[IP] Re: Check out Essay - If You Run a Red Light, Will Everyone Know? - NYTimes.com

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

________________________________________
From: Bob Frankston [Bob19-0501@bobf.frankston.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 11:40 AM
To: David Farber; 'ip'
Subject: RE: [IP] Check out Essay - If You Run a Red Light, Will Everyone Know? - NYTimes.com

This is the classic problem of arrest records -- people easily assume that arrest is the same as conviction despite what the (US) Constitution says. The problem with the idea that innocent people have nothing to fear is that you are at the mercy of people’s perceptions and future norms with no recourse.  Pleading the fifth might protect you from a legal system that will twist your words but in the court of public opinion it’s a guilty plea.

Perhaps I’m sensitive to this because innovation is likely to be disruptive in a world that fears disruption.



-------------------------------------------