Since when has government ever produced proper oversight, transparency, or effective management of anything? And what could possibly go wrong with eviscerating the First Amendment to give these jokers “oversight” or “management” powers over technologies that undergird our politics? What’s really going on here?
Tag: history
Social Credit Ratings Won’t Work
Social credit rating systems like those portrayed in Black Mirror and The Orville are not built on objective, verifiable facts. Quite the contrary; they are built on subjective, unverifiable opinions.
Papers, Please: Unfortunately, Trump Isn’t Much Ahead of His Time
Over the last few decades, the US has effectively re-created the Soviet Union’s old “internal passport” system. Your rights to move about, to work, to conduct your financial affairs, and in general just to live your life, are subject to the government’s demand that you prove your identity at any time and for any reason.
Economic Systems Transform Culture, Not Vice-Versa
I think capitalism is purely an accident, usually it doesn’t start. There have been several point in history where centralized control collapsed but markets still operated. In that period of time, no one was able to grab the reigns of power but peaceful transactions were highly profitable. Later, philosophers came in and acted like they were leading the parade. In short, I think the enlightenment explanation is wrong.
Nine Attorneys General, and Alyssa Milano, versus the First Amendment
On July 30, National Public Radio reports, “[a] coalition of attorneys general from eight states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration … to stop a Texas-based company from publishing instructions for 3D-printed guns on its website.” In English: Nine state attorneys general want the federal government to censor the Internet, in violation of the First Amendment, for the purpose of making the Second Amendment less effectual.
A Founding Father’s Fight Against the Constitution
Patrick Henry’s courageous and ceaseless arguments against tyranny have all but been forgotten. School children are taught in American History classes that he once boldly proclaimed “give me liberty or give me death!” But his fearless, bold and unremitting arguments against the Constitution, something he saw as truly tyrannical, are seldom mentioned, much less discussed.
Don’t Disown Your Past Selves
You have to remember that there will be plenty more Past Yous before you die. You can’t decide that you dislike or trust them all or you’ll lose all. You must remain confident in your ability to generate Future Yous that will win.
Stand Your Ground, But Don’t Start Trouble
There was a recent shooting, which is being promoted as a”stand your ground” incident, in Florida. It has turned into one of those “big things” on the internet, with people picking sides. Personally, I’m torn.
Depopulating Palestine, Dehumanizing the Palestinians
One might have thought that, in the wake of the Nazi regime’s systematic crimes against humanity last century, dehumanization would have become unthinkable once and for all. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. It has shamefully continued unabated, the assorted perpetrators including, with tragic irony, those who themselves were victims of Nazi dehumanization. Dehumanization is…
“Stand Your Ground”: A Good Law for Bad Situations
It’s about five seconds from the time McGlockton attacks Drejka to the moment that Drejka shoots McGlockton. In that five seconds, Drejka has to determine whether or not he is at risk of “imminent death or great bodily harm” and act accordingly. His assessment, whether correct or not, is obviously within reason.