Futurelawyer

Watch What You Say... You Might Offend Someone.

I used to think that political correctness was humorous. Watching reports of college snowflakes, who are being taught that they must be protected from hurt feelings, and need "safe spaces" to hide from the words spoken by someone who disagrees with them, I laughed more often than I worried. But, when cancel culture started taking jobs, and affecting the lives of those who ran afoul of the thought police, I gradually realized that this insanity could become an existential crisis. When Lenny Bruce crashed through the boundaries of good taste; but, only spoke words, it was wrong to act against him. But, free speech, over time, won the day, at least until a few years ago. If we allow the current climate to continue, there won't be much freedom left to protect. I was content to remain silent until the so called mainstream decided to allow looting, taking over city streets, and violent actions to occur, without consequence. When my beloved "Redskins" name was retired, I realized that we were long past the halfway point on a slippery slope to a place in which citizens would be afraid to speak, and worried about their physical freedom if they did. If you laugh, as I did, at this prescient cartoon, ask yourself whether your job, or your safety, or your personal freedom, is at risk. And, before you accuse me of violating my no politics rule, it is only coincidental that this issue has become politicized. I don't care what political party or persuasion you may espouse. Free speech is uniquely American. It is the most important freedom. And, it doesn't have a political side. 

DocuSign Can Survive Pandemics, Floods And Earthquakes.

DocuSign. As a technologist, I have always loved digital solutions to real world problems. As a lawyer, I have always appreciated tech that makes my job as a lawyer, easier. But, before the Pandemic, I considered DocuSign as a method of reducing delay in getting signatures on documents from around the country and the world. However, my eyes are now wide open, and Docusign is now my preferred way of getting things done. Remote lawyering requires the use of remote tools, and the ability to sign a legal document over the Internet is essential to such a practice. These days I really can practice law from my den at home. I can communicate with anyone in the world face to face using Zoom. I can send any document anywhere in the world, and it returns with a legally enforceable digital signature in the blink of an eye. Cool.

Snatching Victory From The Jaws Of Defeat.

No, I'm not talking about sports today, unless you count the sport of staying alive one more day. I posted this five years ago today, when I celebrated my victory over death. I am still amazed that I get to live another day. 

"Simple Pleasures.I drove myself to work today. Such a simple thing; yet, it feels like a victory. We take so much for granted in this life. I enjoyed walking to the office door in the rain. I enjoyed the pain I still feel from the surgery. I enjoyed being tired, but still being able to walk and talk and drive. Each day is a gift. Make it your pleasure. I am going to spend some time with the birds."

Battle Of The Titans

Long Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Almost 20 years ago, SWMBO bought tickets to a Lightning game as a birthday present. I had been a casual hockey fan before that, having grown up around beach sand and chlorinated swimming pools. But, I have always been a sports fan, and Tampa Bay had a hockey team since 1992. Who ever thought Florida could support hockey? Because a large portion of our population came from somewhere cold, and brought their fandom with them, it turned out to be a perfect fit. So, we went, and it took awhile to learn the rules, and figure out what blue lines, and red lines, and icing, and other things meant. The graceful movement of athletes gliding across ice was fascinating, and we became fans. Then, in a magical year, the Lightning won it all, and we experienced the thrill of a championship team. We got to spend 15 minutes alone with the Cup, and this photo is a prized possession. When Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman hoisted the Cup last night, it brought me back, and gave me chills again. Whatever tragedy or upheaval occurs in the world, there are some things that bring joy. The communal joy of sports and hard work and accomplishment under stress are the human things that should be celebrated.

So, Thailand, About That Tourist Ad Buy? Maybe Better Hold Off.

Tourist Faces Prison Time For Bad Review Of Thai Hotel. If somebody told me this story, I wouldn't believe it. Of course, living in a "relatively" free society in which it isn't a crime to state your opinion (now that I say that out loud, I am rethinking it), we really can't understand Thailand. But, I suspect that there will be many consumers who will keep their money when International travel becomes available again. Thai food will have to come from somewhere else for the time being.

#Parrot Sunday - Florida Pet Trusts - Protect Your Animals And Birds.

On this Parrot Sunday, I am highlighting Section 736.0408 of the Florida Statutes, which authorizes enforceable Trusts for the care of any animal alive during the Settlor's lifetime. The assets placed in the Trust may only be used for the intended purpose, unless a Court determines that the amount in trust exceeds the amount necessary for the care of the animal. So, if there are any Leona Helmsley clones out there, Florida won't allow you to put Twelve Million Dollars in trust. The statute, which is only 3 paragraphs., legalizes such trusts. Animal trusts, however, can be as complex as necessary to meet the Settlor's needs.

Do The Google Two Step - Your Computer Security Depends On It.

Don't Become A Victim Of Cybertheft. Yes, grasshopper, it's that time again. I am here to remind you to set up two step authentication on your Google account. And, any other account for which it is available. This article shows you how. Read it. The article postulates that the reasons you haven't done it yet are apathy and ignorance. If you read my security posts, you can no longer claim to be ignorant. Do the math. Secure your Google account. You may be glad you did. Lecture over. Be careful out there.

 

A Rational Discussion Of The Upcoming Supreme Court Nomination Hearings.

In a time when the left hates the right, and the right hates the left, it is refreshing to have rational, thoughtful voices speak out. When did it become a sin to agree to disagree? If you want a lawyer's view on what Supreme Court nomination hearings should look like, watch this mini law school class by Professor Alan Dershowitz. As lawyers, we owe it to others to explain the legal process, and to show why rational discourse is necessary to the continuation of the Republic. We don't riot in the streets and loot businesses in our free country to make political points. We shouldn't politicize judicial appointments. When we do, we risk destroying the independence of the judiciary, and that weakens the Republic. Take half an hour, and get a rational view of what the next couple of weeks should look like, in a rational world.

 

A Soccer Mom On The Supreme Court

Finally, a common sense reaction to a great Supreme Court pick. This is the judiciary, not politics. This may be the best Supreme Court pick in our lifetime. Throw out your preconceptions, and listen to Carolyn Elefant and Mark Randazzo. I am passionate about free speech, regardless of which political nutjob opposes it. Justice Barrett will be a beacon of light on the Supreme Court. Take it to the bank.

I woke up this morning to the news that Amy Barrett was the nominee. I was not happy about that, as all the reports were...

Posted by Marc John Randazza on Saturday, September 26, 2020