Sunday, June 26, 2011

Cops & Robbers

Cops vs. Criminals? Try Cops vs. Citizens.

Cops don't bust criminals. They can't bust criminals. Not if we wish to maintain the notion that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Contrary to popular opinion (even I am prone to forgetting this), 'innocent until proven guilty' is not a right. Placing the burden of proof on the accuser rather than the accused is, however, a standard practice in our legal system. A damn good one at that!

Cops bust people. A court of law that could very well involve a Constitutionally guaranteed jury of one's peers determines if a crime was committed. Until that time, we should presume the person(s) innocent.

The next time you look through mug shots, observe an arrest, or even hear of one in the news try to think of 'the perp' as just another citizen or at the very least 'the accused'.

Or perhaps you like the idea of cops viewing everyone as potential criminals. Who am I to judge, jury or execute?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Gay Marriage in Old New York

BBC News - New York state approves gay marriage
New York has become the sixth and most populous US state to allow same-sex marriage.
I think we are reaching a point where this movement is snowballing. Coincidentally I also approve of snowballing. Whatever floats your boat.

As long as we have states that recognize same sex marriage the federal government needs to as well. I hear the disparity between state and federal tax codes makes it a real bitch to file.

We could make this whole thing super easy by outlawing ALL marriage. Then only outlaws would have in-laws.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

War on (Some) Drugs

BBC News - Central America drugs war: Clinton pledges more funds
Mrs Clinton said funding for the fight against transnational organised crime in the region would be increased from $260m in 2010 to almost $300m this year.
Or we could legalize all drugs, tax them, generate millions in revenue, and no longer give a rat's ass about foreign drug cartels.

Too simple?