Saw this disturbing news item in today’s New York Times headlines that shows the number of prosecutions for civil rights violations has decreased since 1999.

When I first saw it, I thought maybe it could be explained through an increase in terror cases. But no:

By far the biggest criminal prosecution category is illegal drugs, at about 33,100 cases last year, followed by immigration, weapons violations, white-collar crime and others.

And even more interesting/disturbing:

The study found, however, that only civil rights and environmental prosecutions were down from 1999 to 2003 as the total caseload rose by about 10 percent.

So what is happening to those who bring civil rights charges? And why has Ashcroft been touting the Justice Department’s record on civil rights? (Hint: probably for the same reason he boasted “The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved.”)

ADDENDUM: Will it get any better when Ashcroft passes on the baton?

Each year, my office holds a poster contest for the 5 million children in our programs across the country. We typically get about 500 entries, all created by kids from extremely diverse backgrounds. So it’s no surprise that we see some unusual names–but this one raised some eyebrows.

One adorable poster was the handiwork of 8-year-old Marjuana. Yup. Without the “i,” of course, but still! Can you imagine the taunting and teasing this poor child will endure through her life? See her in the executive suite, introducing herself to clients, “Hi, I’m Marjuana!” And I thought Gwyneth P. crossed the line when she named her child after a fruit.

Little Carl, be glad you have a normal name.