4 ms·

I wonder how many people in ordinary taxis got assaulted during the same time period. The DA's "failed background check" example reminds me of how one Model S c

by Meekro 12y ago

I wonder how many people in ordinary taxis got assaulted during the same time period. The DA's "failed background check" example reminds me of how one Model S caught on fire, and everyone freaked out and forgot that regular cars do that all the time, too.

richcsmith 12y ago
Beyond the scope. The DA didn't say he wanted them to offer more thorough background checks or threaten to shut them down if they didn't. Likewise, afaik, he's also not going after taxi companies saying drivers aren't allowed to drive if they have records, because it's not illegal. That said, I think it's completely reasonable for the city to ask these companies to stop lying to consumers to make us feel safer for the sake of their revenue. I'm totally for innovation and everything that comes with it though. I want these companies to succeed (well, maybe not Uber) but them behaving in this way is going to make it more difficult from a legal perspective for the startups of tomorrow. Anyway, does anyone know if there's any type of 'Startup Legal Counsel' where companies that are innovating faster than the the law is able to evolve can be advised on the laws they may be breaking or help them lobby to get relevant laws updated faster before it has to get to this point? Or should they just know better?
jonknee 12y ago
Yea and it wasn't really failed. Uber says they weed out people with dangerous driving records and the DA didn't mention the driver had one. The cited "Felony drug dealing" sounds really scary, but it was for selling weed five years ago. After this specific case Uber volunteered to make its background checks more rigorous. http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Uber-driver-charged-with-punching-S-F-passenger-5526413.php http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Uber-driver-charged-wi... Seems like a DA being a DA and it will go away once his power tantrum runs its course.
- anigbrowl 12y ago
  George Gascón is not someone given to 'power tantrums'. On the contrary, he has a reputation for booth coolheadedness and very high ethical standards. I think you should read up on him before throwing stereotypes around.
UrMomReadsHN 12y ago
Taxi drivers are probably much more likely to be the victims of crimes.

by Meekro 12y ago

richcsmith 12y ago

Beyond the scope. The DA didn't say he wanted them to offer more thorough background checks or threaten to shut them down if they didn't. Likewise, afaik, he's also not going after taxi companies saying drivers aren't allowed to drive if they have records, because it's not illegal. That said, I think it's completely reasonable for the city to ask these companies to stop lying to consumers to make us feel safer for the sake of their revenue. I'm totally for innovation and everything that comes with it though. I want these companies to succeed (well, maybe not Uber) but them behaving in this way is going to make it more difficult from a legal perspective for the startups of tomorrow. Anyway, does anyone know if there's any type of 'Startup Legal Counsel' where companies that are innovating faster than the the law is able to evolve can be advised on the laws they may be breaking or help them lobby to get relevant laws updated faster before it has to get to this point? Or should they just know better?

jonknee 12y ago

Yea and it wasn't really failed. Uber says they weed out people with dangerous driving records and the DA didn't mention the driver had one. The cited "Felony drug dealing" sounds really scary, but it was for selling weed five years ago. After this specific case Uber volunteered to make its background checks more rigorous. http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Uber-driver-charged-with-punching-S-F-passenger-5526413.php http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Uber-driver-charged-wi... Seems like a DA being a DA and it will go away once his power tantrum runs its course.

anigbrowl 12y ago
George Gascón is not someone given to 'power tantrums'. On the contrary, he has a reputation for booth coolheadedness and very high ethical standards. I think you should read up on him before throwing stereotypes around.

UrMomReadsHN 12y ago

Taxi drivers are probably much more likely to be the victims of crimes.