A recent Tweet pointed me to an opinion piece that Nicholas Kristof wrote a few months ago for the New York Times on the subject of reducing gun deaths through what he calls a "harm reduction" approach, similar to what we've done with alcohol, tobacco, and cars. It's a few weeks old, but it sparked an urge to respond. For someone who is sort of anti-gun, he takes an interesting … [Read more...] about Smarter Gun Control?
Putting the Trump Indictment Into Perspective
On the one hand, indicting Donald Trump for paying hush money to Stormy Daniels seems like small change. On the other hand, I sure do enjoy when bad things happen to Donald Trump. On yet another hand, however, it bothered me that this indictment seemed like a real stretch, which lends credence to the claims by MAGA folks that it's politically-motivated. However much I despise … [Read more...] about Putting the Trump Indictment Into Perspective
ChatGPT the Hobbyist?
I've been following sex workers on social media for many years((Strictly for purposes of libertarian activism, I assure you.)), and I've noticed a lot of escorts griping about strange first contacts from prospective clients.I wonder if Chat-GPT((Using the GPT-4 language model.)) can help?Write a first contact email to a young escort to set up a date. You can leave … [Read more...] about ChatGPT the Hobbyist?
Ivy R.I.P.
Ivy came into our lives in 2013.We adopted her as an adult. The breeder had originally purchased her to be a queen at the cattery, but she never got pregnant, so at the age of four they spayed her and offered her for sale. When we visited her, we loved how friendly and cuddly she was. And for $400, we took her home. I wouldn't normally mention the price, but a … [Read more...] about Ivy R.I.P.
Assault Weapon Ban Theater
Somewhat to my surprise, earlier this year, Illinois passed an assault weapons ban, justified in part as an attempt to end mass-shootings. The ban is already under attack in the courts and dozens of county Sheriffs have claimed they will not enforce it. Lots of people in the RKBA((Right to Keep and Bear Arms)) community think it won't survive court scrutiny, especially in light … [Read more...] about Assault Weapon Ban Theater