The CSAPH resolution to the AMA summarized and concluded (on page 9) in part:

Concerns about the use of CEDs [Conducted Energy Devices, like the TASER] fall into three general areas: (1) they are used too frequently and at lower levels on the use-of-force continuum than indicated; (2) appropriate training and supervision of CED use is lacking in some jurisdictions; and (3) CEDs may contribute to the death of suspects, either directly or indirectly.

CEDs have a role to play in law enforcement and prudent use can save lives during interventions that would otherwise involve the use of deadly force. If deployed according to an appropriate use-of-force policy, and used in conjunction with a medically driven quality assurance process, TASER use by law enforcement officers appears to be a safe and effective tool to place uncooperative or combative subjects into custody. Treating CEDs as “only a substitute for deadly force, would endanger officers and negate the benefit that has been demonstrated” [quoting the 2008 Rand Corporation study for the New York Police Department].
Actually been TASERed for much less than "talking back"

I get TASERED every 3 years as part of my training in the use of TASER’s.

People are idiots. Getting hit by a taser is far less harmful than getting the crap beat out of you with a baton or getting shot by a gun - which are your only two real alternatives to the taser (sorry, but o.c. isn’t going to stop a lot of guys who are intent on fighting with the cops).

When you hear about somebody dying after being tased, you can bet that dude was amped up on drugs and that was what killed him.