Bills to reform how Maryland deals with thugs that kill and maim were weakened by pressure from thug unions.

UK ministers meet with fossil fuel lobbyists far more than with renewable energy lobbyists.

This is a quantitative way of measuring the UK government's general preference for fossil fuels.

UK "aid" to poor countries promotes privatization of medical care and education in them.

Thousands attended the funeral of Freddie Gray, which became a protest against the violence and impunity of uniformed thugs.

However, a riot followed, partly provoked by obnoxious racism.

While I don't feel much sympathy when uniformed thugs are attacked, doing so plays into their hands. Meanwhile, burning cars and looting stores is no more justifiable now than at any other time. But this property crime is less grave an issue than homicide.

Nasty statements by some thugs helped provoke the rioting. Eventually the riot was suppressed by soldiers.

Poor Americans desperately need their welfare benefits, which add up to a small amount compared with the government benefits for rich Americans.