The predatory medical insurance companies of the US are lobbying extremely hard to prevent Medicare for All, which would replace them with somethng less greedy.

A proposed Massachusetts law would limit the collection and use of personal information.

The bill is weak because businesses could effectively punch holes in it by saying, "If you don't agree to all if this, we will simply close your account."

I don't think the bill covers deduced information, such as the conclusion that you are pregnant, or gay, or disabled, based on tracking your interests. But I can't be sure about that.

In addition, it covers only disclosure to other businesses, not disclosure to the forces of potential repression. It would not make me feel safe with collection of data about me. I want to be free to do things anonymously.

One detail: it says the company must give you a chance to refuse distribution of data about you to other companies. But if it distributes data to 3 other companies, does it have to let you say yes or no to each other company?

Suppose one company is Facebook, one is Google, and one is your insurance company. You need to permit giving the data to your insurance company. If the options offered to you are yes-yes-yes and no-no-no, you can't approve that without also approving distribution to Facebook and Google too.

Switzerland held a referendum on a change in tax law. A court ruled the referendum was invalid because the voters were not properly informed about the law.

Switzerland's system gives direct democracy a major role. It holds referendum votes several times a year. I think this is admirable. That courts ensure the honesty of the referendum system makes it even better.

Bahrain is trying to punish exiled human rights defender Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei by hurting his relatives that still live in Bahrain.

"Undermining judges, scientists and journalists is designed to create societies where the powerful can do what they like."