I like math too, but I like it for it's purity. Applying simple Algebra to society seems like a simplistic model.
Hello. I enjoy applying simple mathematical models to help clarify complex situations. As long as the limits of the model are kept in mind, modeling can reveal insights.
For example, I regard current affairs as a fairly simple variant on the Prisoner's Dilemma. As long as we are yet unable to move swiftly as a united populace upon political matters, the current incumbents can maneuver into retaining abusive advantages for themselves.
However, soon we will have a social *voting* service, which has the potential to devastate politics as we know it. 100 million instantaneous simultaneous votes coordinated unanimously can vote out the *entire* federal government, all at once. Then with a new President, some 530 new members of congress, and other elected officials, we can start over and make ourselves a new country. Then at last the corporations will be put back into their place.
...Cops are people too, with all the usual failings.
I disagree. Quality officers are supposed to be beyond the *usual* failings. It is quite clear than an officer who absconds with something feels differently about it than a civilian. The difference flows from their duty to honor. Low level officers who cannot maintain their duty are indeed people, sometimes nearing the limits of their capacity.
...I'm not confident the people they hire to run those checkpoints are fully up to speed.
I agree. We must also remember that agents may push the boundaries to enhance their image. Then when they are called to task, they cite a gap in training. Always assume malice. Errors are a gift.
No man is an island if he's on at least one mailing list.