# articles

feed_id: 8b60c528b0861936a5138231c0debee1
title: Rapidly reopening
uri: Rapidly-reopening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Rapidly_reopening%29
content:
<p>
Brazil and Mexico are rapidly "reopening" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/latin-america-coronavirus-brazil-mexico-reopening-deaths">while Covid-19 is nowhere
near under control</a>.


feed_id: a326d9c02e4f7f1d277ac9630b325d84
title: Jacket looted
uri: Jacket-looted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Jacket_looted%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/sweatshop-worker-devastated-to-hear-jacket-she-worked-s-1843834363">satire</a>) *&hellip;sweatshop worker Li Chen was devastated to hear
   Monday that the jacket she worked so hard on was looted. "It breaks my
   heart that I slaved away for 14 cents an hour in an extremely hot and
   poorly ventilated factory just to have my hard work stolen from Zara."*

<p>
Speaking seriously, I don't think that sweatshops paying so little
are found nowadays in China.  Wages in China have risen quite a bit in
the last two decades.  Last I heard, clothing sweatshops are now sited
in poorer countries, such as Bangladesh.


feed_id: d827b096ba1da6f58ba108dc9395882c
title: Internet Archive and piracy
uri: Internet-Archive-and-piracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Internet_Archive_and_piracy%29
content:
<p>
The Internet Archive acquires and scans paper books, then "lends" each
copy digitally with DRM.  It argues that this complies with US copyright law.
The few consolidates publishing companies have sued the Archive, <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/publishers-sue-the-internet-archive-over-its-open-library-declare-it-a-pirate-site-200601/">claiming
that this is is "piracy"</a>.

<p>
The main question in the lawsuit is whether the Archive's practice is
covered by fair use.  For the Archive's sake, I hope it is, but my
main disagreement with the publishers is at the moral level.  I say
that everyone should be <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">free to non commercially copy and share any
published work</a>.  Regardless of what laws say, what they are doing is
wrong.

<p>
Ironically, those "borrowed" books are off-limits to me because
reading them requires nonfree software.  I won't run that software,
naturally.

<p>
Unless paper copies are available, the only copies of most of those
books that are distributed nowadays without oppressing the readers are
the unauthorized copies.  In any case, insist on having a local copy
that is not encrypted or copy-protected, so that you <em>can</em> share
copies if you decide to.  Accept nothing less.

<p>
Please join me in refusing to use or legitimize the term "piracy"; it
is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#piracy">propaganda for repressive copyright</a>.
                     I respond to the term with the
retort that "piracy is attacking ships."


feed_id: 17388a81177e4b6b794b1732a64be821
title: Protests over the world
uri: Protests-over-the-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Protests_over_the_world%29
content:
<p>
There are protests around the world against the murder of George Flynn
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/01/global-protests-erupt-solidarity-racial-justice-defenders-us">and other associated acts of repression in the US</a>.


feed_id: 65cf4cba88bd1d808b1b75d82a117435
title: Tear gas in houses
uri: Tear-gas-in-houses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Tear_gas_in_houses%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Washington DC trapped a group of protesters on the street and
tried to arrest them all.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/02/provide-safety-and-solidarity-dc-residents-open-doors-protesting-teens-cornered">Residents welcomed the protesters into their homes
to protect them</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> fired tear gas into a house, and at one point blocked a delivery
of food for the protesters.

<p>
Non selectively arresting everyone in a large group implies that, for
most of them, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> had nothing specific to accuse them of.
It was repression, pure and simple.


feed_id: 18d23b16960cc70174e8d619ec19c78d
title: Refusing to turn over evidences
uri: Refusing-to-turn-over-evidences
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Refusing_to_turn_over_evidences%29
content:
<p>
The Manchester (England) <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department sabotaged the prosecution of
its <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for killing an innocent man (supposedly planning armed and
dangerous, but he wasn't) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/02/anthony-grainger-police-misconduct-case-over-shooting-collapses">by refusing to turn over evidence in its
possession</a>.

<p>
It is absurd to allow <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments to sabotage justice.


feed_id: 19f176b7c7271e420c911d3a51b1ded6
title: Credibility Chasm
uri: Credibility-Chasm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Credibility_Chasm%29
content:
<p>
*How the Credibility Gap [of Nixon] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/02/how-credibility-gap-became-chasm-age-trump">Became a Chasm [under the bullshitter]</a>.


feed_id: 1fc5519c02221669493fe0007c4d0508
title: Training troop to attack protesters
uri: Training-troop-to-attack-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Training_troop_to_attack_protesters%29

content:
<p>
The bully is training US troops <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/02/after-trumps-authoritarian-law-and-order-speech-military-helicopters-descend-low">to get comfortable with attacking
American protesters</a>.

<p>
US soldiers are supposed to refuse to obey an illegal order, and
military veterans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/02/veterans-tell-troops-stand-down-black-lives">are calling on soldiers to refuse orders to attack
civilians</a>.

<p>
That it is a daunting step, since the military can claim the order was
legal and put soldiers on trial for disobeying it.  Then a court will
decide, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#22_July_2013_(Command_influence_on_judge_in_Bradley_Mannings_trial)">typically a military court which is biased against the
accused</a>.

<p>
I urge US soldiers to discuss, in advance, at what point they will
deem an order illegal and refuse to obey it.


feed_id: 33c284de4b0fbef2bf0c3b75cbaa9591
title: Covid-19 caused Pakistan to cancel polio vaccination
uri: Covid-19-caused-Pakistan-to-cancel-polio-vaccination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Covid-19_caused_Pakistan_to_cancel_polio_vaccination%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 caused Pakistan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/02/pakistan-polio-fears-as-millions-of-children-miss-out-on-vaccinations-due-to-covid-19">cancel polio vaccination</a>, and the disease is now spreading around the country.
<p>
It could spread to other countries, too.  I suppose some other countries have interrupted polio vaccination for the same reason.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#07_September_2012_(Pakistan_punishes_Save_the_Children)">fake polio vaccination team</a> that was actually searching for Osama bin Laden may have made the difference between eradicating polio and suffering from it forever.


feed_id: 3bf9af9e4a96902b95788da7dbfb1312
title: A Kurd in Istanbul was murdered
uri: A-Kurd-in-Istanbul-was-murdered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28A_Kurd_in_Istanbul_was_murdered%29
content:
<p>

A Kurd in Istanbul was murdered in a possibly racist attack. This has focused attention on Turkish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/02/of-kurd-in-turkey-baris-cakan-sparks-discrimination-accusations">prejudice against Kurds</a>.
<p>
The
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#23_May_2016_(Turkeys_parliament)">civil
war</a> of 2015 was started intentionally by Erdoğan after he did not
win as many seats in Parliament as he thought he deserved.
<p>
He figured that war would get him a
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#17_August_2015_(Provoking_PKK)">better
result</a>, and it did.


feed_id: 2401b29b658ed976c70446f9aafcf571
title: Minnesota investigating social graph of protesters
uri: Minnesota-investigating-social-graph-of-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Minnosota_investigating_social_graph_of_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Reportedly Minnesota is using
<a href="https://bgr.com/2020/05/30/minnesota-protest-contact-tracing-used-to-track-demonstrators/">contact-tracing
to investigate the social graph of the protesters</a>.
<p>
Contact-tracing is a preventive medical activity, like
vaccination. According to that report, Minnesota is using it as a
front for a criminal investigation.  This is a very dangerous tactic.
<p>
Remember what happened after the US
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#07_September_2012_(Pakistan_punishes_Save_the_Children)">disguised
a manhunt as a polio vaccination campaign</a>? The Taliban and allied
Islamist fanatics became suspicious of polio vaccination, and blocked
the vaccination efforts for years. Polio is still not eradicated in
Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Would we have eradicated it forever if not
for this US action?
<p>
This
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#30_March_2018_(Allowing_polio_vaccination)">backfire
was no surprise</a> to medical experts; they rebuked the US.
<p>
Disguising a criminal investigation as action to stop an epidemic
threatens the same sort of backfire.
<p>
Can anyone find confirmation of the report?


feed_id: 670dec9069282d7180223ff5a65cdd4e
title: Suppression of Democratic vote
uri: Suppression-of-Democratic-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Suppression_of_Democratic_vote%29
content:
<p>

A right-wing group is suing to try to force various parts of the US to aggressively <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/28/pennsylvania-voter-rolls-purge-judicial-watch/">purge voters</a>.  This is a practice that Republicans do voluntarily to try to suppress the Democratic vote.


feed_id: b043c6602f0d981f73d88197811888cd
title: Columbia is evicting poor people during nationwide lockdown
uri: Columbia-is-evicting-poor-people-during-nationwide-lockdown
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Columbia_is_evicting_poor_people_during_nationwide_lockdown%29

content:
<p>

Colombia is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/02/colombia-coronavirus-poor-evicted-lockdowns">evicting poor people</a> while they are subject to nationwide lockdown and have no money and no work.


feed_id: c576136e392c92a4b443aa94decb1d40
title: China concealed information on Covid-19 from WHO
uri: China-concealed-information-on-Covid-19-from-WHO
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28China_concealed_information_on_Covid-19_from_WHO%29

content:
<p>

China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/02/china-withheld-data-coronavirus-world-health-organization-recordings-reveal">concealed important information</a> on Covid-19 from WHO through the whole month of January.


feed_id: 846ea03e15e1aecaea0fa50093572c85
title: Business-driven Globalization
uri: Business-driven-Globalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Business-driven_Globalization%29
content:
<p>

Some rich antisocialists are hoping that Covid-19 will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/01/coronavirus-libertarian-right-profit-coronavirus-pandemic">complete the process of business-driven globalization</a>, rendering states almost powerless to restrain the power of the rich money-barons.


feed_id: 4bdd342bf0d36a7d2e6c5f0645aa4e53
title: Urgent: Release of incarcerated people that are medically vulnerable to Covid-19
uri: Urgent-Release-of-incarcerated-people-that-are-medically-vulnerable-t
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Release_of_incarcerated_people_that_are_medically_vulnerable_to_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to legislate <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-congress-covid-19-relief-must-include-incarcerated-people">release of incarcerated people</a> who are medically vulnerable to Covid-19, absent strong reasons not to include them.
<p>
*[A prisoner in] a Federal Jail Said Their Coronavirus Symptoms Were Ignored. <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/15/mdc-brooklyn-coronavirus-hearing/">The Government Is Fighting to Keep the Records Secret</a>.*
     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>
     <p>If you call please spread the word</p>


feed_id: 0acd498e0f9889a3cabcd0248b3efdb6
title: Need the space
uri: Need-the-space
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Need_the_space%29
content:
<p>
The narcissist wanted to use a church near the White House as a prop
for propaganda, so he sent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to violently attack the Christian
clergy who were set up on the church steps, offering peaceful support
to protesters, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/02/clergy-priests-attacked-police-washington-dc-st-john-church-trump-photo-op">so he could use that space</a>.


feed_id: 0197c7102042008a85988008e7f5cf28
title: Attacking foreign journalists
uri: Attacking-foreign-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Attacking_foreign_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Rioting uniformed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked an Australian TV crew covering a protest
outside the White House.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/02/australia-raises-concern-assault-news-team-washington-dc-protest">The Australian government will complain</a>.


feed_id: 2b695be74647ff89c3ac7d2979fee42a
title: Palestinian lives matter
uri: Palestinian-lives-matter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Palestinian_lives_matter%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers killed harmless, autistic Palestinian Iyad Halak.
Then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/01/palestinian-lives-matter-israeli-police-killing-of-autistic-man-draws-us-comparison">they pointed their guns at a witness who had cried out not to
shoot him</a>.

<p>
Now a "Palestinian lives matter" movement has started in response.


feed_id: 11e9e73a289e90401b6bd1fdcf175dca
title: All four are complicit
uri: All-four-are-complicit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28All_four_are_complicit%29
content:
<p>
*Minneapolis police chief: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-death-minneapolis-police-chief-medaria-arradondo-officers-complicit">all four [uniformed thugs] "complicit" in
George Floyd's death</a>.*

<p>
*Obama shares advice on how to make George Floyd protests '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/barack-obama-george-floyd-protests-advice-turning-point">a turning point</a>'.*


feed_id: 2eb333e92e767fa1105dd78a0ab14fe1
title: Sixth mass extinction accelerating
uri: Sixth-mass-extinction-accelerating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Sixth_mass_extinction_accelerating%29

content:
<p>
*Sixth mass extinction of wildlife <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/01/sixth-mass-extinction-of-wildlife-accelerating-scientists-warn">accelerating, scientists warn</a>.*


feed_id: aeda1449a79a6f1990fc9310ea6f7c27
title: Overuse of antibiotics will cause more deaths
uri: Overuse-of-antibiotics-will-cause-more-deaths
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Overuse_of_antibiotics_will_cause_more_deaths%29

content:
<p>
*WHO warns overuse of antibiotics for Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/01/who-warns-overuse-of-antibiotics-for-covid-19-will-cause-more-deaths">will cause more deaths</a>.*


feed_id: 14df78f12307fb58d969320e78cc3cc9
title: No medical conditions
uri: No-medical-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28No_medical_conditions%29
content:
<p>
An Minneapolis medical examiner ruled that George Floyd died of a
cardiac arrest caused by violence committed by the thugs.  He found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-death-homicide-police-brutality">no
other medical conditions that would have made Floyd more vulnerable
than anyone else</a>.

<p>
This is mostly <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/george-floyd-autopsy-michael-baden.html">the same as the report of the private autopsy</a>.


feed_id: 63919ff75bea6f6a80256cf786e5f653
title: Shooting back at bystander
uri: Shooting-back-at-bystander
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Shooting_back_at_bystander%29
content:
<p>
Louisville <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were fired on while enforcing a curfew against
protesters.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/david-mcatee-kentucky-police-shooting-chief-fired">They shot "back" and killed a bystander</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> didn't turn on their body cameras.  The mayor fired the
chief of the thug department for this.  Making sure <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> carry out
the requirement for using their body cameras is the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> chief's
responsibility.  The chief did not do the job well.  But maybe
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> has not been in the job very long; if so, perse should get
one more chance.

