Sentencing Date: March 9, 2018 -- And, That's A Wrap -- On Martin Shkreli.

Well, now that we know his sentencing date -- I will let this incarcerated felony convict's weed-strewn field lie fallow for a bit (as yesterday has a three year echo to it, for me, personally).

As we turn away from the sad farce that is Mr. Shkreli (now known as Inmate No. 87850-053 -- at least until midday on March 9, 2 PM EST on January 16, 2018), I found this Washington Post news analysis piece, from a little after midnight this morning -- on the evening's events -- to be pretty cleverly put-together:

. . . .Martin Shkreli wanted to be an Internet supervillain. This time it cost him.

For Martin Shkreli, the acts of ridiculing and trolling weren’t just a solitary hobby. They were a performance for the benefit of his small army of online fans, who loved watching their favorite Internet supervillain get away with it. . . .

He became reviled for the very same behaviors his superfans cheer on: his cocksure displays of immaturity and indifference, and for exuding the impression that he was somehow, always, above reproach. . . .

In his defense, Shkreli’s legal team used a version of the same refrain he’s always used to explain his behavior online: that he wasn’t really serious. Essentially, he’s invoking Poe’s law, the old Internet rule that has to do with the impossibility of proving whether an extreme statement online is earnest or ironic unless you truly know the author’s intent. . . .

In recent years, a version of this rule has become the go-to defense for abusive or offensive online behavior: the claim that it was all just a joke, one that the victim is failing to appreciate. But in this case, [the very able USDC Judge Kiyo] Matsumoto wasn’t buying it. . . .

Shkreli has a habit of live-streaming to his fans after major events in his trial. A day after posting bail following his initial arrest in December 2015, Shkreli spent hours live-streaming, alone, in his apartment. At one point, showing a full view of his computer screen to his viewers, he began to browse the OkCupid dating site, streaming to hundreds of strangers the photos, profiles and messages he could see.

He did it again in August, after he was convicted. . . .

UPDATED February 28, 2018: For later developments, check here.

But to be clear, he is now in custody, awaiting a formal sentence, because -- as a previously thrice convicted felon -- he solicited the assault of someone for a $5,000 bounty, and never repudiated the offer of the bounty -- literally on her head (or hair).

It really shouldn't matter (as she's just a private citizen now) -- but that someone happens to have life-time Secret Service protection. So, it is hard to imagine a more flagrantly stupid and childish -- but now likely final -- crime. It was his burden to prove -- by clear and convincing evidence -- that he is no danger to society. He failed to do that last evening.

And so, as Lauren Duca (an astute and capable journalist, and one of his earlier "crime spree" victims) tweeted, he's found himself at "the intersection of karma and justice" -- indeed.

Indeed. Be well, one and all. See ya' next year, Shkreli -- the Infinite willing.

[Subsequent note: this too is a worthwhile read.]

नमस्ते