See the article in the Atlantic Wire here. A money quote from the judge:

In much of the world, propaganda reigns, and truth is confined to secretive, fearful whispers. Even in our nation, apologists for suppressing or obscuring the truth may always be found. But the S.E.C., of all agencies, has a duty, inherent in its statutory mission, to see that the truth emerges; and if fails to do so, this Court must not, in the name of deference or convenience, grant judicial enforcement to the agency’s contrivances.

Matt Taibbi has what I consider one of the better treatments on OWS in a recent article in Rolling Stone – “Wall Street Isn’t Winning – It’s Cheating”. It’s one of the few pieces I’ve seen that has included discussion of the underlying problems at play in Wall Street. Here’s video of him discussing the same topic on CNN. And here’s a excerpt from the article: Continue reading →

Check out taxing here and spending here.

States have created more sustainable wealth for the rich by getting rid of the “rule against perpetuities” — What?! That thing that gave me fits to learn in law school? Next thing you know, they’ll be getting rid of the “The Rule in Shelley’s case”. But seriously, in the future, even wealthy idiots won’t be able to lose their inheritance to creditors or taxes – regardless of how foolishly they live their lives – it’s all done through trusts. Check it out:

AMERICANS have always assumed that wealth comes and goes. A poor person can work hard, become rich and pass his money on to his children and grandchildren. But then, if those descendants do not manage it wisely, they may lose it. “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations,” the saying goes, and it conforms to our preference for meritocracy over aristocracy.

Continue reading →

At least in Ohio on speeding cases – check it out:

In Ohio, if a cop says it looked like you were speeding, he can write you a ticket – no proof needed. Makes things so much easier for law enforcement if they don’t have to be bothered with the burden of proof. True story.

The state’s supreme court ruled five-to-one that independent verification of a driver’s speed isn’t necessary… things like laser guns or radar or actually clocking how fast you’re going. The court says an officer’s visual estimate will work as long as the officer is trained, certified by a training academy and experienced in finding speeders.

Supporters say that officers undergo extensive training where they have to visually estimate the speed of vehicles within one or two miles per hour of the actual speed.

Nonetheless, law enforcement officials insist they won’t be getting rid of their speed guns; and that it’s rare for officers to give tickets based solely on their observations. But the state’s highest court says if they want to, it’s quite all right.

More here.