Good news: Glenn Reynolds realizes it would be "too mean" to delude poor people into thinking they were getting government money

Good news: Glenn Reynolds is either not a sociopath or at least is somewhat self-aware. At pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/86368 he links to this story about mayhem in Detroit where "thousands... lined up... to seek out housing aid from the federal government" (link). He then discusses a dream he has where someone plays a prank, spreading a rumor that a politician is giving out "stimulus checks". Thankfully, he then says "But that would be wrong - though it’s fun to imagine."

Around here, I don't think it would be in any way, shape or form "fun" to imagine anything of the sort. I've played a few pranks, but they were either harmless or went after people who actually deserve to have pranks played on them (one, unfortunately, got laughed along with by L.A. City councilman Eric Garcetti). I have trouble understanding the mindset of someone who'd even consider for a second playing a prank on those who are suffering through a recession. While some of those who lined up for checks at the event may have been "skivers", many others probably weren't. There are other ways to deal with the former that don't involve trying to hurt the latter.

And, this is just the latest in a long line of incredibly dumb and obnoxious proposals from Reynolds. He's a good way to keep up to date on certain things, but no one should take his advice on much of anything.

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 20:22 · · Importance: 4