The best current/live account of what’s going on is from a UK paper. (Why is that?) The Guardian. Also, I wrote an update to my Slate article.
Egypt pics
I just added some picture from Egypt (to a previous post). Scroll down if you care.
Police vs. Occupy Wall Street
Turns out I dohave a few thoughts about police and Occupy Wall Street. Read all about it on Slate.com: If cops could wave a magic wand, the protesters would simply go away. But if cops could wave a magic wand, the whole damned city would probably disappear. Police relate to the demoralized employees in the film Clerks: “This job would…
The Revolution Will Return After This Commercial Break
I’m back from a few days in Cairo. I’m not an Egypt expert. But I probably follow the country more than most people because I have Egyptian friends, my wife has spent a lot of time there, and I’ve been there a bunch of times. First the good news: Egyptians are still friendly, holding up well, and there are taxis…
Patrolman Kelly
Has Ray Kelly ever fixed a ticket? I’ll take him at his word that he hasn’t. But has Ray Kelly ever written a ticket? I mean, how long was Kelly on patrol?
What the F*ck?!
I’m just catching up on the news. Those riots at Penn State? Really? There has been lots of intelligent discussion on this matter elsewhere. So I won’t add to that. But I do feel the need to say what’s on my mind: It’s absolutely f*cking amazing what white people can sometimes get away with! Or put it this way: Just…
How many strikes do you need?
You know, I’m against “three strikes and you’re out.” It’s too expensive and doesn’t deter. But the case could be made for “20 strikes and we’ll lock you up till you’re 50” (admittedly, it lacks a certain jingoistic ring). But seriously, at some point you do have to keep “them” (people certain to offend) away from “us” (everybody else). The…
Too Gentle a Slap
I’ve said beforethat Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna should be in trouble (but not fired). But this seems like too gentle a slap on the wrist. What worries me isn’t his career (I couldn’t care less), but the message it sends. Clearly transferring this man to a precinct closer to home is a case of rewarding an officer for 30 years…
Cario?!
Somehow my wifeconvinced me to join her on her latest trip to Cairo. How did thathappen? Regardless, here I am for a few days. A bit of culture shock, coming from rural England. And at first glance Cairo looks surprisingly the same as the last time I was here (which isn’t really a compliment).
Five-oh on bike
What could be more fun than spending a few nights biking around the back alleys, roundabouts, and estates of Basingstoke with a bunch of cops? (One of whom tweets) Seriously. This ismy idea of a good time. Word on the street (or at least in the station) is that I’m the first observer to ever go on bike patrol in…