It's remarkable to consider the non-linearity that Steve Jobs might be the single most important figure in police conduct reform in the 21st century by popularizing the smartphone so everyone has the ability to record these interactions now.
Regarding today's "A story that matters." section -- it's amazing to me that we don't do this permanently already. Why not? The costs are almost certainly quite small, relatively speaking, and the benefits quite high. I can understand some arguments from conservatives against things they perceive as steps toward a so-called welfare state (which I'd argue the U.S. is quite far from), but something like free lunches seems like easy, low-hanging fruit in terms of an all-too-reasonable social safety net for kids in schools.
I agree! I think it's kind of nutty. Part of me feels like this is just basic, simple, good government. And if you're asking me where I want my tax dollars to go... feeding hungry kids is pretty much at the top of the list!
Given the discrepancies between the police report of George Floyd's death and what actually happened, is there a way to hold police departments accountable for their lies? Are police departments allowed to say just anything? (Which brings to mind images of them claiming 1A rights when reporting their actions. Ah yes, lying to the public is definitely what the Founders had in mind when setting up categories of protected speech.) Currently, I'd say they're as trustworthy as a celebrity publicist. Would this require legislation to implement? Which leads to questions of who would keep track (a civilian oversight committee?) and how would they enforce it. I haven't seen this particular topic in any police reform discussions.
Isaac, your 'Reader's Comment" had me curious, so I went back to reread some of yesterday's newsletter (which I am still re-examining).
Under "What Washington D.C. Is Talking About" I read the following in the first few lines:
"...a Black man who was being detained for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes."
I'm confused and hope you can clear it up for me. I recall seeing the young male store clerk from the store George Floyd was in, giving an interview about the incident, explaining how he drew attention to the $20 bill that Mr. Floyd was trying to use I saw footage of George Floyd in the store walking around before the police were called.
It's remarkable to consider the non-linearity that Steve Jobs might be the single most important figure in police conduct reform in the 21st century by popularizing the smartphone so everyone has the ability to record these interactions now.
No kidding. And you could expand that to the advent of social media and how it has changed politics... I mean, Twitter isn't a thing with the iPhone!
without the iPhone*
Regarding today's "A story that matters." section -- it's amazing to me that we don't do this permanently already. Why not? The costs are almost certainly quite small, relatively speaking, and the benefits quite high. I can understand some arguments from conservatives against things they perceive as steps toward a so-called welfare state (which I'd argue the U.S. is quite far from), but something like free lunches seems like easy, low-hanging fruit in terms of an all-too-reasonable social safety net for kids in schools.
I agree! I think it's kind of nutty. Part of me feels like this is just basic, simple, good government. And if you're asking me where I want my tax dollars to go... feeding hungry kids is pretty much at the top of the list!
Given the discrepancies between the police report of George Floyd's death and what actually happened, is there a way to hold police departments accountable for their lies? Are police departments allowed to say just anything? (Which brings to mind images of them claiming 1A rights when reporting their actions. Ah yes, lying to the public is definitely what the Founders had in mind when setting up categories of protected speech.) Currently, I'd say they're as trustworthy as a celebrity publicist. Would this require legislation to implement? Which leads to questions of who would keep track (a civilian oversight committee?) and how would they enforce it. I haven't seen this particular topic in any police reform discussions.
Isaac, your 'Reader's Comment" had me curious, so I went back to reread some of yesterday's newsletter (which I am still re-examining).
Under "What Washington D.C. Is Talking About" I read the following in the first few lines:
"...a Black man who was being detained for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes."
I'm confused and hope you can clear it up for me. I recall seeing the young male store clerk from the store George Floyd was in, giving an interview about the incident, explaining how he drew attention to the $20 bill that Mr. Floyd was trying to use I saw footage of George Floyd in the store walking around before the police were called.
Was it disproven to be counterfeit?
If not, why the wording of "allegedly"?
Thanks for clearing this up for me.