This from an editorial in The Olympian regarding TESC's payment for damaged or destroyed patrol vehicles.

In this case, Kimball said, the riot defendants who have no prior criminal history should face hefty restitution payments. Those with a prior criminal record probably should be treated differently, with more severe charges and jail time. Restitution is essential, Kimball said.

“I always ask myself, ‘How is justice best served?’,” Kimball said. In this case, he believes justice is best served by making those who did the damage pay the bill.

It’s a sound approach that prosecutors should embrace.

Looks like Sheriff Kimball is willing to cut some some slack to the rioters.  They screwed up, but for those with no criminal history, they may get off the hook with restitution, not felonies.

As far as those with criminal pasts (including one black defendant) it seems they will face stiffer charges.  Racism?  No.  Common sense.  Often first offenders, especially in a case where they may have been caught up in the moment are given slack. People with criminal pasts are not treated the same as people who have no criminal past.  I expect some cry of "racism" over this, which is why I am trying to head it off at the pass so to speak.

• The Snow This Morning
• Snow and Ratatouille
• About this whole snow thing

A great segment of Bill Mahr last night.

People have accused him of being prejudiced in reference to his comments about the Catholic Church and the issues of sexual indiscetions.

Mahr:  "I didn't PRE-JUDGE, I JUDGED.

We often forget the root of words.  There is a difference between judgement and prejudice.  We'd all be for the better if we learn and practice the difference.