Monthly Archives: November 2015

Catnip for (Judicial) Voting Theory Jurisprudes

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

David Post, Wild voting paradox case in the 3rd Circuit. Just. Go. Read. It.

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Coral Gables Cops Offer Their Lobby as Transactional “Safe Space”

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

Coral Gables Central reports that the Coral Gables Police are offering their main lobby as a “safe haven” for people to meet to consummate internet-negotiated transactions. Think Craigslist deals.

The goal is to reduce the likelihood of a criminal act being committed. The Coral Gables Police Department is located at 2801 Salzedo St., Coral Gables, 33134

The department will not be involved in setting the meetings, but the lobby can be used for this transaction any day of the week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

This is a good thing, and the Police should be congratulated for doing it. But note that the cops say they only welcome legal transactions, so unsurprisingly this may not be the place for drug deals, escorting meets, and, they warn, nothing lasting more than 15 minutes. And I’m betting it’s not just watched by a bored desk Sargent, but all taped on camera.

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QOTD

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

“Man is the lowest-cost, 150-pound, nonlinear, all-purpose computer system which can be mass-produced by unskilled labor.”

— attributed to a 1965 NASA report by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee | Labor in the Second Machine Age. (Spotted via DeLong)

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US Prepared to Elect Social Democrat

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

In new shock poll, Sanders has landslides over both Trump and Bush. (The Hill)

I’d like to see a poll of Sanders vs. Rubio, Carson, and Cruz next.

And should we stop calling him a socialist? Bernie really is much more of a social democrat (European style) than a democratic socialist.

Still, maybe this is the beginning of the end of the “unelectable” label.

Posted in 2016 Election | 1 Comment

I Was Just Robocalled by Dr. Ben Carson

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

My first robocall of the ’16 Presidential campaign came about 8:30pm on Nov. 11, 2015.

Dr. Ben Carson offered a recorded update on the state of his campaign — “We’re off to a tremendous start that has shocked political experts …the political class may be surprised but I’m not.” Carson said his campaign is winning because of his positions: “Stop adding to debt” and “deal with terrorism and ISIS” and, of course, “repeal and replace Obamacare so you can make your own health choices.” (A doctor against health care for the poor. Lovely.)

Then came the pitch: “Press 1 to support Dr. Carson’s campaign.” And, “If you do not ant to receive these calls call 1 855 598 2069.” If the call said who paid for it, I missed that part. Maybe if I had held on longer?

Interesting that they are robocalling in Florida already.

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Carson/Yale Latest

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Michael Froomkin

New evidence: Carson got more details right than you’d suspect — and yet missed the main point?.

Posted in 2016 Election | Comments Off on Carson/Yale Latest