Don’t Ridicule Virus Science Just Because It’s Not Perfect
For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones’ newsletters.This is from Wesley Smith over at NRO: Well, well. The World Health Organization now says asymptomatic people with COVID infection rarely spread the disease. Pardon my whiplash. So, now that we know COVID is not as dangerous as was initially thought,…
Joe Biden Doesn’t Want to Defund the Police
Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, made clear today in a statement that he would not support defunding the police. He did say there is an “urgent need for reform,” and he advocated for body-worn cameras and further diversification of the police force. The former vice president, according to the New York Times,…
“Defund the Police” Needs a Rebrand
For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones’ newsletters.The inimitable Patt Morrison wants to know what “Defund the Police” means: We’re overdue for a clear definition. Does “defunding” mean “getting rid of” police altogether? Does it mean “dismantling and rebuilding”? One message, one definition. Without clarity and unity, this will…
Here’s How Police React to Being Investigated
Tanaya Devi and Roland Fryer have a paper out today that looks at the impact of “Pattern or Practice” investigations of police departments. In a nutshell, what they find is that ordinary investigations have a generally positive effect, leading to fewer homicides and reduced crime in the surrounding community. However, investigations that were spurred by…
A Majority of Minneapolis Councilmembers Vowed to Dismantle the City’s Police Department
A large crowd gathered for a community meeting in Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis on Sunday.Julia Lurie/Mother Jones For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones’ newsletters.At a community rally at Powderhorn Park this afternoon, 9 of Minneapolis’ 12 city councilmembers showed up and pledged to dismantle the city’s police department,…
Barr Defends Firing Pepperballs at Peaceful Protesters Before Trump Photo Op
Jose Luis Magana/Getty For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones’ newsletters.Attorney General Bill Barr today tried to downplay the use of chemical irritants on protesters in Washington, DC, last week by insisting they weren’t, well, chemical irritants. “Pepper spray is not a chemical irritant. It’s not chemical” — AG…