Category Archives: politics

safety and illusion

Malcolm Gladwell writes: Jettas are safe because they make their drivers feel unsafe. S.U.V.s are unsafe because they make their drivers feel safe. That feeling of safety isn’t the solution; it’s the problem. I am reminded of various more politicized … Continue reading

Posted in security theater, technology | Leave a comment

rescue a wildcat, pay a fine

I have occasionally ranted that the war on wetbacks is wrecking the American spirit of casual charity. The drug war, too, is doing its bit: The three men decided to rescue the animal so that it wouldn’t be hit by … Continue reading

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the Hugo was just the beginning

Seeing a twist of yellow ribbon stuck sidewise on the tails of many cars, it struck me that the present conflict would be better symbolized if the loose ends of the ribbon were joined.

Posted in militaria | Leave a comment

indirection

We learn something every day. The old republic of Venice took indirection to an amazing height: New regulations for the elections of the doge introduced in 1268 remained in force until the end of the republic in 1797. Their object … Continue reading

Posted in constitution | Leave a comment

how are cases named?

How did the medical marijuana case now before the Supreme Court come to be called Ashcroft v Raich? I gather that it began life as a criminal case, which would normally be titled US v Raich. Or it could be … Continue reading

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mud sticks

[Upton] Sinclair wrote The Jungle [1906] to ignite a socialist movement on behalf of America’s workers. He did not even pretend to have actually witnessed or verified the horrendous conditions he ascribed to Chicago packing houses. Instead, he relied heavily … Continue reading

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death by safety

Independent Institute: History of Federal [drug] Regulation (cited by Sunni Maravillosa)

Posted in drugwar, medicine | Leave a comment