<p>
Another important responsibility of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> chief is to make sure
that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are trained not to fire when they are not sure of the
target, regardless of the supposed reason.  Because that reason,
whatever it is, is not a reason for killing bystanders.

<p>
Can anyone determine how many people were standing in the area that
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were firing towards?


feed_id: 0aab618743185f9f333e70f384fc3f02
title: Overly strict for most
uri: Overly-strict-for-most
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Overly_strict_for_most%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand has been overly strict about keeping foreigners out,
even foreigners who live and work in New Zealand.  So people are angry
that it made an exception for a movie crew <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/02/avatar-2-crew-james-cameron-fly-in-to-coronavirus-row-in-new-zealand">composed of foreigners who
do not live or work in New Zealand</a>.

<p>
After Zealand's success in driving down Covid-19, it has good reason
to limit who it lets in.  However, as long as it keeps imposing a
quarantine on those who do enter, it could safely readmit everyone
that lives there.


feed_id: 7170dfc7edde5ec3fcedafeda03670fd
title: Infections on cruise ship
uri: Infections-on-cruise-ship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Infections_on_cruise_ship%29
content:
<p>
Testing everyone on a cruise ship found that <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/asymptomatic-covid-19-patients-08485.html">128 were infected with Covid-19
and only 24 had any symptoms</a>.

<p>
It is possible that even more people were infected, because the test
for virus has some false negative results.


feed_id: 7849eaf4843050dc7f75df691f386ae8
title: Aiming for collapse
uri: Aiming-for-collapse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Aiming_for_collapse%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a>-in-chief and the movement he serves for may be aiming for
a disastrous collapse of civilization and the world.  In many
different areas of policy <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/01/donald-trump-may-not-be-herbert-hoover">they have systematically pushed to eliminate
society's efforts to prevent disaster, and its ability to cope with disaster</a>.


feed_id: e11d1f11326e57c30399717b5f214be3
title: Militarization of cops
uri: Militarization-of-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Militarization_of_cops%29
content:
<p>
*With Militarization of Cops on Full Display, Senator Plans Amendment <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/01/militarization-cops-full-display-senator-plans-amendment-end-transfer-military">to End
Transfer of Military Equipment to Local Police</a>.*


feed_id: dba708db7a9a08677652545f5b4483fb
title: Covid-19 statistics
uri: Covid-19-statistics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Covid-19_statistics%29
content:
<p>
The US government and many states are covering up or distorting
Covid-19 statistics <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/27/bad-state-coronavirus-data-trump-reopening-286143">to cover up how bad things are</a>.

<p>
Several states have hidden death or infection statistics for factories
or nursing homes.


feed_id: 8f8e522d50e3cc342e83d349c24380e6
title: Citizen's arrest
uri: Citizen-s-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Citizen%27s_arrest%29
content:
<p>
The history of using "citizen's arrest" to control runaway slaves,
<a href="http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/175619">and later blacks in general</a>.


feed_id: 057ecc4f6a4ed5f47c993745ea80eadb
title: Judges in campaigns for changes in laws
uri: Judges-in-campaigns-for-changes-in-laws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Judges_in_campaigns_for_changes_in_laws%29

content:
<p>
US judges are considering a rule to stop judges from being members of
private organizations that connect them with campaigns for changes in
laws.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/11/federalist-society-judges-ethics-rule/">Right-wingers oppose the rule</a>.


feed_id: 3a062f5fb2098175fe64f44fb9bd2c68
title: Old Americans are taking their support away from the numskull
uri: Old-Americans-are-taking-their-support-away-from-the-numskull
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Old_americans_are_taking_their_support_away_from_the_numskull%29

content:
<p>

Old Americans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/seniors-trump-biden-coronavirus-us-election-older">taking their support away from the numskull</a>.  They are worried that his incredibly bad handling of Covid-19 will kill them.
<p>
Meanwhile, the numskull's cronies are supporting a minority of doctors that profess strange medical theories and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/01/save-our-country-coalition-states-reopen">want states to encourage people to circulate again and transmit Covid-19</a>.
<p>
Exactly what so many old voters fear.
<p>
In trying to make sense of this, it occurs to me that he is hopping to suppress the votes of old Americans.  If they are afraid to go to the polls, or if they are dead by November, they can't vote for anyone other than the numskull.


feed_id: b7c214736196314112b446aaedac0d92
uri: Prisoners-posing-no-danger-to-the-public-are-supposed-to-be-on-house-a
title:
Prisoners posing no danger to the public are supposed to be on house arrest for protection against Covid-19

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Prisoners_posing_no_danger_to_the_public_are_supposed_to_be_on_house_arrest_for_protection_against_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Whistleblower Reality Winner in prison is in great danger if she catches Covid-19.  Prisoners like her, that pose no danger to the public, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/01/reality-winner-coronavirus-release/">are supposed to be sent to house arrest at home</a>, but in practice that is reserved for cronies of powerful politicians.


feed_id: 80aad83d0ea39aa814aac0be6267c264
title: Peaceful protests, thugs rioting
uri: Peaceful-protests-thugs-rioting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Peaceful_protests%2C_thugs_rioting%29

content:
<p>

*Across America, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-violent-rioters-america-police-officers">police are responding to peaceful protests with violence</a>.*
<p>
The article compares the "police" to "armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>," and suggests sending social workers or firefighters to handle most kinds of emergencies to which thugs would now be sent.
<p>
As protesters rioted and damaged property, thugs profited by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-riots-violence-damage-property-police-brutality">rioting and damaging people almost indiscriminately</a>.
<p>
That is my terse summary of a very thoughtful article by Rebecca Solnit.


feed_id: 5fd21ac3acd178acdeeb7fe5fdfa8488
title: Police are responding to peaceful protests with violence
uri: Police-are-responding-to-peaceful-protests-with-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Police_are_responding_to_peaceful_protests_with_violence%29

content:
<p>

*Across America, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-violent-rioters-america-police-officers">police are responding to peaceful protests with violence</a>.*
<p>
The author says they are trying to prove the protesters right.


feed_id: 68ae986c4f74f710825929c790626a22
title: Facebook staff condemning Facebook
uri: Facebook-staff-condemning-Facebook
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Facebook_staff_condemning_Facebook%29

content:
<p>

Facebook staff are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/01/facebook-workers-rebel-mark-zuckerberg-donald-trump">condemning Facebook</a> for not discouraging access to the bully's latest death threat.


feed_id: f507816459fbcba3c4142d2e48b625b5
title: Wikileaks founder 'too ill'
uri: Wikileaks-founder-too-ill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Wikileaks_founder_%27too_ill%27%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jun/01/julian-assange-misses-court-hearing-amid-calls-in-australia-for-his-release">*WikiLeaks founder ‘too ill’ to attend extradition hearing in London via videolink.*</a>
<p>
He must be very badly ill.  What does he have?  Who is concealing this?


feed_id: 6c5a8548d1bf0f5c9c28d02cae856b1d
title: Banning of vigil for the Tiananmen Square Massacre
uri: Banning-of-vigil-for-the-Tiananmen-Square-Massacre
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Banning_of_vigil_for_the_Tiananmen_Square_Massacre%29

content:
<p>

*Hong Kong police have formally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/01/hong-kong-police-ban-tiananmen-memorial-vigil-covid-19">banned this week’s vigil for the Tiananmen Square massacre</a>, citing Covid-19 measures.*
<p>
That is a bad excuse.  You can protest and keep distant from the other protesters.


feed_id: 23158c43130421146ea7d2a9c10a257c
title: Wherever you look in the US economy you find looting
uri: Wherever-you-look-in-the-US-economy-you-find-looting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Wherever_you_look_in_the_US_economy_you_find_looting%29

content:
<p>

Wherever you look <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/01/yes-looting-must-stop">in the US economy, you find looting</a>.  Usually poor people are the victims and the greedy rich are the culprits, and cops do nothing to stop it.


feed_id: 0f1432e260e83537b9280bcf084b6af0
title: Can this failed social experiment be reformed?
uri: Can-this-failed-social-experiment-be-reformed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Can_this_failed_social_experiment_be_reformed_%29

content:
<p>

Cornel West: *The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/01/george-floyd-protests-cornel-west-american-democracy">fundamental question</a> [about the US] at this moment is: can this failed social experiment be reformed?*


feed_id: 6dff93bf0a7a0aa16c72f20c471ea6ef
title: Thug in LA threatened Greg Palast
uri: Thug-in-LA-threatened-Greg-Palast
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Thug_in_LA_threatened_Greg_Palast%29
content:
<p>

Greg Palast covers the protests, including one in LA in which a <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/lapd-you-will-be-fired-upon-floyd-george-eyewitness/">thug threatened to kill him</a>, but perhaps didn't really mean it.


feed_id: d156c59d86d4467c6d194bdd9cd996ec
title: There is a wave of attacks against journalists covering protests
uri: There-is-a-wave-of-attacks-against-journalists-covering-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28There_is_a_wave_of_attacks_against_journalists_covering_protests%29

content:
<p>

Reporters Sans Frontières: there is a wave of <a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/us-fueled-years-trumps-demonization-media-unprecedented-violence-breaks-out-against-journalists">attacks against journalists</a> covering protests.
<p>
Linda Tirado was blinded in one eye.  She believes that a thug fired a rubber-coated steel bullet and hit her eye.  Firing these bullets at people's heads risks various kinds of serious injury, even death.  Are Minneapolis <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> trained to take care to avoid doing that?
<p>
Some of the reporters were attacked by protesters, but it appears that mainly they were attacked by insecurity forces.


feed_id: 5a87b6a54c7a80d0d627561f7c869d5b
title: Riot or Resistance?
uri: Riot-or-Resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Riot_or_Resistance_%29
content:
<p>

*Riot or Resistance? <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/05/31/riot-or-resistance-how-media-frames-unrest-minneapolis-will-shape-publics-view">How Media Frames Unrest in Minneapolis Will Shape Public’s View of Protest</a>.*
<p>
The increased violence will tend to encourage focus on the "riot" aspect, which is likely to distract from the justice aspect.


feed_id: 92c2cfdc0994f1d5f63ab518135d83e9
title: The bullshitter's standard campaign practice
uri: The-bullshitter-s-standard-campaign-practice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28The_bullshitter%27s_standard_campaign_practice%29

content:
<p>

The bullshitter's standard campaign practice, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/05/31/warning-joe-biden-trump-winning-covid-19-spin-game">replacing every vicious or disastrous thing he does with a distraction issue</a>, is still working.
<p>
It is not too late for Biden to step aside for a candidate with firm support: Bernie Sanders.


feed_id: 1b7fabd648af41d0f884a2b037e728b7
title: What a rigged economy looks like
uri: What-a-rigged-economy-looks-like
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28What_a_rigged_economy_looks_like%29
content:
<p>

*'<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/08/what-rigged-economy-looks-says-sanders-stock-market-enjoys-best-month-33-years">What a Rigged Economy Looks Like</a>,' Says Sanders, as Stock Market Enjoys Best Month in 33 Years Despite 20%+ Unemployment.*


feed_id: b42ffb1b03ca33242f846d609dc765a1
title: Britain's contact-tracing app and its policies are absurd
uri: Britain-s-contact-tracing-app-and-its-policies-are-absurd
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Britain%27s_contact-tracing_app_and_its_policies_are_absurd%29

content:
<p>

Britain's contact-tracing app, and its policies, are absurd.  As a result, the app won't do much to quash Covid-19, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/31/when-theres-an-app-that-can-save-lives-there-will-be-no-need-to-download-it-out-of-a-sense-of-duty">people don't want to install it</a>.
<p>
If Britain fixed its policies, and made its app respect privacy, people would eagerly use it.  Even I would use it, if I could run it on a device that had no microphone and that didn't report anything about me except the data needed for contact tracing.
<p>
The UK government is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/31/privacy-campaigners-prepare-legal-challenge-to-uks-test-and-trace-scheme">being sued</a> for plans to collect and retain too much data.
<p>
Quashing Covid-19 justifies an increase in tracking, but it has to collect and centralize the least data possible.


feed_id: b168437768dc54abf8b46a248d690f0e
title: Bolsonaro is trying to take control of the Federal Police
uri: Bolsonaro-is-trying-to-take-control-of-the-Federal-Police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Bolsonaro_is_trying_to_take_control_of_the_Federal_Police%29

content:
<p>

Bolsonaro is trying to take control of the Federal Police, which is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/31/police-raids-bolsonaro-political-moro/">now investigating one of Bolsonaro's right-wing rivals</a>. It could be that the investigation is justified.
<p>
Meanwhile, Brazil's Supreme Court is investigating right-wing attackers.
<p>
*Brazil’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/31/brazils-left-and-right-unite-to-back-pro-democracy-manifesto-bolsonaro">left and right unite to launch pro-democracy manifesto</a>.*


feed_id: 5311b9278d0d9b6e67d5dff215897614
title: In Flint, Michigan the cops joined the protest and no one was injured or arrested
uri: In-Flint-Michigan-the-cops-joined-the-protest-and-no-one-was-injured
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28In_Flint%2C_Michigan_the_cops_joined_the_protest_and_no_one_was_injured_or_arrested%29

content:
<p>

In much-oppressed Flint, Michigan, the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/31/i-took-helmet-and-laid-batons-down-michigan-sheriff-and-police-didnt-disperse-their">cops joined the protest</a> against the murder of George Floyd.  The whole town rallied and no one was injured or arrested.
<p>
It looks like Flint cops are <a href="https://www.stallman.org/glossary.html#police">police officers</a>, rather than <a href="https://www.stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


feed_id: da759144ee29e27129edd8c816381fda
title: Protesters endangering themselves and others by not distancing or wearing masks
uri: Protesters-endangering-themselves-and-others-by-not-distancing-or-wear
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Protestors_endangering_themselves_and_others_by_not_distancing_or_wearing_masks%29

content:
<p>

People protesting the murder of George Floyd are gratuitously <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/31/fears-grow-of-surge-in-us-coronavirus-cases-from-george-floyd-protests">endangering themselves and others by not maintaining safe physical distance and going without masks</a>.
<p>
It is hard to stay safe from the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, but you can at least keep fairly safe from Covid-19.


