I was disappointed that the Trump rally on Friday here in Chicago was cancelled. It's not that I was planning to go, but it was disappointing the way it happened. And I'm disappointed that folks on the left are applauding it or taking credit for it.To be sure, Trump brought it on himself. The aphorisms are plentiful: You reap what you sow. Live by the sword, die by the … [Read more...] about Even Trump Has Freedom of Speech
FBI vs. Apple: Might Is Not So Right
If Manhattan DA Cy Vance's New York Times op-ed supporting the FBI's attempt to force Apple to unlock an iPhone was annoying, then prosecutor Andrew King's blog post at Fault Lines is infuriating. Starting with the title, "Uncle Sam can Compel Apple -- Whether You Like It Or Not," King's argument about the FBI's demand on Apple seems to boil down to a simple message: Fuck you, … [Read more...] about FBI vs. Apple: Might Is Not So Right
Don’t Make History
Today is Super Tuesday, which is a pretty big day in the primary election season. And if you're in one of the states where people are voting today, you have a chance to make history. And I don't mean that in a good way.I think we've seen a lot more noise than usual from the alt-right, including the misogynist wings of the men's rights movement and GamerGate, … [Read more...] about Don’t Make History
A Brief Response to Cy Vance About Apple and the FBI
I was going to write an overview of the technical issues involved in the FBI's demand that Apple help them break into the iPhone 5C that was being used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, but it soon became apparent that the issues were too complex for easy summary, and the story keeps changing as more details leak out.On the other hand, I would like to respond to a … [Read more...] about A Brief Response to Cy Vance About Apple and the FBI
Pretrial Detention and Why It’s Like That
I've been blogging about criminal justice issues for a long time now, and I like to think I know a few things (for an amateur observer) but every once in a while I am amazed to discover that some seemingly normal part of the criminal justice system is, on further examination, inexplicably perverse.This time it started with Ken Womble's post at Fault Lines about risks faced … [Read more...] about Pretrial Detention and Why It’s Like That