For the first time ever I had jury duty this week. It was weird being back in a courtroom for the first time in decades, so much more electronics. Even the jury selection process runs through a computer. While that’s an upgrade, the juror payment system in my county (and doubtless 1000s of others) seems a downgrade. Instead of cash or a check you get a pre-loaded MasterCard debit card with all manner of fees attached to how you use it and access the balance. The revenue from these fees is doubtlessly shared with the jurisdiction. Seems a little bit of racket; you have no choice but to show up at the courthouse, you’ll get paid a nominal amount for your time, but now that payment comes with fees attached. Reminded me of the collect call rackets that local jails have contracted with “providers” that sock inmates and their families with crazy phone charges. Not everything government does should be a profit center. Especially basic functions.
The Regime has ended Title IX. RIP women’s sports. No, Republicans will not run on this slam dunk issue. They might get called trans phobic.
Speaking of trans.
How much will thousands of Republican poll workers and attorneys cost and where is the money coming from? Crickets.
Related. Hed of the week.
Elon still trying to get his bag despite federal goon interference.
Ah, yes. EVs. These new federal truck mandates are completely insane and unobtainable.
Some Texas guys have stepped up to oppose the SEC’s new proposed stock trading spying powers. Clearly unconstitutional about eight ways to Sunday.
Theory: Eric Ciaramella belongs in GITMO. Remember when Twitter was suspending accounts who mentioned this Swamp rat’s name?
On the topic of Spook State operatives, Katherine Maher. NPR’s CEO totally fits the profile of a CIA cut out.
Yeah, I am 50/50 that the Live Nation/Ticketmaster situation is an active illegal monopoly. The problem is one of scale and efficiency. It could be that a central source of live venue ticketing is the most efficient. The issue turns on venue add-on fees which, if the venue is owned by the ticketing agent, seems sketch. I just hope the matter is not decided by some fed hacked off that they paid $1576 for Taylor Swift tix.