feed_id: db2d49c0c492ee3cf287814bb7c4449e
title: Minneapolis bus drivers refused to transport thugs
uri: Minneapolis-bus-drivers-refused-to-transport-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28Minneapolis_bus_drivers_refused_to_transport_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Some Minneapolis bus drivers have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/29/show-solidarity-public-transit-workers-refuse-transport-police-units-or-those">refused to transport thugs</a> or the protesters they have arrested.


feed_id: a7ffbe05a81719989037b4bb97f1f158
title: The bullshitter hardly tries to govern
uri: The-bullshitter-hardly-tries-to-govern
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_%28The_bullshitter_hardly_tries_to_govern%29

content:
<p>

The bullshitter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/31/donald-trump-coronavirus-pandemic-george-floyd-minneapolis-tweets">hardly tries to govern the US</a> or do the job of president.  He is not interested in making the US successful, neither in the real economy nor against Covid-19.
<p>
One could say he is not really president, more like a cracker who stole the codes to give orders as president.


feed_id: 9d5cd93bb451eaf0fd0b0db36c8ff448
title: New french pun
uri: New-french-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28New_french_pun%29
content:
<p>
French pun: <a href="https://stallman.org/french-puns.html#pr%C3%A9parer%20du%20flan">préparer du flan</a>.


feed_id: 098cf8202de7f9b6bd6ef5bd7fad0f6b
title: Urgent: charge murderers
uri: Urgent-charge-murderers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_charge_murderers%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforfloyd_george_floyd_minneapolis/">demand</a> that all the officers who killed George Floyd
be charged with murder.


feed_id: 321dcb29f8bc1cdcf16eb82cc8644d0e
title: Urgent: DAs who should resign
uri: Urgent-DAs-who-should-resign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_DAs_who_should_resign%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/demand-justice-ahmaud/">call on the DAs</a> that protected Ahmaud Arbery's killers to resign.


feed_id: 361848a0c807e842e5c8ae10ab35f196
title: Urgent: no Sea Port Oil Terminal
uri: Urgent-no-Sea-Port-Oil-Terminal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_no_Sea_Port_Oil_Terminal%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.oilchangeus.org/sign/TexasSPOT/">call on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maritime Administration</a> not to approve the Sea Port Oil Terminal in Texas.


feed_id: 94abdb577125b1c2ab9c62c8b75fe6b7
title: Keeping on tracking
uri: Keeping-on-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Keeping_on_tracking%29
content:
<p>
The companies that make China's new Covid-19-inspired surveillance apps
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/26/technology/china-coronavirus-surveillance.html">want people to keep using them after the disease is gone</a>.

<p>
I wonder whether it remains mandatory for Chinese to show the app's readout
to get into subway trains, restaurants, and so on.


feed_id: abc4efcf93da4b4ce8329464bf9e9b25
title: Message to Zuckerberg
uri: Message-to-Zuckerberg
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Message_to_Zuckerberg%29
content:
<p>
This article argues that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s executive order targeting
social-media, supposedly a threat to Twitter, is really a message to
Zuckerberg: "Keep on letting me use your platform to spread hatred and
lies."  <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/05/trumps-executive-order-isnt-about-twitter/612349/">Zuckerberg seems to be willing</a>.


feed_id: 157cf20f7a7eb7fab1b9e1e8bd841c58
title: Condemning violence
uri: Condemning-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Condemning_violence%29
content:
<p>
*[Progressive Congressional reps] Introduce Resolution <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/29/pressley-omar-bass-and-lee-introduce-resolution-condemn-police-brutality-and-demand">to Condemn Police
Brutality and Demand Nationwide Reforms</a>.*

<p>
*George Floyd protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/31/george-floyd-protesters-condemn-opportunistic-looting-violence">condemn 'opportunistic' looting and violence</a>.*


feed_id: eb7a7ff1b6cc9d9ab3efd78c0cfacb48
title: Thugs crackdown
uri: Thugs-crackdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Thugs_crackdown%29
content:
<p>
State thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/31/minneapolis-george-floyd-protests-saturday-crackdown">cracked down violently on protesters in Minneapolis on
Saturday</a>.
   Residents of areas around the protests disapprove of the protesters for
looting, and consider the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> a threat because their violence is careless
and anyone can be attacked.


feed_id: 32e9169d9347adce590828cfefd4991b
title: Violence on journalists
uri: Violence-on-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Violence_on_journalists%29
content:
<p>
*Journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/31/george-floyd-protests-reporters-targeted-by-police-and-crowds">report and record being shot at, teargassed, arrested and
intimidated</a>.*

<p>
Thugs and National Guard troops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/30/minneapolis-protests-journalists-teargassed-george-floyd">attacked journalists as well as protesters
in Minneapolis and Los Angeles</a>.


feed_id: 78bd80e739d672ce5861123e51d8c0e6
title: Need for food aid
uri: Need-for-food-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Need_for_food_aid%29
content:
<p>
An estimated 54 million Americans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/31/people-are-going-to-go-hungry-pandemic-effects-could-leave-54m-americans-without-food">will need food aid this year</a>.


feed_id: 22e364a4360785d8ac64873994f0031f
title: Immunity passports
uri: Immunity-passports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Immunity_passports%29
content:
<p>
If we are not careful, Covid "immunity passports" <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/resignation-at-identity-initiative-raises-doubts-about-immunity-passes">could become a threat
of repression, and might not help control Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: b5575c8925fe7241d5c832251abec8dd
title: Immunity for donations
uri: Immunity-for-donations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Immunity_for_donations%29
content:
<p>
New York's plutocratist Governor Cuomo sneakily gave nursing home
executives <a href="https://sirota.substack.com/p/investigation-cuomo-gave-immunity">total immunity for patients killed by Covid-19</a>.
  This was apparently in exchange for campaign donations.

<p>
Statistics suggest that the executives have responded by trying less
hard to protect patients' lives.


feed_id: c044c7f692b1e13913f5ab58dd4f6325
title: HEROES act for military contractors
uri: HEROES-act-for-military-contractors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28HEROES_act_for_military_contractors%29

content:
<p>
The House Democrats' "HEROES Act" includes billions of dollars <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/hidden-in-the-new-house-coronavirus-relief-bill-billions-for-defense-contractors#959017">in handouts
for military contractors</a>.

<p>
They are not heroes!


feed_id: 8005430c924f6a7421d214bcf79bb6b0
title: Hertz bankruptcy
uri: Hertz-bankruptcy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Hertz_bankruptcy%29
content:
<p>
Hertz turned itself into a financial company after a leveraged buyout,
and put itself in such a corner that it went bankrupt.  Other companies
<a href="https://www.axios.com/hertz-bankruptcy-6f16b3a4-141f-43cd-8f7b-e6a60a01d5dd.html">that are still just renting cars are not in such trouble</a>.


feed_id: 7ef92bd3e316942231ea3530c1c5c0da
title: Deadbeat
uri: Deadbeat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#2_June_2020_%28Deadbeat%29
content:
<p>
Ironically named Jim Justice, governor of West Virginia, is a rich
deadbeat.  His businesses cheat on a wide range of debts, <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/the-billionaire-governor-whos-been-sued-dozens-of-times-for-millions-in-unpaid-bills">including
medical bills of ex-employees that they had agreed they would pay</a>.
  And they hide assets when they lose a lawsuit.

<a href="https://stallman.org/doggerel.html#servin-em-the-writs">The deadbeat's debts</a>
             amount to at least 128 million dollars.


feed_id: ab39c96bd05943f9d8ac263d82e9c9e2
title: CNN reporter arrested
uri: CNN-reporter-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28CNN_reporter_arrested%29
content:
<p>
Minnesota state <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested a black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez while
reporting.  At the same time, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/31/what-the-arrest-of-a-black-cnn-journalist-on-air-taught-us">thugs treated another CNN reporter
politely; he was white</a>.

<p>
Thanks to the video of Jimenez's arrest, we know for certain that his
actions did not justify the arrest, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/29/us/minneapolis-cnn-crew-arrested/index.html">and that the excuse that the thugs
made was nonsense</a>.

<p>
I should correct one minor detail: Trayvon Martin's killer was
hispanic and would not normally be considered "white".  It is easy to
leap to the conclusion that the killer was white, from knowing he
killed a black.  I once made the same mistake.


feed_id: 5af019d47966d1f86611e15f0fa7f0ff
title: A series of suspicious events
uri: A-series-of-suspicious-events
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28A_series_of_suspicious_events%29
content:
<p>
Racists spread the idea that a black person's life is a series of
suspicious events.  After they take that life, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/05/08/it-could-be-something-we-didnt-see-tape-ahmaud-arbery-and-eternal-guilt-black">they remind us to
presume that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> must have done <em>something</em> wrong, something we didn't
see, to justify the killing</a>.


feed_id: 41dfdc1738eeb577e9ea308d7788f85f
title: Nuclear adulthood
uri: Nuclear-adulthood
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Nuclear_adulthood%29
content:
<p>
*Can We Achieve <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/05/07/can-we-achieve-nuclear-adulthood">Nuclear Adulthood</a>?*


feed_id: 01040dcaa3408613aae71a43c5541448
title: Rules, except for the bully
uri: Rules-except-for-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Rules%2C_except_for_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
Facebook has a rule against incitement to violence, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/may/29/facebook-trump-twitter-social-media-us">but it decided to ignore the rule when the bully does it</a>.


feed_id: 2eae88193b419216632cb1541c25289c
title: Destroying archaeological sites
uri: Destroying-archaeological-sites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Destroying_archaeological_sites%29
content:
<p>
Western Australia's laws allow mines <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/30/juukan-gorge-rio-tinto-blasting-of-aboriginal-site-prompts-calls-to-change-antiquated-laws">to destroy precious archaeological
sites</a>.


feed_id: 263e58450b85c68696c5ea059a09e835
title: Contact tracing organization
uri: Contact-tracing-organization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Contact_tracing_organization%29
content:
<p>
While Bogus Johnson boasts about the UK's tip-top new contact tracing
organization, the people newly hired to do the work are twiddling
their thumbs waiting to get a chance to try the nonfree software that
they have to install on their own computers.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/30/boris-johnsons-test-and-tracing-system-britain-lockdown">One of them wrote this
article, after quitting</a>.

<p>
It seems that Johnson deals with the mounting pile of consequences of
his failures by making up a new lie each week.


feed_id: 43be074658f3d30751f4df67ad7469d9
title: Replacing human news editors with AIs
uri: Replacing-human-news-editors-with-AIs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Replacing_human_news_editors_with_AIs%29

content:
<p>
Microsoft <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/may/30/microsoft-sacks-journalists-to-replace-them-with-robots">has replaced human news editors with AIs</a>.
  I have a hunch that right-wing trolls will trick them into publishing
fake news.


feed_id: 705cada9d5c28d4a067cd8541946bb4d
title: A new breed of gun nuts
uri: A-new-breed-of-gun-nuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28A_new_breed_of_gun_nuts%29
content:
<p>
A new breed of gun nuts: they point loaded guns at their nuts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/30/us-gun-owners-meme-feud">and post
selfies to prove how macho and foolhardy they are</a>.

<p>
Could their spouses and ex-spouses cite these photos in a custody
dispute?  "Don't let that lunatic have any influence over my children!"
I wish I knew a divorce lawyer to discuss this idea with.


feed_id: 452d10f49c98ecb4569bf819e6fffe78
title: Bigger and bigger riots
uri: Bigger-and-bigger-riots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Bigger_and_bigger_riots%29
content:
<p>
Accelerating <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> + Covid-19 + a violent provocation + homes
with no air conditioning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/30/coronavirus-heatwaves-health-summer-us-cities">could lead to bigger and bigger riots</a>.

<p>
In 30 years it will be much hotter than today &mdash; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_May_2020_(Bouts_of_fatal_weather)">hot enough to kill
people directly in some places</a>.
                 Instead of riots, that will provoke wars and
failed states.  Civilization could collapse and kill billions of
people.  Please <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">don't make more children to be caught up in this</a>!

 


feed_id: 73d1005f4be13e4260c204071973799a
title: Stable Hong-Kong
uri: Stable-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Stable_Hong-Kong%29
content:
<p>
*Beijing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/30/beijing-hong-kong-beijing-china-uk-response">has fatally undermined the image of a self-governing and stable Hong
Kong</a>.*

<p>
Is this happening because the bullshitter debilitated US influence
which could have restrained it?


feed_id: c673f20e73f4205c985987d57fa60980
title: The real looters
uri: The-real-looters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28The_real_looters%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/28/progressives-say-people-know-who-real-looters-are-not-those-angry-over-police">Americans know who the real looters are</a>. It's the billionaires who
   plundered America for $434 billion during the pandemic while the
   essential workers keeping our country  afloat make barely over minimum
   wage.*

<p>
Robbing and damaging stores is a bad thing, and it tends to have bad
consequences such as increases in repression, as well as harming
people who have done no wrong.  But this is small compared to the
looting that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> and his scary men do, supported by
plutocratist politicians.

