Solitary confinement is torture
Published: Daily Dot (June 24, 2015)
The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution may not have as much political cachet as the First or Second, but it’s a safe bet you’re familiar with one of its most important phrases (italics added for emphasis): “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”... Read Original Article
“Why we need to remember Kalief Browder
Published: Daily Dot (June 9, 2015)
Note: This article discusses themes of suicide and police abuse.
On Sunday, Kalief Browder took his own life.
You may have first heard about Kalief Browder last April, after the New Yorker obtained exclusive footage of the then teenager being beaten by prison guards and fellow inmates during his three-year stay in prison.... Read Original Article
4 surprising reasons Rand Paul might be the liberal candidate you’re looking for
Published: Daily Dot (May 29, 2015)
At a time when the Republican Party has developed a reputation for voting and thinking in lockstep, it is worth noting that Kentucky’s Sen. Rand Paul has a surprisingly bipartisan appeal, which is becoming an important part of his growing presidential campaign. In the wake of an Internet-breaking filibuster on the Patriot Act, the outspoken National Security Agency critic has “reached out to African-American Republicans, spoke to a group of moderate Republicans, and held a news conference with House Democrats,” according to the Wall Street Journal.... Read Original Article
5 ways Republicans can reboot their brand in the Internet era
Published: Daily Dot (May 28, 2015)
In his new book, Taking a Stand: Moving Beyond Partisan Politics to Unite America, Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul declares that the GOP brand “sucks” and is “broken.” From those big declarations, he goes on to discuss his personal affinity for nature (describing himself as a “tree hugger”) and his ability to find common ground with racial minorities (mainly through his opposition to the growing prison-industrial complex).... Read Original Article
Why Rand Paul can win
Published: Daily Dot (May 27, 2015)
While Rand Paul’s name often appears on lists of leading Republican presidential nominees, his well-known libertarian streak is often cited as a prime reason why he most likely won’t be nominated. His National Security Agency opposition might make him popular on the Internet, but he’s the definition of a wild card.... Read Original Article