On Freddie Gray, the Washington Post, and Journalistic Ethics

The Washington Post has published a report based on a leaked document. We don’t know who leaked it to them. In it, a prisoner who was placed in the police van some time after Freddie Gray was restrained, claims that he heard banging from Gray’s compartment. At no time did this anonymous prisoner see Gray. That’s … Continue ReadingOn Freddie Gray, the Washington Post, and Journalistic Ethics

The Shooting of Jeremy Hutton and Law Enforcement Narratives

In 2010, Jeremy Hutton, a 17 year-old-boy with Down syndrome, was shot by a police officer who claimed Hutton was driving right at him. That claim held up in the post-incident review. Here’s a video showing that’s untrue (original source), the officer was safely to the side. A video of police shooting a car driven … Continue ReadingThe Shooting of Jeremy Hutton and Law Enforcement Narratives

How Apologies Work – Phil Plait Apologizes for Transphobic Comments

Remember my lessons for apology: Lesson 1: When you screw up, and you will screw up, own it. Apologize. Try not to do it again. Lesson 2: No one is entitled to have their apology accepted. Lesson 3: On the other hand, one mistake (rather than a pattern of repeated bad behavior) can become an … Continue ReadingHow Apologies Work – Phil Plait Apologizes for Transphobic Comments