<p>
*"&hellip;countless activists, grassroots leaders and preachers were screaming
   non-violently long before now: 'Change, America! Change, Minneapolis!'
   Rather than listen, many of those in power saw even their non-violent
   protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/30/america-must-listen-to-its-wounds-george-floyd-they-will-tell-us-where-to-look-for-hope">as an unwelcome development</a>."*

<p>
Efforts to train the Minneapolis <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to regard people as human and
value their lives have not succeeded.  Now <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/29/george-floyd-minneapolis-police-reform/">activists demand to cut 
funding for the thug department</a>.

<p>
*If violence isn't the way to end racism in America, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/30/if-violence-isnt-way-end-racism-america-then-what-is-george-floyd-protests">then what is</a>?*

<p>
Since a thug shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/30/michael-brown-ferguson-america-george-floyd">changes have been small,
but not zero</a>.
  The article reports that when <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments adopt stricter rules on
use of force, it helps, and body cameras help ensure compliance with
those rules.

<p>
In the US, plutocracy intersects with systemic racism.  Whatever makes
for more inequality hits disprivileged groups extra.  But inequality
hurts most whites, too.  If they had a lick of sense, whites in the
no-longer-middle-class would ally with nonwhites against the
plutocrats, and vote for progressive candidate in whatever party.


feed_id: a40ee4eeff97be147299a3442cb82852
title: Cult leader freaking out
uri: Cult-leader-freaking-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Cult_leader_freaking_out%29
content:
<p>
Now that Twitter slightly interferes with the spreading of the
bullshitter's bullshit, he is freaking out, because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/30/twitter-taking-on-trumps-lies-about-time-too">this can cut off
his system for stirring up his cult followers</a>.


feed_id: 170979f51ff1b18a55ea31e0ede0efb2
title: Air pollution facilitates infection
uri: Air-pollution-facilitates-infection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28Air_pollution_facilitates_infection%29

content:
<p>
It appears that, even in the short term, increased air pollution
facilitates infection by Covid-19.   <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/29/cut-air-pollution-avoid-second-coronavirus-peak-mps-urge">Reduced air pollution may
protect people</a>.


feed_id: 23aea9329869a91e30f982fdbef44fec
title: 3rd degree murder
uri: 3rd-degree-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%283rd_degree_murder%29
content:
<p>
The thug who physically killed George Floyd <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/29/after-days-protest-police-officer-derek-chauvin-charged-3rd-degree-murder-killing">has been arrested and charged
with 3rd degree murder</a>.
  That charge means that he isn't accused of intending to kill, but
accused of causing death by means of illegal violence.

<p>
However, Floyd's death wasn't just due to a knee on the neck: the
thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/29/george-floyd-death-benjamin-crump-jasmine-rand">took various steps to keep all aid away from him</a>.
  This could justify first degree murder charges for all of them.


feed_id: b27be4cafc4fa4244f1387f494f3fac9
title: No-knock raids
uri: No-knock-raids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#1_June_2020_%28No-knock_raids%29
content:
<p>
Protests over the killing of Breonna Taylor have convinced the city of
Louisville to cease no-knock raids, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/29/breonna-taylor-kentucky-protests-shooting">which are a natural recipe for
killing innocent people</a>.


feed_id: 9a391a16720fc00d1bbb1dd65599ef7f
title: Protests over the world
uri: 2020-06-06-Protests-over-the-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#4_June_2020_%28Protests_over_the_world%29
content:
<p>
There are protests around the world against the murder of George Floyd
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/01/global-protests-erupt-solidarity-racial-justice-defenders-us">and other associated acts of repression in the US</a>.


feed_id: c826e988840ec97b3b1e4a89820fa711
title: Opinion piece by Senator Cotton in the New York Times
uri: Opinion-piece-by-Senator-Cotton-in-the-New-York-Times
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Opinion_piece_by_Senator_Cotton_in_the_New_York_Times%29

content:
<p>

The New York Times has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jun/05/new-york-times-says-tom-cotton-opinion-piece-did-not-meet-editorial-standards">said it made a mistake publishing an opinion piece by Senator Cotton</a>, which was a right-wing extremist call for state violence.
<p>
It is important for newspapers to publish opinions that they don't agree with.  Indeed, that is how progressive views occasionally get into the Op-Ed pages.  This naturally has to include right-wing views, too.
<p>
But it should not extend to demonization and calls for violence.


feed_id: 87eed98c4ee3415670ae65ac4d5d7c1f
title: Bill to prohibit using the military against protesters
uri: Bill-to-prohibit-using-the-military-against-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Bill_to_prohibit_using_the_military_against_protesters%29

content:
<p>

Senator Kaine proposes a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/we-need-put-guardrails-place-senator-unveils-plan-bar-use-us-military-force-against">bill to prohibit using the military against protesters</a>.


feed_id: d39deb8e429ed0a660d5ec63c1b8c1c9
title: Corporate Media ignore proposals to help those hardest hit by Covid
uri: Corporate-Media-ignore-proposals-to-help-those-hardest-hit-by-Covid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Corporate_Media_ignore_proposals_to_help_those_hardest_hit_by_Covid%29

content:
<p>

*Proposals to Ease Covid’s Blow on the Hardest Hit <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/03/proposals-ease-covids-blow-hardest-hit-all-ignored-corporate-media">All But Ignored by Corporate Media</a>.*


feed_id: f7163bc469cd0749da3f7a54abc2f621
title: Fossil Fuel industry will lose 2/3 of its expected future profit
uri: Fossil-Fuel-industry-will-lose-2-3-of-its-expected-future-profit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Fossil_Fuel_industry_will_lose_2%252F3_of_its_expected_future_profit%29

content:
<p>

A study suggests that the fossil fuel industry will lose 2/3 of its expected future profit <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/04/coronavirus-crisis-collapse-fossil-fuels-demand">due to reduced use</a> due to the effects of Covid-19.
<p>
The direct effects of this will be a financial disaster, but it could avert the physical disaster coming from global heating.  We can deal with a financial disaster much more easily that the effects of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a>.
<p>
It follows that everyone investing in fossil fuels is a chump.
<p>
The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/03/ecb-injects-over-eu7-billion-fossil-fuels-start-covid-19-crisis">European Central Bank pissed away 7 billion euros</a> on this. The bank should consult a eurologist and stop.


feed_id: da5ef8c5364afd78c25122b2b5339b20
title: Urgent: Justice in response to thugs killing of Killing of Breonna Taylor
uri: Urgent-Justice-in-response-to-thugs-killing-of-Killing-of-Breonna-Tay
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Justice_in_response_to_thugs_killing_of_Killing_of_Breonna_Taylor%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Louisville to <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/Breonna_Was_Essential/">take several tangible steps of justice and prevention in response to the thugs' killing of Breonna Taylor</a>.


feed_id: ee620215b79655223e8a8f436e0922b7
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to stop giving military equipment to the US thug departments
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-stop-giving-military-equipment-to-the-US-t
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#6_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_stop_giving_military_equipment_to_the_US_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to stop giving <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/police-weapons/">military equipment</a> to US thug departments.

This does not go far enough.  We should require most thug departments to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#26_June_2014_(SWAT_teams_mainly_used_for_minor_matters)">get rid of their heavy weapons</a>, and allow only a limited number of SWAT teams.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>
     <p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 573ccd9535f142e5a34916d32508b3e3
title: Urgent: Call on Biden to ditch adviser Larry Summers
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Biden-to-ditch-adviser-Larry-Summers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#6_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Biden_to_ditch_adviser_Larry_Summers%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://go.justicedemocrats.com/signup/acq-ms-signup-jacobin-larrysummers-20200511/">ditch plutocratist adviser Larry Summers</a>.


feed_id: cda9b1c509df9fec7e94b63cc5bec744
title: Urgent: Call on state governors to take the National Guard of the streets
uri: Urgent-Call-on-state-governors-to-take-the-National-Guard-of-the-stre
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#6_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_state_governors_to_take_the_National_Guard_of_the_streets%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your state's governor to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/tell-your-governor-national-guard">take the state's National Guard off the streets</a>.


feed_id: 62502be6c28c1a638c2ebdfa734e6f5f
title: The world must seize this opportunity to meet the climate challenge.
uri: The-world-must-seize-this-opportunity-to-meet-the-climate-challenge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28The_world_must_seize_this_opportunity_to_meet_the_climate_challenge.%29

content:
<p>

Two central bankers say: *The world must seize this opportunity to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/05/world-climate-breakdown-pandemic">meet the climate challenge</a>.*
<p>
*Jane Goodall Warns <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/jane-goodall-warns-humanity-will-be-finished-after-covid-19-without-ending-absolute">Humanity Will Be 'Finished' After Covid-19 Without Ending 'Absolute Disrespect for Animals and the Environment</a>'.*


feed_id: 3b4a2a23c53e49980142079baa88f7fe
title: Beef raised on destroyed Amazon forest reserves is being sold to the UK
uri: Beef-raised-on-destroyed-Amazon-forest-reserves-is-being-sold-to-the-U
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Beef_raised_on_destroyed_Amazon_forest_reserves_is_being_sold_to_the_UK%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/05/meat-giants-selling-to-uk-linked-to-brazil-farms-in-deforested-amazon-reserve">Beef raised on destroyed Amazon forest reserves is being sold to the UK</a> (and, I suppose, the US and other countries too).


feed_id: 366aec85b6e9ac3ce40b00c666737d99
title: The Lancet has retracted a paper which stated that hydroxychloroquine was dangerous
uri: The-Lancet-has-retracted-a-paper-which-stated-that-hydroxychloroquine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28The_Lancet_has_retracted_a_paper_which_stated_that_hydroxychloroquine_was_dangerous%29

content:
<p>

The Lancet has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/05/lancet-had-to-do-one-of-the-biggest-retractions-in-modern-history-how-could-this-happen">retracted a paper which stated that hydroxychloroquine
was dangerous for people sick with Covid-19</a>.  Now it seems we do not know
whether it is dangerous or not.
<p>
It appears that the paper was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jun/06/retracted-studies-may-have-damaged-public-trust-in-science-top-researchers-fear">based on false data</a>.
<p>
Peer reviewers usually try to check the methods and assumptions, which
they can read, but they have no easy way to check the underlying data
when those are not published.  However, personal medical data must not
be published.
<p>
Meanwhile, a large experimental study has found that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/05/hydroxychloroquine-does-not-cure-covid-19-say-drug-trial-chiefs">hydroxychloroquine provides no benefit to people ill with Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 75a0e7f6213e121e137e0b4b165b4b94
title: Thug union fought every initiative to teach thugs to reduce their violence
uri: Thug-union-fought-every-initiative-to-teach-thugs-to-reduce-their-viol
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Thug_union_fought_every_initiative_to_teach_thugs_to_reduce_their_violence%29

content:
<p>

The Minneapolis thug union has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/05/minneapolis-police-union-bob-kroll-us">fought every initiative</a> to teach thugs
to reduce their violence.
<p>
This suggests that cutting funds for the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department is a good
idea.
<p>
The worst things that US <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> unions do, getting special rules
to make it hard to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#27_July_2012_(New_York_Thugs_violated_human_rights)">prosecute thugs for their crimes</a>,


feed_id: b0606af1347ccc60904bce401888d64b
title: Toronto thug behavior similar to US thugs
uri: Toronto-thug-behavior-similar-to-US-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Toronto_thug_behavior_similar_to_US_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Toronto thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/05/canada-police-under-scrutiny-after-two-women-die-after-encounters-with-officers">manifest behavior</a> comparable to US thugs.
<p>
At least Canada does not have to deal with a governing party that is explicitly racist and violent.


feed_id: d7576a49670c8400f7910f3222b0a270
title: Erdoğan has arrested three opposition MPs
uri: Erdoğan-has-arrested-three-opposition-MPs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Erdo%C3%84%C2%9Fan_has_arrested_three_opposition_MPs%29

content:
<p>

Erdoğan has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/05/three-turkish-opposition-mps-expelled-from-office-and-arrested">arrested three opposition MPs</a> and made the usual criminal charges for political enemies.


feed_id: ac38e7782806bab275dcd445827240c4
title: US thug attacks against journalists
uri: US-thug-attacks-against-journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28US_thug_attacks_against_journalists%29

content:
<p>

US thugs attacked or arrested journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jun/05/im-getting-shot-attacks-on-journalists-surge-in-us-protests">148 times in just three days</a>.


feed_id: cdd62e64ab5b78737d6e52d4eef00e1e
title: Thugs pushed an elderly protester to the ground
uri: Thugs-pushed-an-elderly-protester-to-the-ground
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28Thugs_pushed_an_elderly_protester_to_the_ground%29

content:
<p>

Stampeding Buffalo <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> pushed an elderly protester to the ground so hard that it wounded his head.  One of the thugs tried to help him, but was directed by another thug to go attack another protester instead.
<p>
Then <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/05/buffalo-police-said-protester-head-wound-tripped-fell-video-shows-lied/">they lied</a> about what they had done.
<p>
This calls for firing all the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that lied, plus the one who said not to help the fallen protester, but the one that tried to help him deserves some forgiveness on account of doing that.
<p>
What encourages cops to be violent, to be <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that is, is above all unaccountability, and that depends on getting away with <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#Testilying">testilying</a>. Therefore, we must place special priority on punishing cops' lies about their violence.
<p>
In fact, the city fired both of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that attacked the protester.
<p>
In response, 57 other Buffalo thugs, the rest of the "emergency response team", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/05/new-york-state-57-police-resign-to-support-officers-fired-for-shoving-75-year-old">resigned from that team to "support" the fired thugs</a>.
<p>
The city must defend the safety of its residents, so it must not yield to the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' demand.  It can do without an emergency response team for the time being, and cut the thug department's budget.


feed_id: a14911679cd006963b0d3ec3f725431d
title: A subtle form of climate denialism
uri: A-subtle-form-of-climate-denialism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28A_subtle_form_of_climate_denialism%29

content:
<p>

When news media present sunny, warm, too warm weather as a pleasure, it is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/04/sunny-coverage-of-uk-heatwaves-forgets-risks-say-climate-experts">subtle form of climate denialism</a>.


feed_id: 396ccce6a5cceaaffe00038f3852d0f2
title: City thugs inside schools
uri: City-thugs-inside-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28City_thugs_inside_schools%29
content:
<p>

Minneapolis public schools have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/hope-other-cities-follow-after-minneapolis-school-board-votes-unanimously-end-police">terminated the stationing of city thugs inside schools</a>.
<p>
This will protect students from the risk of violence by thugs and also the risk of being directed by thugs into a life going in and out of jails. (This is called the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/hope-other-cities-follow-after-minneapolis-school-board-votes-unanimously-end-police">"school to prison pipeline"</a>.)


feed_id: 4eb480a0a52f813e479a53b3e1dced17
title: (satire) Use of non-lethal rubber tires
uri: (satire)-Use-of-non-lethal-rubber-tires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_Use_of_non-lethal_rubber_tires%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; NYPD chief Terence Monahan publicly defended his squad’s controversial <a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-defend-use-of-non-lethal-rubber-tires-on-protest-1843884282">use of non-lethal rubber tires</a> Wednesday as a means of de-escalating ongoing protests against police brutality.*


feed_id: a4f1bfdc8a44770ecf0acf01ec85c0fa
title: Urgent: limit thugs weapons and arms
uri: Urgent-limit-thugs-weapons-and-arms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_limit_thugs_weapons_and_arms%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/congress-must-act-police-violence">call for limiting</a> thug departments' weapons and arms.

