Hong Kong thugs have been charged with beating up a protester.

Hong Kong is not really a democracy, but here it is putting the US to shame.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland could not make it a crime to deny the genocide of the Armenians.

This may overturn the French law that prohibits denying the genocide of the Armenians. Alas, the court found an excuse not to apply this principle universally to all questions about history.

Here in the US, we can speak freely on the issue. From what I have read, I do believe there was a genocide of the Armenians. However, freedom of speech includes the right to say otherwise. I greatly admire Hrant Dink, who was assassinated for affirming the genocide of the Armenians, and condemned the French law because he respected the freedom to state the opposite opinion.

Many nations have committed great crimes — Turkey is far from unique. Every nation should admit its crimes, so it can pay its debt to humanity and move on.

Planned Parenthood decided to stop accepting reimbursements for collecting fetal tissue for research — for no reason except that right-wing lies have made it appear dirty.

I hope this will not crimp the supply of fetal tissue for research to develop cures for diseases.

A Saudi siege has deprived Yemen of drinking water, which risks making many people sick.

This could kill more people than the bombs.

Some notable New York restaurants will abolish tipping and pay higher wages to waiters.

I am totally in favor of this.