An excellent article, good for campfire discussion.  The obvious discussion angle, of course, is anti-technology, given we have one agent of depersonalization in our group (I suggest Cook hire a couple of low-skilled wacky third-worlders to open his mail), and one near-technophobe (Selling).  But we also have the the legal angle (ought a person to have to go along with an insanity defense against his will?), which our esteemed legal eagles can comment upon; the unethical research angle (should you *really* have conducted that auction to determine the price at which a failing sophomore sells his soul?), which you, Selling and Kenagy can discuss; and finally, the Harvard angle (when do we start bringing a minder along to keep an eye on Cook?)

Jay has mentioned in the past the possibility of all of us reading something thought-provoking as a topic for deep discussion around the campfire, to complement topics like daily tallies of methane expulsions and [remainder deleted for public posting]. 

I'd like to propose the attached, as having implications for the perceived legitimacy of government at its most basic.  I personally am very disturbed by this story, on several levels:  the fact that the apparent police misconduct can happen as extensively as it appears to have done; the (so far) unsatisfactory official response; and perhaps worst of all, the very weak public response.  This story ought to be huge, but isn't. 

I also think the author of the article, Jim Newton, writes exceedingly well.

Wow. Great ideas are afoot.  Have any of you read the <Gifts of the Jews> by Thomas Cahill?  It is a really interesting walk though ancient history, the interaction of a tribe of nomads with a most odd God, and the impact of that history on modern attitudes, mind-sets and thinking about how we get along on this planet.  Cahill has written at least three books in the style of an observer of the human condition and is most thought provoking. One of our University Trustees recommended the book and I couldn't put it down. Dave K

Reading for the trip.  One Amazon reviewer wrote, "Lessons that cannot be taught from textbooks, only by living the ups and downs, the highs and lows of human experience.  This book is guaranteed to move you, several times.  In not, check your pulse."  Scott.