<p>
I gave this message:

<blockquote>
In addition to what others are asking for, I urge you to greatly
reduce the number of SWAT teams in the United States and limit
by law the situations where they can be used.  A city that has a SWAT team
needs to keep it trained by sending it on missions that don't call for one,
and each mission risks killing people.
</blockquote>


feed_id: 253bd7e2f8153c574395387f100a7776
title: Massive peaceful protests
uri: Massive-peaceful-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Massive_peaceful_protests%29
content:
<p>
There were massive peaceful protests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/protests-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-saturday">across the US on Saturday</a>.

<p>
This followed a week of protests in which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/america-george-floyd-protests-trump">thugs demonstrated their
cruel nature by rioting</a> &mdash; and even white Americans saw
what racism concretely means to blacks.

<p>
Minnesota's Republican governor acknowledged George Floyd's killing as
murder and called for eradicating systemic racism.

<p>
That doesn't mean it will be easy.  Meanwhile, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> and his
supporters are egging each other on to impose yet another repressive
military regime &mdash; this time in the united states.

<p>
People who have survived other dictatorships <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/tearing-apart-america-how-friends-and-foes-now-view-trumps-rule">warn us where this
could lead</a>.

<p>
The fist <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/06/we-hold-truth-be-self-evident-its-happening-our-very-eyes">is now exposed for all to see</a>.

<p>
If he destroys the postal service, he may have trouble converting
it into a mailed fist ;-{.

<p>
One of the people quoted in that article erroneously assumed that the
bully was democratically elected.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression)">Actually Republicans stole the
election by voter suppression</a>.


feed_id: 056267a72e48d7bdc87ea685f801c779
title: Encryption only for paid customers
uri: Encryption-only-for-paid-customers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Encryption_only_for_paid_customers%29

content:
<p>
Zoom will offer end-to-end encryption <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/03/zoom-privacy-law-enforcement-technology-yuan">only to paid customers</a>.

<p>
Even for them, it won't be trustworthy.  A nonfree program is never
trustworthy, and in particular you cannot trust it to protect your
privacy.  (It could send the unencrypted version to Zoom when asked,
bypassing the encryption.)

<p>
And <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_February_2020_(Proprietary_encryption)">you cannot trust nonfree encryption code to do a good job</a>.


feed_id: 0d991b8af5795cdca8f15ecca9cf7ec3
title: Dying for lack of contacts
uri: Dying-for-lack-of-contacts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Dying_for_lack_of_contacts%29
content:
<p>
Tens of thousands of Britons with dementia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/05/cardiac-patients-at-risk-because-of-cancelled-procedures-in-england">are dying from lack of contact
with their families</a>.

<p>
Tens of thousands are in danger <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/05/cardiac-patients-at-risk-because-of-cancelled-procedures-in-england">because they can't get needed heart
operations</a>.


feed_id: 0f9767ae45a01b8c69c313e56e2dc969
title: Removing statue of confederate general
uri: Removing-statue-of-confederate-general
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Removing_statue_of_confederate_general%29

content:
<p>
Virginia will remove <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/virginia-governor-confederate-statue-removal-robert-e-lee">a statue of Confederate General Lee from the
state capitol, Richmond</a>.


feed_id: efef468e256b5670cd2a93971dfb11dc
title: Barr ordered attack of peaceful crowd
uri: Barr-ordered-attack-of-peaceful-crowd
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Barr_ordered_attack_of_peaceful_crowd%29

content:
<p>
Insiders report that Attorney General Barr personally ordered <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to
attack a peaceful crowd of civilians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/02/he-must-resign-attorney-general-barr-personally-ordered-police-assault-peaceful-dc">to get the bully his photo op on
the steps of a church</a>.

<p>
The ACLU is suing the bully <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/aclu-lawsuit-trump-protesters-church-white-house">for the damage done by that assault</a>.


feed_id: 7885053c24882a1fe0799e09d0418472
title: Diesel in river
uri: Diesel-in-river
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Diesel_in_river%29
content:
<p>
Diesel fuel has spilled in a river in the Russian Arctic; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/putin-declares-federal-emergency-after-diesel-fuel-spill-arctic-river-could-take">it could
take decades to recover from the effects</a>.
  Arctic ecosystems are especially slow to heal.

<p>
It is possible that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effects caused the spill.


feed_id: 2aca5f6dfd34a127075c9e4854c86a70
title: Acknowledgment of racist tendencies
uri: Acknowledgment-of-racist-tendencies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Acknowledgment_of_racist_tendencies%29

content:
<p>
A poll reports that most Americans now acknowledge the racist
tendencies of thugs in general, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/majority-americans-believe-actions-and-anger-george-floyd-protesters-justified">support the anger at the killing
of George Floyd</a>.

<p>
Most Americans think that the actions of protesters are at least
"partially justified".  That is a rather ambiguous term.


feed_id: 111fd64dc30c50a6943e4b6b1f4c0030
title: Unpaid unemployment benefits
uri: Unpaid-unemployment-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Unpaid_unemployment_benefits%29
content:
<p>
*'Should Be Bigger News': Analysis Finds <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/03/should-be-bigger-news-analysis-finds-nearly-one-third-owed-unemployment-benefits">Nearly One Third of Owed Unemployment
Benefits Have Not Been Paid</a>.*


feed_id: f1d7e5d8a50f1e1ab7d4cb3a1711209b
title: Better understanding hate groups
uri: Better-understanding-hate-groups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Better_understanding_hate_groups%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/mark-zuckerberg-announces-virtual-roundtable-with-ameri-1843904630">satire</a>) *Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced
   Thursday that he would hold a virtual roundtable with American hate
   groups around the country to better understand how they work.*


feed_id: 7c68cabd0bec48bdef9e7a841eb49d6f
title: Wearing a mask is also solidarity
uri: Wearing-a-mask-is-also-solidarity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Wearing_a_mask_is_also_solidarity%29
content:
<p>
*Solidarity <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/04/solidarity-includes-wearing-mask-protests">Includes Wearing a Mask at Protests</a>.*


feed_id: 3b7c4ad58ba063f5b947bdbb8d49b33f
title: Looking for something to charge protesters
uri: Looking-for-something-to-charge-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Looking_for_something_to_charge_protesters%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has authorized the Drug Enforcement Agency to surveil all
protesters (or suspected protesters) and <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonleopold/george-floyd-police-brutality-protests-government">look for something to charge
them with</a>.


feed_id: 2306bb0161f34d86e893b5a17f2a5a93
title: Thugs facing charges
uri: Thugs-facing-charges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Thugs_facing_charges%29
content:
<p>
Six Atlanta thugs face charges <a href="https://apnews.com/878c149e1107abfcabe762a1c9915ba0">for attacking a couple sitting in a car,
pulling them out and tasing them</a>.

<p>
It is very important to punish <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that commit lesser crimes,
not only those who kill.  The violence comes from the same sources
regardless of how far it goes.


feed_id: 7e99a8b9101f1445c06fcf3da47a9f18
title: Armors provoke violence
uri: Armors-provoke-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Armors_provoke_violence%29
content:
<p>
Decades of research shows that when <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> approach a protest prepared
for violence &mdash; wearing armor, for instance &mdash; <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/de-escalation-keeps-protesters-and-police-safer-heres-why-departments-respond-with-force-anyway/">it provokes violence</a>.

<p>
The challenge is to make <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> stop being part of the problem.

<p>
Naturally, the US government <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/17/veterans-affairs-coronavirus-security-police/">has increased spending on provocation gear</a>.

<p>
However, lately the protests have become peaceful <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/george-floyd-protests-city-curfews-los-angeles-dc">and cities have
begun deescalating</a>.


feed_id: 45957d20b9036f4457acedc8e8c32684
title: Ways to protect right now
uri: Ways-to-protect-right-now
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Ways_to_protect_right_now%29
content:
<p>
10 ways Democratic elected officials can <a href="https://sirota.substack.com/p/10-things-dems-could-do-right-now">protect protesters, hold back the
violence of thugs, and thwart the bully &mdash; right now</a>.


feed_id: f452d2e2edeb680b3729c3e536f6c9de
title: Dying for lack of contacts
uri: 2020-06-09-Dying-for-lack-of-contacts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Dying_for_lack_of_contacts%29
content:
<p>
Tens of thousands of Britons with dementia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/05/covid-19-causing-10000-dementia-deaths-beyond-infections-research-says">are dying from lack of contact
with their families</a>.

<p>
Tens of thousands are in danger <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/05/cardiac-patients-at-risk-because-of-cancelled-procedures-in-england">because they can't get needed heart
operations</a>.


feed_id: 909328d0d20c9a9873fa6d65f303f59e
title: Renaming of streets that were named after rich slave traders
uri: Renaming-of-streets-that-were-named-after-rich-slave-traders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Renaming_of_streets_that_were_named_after_rich_slave_traders%29

content:
<p>

Activists in Glasgow have unofficially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/glasgow-slaver-streets-renamed-by-anti-racist-campaigners">renamed various streets that were named after rich slave traders of the past</a>.


feed_id: 1074044ab8cecf7c3666fd331637549d
title: Protest against oil and gas facilities in West Virginia
uri: Protest-against-oil-and-gas-facilities-in-West-Virginia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Protest_against_oil_and_gas_facilities_in_West_Virginia%29

content:
<p>

West Virginia has made <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/07/pipeline-petrochemical-lobbying-group-anti-protest-law/">protests against oil and gas facilities a felony</a>, including pipelines.


feed_id: 598344ba358fd4a24fc9fd64c02daabb
title: French thugs' Facebook group for racism
uri: French-thugs-Facebook-group-for-racism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28French_thugs%27_Facebook_group_for_racism%29

content:
<p>

Some French thugs have a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/07/racist-comments-on-facebook-group-used-by-french-police-to-be-investigated">Facebook group for racism</a>.
<p>
Why do some people launch themselves into hate?


feed_id: e6eeb472cc58233058f34ad986770c4e
title: UK has no plan for second wave of Covid-19
uri: UK-has-no-plan-for-second-wave-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28UK_has_no_plan_for_second_wave_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

*Senior clinicians fear UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/07/we-need-a-strategy-senior-clinicians-fear-uk-has-no-plan-for-second-wave">no plan for second wave</a> (of Covid-19).*
<p>
Bogus Johnson's idea of a "plan", when talking to the public, is "Don't worry about it, we will do something and everything will be fine."


feed_id: 95b2a46e868fd4aed200836efed5f93b
title: Nation Guard soldiers are raising tensions in US cities
uri: Nation-Guard-soldiers-are-raising-tensions-in-US-cities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Nation_Guard_soldiers_are_raising_tensions_in_US_cities%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/05/nation/bostons-toniest-neighborhood-large-military-presence-stands-guard/">National Guard soldiers, with armed military assault rifles</a>, are raising tensions in US cities. Their mission is to protect black and brown coffee and the stores that serve it.
<p>
I expect they are armed with military automatic weapons, which are ideal for mass shootings but not so much for anything less indiscriminate.


feed_id: 2cca23ad16bd9973e5edb61d2b2e42bf
title: Thugs infiltrating protests
uri: Thugs-infiltrating-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Thugs_infiltrating_protests%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://join.theintercept.com/go/9462">*A Short History of U.S. [thugs] Infiltrating Protests.*</a>
<p>
Sometimes all they do is snoop.  Sometimes their reports are lies. Often they encourage violence, or start the violence themselves.


feed_id: aca967a0375beac4175fc7d5a10c40f3
title: The moment to flood the streets
uri: The-moment-to-flood-the-streets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28The_moment_to_flood_the_streets%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/04/when-they-say-we-dont-have-right-protest-says-naomi-klein-thats-moment-flood-streets">*"When They Say We Don't Have the Right to Protest," Says Naomi Klein, "That's the Moment to Flood the Streets".*</a>


feed_id: d8d7b36571be9147647742b768717cbb
title: (satire) New Yorkers would greet the United States military as liberators
uri: (satire)-New-Yorkers-would-greet-the-United-States-military-as-liberat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_New_Yorkers_would_greet_the_United_States_military_as_liberators%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Republican leaders reportedly claimed Thursday that New Yorkers would <a href="https://www.theonion.com/republican-leaders-claim-new-yorkers-will-greet-u-s-mi-1843908110">greet the United States military as liberators</a>.*


feed_id: 925c759f3d49ac651895cb2b44ca878d
title: Sales tax on stock transactions
uri: Sales-tax-on-stock-transactions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Sales_tax_on_stock_transactions%29
content:
<p>

