidence that at least one frustrated operator has hung up on callers about Ray.
Ray did not give up. So we won’t give up!
From anywhere in the USA or the world phone (651) 296-3391.
From inside Minnesota phone toll free: (800) 657-3717.
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS
Please forward this public alert to supporters of human rights on and off Internet with an encouragement to act *NOW*!
There’s a reason MindFreedom International has broken the silence on this issue:
Independent united activism.
To support MindFreedom and this campaign please join, renew early or donate today, click here:
https://mindfreedom.org/join-donate
Once you join MindFreedom, current members can apply to get on the MindFreedom electroshock campaign e-mail list called ZAPBACK where the Ray campaign is coordinated internationally. Once you’re an MFI member sign up on ZAPBACK here:
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