Power Corrupts

Fascinating and dark, I don't know many folks that could handle this kind of power, certainly not Trump.

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/donald-trump-a-playboy-model-and-a-system-for-concealing-infidelity-national-enquirer-karen-mcdougal

But the cost to defend our kids is too high ...

"I calculate $10.7 billion based on government statistics which estimate the total number of K-12 public schools at around 99,000 and post-secondary education facilities at around 8,000. That gives 107,000 total. Multiply 107,000 by 100,000 (two security guards each making $50,000 a year) and you get $10.7 billion. I believe $50,000 is a good total estimate for the average security guard salary when taking into account state-level variations in average wage."

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/for-107-billion-we-can-dramatically-reduce-the-threat-of-school-shootings/article/2649205

I might cost double if the author didn't factor in workman's comp, days off, medical and other benefits, but it would be a steal at $40 billion. What is the budget for the department of "homeland security"?

Government Fail

"The F.B.I. failed to act on a tip in January from a person close to Nikolas Cruz warning that he owned a gun and might conduct a school shooting, the bureau acknowledged on Friday, an admission that prompted Gov. Rick Scott of Florida to call for the bureau’s director to resign."
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/us/fbi-nikolas-cruz-shooting.html

Connection

"As Chase’s teacher explained 
this simple, ingenious idea, I stared at her with my mouth hanging open. “How long have you been using this system?” I said.

Ever since Columbine, she said. Every single Friday afternoon since Columbine. Good Lord.

"This brilliant woman watched 
Columbine knowing that all violence begins with disconnection. All outward violence begins as inner loneliness. Who are our next mass shooters and how do we stop them? She watched that tragedy knowing that children who aren’t being noticed may eventually resort to being noticed by any means necessary."

https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/stop-bullying-strategy/

Yes, He's the Jackass We All Assumed Him To Be

It would be awesome if this hush money paid for out of campaign funds idea were the thing to finally bring Trump to his knees.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2018/01/26/the_president_and_the_porn_star_136105.html

The Professionals at the FBI

Of course agents have their own beliefs, of course they will bleed over into their enforcement, of course power corrupts and the citizenry should ask for accountability. It will be interesting to see where this goes.


http://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/370717-as-walls-close-in-on-fbi-the-bureau-lashes-out-at-its-antagonists#.Wmowv-452Qw.twitter

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fbi-texts/u-s-justice-department-recovers-fbi-officials-missing-text-messages-idUSKBN1FE2OY

When the Truth Is A Lie

You will do what this fellow does ...
https://nypost.com/2018/01/21/james-okeefe-is-bringing-back-the-best-practice-of-journalism/