Ignorantia Juris

As a graduate of the Colorado College, I have dutifully put in my time spewing vitriol at our rivals, the University of Denver.  In fact, certain fine organizations on campus used to throw a party every year known as “DU Sucks.”

Well, not that much vitriol.  It is a low-grade dislike, tempered now by the fact I now attend DU as a law student.  But this article about DU’s semi-retired mascot, Boone, just confirms the fact that DU does, as we so often alleged, suck.

Why?  First, because they have chosen to retire Boone, a stylized pioneer, in favor of a … Continue Reading

Following a mass arrest, a Federal Judge has issued an order stating that members of the Mongols motorcycle gang may no longer wear apparel featuring their trademarked symbol.  Any gear bearing the forbidden trademark is subject to seizure, if worn by a member, their family, or associates.  Presumably, tattoos will not be repossessed.  Also, presumably I could wear and hawk the goods, since I am none of the above.

Beyond obvious questions of legality, I’m curious what end this serves.  I mean, taking away their colors does not eliminate this group.  At best, all they’ll do is find a new … Continue Reading

The president of a “free market” think tank has declared that negotiating with unions is the same thing as talking to terrorists.

Apparently, throwing around grenades means you that you are using “weapons of mass destruction“:
A 24-year-old convert to Islam has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for plotting to set off hand grenades in a crowded shopping mall during the Christmas season.

…

He was arrested in 2006 on charges of scheming to use weapons of mass destruction at the Cherryvale Mall in the northern Illinois city of Rockford.
Via Bruce Schneier.

Continue Reading

Ann Althouse writes:
You know, it didn’t cross my mind that there could be another 9/11 attack today until I read Glen’s comment. Do you think there is someone who deserves a little credit for this ease of mind we enjoy?
I’m going to let the Simpsons answer this one.  Then I’m going to go facepalm mightily. Continue Reading

An internal investigation has declared that the failed no-knock raid on a Maryland-area mayor and his mother-in-law, where his pets were slaughtered, was perfectly justified.

Speaking about the case, the Sheriff stated:
“[T]he guys did what they were supposed to do.”

“They had a legitimate court order to be there,” he said. “Unfortunately, we had to engage the animals, but that engagement was justified.”
Via Reason.

I saw no reason to comment on the fact that some TSA officials demanded that a well-endowed women wearing an underwire bra submit to a fondling to clear security.  Perhaps I’m suffering from outrage fatigue.  Well, not “perhaps.”  I am.  The announcement of “most recent dumb thing the TSA/DHS/Security-of-whatever-variety does to support security theater” is almost a bi-weekly occurrence, alternating with “the word ‘terror’ is used in an completely inappropriate context” and “taking a picture of child, even your own, is evidence of pedophilia.”

But Scott Greenfield of Simple Justice makes this point, one of those that lurks in … Continue Reading

Just a few days ago, over a hundred college presidents released a letter advocating that the drinking age should be lowered (and the number keeps going up).

Today, the Feds announced that they will issue grants of over $19 million to each state to help enforce underage drinking laws.  The language is a little fuzzy, so I’m not sure if that is $19 mil to each state or $19 million total, but I am sure that that is a large hunk of the green, all going to help punish people.  Some of whom are, to point to the most … Continue Reading

I seldom watch television news, but this evening I ended up doing so.  And what do mine eyes see?  A segment on how the FAA has banned all model airplanes within a 30 mile radius of the DNC for the duration.

Of course, no credible threat is mentioned.  And commercial airplanes can still take off and land.  But small pieces of plastic with about a quarter mile control range, those are a threat.

The highpoint of the segment was the statement from an FAA official to the effect of how we have to put up with some inconvenience for security.  … Continue Reading

A lot of people are talking about the drug raid on a Maryland mayor (that’s just two, trust me, there are more).  The raid where the cops shot the mayor’s dogs, pretended to have a no-knock warrant, and now admit that it is a possibility that the drugs were supposed to be intercepted en route by a hidden party, having nothing to do with the actual targets of the raid.  A few have brought up the fact that this conduct is not covered by the Exclusionary Rule, and that Justice Scalia has stated that a “new professionalism” … Continue Reading

A local radio host has referred to Obama as Bill Clinton and John Kerry in “Blackface.”

Way to go Denver Rightwingers.  Stay classy.