New York State's sales tax on stock transactions gets handed back to Wall Street every year.  Ralph Nader suggests that the state <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/06/governor-cuomo-avoid-budget-cuts-not-rebating-stock-sales-tax-wall-street">keep it this year</a>. to help pay the expenses of dealing with Covid-19.


feed_id: 4c352b308f26a18c78953aa33ce58cb1
title: How endless war contributes to police brutality
uri: How-endless-war-contributes-to-police-brutality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28How_endless_war_contributes_to_police_brutality%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/04/how-endless-war-contributes-police-brutality">*How Endless War Contributes to Police Brutality.*</a>
<p>
*[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] are explicitly trained to conceive of themselves as warriors in battle, always on high alert and prepared to kill.* And who is the enemy they are about to fight?
<p>
The federal government is directly involved in this; a change of one law could put a stop to it.


feed_id: 4358665ac561a0958895493d6ff39bfb
title: Calling on the ACLU to expel thug unions
uri: Calling-on-the-ACLU-to-expel-thug-unions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Calling_on_the_ACLu_to_expel_thug_unions%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/06/these-unions-dishonor-labor-movement-nearly-200-academics-lawmakers-and-activists">Calling on the ACLU to expel thug unions</a>, which oppose its stated support for criminal justice reform.
<p.
Alternatively, the ACLU could make a rule that its member unions are not allowed to make demands about when and how they will be investigated, charged, or prosecuted for crimes.  If they persist in doing that, they will be expelled &mdash; not arbitrarily, but as a consequence of not following a rule that is obviously valid.


feed_id: 40492be7f51a2f53d23f5ab06cf3d235
title: Bolsonaro ceased publishing statistics on spread of Covid-19 in Brazil
uri: Bolsonaro-ceased-publishing-statistics-on-spread-of-Covid-19-in-Brazil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Bolsonaro_ceased_publishing_statistics_on_spread_of_Covid-19_in_Brazil%29

content:
<p>

Bolsonaro has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/07/bolsonaro-strips-death-toll-and-case-totals-from-brazils-coronavirus-updates">ceased publishing statistics on the spread of Covid-19</a> in Brazil.
<p>
Daily quantities are not very useful as an indication of trends.  But they are the basis for three-day running averages, which give a more meaningful picture.  Denied the former, Brazilians can't calculate the latter.


feed_id: 39a5260edb046fc92270ab9808856557
title: UK economists are mostly not in favor of squeezing the poor
uri: UK-economists-are-mostly-not-in-favor-of-squeezing-the-poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28UK_economists_are_mostly_not_in_favor_of_squeezing_the_poor%29

content:
<p>

UK economists are mostly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/07/economists-prove-to-be-not-keen-on-cuts-after-all">not in favor</a> of squeezing the poor to "pay for" the programs to help with Covid-19.
<p>
However, the idea is ridiculous.  Just stop the handouts to the rich, and take back those that have already been given.


feed_id: 8fda1959f5d5eefb44a87c0cdd135a05
title: Black in newly 'woke' America
uri: Black-in-newly-woke-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Black_in_newly_%27woke%27_America%29
content:
<p>

*How does it feel to be black in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/07/black-protests-woe-america">newly 'woke' America</a>? Strange - and dizzying.*


feed_id: a20978d921e372273c7d370df5c82e6e
title: The bullshitter stands for "law and order"
uri: The-bullshitter-stands-for-law-and-order
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28The_bullshitter_stands_for_law_and_order%29

content:
<p>

The bullshitter stands for "law and order" &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/donald-trump-re-election-nixon-protests-strategy">law as in "martial law", and order as in a cemetery</a>.


feed_id: d052641fd47401dac1499b96883f7e58
title: Urgent: Call on Biden to support Medicare for all
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Biden-to-support-Medicare-for-all
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Biden_to_support_Medicare_for_all%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Joe Biden to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/petition-demand-joe-biden-support-medicare-for-all">support Medicare For All</a>.


feed_id: 1c003c68a4139074da8fd7af04bc1ae3
title: Urgent: Ban use of tear gases in the US
uri: Urgent-Ban-use-of-tear-gases-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_use_of_tear_gases_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-200604-reich/">ban use of tear gases in the US</a>.
     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>
  <p>
    If you call please spread the word!
  </p>


feed_id: d63515cc778cdccd6a889c6e9f327976
title: Urgent: End thug brutality
uri: Urgent-End-thug-brutality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_thug_brutality%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to endorse the resolution to <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-200602-reforms">end thug brutality</a>.
<P>
A resolution won't directly change rules our laws, but it can have influence on <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, and on state legislators.
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
  and 888-355-3588.</p>
  <p>
    If you call please spread the word!
  </p>


feed_id: e9506a8438cb05933e9f3188b2ea9e0c
title: Calling on the ACLU to expel thug unions
uri: 2020-06-09-Calling-on-the-ACLU-to-expel-thug-unions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Calling_on_the_ACLu_to_expel_thug_unions%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/06/these-unions-dishonor-labor-movement-nearly-200-academics-lawmakers-and-activists">Calling on the ACLU to expel thug unions</a>, which oppose its stated support for criminal justice reform.
<p>
Alternatively, the ACLU could make a rule that its member unions are not allowed to make demands about when and how they will be investigated, charged, or prosecuted for crimes.  If they persist in doing that, they will be expelled &mdash; not arbitrarily, but as a consequence of not following a rule that is obviously valid.


feed_id: a730417b70b441b821ab9c18239bd7b6
title: EPA approval overturned
uri: EPA-approval-overturned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28EPA_approval_overturned%29
content:
<p>
*Court overturns EPA approval of popular herbicide (dicamba) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/monsanto-herbicide-court-overrules-epa">made by Monsanto</a>.*
  The court saw that the Environmental Poisoning Agency knew it was
dangerous and decided to ignore than fact.


feed_id: f06eaaaab4594c3b4a8c3036078729c6
title: Indigenous chief beaten by thugs
uri: Indigenous-chief-beaten-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Indigenous_chief_beaten_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A Canadian chief of an indigenous group says that national <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
("mounties") beat him up, injuring him badly, then arrested him and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/06/canadian-first-nation-chief-says-rcmp-violently-assaulted-him">accused him of "resisting arrest" and attacking the thugs</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> also beat up his wife, who was with him.


feed_id: 49bf1164734f36cacc84853afed800dd
title: Suing the bully
uri: Suing-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Suing_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU is suing the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> for ordering the violent attack on peaceful
protesters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/05/aclu-sues-trump-over-shameless-unconstitutional-unprovoked-and-frankly-criminal">so he could walk to a church and use it for a photo op</a>.


feed_id: a9b2790bd9f9f210e23c2d184f93d3bd
title: Lawlessness
uri: Lawlessness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Lawlessness%29
content:
<p>
Some US government law-twisting agency seized shipments of protective
masks that had printed protest slogans.  The owners were given no
explanation or justification <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/05/criminal-law-enforcement-seizes-thousands-masks-sent-help-protect-protesters">and are not even sure who took them</a>.

<p>
This is total lawlessness.


feed_id: 265b82d37614a4f07b0e204079b527e4
title: Seeking to destroy as many ecosystems as possible
uri: Seeking-to-destroy-as-many-ecosystems-as-possible
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Seeking_to_destroy_as_many_ecosystems_as_possible%29

content:
<p>
Seeking to destroy as many ecosystems as possible during his time in office,
the saboteur in chief <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/06/donald-trump-commercial-fishing-marine-monument">has eliminated the protection of a marine reserve
near the New England coast</a>.


feed_id: 42bf673c288c2729c62d1705f0694af2
title: Indigenous people killed by thugs
uri: Indigenous-people-killed-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Indigenous_people_killed_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Australia has its own Black Lives Matter movement, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/06/australian-black-lives-matter-protests-tens-of-thousands-demand-end-to-indigenous-deaths-in-custody">about indigenous people
killed by thugs</a>.


feed_id: be3d19e5e8be9226530c3c2f9fe068c1
title: Interesting musings
uri: Interesting-musings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Interesting_musings%29
content:
<p>
Interesting musings from Caitlin Johnstone.

<p>
*If you are more interested in the fact that Lindsey Graham is a
 hypocritical closeted gay Republican than you are in the fact that
 Lindsey Graham is a murderous war pig who advances mass military
 slaughter at every opportunity, your priorities are disordered.*

<p>
*There’s a pervasive belief in [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>] culture &hellip; that it is okay
to physically assault a stranger who has made you feel emotionally
upset. An attack on the officer’s ego is treated as an attack on the
officer.*

<p>
And others.  I agree with some, <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/06/06/lindsey-graham-protests-and-other-notes-from-the-edge-of-the-narrative-matrix/">including those two</a>.


feed_id: c183b216f17917809d07eead8da2a85b
title: Continuing to feed local communities
uri: Continuing-to-feed-local-communities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Continuing_to_feed_local_communities%29

content:
<p>
*What if restaurants continued to feed local communities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/06/restaurants-communities-lockdown-business-good-food">after lockdown lifts</a>?*


feed_id: 0ff5fc928de3d5108750ce8fbf5e1a52
title: Gradually reopening
uri: Gradually-reopening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Gradually_reopening%29
content:
<p>
Tokyo is gradually reopening, having put in place a system <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/06/contact-tracing-japan-coronavirus-covid-19-patients-social-etiquette">to stop
transmission of Covid-19</a>.
 Japan did not use snooping apps, but made a success of contract
tracing by human investigators.  It did not force anyone to do anything,
but people complied with the sensible measures announced.

<p>
By contrast, the US is reopening, in a careless way, without any system
to stop transmission, while transmission is increasing.

<p>
This reminds me of cargo cults.  In the 1940s and 50s, some
charismatic leaders in New Guinea and nearby islands had their
followers construct imitation airports.  They hoped these would fool
the spirits that sent "cargo" to European colonists and soldiers into
sending some to them too.  It did not work.  The practice ended many
decades ago.

<p>
Now it's the turn of the US to follow a path that is an imitation of a
rational policy, missing only the rationality.


feed_id: fce523852c565fd0621f112231f5af47
title: What they have seen in protests
uri: What-they-have-seen-in-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28What_they_have_seen_in_protests%29
content:
<p>
Guardian reporters from various cities describe what they have seen in
protests &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/membership/2020/jun/06/george-floyd-protest-reporting-us">including wild vandalism as a response to wild attacks by thugs</a>.

<p>
When protesters get so angry that they attack whatever comes to hand,
they become the mirror image of rioting <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.

<p>
I saw a video of a protest which cops (not <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, those) joined in.  I
was glad to see their solidarity, but distressed for all of them that
so many were close together and did not wear masks to protect each
other.


feed_id: 39aa5b248a92bc8ae13181b04ba3903a
title: Confronting defense of NYPD violence
uri: Confronting-defense-of-NYPD-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Confronting_defense_of_NYPD_violence%29

content:
<p>
*New Yorkers Confront de Blasio Over Defense of NYPD Violence <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/05/new-yorkers-confront-de-blasio-over-defense-nypd-violence-calls-mount-mayors">as Calls Mount
for Mayor's Resignation</a>.*

<p>
Governor Cuomo is also denying the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' violence.  You can't see it
if you shut your eyes.


feed_id: c9dfb06b84dde51f487c80615f6f4de3
title: Concrete steps
uri: Concrete-steps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Concrete_steps%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-chief-vows-to-take-concrete-steps-to-better-cove-1843926243">satire</a>) *Los Angeles Police chief Michel Moore vowed
   Friday to take concrete steps to better cover up violence.*


feed_id: c613a95b2eff3d1da0cbe66805d445d7
title: Converted into condos
uri: Converted-into-condos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Converted_into_condos%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/oakland-athletics-stadium-immediately-converted-into-co-1843924977">satire</a>) *The
   Oakland Athletics stadium was immediately converted into condos Friday
   after the team missed a rent payment.*


feed_id: f5cca1e9d0c485ec505270a904e6ccc8
title: Selective curfew rules
uri: Selective-curfew-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Selective_curfew_rules%29
content:
<p>
*Anger mounts over selective curfew rules: '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/05/george-floyd-protests-curfew-rules-arrests">A license to decide who to arrest</a>'.*

<p>
These laws appoint <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments as despots.  When a despot happens
to be benevolent, you can get good government for as long as it lasts.
But will the next despot be benevolent too?  Probably not.


feed_id: e68d531fc1987c640a0a61ef95cfa4ab
title: Inter-parliamentary alliance
uri: Inter-parliamentary-alliance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Inter-parliamentary_alliance%29
content:
<p>
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/05/global-alliance-formed-to-counter-china-threat">will join countries to pressure
China on its cruel actions</a>.


feed_id: cd44fc4e0221ccf265814c6fbc45afe1
title: Massive peaceful protests
uri: 2020-06-09-Massive-peaceful-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_%28Massive_peaceful_protests%29
content:
<p>
There were massive peaceful protests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/protests-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-saturday">across the US on Saturday</a>.

<p>
This followed a week of protests in which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/america-george-floyd-protests-trump">thugs demonstrated their
cruel nature by rioting</a> &mdash; and even white Americans saw
what racism concretely means to blacks.

<p>
That doesn't mean it will be easy to change this.
Meanwhile, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> and his
supporters are egging each other on to impose yet another repressive
military regime &mdash; this time in the united states.

<p>
People who have survived other dictatorships <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/tearing-apart-america-how-friends-and-foes-now-view-trumps-rule">warn us where this
could lead</a>.

<p>
The fist <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/06/we-hold-truth-be-self-evident-its-happening-our-very-eyes">is now exposed for all to see</a>.

<p>
If he destroys the postal service, he may have trouble converting
it into a mailed fist ;-{.

