Learning
Jo Freeman Reviews: Mythologies of State and Monopoly Power by Michael E. Tigar
If you want some provocative thinking in these days of the doldrums, read Tigar's five mythologies. His chapter on race starts with the 1944 Supreme Court decision upholding the war-time internment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. The Court accepted the myth that these Americans might help the Japanese government even though there was no supporting evidence. Of course, he discusses the myths behind "separate but equal" and why it was so hard to end that doctrine. Tigar draws upon his own experience in his discussion of the criminal justice system as he represented many criminal defendants in different states. He believes that "fair trial" is one of the myths of the system, though he writes about several such myths. more »
Will COVID-19 Shape the 2020 Election? UC Berkeley Scholars Conclude That It Will Be An Election Without Precedent
Examining an array of issues, from presidential approval ratings, the Constitution, election law, unemployment rates to the security of digital voting, the scholars concluded it was still too uncertain to draw any sweeping conclusions. Except that November 2020 will be an election without precedent. “The Trump administration has decided to make an enormous policy and political bet, and the bet is that they can re-open the economy, and the economy will come back in time for the election, and that COVID-19 won’t re-erupt in a way that will either stifle those efforts or kill lots of people,” said Henry Brady, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy. more »
Ferida's Wolff's Backyard: Is Nature Doing Social Distancing? The Town Where the Official State of New Jersey Was Declared
Ferida Wolff writes: Usually there are many geese in the park but only a few were around on this day. They seemed to be in their own form of social distancing. This goose was eating on its own after being chased away by a connected pair. It seemed to want to gather food near us. It seemed to want company and comfort as if it was looking for its family. I wondered if animals are as prone to get the corona virus as we humans are. I hope the goose eventually finds its natural family. I hope that we all are safe and healthy and remember that while at a distance isn’t our natural way of interacting, it is necessary at this time. more »
On Monday, May 4th, Draw Up Your Chairs: The Supreme Court Televised On C-Span For the First Time
"C-SPAN is committing to airing live each of the Supreme Court's just-announced schedule of oral arguments for May, which will be held by teleconference. The audio of the arguments will be accessible live via one of the C-SPAN TV networks, online via C-SPAN.org, and on the free C-SPAN Radio app, which will allow them to be heard via anyone's cell phone. Photo and name IDs of the justices and counsel will accompany the audio feed on television; name IDs will be provided on radio." Editor's Note: For those of you with children and grandchildren interested in science and the future, do not forget NASA station, NASA.gov! more »