He'd probably still go to jail anyway as the state cases cannot be pardoned federally (though it is difficult to keep track with all the indictments). And federal prisons are generally preferabl… (View Post)

That's very true. Judgement and intelligence are only weakly correlated. Think of all the Oxbridge intellectuals who fell for Stalinism in the 1930s for instance. Or Noam Chomsky. 'Nuff sai… (View Post)

Cummings was a crank whose enthusiasm for big data was unmatched by any understanding of it or its limitations. I remember when he advertised for other cranks and misfits to join the Civil Service. I… (View Post)

He may have expelled Corbyn but he campaigned to make him Prime Minister for three years and sucked up to him when it suited him. Also sucked up to his supported to become leader than promptly ditche… (View Post)

On topic, sadly dismal governments can last for a very long time if they dial up the repression and just don't care. Cuba has been "about to collapse" since 1991 and North Korea looks … (View Post)