Why can’t we ensure that Saddam Hussein is given a fair trial? Assume that we don’t care at all about actually being fair and we just want a conviction and execution, can’t we get that and also make the process appear fair? Isn’t it a certainty that he’ll be convicted, regardless? How does it interfere, really if we:

*Delay the trial until the country is more stable and the court has had a chance to try at least one or two other cases, demonstrating its competence and impartiality?
*Suspend the rule that if convicted, Execution must happen within 30 days, no time at all for an appeal.
*Give the lawyers the full set of court rules
*Tell the lawyers the charges against their client
*Give the lawyers access to all the evidence against Hussein
*Give the lawyers the time they need to meet with their client

Failure to follow basic rules of fairness in such an important case shows a criminal disdain for due process and a preference for expediency over principle. But failure to even try to make it look fair shows a fundamental incompetance in pursuing the stated goal of spreading freedom to the Middle East.

Obsessed with Murakami. Here’s the things he’s obsessed with: wells, well-dressed women, ears, smoking, ironing, making light lunches, waiting, being average, cats.

As regular readers may have noticed, my blog was down for a couple of days. But its back now, hopefully to stay. Its going to take me a little while to get everything moved over, so please bear with me. In the meanwhile, you can read my latest Wired News column, Don’t Let Fear Kill Muni Wi-Fi.

Les Pyjamas Du Chat (originally on Accidential Moron, which is now defunct). The video stars me, costars Mr. Boodles, and was produced by Brad Stone, music direction by Kris Kosach, and directed by Alex Wellen.