<p>
One of the people quoted in that article erroneously assumed that the
bully was democratically elected.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression)">Actually Republicans stole the
election by voter suppression</a>.


feed_id: a2ebd5aec47529123956c13613323176
title: Schools plan to track movements of students within the school
uri: Schools-plan-to-track-movements-of-students-within-the-school
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Schools_plan_to_track_movements_of_students_within_the_school%29

content:
<p>

Some US schools plan to <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/schools-surveillance-tech-prevent-covid-19-spread/">track the movements of students within the school</a>, for contact tracing. This is on top of demanding they be used by proprietary malware (it spies on them) to do their work, and giving their personal data to companies that profile them.
<p>
Contact tracing is legitimate if it collects no data about contacts between people when neither of them is spreading the virus.  But if the system is tied to a snoop-phone, it is sure to be an additional injustice.


feed_id: 1bffffdb3193f2cfc285b85ed58b69db
title: Thug unions defend crimes by thugs
uri: Thug-unions-defend-crimes-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Thug_unions_defend_crimes_by_thugs%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/07/why-do-police-unions-talk-and-act-mafia-how-can-we-stop-them">Thug unions defend a broad range of crimes by thugs</a> &mdash; even extortion. In effect, they are mafias.
<P>
By the way, mafias get their power by protecting people lots of people who can't get anyone else to do that.  In Italy, this year, mafias have been feeding poor people.


feed_id: 87eb28f768298b23e496867d738045b3
title: Hinduismist fanatics used Covid-19 quarantine as cover
uri: Hinduismist-fanatics-used-Covid-19-quarantine-as-cover
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Hinduismist_fanatics_used_Covid-19_quarantine_as_cover%29

content:
<p>

Hinduismist fanatics in India used <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/08/how-lives-were-destroyed-under-cover-of-lockdown-in-a-small-indian-town">Covid-19 quarantine as cover for a pogrom against Muslims</a>.


feed_id: c87822c53c86b8585320254d4e5d747d
title: In Mexico, protests against murder by thugs
uri: In-Mexico-protests-against-murder-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28In_Mexico%2C_protests_against_murder_by_thugs_%29

content:
<p>

In Mexico there are protests against the murder by thugs of a man who was arrested for not wearing a mask.  Many thugs began <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/08/well-disappear-you-mexican-protesters-recount-terror-of-police-abduction">kidnaping protesters and robbing them</a>.


feed_id: ca7a4a5463bbe1f0bc5398c3bcf8fd58
title: Thugs have arrested over 10,000
uri: Thugs-have-arrested-over-10-000
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Thuges_have_arrested_over_10%2C000%29

content:
<p>

Thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/08/george-floyd-killing-police-arrest-non-violent-protesters">arrested over 10,000 protesters at protests over the murder of George Floyd</a>.
<p>
Sometimes they make far-fetched excuses.


feed_id: 83a1283816fbab4ae97b93069e66d8d5
title: Foreign occupation practices contributed to thuggery of US cops
uri: Foreign-occupation-practices-contributed-to-thuggery-of-US-cops
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Foreign_occupation_practices_contributed_to_thuggery_of_US_cops%29

content:
<p>

How <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/08/yes-american-police-act-like-occupying-armies-they-literally-studied-their-tactics">foreign occupation practices contributed</a> to the thuggery of modern practices and training of US cops.


feed_id: b9f16a8820f8fcd4e7fbebe4bad59c0b
title: Sandinista leaders fall victim to coronavirus
uri: Sandinista-leaders-fall-victim-to-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Sandinista_leaders_fall_victim_to_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>

*Sandinista leaders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/08/nicaragua-coronavirus-sandinista-leaders-fall-victim">fall victim to coronavirus outbreak they downplayed</a>.*
<p>
It was more than "downplaying"; they mocked it like the conman.


feed_id: 3c3e8f28cc18b0a851d3c47868ba2979
title: Criminal justice reform
uri: 2020-06-10-Criminal-justice-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Criminal_justice_reform%29
content:
<p>

Ilhan Omar plans to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/04/ilhan-omar-criminal-justice-reform-bills-offer-systemic-solutions-systemic-problems">introduce four bills for criminal justice reform</a>.
<p>
The first one, for the National Police Misuse of Force Investigation Board, should go further.  It should not be limited to the killings by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>; it should tackle also the lesser acts of violence, and false accusations.
<p>
Also, we should require thug departments to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#17_February_2015_(SWAT)">divest themselves of military weapons, with few exceptions, and to eliminate most SWAT teams</a>.


feed_id: 8a5a67f08ae41dc387feba2a9868da14
title: Cuba is defeating Covid-19
uri: Cuba-is-defeating-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Cuba_is_defeating_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/07/cuba-coronavirus-success-contact-tracing-isolation">Cuba is defeating Covid-19</a> with lots of attention and strict isolation measures.
<p>
They are not very different from Taiwan.  Although Cuba disrespects human rights &mdash; even occasionally to the point of <a href="dissidents --">murdering dissidents</a> &mdash;
<p>
I think these measures are legitimate when used temporarily in an emergency.


feed_id: fd97ee666bab6d6790bb38fcf483649d
title: America for the Rich or the Poor?
uri: America-for-the-Rich-or-the-Poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28America_for_the_Rich_or_the_Poor_%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/04/america-rich-or-poor?cd-origin=rss">*America for the Rich or the Poor? Which America will be ours after the pandemic?*</a>


feed_id: 221862a165e04dfde51fd7ac7a5dfa5e
title: Vallejo police kill unarmed 22-year-old, who was on his knees with his hands up.
uri: Vallejo-police-kill-unarmed-22-year-old-who-was-on-his-knees-with-his
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Vallejo_police_kill_unarmed_22-year-old%2C_who_was_on_his_knees_with_his_hands_up.%29

content:
<p>

*Vallejo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/vallejo-police-kill-unarmed-man-california">police kill unarmed 22-year-old, who was on his knees with his hands up</a>.*
<p>
Killing unarmed blacks is a long-standing tradition there.


feed_id: 0f8cbb2e0c8f2367911434e3ca457c72
title: Police brutality meets protests against police brutality
uri: Police-brutality-meets-protests-against-police-brutality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Police_brutality_meets_protests_against_police_brutality%29

content:
<p>

*Protests about police brutality are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/police-violence-protests-us-george-floyd">met with wave of police brutality across US</a>.*
<p>
*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/04/journalists-attacked-police-george-floyd-protests/">Police &mdash; Not Protesters</a> &mdash; Are Overwhelmingly Responsible for Attacking Journalists.*  80% of the reported attacks were by thugs.
<p>
(satire) *Calling the <a href="https://www.theonion.com/buffalo-police-request-reinforcements-until-elderly-man-1843925008">various geriatric protesters the "greatest threat to officers thus far,"</a> the Buffalo Police Department requested reinforcements Friday until the frail elderly men rampaging through their city were fully contained.*


feed_id: 0803deb64321a7813cc2e97f1fa46600
title: Thugs welcomed armed white men and they attacked protesters and journalists
uri: Thugs-welcomed-armed-white-men-and-they-attacked-protesters-and-journa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Thugs_welcomed_armed_white_men_and_they_attacked_protestors_and_journalists%29

content:
<p>

Philadelphia thugs welcomed a gang of 50 - 70 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/philadelphia-armed-white-men-george-floyd-protests">white men who threatened Black Lives Matter protesters</a> with various sorts of weapons, and attacked journalists.
<p>
A <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> that tolerates partisan violence or threats of same ought to be fired, at least.  Will Philadelphia fire them?  And the officer in charge of that group? 


feed_id: e123ec12d73e44886c0b57d93106b28e
title: Bully is not a fascist, but rather an authoritarian
uri: Bully-is-not-a-fascist-but-rather-an-authoritarian
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Bully_is_not_a_fascist%2C_but_rather_an_authoritarian%29

content:
<p>

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, historian of fascism, says that <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/04/is-this-trumps-reichstag-fire-moment/">the bully is not exactly a fascist, but rather an authoritarian</a> &mdash; a somewhat broader category.
<p>
She says that he will try to set aside the election, but that history shows that mass protest can stop an authoritarian.


feed_id: f278f66c30282b29003c440bb340477a
title: Covid-19 is dangerous, never take of your mask at a protest
uri: Covid-19-is-dangerous-never-take-of-your-mask-at-a-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Covid-19_is_dangerous%2C_never_take_of_your_mask_at_a_protest%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 is dangerous, but thugs are. too &mdash; protesting is necessary. But while you are at a protest, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/04/is-it-safe-to-protest-during-a-pandemic-experts-answer-our-questions"><em>never</em> take off your mask</a>.
<p>
Surveillance is dangerous, too.  There are no physical protests against surveillance (I wish there were), but you can protest against surveillance by refusing to run nonfree software (always likely to spy on you), and refusing to use snooping dis-services.  Stand up and say no!


feed_id: 3a3eec0259ef6f3ff808b5bc9e1cfa5c
title: Urgent: Demand Netflix cancel video programs that glorify thugs
uri: Urgent-Demand-Netflix-cancel-video-programs-that-glorify-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Demand_Netflix_cancel_video_programs_that_glorify_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: consider demanding that Netflix <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/netflix-no-cop-shows/">cancel the video programs that glorify thugs</a>.
<p>
I signed the petition after some hesitation, because I condemn Netflix totally for its injustice to its users.  To watch anything via Netflix entails surrendering to injustice.
<p>
I cannot envision Netflix as ever doing any sort of business in a way that doesn't mistreat the customers.  I think the right campaign goal is to eliminate Netflix entirely, not just a subset of the videos it streams.
<p>
However, eventually I concluded that the petition does not explicitly legitimize Netflix's business practices, so I could sign.
<p>
Whether you sign the petition or not, please join me in <a href="https://stallman.org/netflix.html">>rejecting Netflix</a> yourself.
  


feed_id: 742d936f7aa98f9ce0d9aec5553e0c01
title: Forbidden, unless you want it
uri: Forbidden-unless-you-want-it
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Forbidden%2C_unless_you_want_it%29
content:
<p>
Seattle's mayor told the city thus that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/google-geneva-conventions-kshama-sawant-tells-seattle-mayor-after-police-use-tear">they were forbidden to use tear gas
on protesters unless they want to use it</a>.

<p>
Radical city council member <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_(Kshama_Sawant_won)">Kshama Sawant</a> was one of the protesters
who was gassed; she calls for the mayor to resign.


feed_id: 9f55b1225cd8ff4fe87be486d19f35b2
title: On strike for protective equipment
uri: On-strike-for-protective-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28On_strike_for_protective_equipment%29

content:
<p>
The staff of a MacDonalds in California have been on strike two weeks
demanding protective equipment.  11 of them now have Covid-19.  It is
clear they were spreading it to each other, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/08/striking-their-lives">because they could not
help it</a>.

<p>
All workers that work in proximity to other people should have protective
equipment, and employers should be legally required to provide it,

<p>
What about when there is a shortage, as now?  We could make the
employer pay hazard pay on top of the usual wage, plus the full costs
of treatment as well as lost wages to all workers that get sick.  Then
employers would push our plutocratist government to make sure enough
protective equipment gets made.


feed_id: c34d6508885f2bd9815fbb3de9c0fa2d
title: Justice in Policing Act
uri: Justice-in-Policing-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Justice_in_Policing_Act%29
content:
<p>
The Justice in Policing Act, proposed in Congress, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/pushed-national-uprising-democratic-lawmakers-unveil-legislation-overhaul-policing">would help restrain
violence by thugs, but it doesn't go far enough</a>.

<p>
Eliminating qualified immunity will do some good.  Reducing the
standard of intention will, too.  Keeping track of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that have
been dismissed for brutality could do some good but only if violent
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are more likely to be fired than they are now &mdash; and none of the
provisions seem designed achieve that.

<p>
Nothing in the bill, as far as I can see, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_May_2020_(Prosecutor_who_refused_to_presecute_the_white_murderers_of_Ahmaud_Arbery)">would directly affect
whether prosecutors protect violent thugs</a>.

<p>
Helping the Department of Justice investigate violent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments
would do some good if someday we have a Department of Justice run by
someone that aims to reduce wanton violence by thugs, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#8_June_2020_(Barr_ordered_attack_of_peaceful_crowd)">rather that
promoting it as now</a>.

<p>
The bill would not make <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments give up any of the heavy
weapons that they already own, or reduce the number of SWAT teams, nor
stop the no-knock raids carried out by state and local <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>
departments to give SWAT teams practice.


feed_id: 753f594a47d00f6270eedf42781a51f1
title: Outsourcing chicken processing
uri: Outsourcing-chicken-processing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Outsourcing_chicken_processing%29
content:
<p>
*Group Warns USDA May Be Quietly Trying <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/08/group-warns-usda-may-be-quietly-trying-outsource-chicken-processing-china">to Outsource Chicken Processing to
China</a>.*

<p>
The idea is to let Chinese companies inspect them, or claim to inspect them,
to bypass the already-weakened US inspection requirements.


feed_id: 27ebac53515109125eb462c634a824ab
title: Petition to stop exporting tear gas
uri: Petition-to-stop-exporting-tear-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Petition_to_stop_exporting_tear_gas%29

content:
<p>
Almost a million Britons signed a petition to stop the export <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/decrying-unacceptable-brutality-uk-lawmakers-join-half-million-britons-calling-halt">of tear gas,
rubber-coated metal bullets, and other instruments of repression to the US</a>.

<p>
I wish change.org would enable people to sign without running nonfree
Javascript code.  That requirement is why I never post change.org petitions.


feed_id: 8bf8e9f911a7ba8f5a175164130a29c1
title: In the name of personal liberty
uri: In-the-name-of-personal-liberty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28In_the_name_of_personal_liberty%29
content:
<p>
Quebec's government hesitates to require masks for disease protection,
in the name of personal liberty.  It should apply <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/17/quebec-masks-mandatory-veil-ban-coronavirus">the same principle
to masks worn for other purposes</a>.

