A curious series of gaps in evidence about whetherKwamena Ocran

did or did not shoot a gun at a group of plainclothes thugs had the ultimate effect of protecting them from charges for killing him.

Tory supporters are starting to say that the hardship they are nowimposing on millions

of poor people will be good for them -- it will build their character

The people with the worst character are the rich people that lobby to impose more hardship on those who already suffer it. Perhaps they could use some character-building too.

US citizens: call on Secretary Haaland to ban the sale of single-use plastics in national parks.

Explaining Critical Race Theory: Alan Singer explains that it is the study of how racism influenced the development of the laws, institutions and structure of the United States and its precursors, and how those in turn influenced (and often perpetuated) racism through the present day.

This is a meaningful and important field of study, and shines a useful light on history. However, it does not include trying to prejudge any individuals — how we judge people and their conduct is another matter. I do not feel guilty because I was born white; I don't think anyone should feel guilty about the conditions and circumstances of per birth. However, I do include the elimination of racism among the changes I think are important for society.

Singer's article also explains how right-wing disinformationists have distorted the idea of Critical Race Theory in order to mislead people into supporting their extremism. As usual, their statements have a relationship to the real situation, but it is complex and indirect. It is a mistake to presume that any specific thing they say is actually true. So don't try to understand the real situation based on their statements!

Nobelist journalist Maria Ressa says Facebook is "biased against facts." I never thought of it that way, but that fits what we know about it. It does indeed "prioritize the spread of lies laced with anger and hate over facts."