Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use

The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance. "The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government's business," Frank said.  This proposal probably won't get any traction, but one can always hope.  Rep. Frank should at least be applauded for his effort.

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Library confrontation points up privacy dilemma

AP - Children's librarian Judith Flint was getting ready for the monthly book discussion group for 8- and 9-year-olds on "Love That Dog" when police showed up.  Her courageous stand needs to be cheered by all who cherish our basic rights.  The police, however, were eventually able to gain access to the library's computers.  Which still leaves the questions about what information did they gather and what did they do with it.  We must demand transparency of our government officials.  There must be procedures in place which allow overseers to monitor what our police do with the information they are gathering on us.

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Harassment and Lawyers

Harvey Silvergate makes a reasonable exposition in his article, If I Ran the Zoo XI concerning the proper definition of harassment, and the role lawyers are playing these days in "advising" colleges and universities on the policies and procedures they should adapt to deal with harassment.

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