I’m a pretty lucky guy because I rarely get bullied. This is mainly because I spend most of my time in my shorts and a T-shirt sitting alone at a computer. (Notice that I didn’t say I work in pajamas — I do have a tiny amount of dignity.)
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One of the main problems with social media — and, often, writing in general — is that it can be hard to tell what sort of tone or meaning the author intended. The most innocuous comment — or at least the comment you thought was perfectly innocent — can start a virtual riot online.
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Why would you label a judge or arbitrator as “neutral?” Aren’t all of them supposed to be neutral? That’s what I thought until I spotted an ad for JAMS, the arbitration service. The arbitrator is a “neutral.” Does that mean JAMS also offers “chaotic evil” and “lawful good” arbitrators?
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The fight for justice never ends. While the U.S. Supreme Court ponders whether federal civil rights laws apply to LGBTQ people, let’s not forget that there are other often-forgotten minorities that need protection too.
Read moreImpeachment talk got you down? Does the mention of a word that rhymes with “dump” make you want to drive north on the southbound 405 during rush hour? The standard remedies — alcohol, meditation, self-cutting, ice cream, porn — aren’t enough these days.
Read moreI know most of you haven’t been imprisoned for murder. At least I hope not. But try to imagine you have been, and you’re sure you’re innocent. What do you do? Think about it.
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I’m in favor of kindness and good deeds. Really, I am. But do we need to study them? Should we study them? What if they’re not as kind and good for us as we think?
Read moreEvery now and then I spot a fascinating press release that makes me stop and think: “Why is this in a press release?” If they’re especially mystifying, they make me consider philosophical topics that may never have occurred to me.
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I suppose punishment should fit crimes but what exactly does that mean? Do you punish based on harm? On intent? On the amount of money it cost to commit the crime? What if the crime actually helped people instead of hurting them?
Read moreA noted public figure recently suggested that massively destructive hurricanes can be aborted by attacking them with nuclear weapons. This, of course, is ridiculous — we can’t afford to repeatedly create new bombs and, even if we could, there’s a limit on the world’s supply of radioactive material. What happens when we run out?
Read more“Sorry, it’s the way I negotiate.” — a certain political figure
Settling a lawsuit can be a difficult and delicate process and not everyone is a master of negotiating technique. Fortunately, there’s now a template for success.
Finally! There’s a reason — and, hopefully, a motivation — for politicians not to appear on Twitter: You don’t have to listen to anyone disagreeing with you. Some of you out there may think that free and open discussions are good for democracy and persuasion, but be honest, do you really enjoy listening to all those dumb people who don’t think like you do?
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Russian interference in our elections — is it really a bad thing? Yeah, it is, but since the federal government so far seems to be doing very little about it, maybe we ought to encourage interference in our elections instead — by everyone.
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Is it really unconstitutional to require a presidential candidate to provide tax returns if (s)he wants to get on the ballot? How many of the people suing over California’s new law requiring presidential candidates to provide tax returns to get on the ballot have read the Constitution?
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Why isn’t the bar exam open book? Why isn’t it open library or open internet? Practicing law, after all, is open book, open library and open internet. You’d probably get sued for malpractice if you relied on your memory.
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If you don’t like the way things are going in this country, you need to move. Heed the words of the president: Go back to a country you already live in.
Read moreOK, all you outstanding women journalists out there, I need one of you to step up. There’s an important story that needs to be covered and only you can tell it.
Read moreWhat does it mean to be a good person? I’m on vacation for a couple of weeks, so instead of updating and explaining the news, I’m going to wax philosophical. Today’s topic: How do I judge goodness in myself and others?
Read moreI’m on vacation for a couple of weeks, so instead of updating and explaining the news, I’m going to wax
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