some days, i swear, i don’t even know why i read the news.

first off, this idjit decides to say something as inflammatory as:

“If you wanted to reduce crime, you could — if that were your sole purpose — you could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossibly ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down,”

Now you can think whatever you like about the connections between crime and race. But as a politician and someone with a microphone in front of you, you cannot say it.

Not only has he refused to apologise, for his remarks, but he has also attempted to defend tham, by saying it was a “hypothesis” and that his record proves he’s not racist. Both of which are immaterial. What he *said* was categorically racist because it drew upon stereotypical presumptions about black people.

People have argued that in fact, aborting all black babies *would* bring down crime – as would aborting all white babies. All of which may be true – but that’s not what he *said*.

His comments reflect an underlying prejudice. A not-so-Freudian slip. What’s more disturbing than the idea that these views are held b the people in government (not in and of itself, all that shocking), is the notion that when they say something which can clearly be construed as hurtful, even damaging – that they see no need to bear any responsibility for that. He said something which hints at endorsing genocide, and will not apologise. I find that shamefully repugnant.

In other ridiculous news, florida has enacted a “shoot first” policy.

Previously, gun owners could only use their weapons if they first attempted to withdraw and avoid a confrontation, and were permitted to shoot threatening individuals only inside their home or property.

Now they can use “deadly force” if they “reasonably believe” that firing their gun is necessary to prevent a crime or serious injury. The law also effectively prevents civil legal action by victims of such shootings.

The gun-control lobby is hitting back where it hurts: the pocketbook. It is taking out a series of adverts warning Britons that their lives may be endangered if they visit florida. I think this is a brilliant tactic, and one which has worked before, as demonstrated by tourism boycotts of arizona and south carolina (over the mlk holiday and confederate flag, respectively). when common sense has taken a back seat to vigilanteeism, perhaps a monetary incentive will make more of an impact.

the lawmakers have taken leave of their senses, quite clearly. or perhaps they’re planning to save money by doing away with the police (who, last I checked, were still responsible for public safety). i can see no other logic to it.

but hey, i’m from massachusetts, so what do I know?

and then there’s the whole “intelligent design” controversy, which to be honest, I can’t even dignify with blog space.

thanks god it’s the weekend and I can stop thinking about shit which makes my blood pressure skyrocket.

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