Police

The more things change… March 8, 1830

In issuing to the Police Force the new badge to be worn when the men are on Duty, the Superintendents will fully explain that the object in view is to prevent the constant complaints that would be made by the public on seeing those of the Police Force who are not on Duty walking or talking together, which they will…

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NYPD’s Muslim surveillance

I haven’t said anything about the NYPD’s surveillance of Muslims because, well, I have nothing to say. If it’s legal and good, I’m for it. If it’s illegal and bad, I’m against it. If it’s illegal and good, well then it better be damn good! But I have no clue. So I’ve kept my mouth shut. But what if it’s…

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Six Things Rich People Need to Stop Saying

#6. “Well, $500,000 a Year Might Sound Like a Lot, but I’m Hardly Rich.” #5. “Hey, I Worked Hard to Get What I Have!” #4. “If I Can Do It, So Can You!” #3. “You’re Just Jealous Because I Made It and You Didn’t!” #2. “You Shouldn’t Be Punishing the Very People Who Make This Country Work!” #1. “Stop Asking…

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Happy Pulaski Day!

Pulaski Day was our favorite day off from school, growing up in Illinois. Even then we knew it was special. From the Chicago Sun-Times: But why is Casimir Pulaski honored here rather than any other Polish war hero from the Revolutionary War? Because Pulaski is easier to pronounce than Kosciuszko. There you have it. Here in New York, Pulaski and…

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James Q. Wilson

James Q. Wilson passed away yesterday. From The Chronicle of Higher Education: James Q. Wilson’s Practical Humanity James Q. Wilson made me a cop, even though I never met the man. I think I heard him give a conference talk once. Many say that Wilson, who died Friday after a battle with leukemia, was a kind and nurturing soul. Indeed,…

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On Deadline. On Writing. On Editors. On Getting Paid.

In line with my last post, I got an email around noon yesterday from my favorite editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education. We worked together on my flogging piece. He asked if I could write 1,000 words on James Q. Wilson. Quickly. For $500. Why, yes, I replied, I think I can. I’ve always been pretty good with the…

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“Up With Chris Hayes” book sales bump?

You might wonder (I certainly do): Does being on national TV for half an hour and having your book plugged in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers actually help book sales? Not really. Now my sales did triple for that week. Yes they did… but we’re still only talking an additional 25 copies sold. Nationwide. For both my books.…

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