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Joel B. Pollak

Joel B. Pollak

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Berkeley Protests Seek Clashes with Police–But What Else?

Berkeley Protests Seek Clashes with Police–But What Else?

After a fourth consecutive night of protests–this time marred by destruction of city property, including a speed limit sign–organizers in Berkeley were enthusiastic. The crowds remain large; the media remain interested; and the Berkeley City Council has been forced to

Feinstein Called out for Hypocrisy on CIA ‘Torture’

Feinstein Called out for Hypocrisy on CIA ‘Torture’

As Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and fellow Democrats trumpet the release Tuesday of the Senate Intelligence Committee report on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)’s interrogation techniques, the senior California Senator is being called to account for her own encouragement of

Fire Officials: Downtown L.A. Mega-blaze Likely Arson

Fire Officials: Downtown L.A. Mega-blaze Likely Arson

Officials say that they believe Monday morning’s massive fire in downtown Los Angeles was set on purpose. The blaze, which engulfed an unfinished apartment building, and burned so hot that it melted nearby highway signs, will be investigated as soon

Blue on Blue: Berkeley Protests Stop Amtrak Train

Blue on Blue: Berkeley Protests Stop Amtrak Train

For the third straight evening, demonstrators took to the streets of Berkeley, California to protest the shooting by police of unarmed black suspects Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO and Eric Garner in Staten Island, NY. And for the first time

New Republic’s Crisis Started with Leftward Shift

New Republic’s Crisis Started with Leftward Shift

The implosion of The New Republic, pending its move to New York and re-establishment as a “digital media” company, has consumed much of the political commentariat in recent days. The change is deeply mourned by former editors and writers for

Blue State Blues: Bring Back Trial by Drowning!

Blue State Blues: Bring Back Trial by Drowning!

Once upon a time, the civil rights movement was deeply concerned about the rights of criminal defendants. Not anymore. Today, those who say they care most about civil rights are calling for grand jury reforms that would make it easier

Study: California Drought Worst in 1200 Years

Study: California Drought Worst in 1200 Years

This week’s statewide rains have made little impact in relieving California’s extreme drought. In fact, according to a new scientific study, this drought is the worst that California has experienced in 1200 years. Researchers studying tree rings concluded that “the

5 Questions That Remain in the Eric Garner Case

5 Questions That Remain in the Eric Garner Case

Let us stipulate that the death of 43-year-old Eric Garner was horrific and never should never have happened. Given the shocking video evidence of a confrontation with New York City police in which officer Daniel Pantaleo is seen grabbing Garner from