#5SmartReads - November 22, 2021

Hitha on web3, the Rittenhouse verdict, and the joy of Vanessa Hudgens holiday films

Kyle Rittenhouse’s Acquittal Does Not Make Him a Hero (The Atlantic)

I spent a great deal of Friday afternoon and Saturday morning offline, giving myself peace to process the unsurprising and yet shocking verdict in the Rittenhouse trial - and I hope you give yourself the same peace to process this however you need.

And when I was ready to understand just what happened, I looked for David French’s analysis. While I may disagree on a number of policy matters with French (gun rights being one of them), I respect and seek out his thoughtful analysis of the law and his more conservative interpretations.

Take the time to read this piece. It unpacks the legal challenge of self-defense laws as well as the dangerous implications of Rittenhouse’s acquittal. French makes no attempt to change your mind, but he does share critical analysis of the law and the cultural messaging around the verdict and an appeal to our better angels.