<p>
In particular it should apply to hiding one's identity from face recognition
and other tracking.


feed_id: fe38c5713307afdc770fd8b713c428c1
title: Elimination of memorials
uri: Elimination-of-memorials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Elimination_of_memorials%29
content:
<p>
Britons are demanding, and getting, the elimination of memorials to
rich slave owners that are found in the cities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/08/britains-urban-fabric-comes-under-spotlight-shone-by-blm-protests">where their wealth
bought them local admiration</a>.

<p>
People comment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/08/the-fall-of-a-statue-and-victory-for-the-oppressed">on the pulling down of one slave-trader's statue</a>.


feed_id: eb9dbaec0ea0af8aba2b3e43a956568c
title: Global patent pool
uri: Global-patent-pool
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Global_patent_pool%29
content:
<p>
*US and UK '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/17/us-and-uk-lead-push-against-global-patent-pool-for-covid-19-drugs">lead push against global patent pool for Covid-19 drugs</a>'.*

<p>
Murder of tens of millions to extort from a few hundred millions.


feed_id: d42c52240e7b5fe5f12f46b112b7c35b
title: Keeping Covid-19 eliminated
uri: Keeping-Covid-19-eliminated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Keeping_Covid-19_eliminated%29
content:
<p>
If New Zealand has eliminated Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/jun/08/five-ways-new-zealand-can-keep-covid-19-cases-at-zero">what should it do to keep it
eliminated</a>?

<p>
The idea of developing a special bluetooth device for contact tracing,
rather than trying to adapt snoop phones to that purpose, offers the
possibility of making it properly respect privacy.  This means that
unless and until you test positive and are quarantined, the device
gives <em>no</em> data to <em>anyone</em>.  Anything less will have loopholes
that <em>will</em> be used for purposes unrelated to public health.


feed_id: 2f7bc68aa7117ecae81d95cc564cdd19
title: Total surveillance travel
uri: Total-surveillance-travel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Total_surveillance_travel%29
content:
<p>
A car company's vision of travel in the future is total surveillance.
Your snooper phone will let you combine all sorts of transportation modes,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/plug-into-hybrid/2020/jun/04/planes-trains-and-rickshaws-why-the-future-of-transport-is-electric">and Big Brother/Big Tech will follow you everywhere</a>.

<p>
It's not too late to stop this, but we must start pushing.  There are
two ways to push against a product that mistreats you: condemn it so
others will see you, and refuse to use it.


feed_id: 3ebf5bdd29f6f5dd96f998d5de16cf2a
title: Sanity of trusting Huawei
uri: Sanity-of-trusting-Huawei
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Sanity_of_trusting_Huawei%29
content:
<p>
Is it sane <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/02/us-senator-huawei-5g-is-like-soviets-building-wests-submarines">to trust Huawei equipment in the US and Europe</a>?

<p>
Senator Cotton's example seems absurd to me.  It must be fairly easy
for China to determine where F35s are stationed &mdash; no need to track
their supply chains.  But the basic idea is valid: no company in China
can refuse to follow the state's orders.  In principle, there is no
basis to trust their products.

<p>
That includes the companies such as Foxconn that manufacture digital
products for "US" companies.

<p>
Unfortunately, we can't trust the US in principle either.


feed_id: d90825a3effe77f8db83fe14c0745480
title: Opposing bailout
uri: Opposing-bailout
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Opposing_bailout%29
content:
<p>
*Koch-Funded Americans for Prosperity <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/06/02/koch-funded-americans-prosperity-opposes-bailout-state-local-governments-hit-hard-covid-19-pandemic/">Opposes Bailout of State and Local
 Governments Hit Hard by COVID-19 Pandemic</a>.*


feed_id: fa3718663a0844194104db740dd4cd98
title: Law Enforcement Infiltrating Protests
uri: Law-Enforcement-Infiltrating-Protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Law_Enforcement_Infiltrating_Protests%29

content:
<p>
*A Short History of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/02/history-united-states-government-infiltration-protests/">U.S. Law Enforcement Infiltrating Protests</a>.*


feed_id: 2c70241ee6e2c7c470da037988ef81f8
title: Made-up crimes
uri: Made-up-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Made-up_crimes%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Phoenix rioted and arrested people for being somewhere near a
protest, citing made-up crimes.  Some of them are unauthorized
immigrants, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/08/phoenix-protests-immigrants-arrested/">and may now be deported due to false accusations</a>.


feed_id: 64e89ff7b2094f2bbc99583421a708a7
title: Demonstration against annexing
uri: Demonstration-against-annexing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28Demonstration_against_annexing%29
content:
<p>
6000 Jews and Arabs demonstrated in Tel Aviv <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/07/palestinian-lives-matter-huge-jewish-arab-rally-tel-aviv-decries-netanyahus-plan">against Israel's plan to
claim to annex parts of Palestine</a>.


feed_id: 537bd23bb2d93de7bba24c57d1c63478
title: Minneapolis to disband police department
uri: Minneapolis-to-disband-police-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Minneapolis_to_disband_police_department%29

content:
<p>

*Minneapolis lawmakers vow to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/minneapolis-city-council-defund-police-george-floyd">disband police department</a> in historic move.*
<p>
Starting a new agency with new personnel provides an opportunity to start a different culture, one that doesn't treat the public as an occupied people.
<p>
However, the city council does not plan to entirely eliminate the existing thug department, only to make it substantially smaller and have other agencies attend to many of the situations that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> deal with now.


feed_id: 84c3383cd986d8092360163caab6fe96
title: Protesters in the US have faced a series of violent right-wing attacks
uri: Protesters-in-the-US-have-faced-a-series-of-violent-right-wing-attacks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Protesters_in_the_US_have_faced_a_series_of_violent_right-wing_attacks%29

content:
<p>

Protesters in the US have faced a series of violent right-wing attacks, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/protests-us-america-cars-weapons">using cars and guns as weapons</a>.


feed_id: 159e505162545561757200a03aa515b3
title: The bully has lost a significant amount of support in his base
uri: The-bully-has-lost-a-significant-amount-of-support-in-his-base
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28The_bully_has_lost_a_significant_amount_of_support_in_his_base%29

content:
<p>

The bully has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/the-trump-supporters-who-regret-their-vote">lost a significant amount of support in his base since Black Lives Matter protest swept the US</a>.


feed_id: 2cab028db22f94b76423352ea43cddc0
title: People in Brazil attend parties where they figure they are risking getting sick with Covid-19
uri: People-in-Brazil-attend-parties-where-they-figure-they-are-risking-get
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28People_in_Brazil_attend_parties_where_they_figure_they_are_risking_getting_sick_with_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

In Brazil, where the government has done nothing to try to control Covid-19, some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/brazil-coronavirus-parties">people are having parties where they figure they are risking getting sick</a>.
<p>
Perhaps they figure that they will catch it sooner or later so there is no use trying to avoid it.
<p>
Well-governed countries such as Taiwan and New Zealand have prevented most of the people from ever catching Covid-19.  In such a place, society has a real option to keep most people safe from that illness. In Brazil, Bolsonaro has eliminated that option.


feed_id: 424c7153694be1bf924158e954c08a22
title: IBM quits facial-recognition market over racial-profiling concerns
uri: IBM-quits-facial-recognition-market-over-racial-profiling-concerns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28IBM_quits_facial-recognition_market_over_racial-profiling_concerns%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/09/ibm-quits-facial-recognition-market-over-law-enforcement-concerns">IBM quits facial-recognition market</a> over racial-profiling concerns.*
<p>
That one particular company doesn't develop face recognition won't make us safe from face recognition, but can influence the society's decisions about face recognition.
<p>
We need to recognize that racial profiling is only one of many dangers that face recognition can cause.


feed_id: a5c57149e042d9a16e1c8ea2fb7a93b7
title: Rubber bullet to groin causes grave injury
uri: Rubber-bullet-to-groin-causes-grave-injury
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Rubber_bullet_to_groin_causes_grave_injury%29

content:
<p>

Derrick Sanderlin gives de-escalation training to San Diego thugs. During a protest, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/08/san-jose-police-shooting-implicit-bias">a thug shot a rubber-coated steel bullet at his groin</a>, which is prohibited because it tends to cause grave injury. That's exactly what it did.


feed_id: 9e79a511a6a0d150f46fb0f679cf504a
title: UK charged another suspect with suspiciously resembling a terrorist
uri: UK-charged-another-suspect-with-suspiciously-resembling-a-terrorist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28UK_charged_another_suspect_with_suspiciously_resembling_a_terrorist%29

content:
<p>

The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/08/yorkshire-man-charged-following-leftwing-terror-investigation">charged another suspect with suspiciously resembling a terrorist</a>.
<p>
The UK jails people on suspicion, but disguises that as criminality by declaring that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#04%20November%202009%20(Being%20suspect)">being suspect</a> is the crime. This suspect may be imprisoned without any attempt to determine whether he ever planned to hurt anyone or anything.


feed_id: d1fc7e1defe86ded6631590550e8838c
title: OAS's claims that Evo Morales committed electoral fraud
uri: OAS-s-claims-that-Evo-Morales-committed-electoral-fraud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28OAS%27s_claims_that_Evo_Morales_committed_electoral_fraud%29

content:
<p>

The New York Times acknowledged that the OAS's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/07/new-york-times-and-new-report-confirm-cepr-analysis-refuting-oas-claims-flawed">claims that Evo Morales committed electoral fraud last year were false</a>.  The election appears to have been honest and he was going to win.
<p>
This affirms the conclusion that the OAS helped perpetrate a coup in Bolivia.


feed_id: 653e98bf9b616517e09280d175e84898
title: The bully's new wall around the White House
uri: The-bully-s-new-wall-around-the-White-House
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28The_bully%27s_new_wall_around_the_White_House%29

content:
<p>

The people have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/whose-fence-our-fence-trumps-new-white-house-barrier-transformed-black-lives-matter">covered the bully's new wall around the White House with protest signs and art</a>.


feed_id: 97880ff4957beeb503aa9385d2f0cef7
title: Foreign to democracy and ever more divorced from the citizenry
uri: Foreign-to-democracy-and-ever-more-divorced-from-the-citizenry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Foregn_to_democracy_and_ever_more_divorced_from_the_citizenry%29

content:
<p>

*By "elevating" us as warriors, the elites conspired to reduce us as citizens, detaching us from a citizen’s code of civics and moral behavior. By accepting the conceit of such an identity, we warriors and former warriors became, in a sense, foreign to democracy and ever more divorced from the citizenry. We came to form [51]foreign legions, readily exploitable in America’s endless imperial-corporate wars, whether overseas or now here.*
<p>
When veterans become cops, and when they are taught the same spirit, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/08/light-em-warrior-cops-when-wars-come-home">they too can think of the public as "the enemy"</a>.


feed_id: 61af93e19918ce7f0fde408982eaaa91
title: Governor Cuomo on taxing billionaires to cover expenses of dealing with Covid-19
uri: Governor-Cuomo-on-taxing-billionaires-to-cover-expenses-of-dealing-wit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Governor_Cuomo_on_taxing_billionaires_to_cover_expenses_of_dealing_with_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/08/governor-cuomos-pandemic-wealthcare-plan">Governor Cuomo thinks</a> it would be unconscionable to tax billionaires to pay the expenses of dealing with Covid-19.


feed_id: 769a1a27a8537b362a621a726bfae04f
title: Several ways that Republicans have blocked people from voting
uri: Several-ways-that-Republicans-have-blocked-people-from-voting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Several_ways_that_Republicans_have_blocked_people_from_voting%29

content:
<p>

Greg Palast explains several <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/purges-will-screw-millions-out-of-right-to-vote/">ways that Republicans have blocked people from voting</a> in recent elections.
<p>
That in addition to gerrymandering, which affects the election of legislative bodies but does not function through voter suppression.


feed_id: 7edde2c14d580b5b1f1fec34fe90369d
title: (satire) Awesome tank
uri: (satire)-Awesome-tank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_Awesome_tank%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *Los Angeles Police Department officials announced Tuesday that they didn’t spend millions on an <a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-didn-t-spend-millions-on-awesome-tank-just-to-le-1843860163">awesome tank</a> just to let protests stay peaceful.*


feed_id: 410816e04a614def36372de473f990ae
title: New York State makes it a felony for thugs to use a choke hold
uri: New-York-State-makes-it-a-felony-for-thugs-to-use-a-choke-hold
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28New_York_State_makes_it_a_felony_for_thugs_to_use_a_chokehold%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/stay-streets-its-working-two-weeks-racial-justice-protests-new-york-state-classifies">Protest pressure has convinced the New York State legislature to make it a felony for thugs to use a choke hold.</a>
<p>
Given how willing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are to violate thug department policy with their violence, criminal penalties seem to be the only way to restrain them, under current circumstances.
<p>
Replacing the department entirely might bring in a different culture which would achieve this.


feed_id: c7a8a0b830315b998d7ea4b50b29e3b5
title: Urgent: Call on Biden to ditch Larry Summers
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Biden-to-ditch-Larry-Summers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Biden_to_ditch_Larry_Summers%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://go.justicedemocrats.com/signup/acq-ms-signup-jacobin-larrysummers-20200511/">call on Biden to ditch his plutocratist advisor, Larry Summers</a>.


feed_id: 707f9a1dcd1aa26e3d0804abbd833e7c
title: On strike for protective equipment
uri: 2020-06-11-On-strike-for-protective-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_%28On_strike_for_protective_equipment%29

content:
<p>
The staff of a McDonalds in California have been on strike two weeks
demanding protective equipment.  11 of them now have Covid-19.  It is
clear they were spreading it to each other, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/08/striking-their-lives">because they could not
help it</a>.

<p>
All workers that work in proximity to other people should have protective
equipment, and employers should be legally required to provide it,

<p>
What about when there is a shortage, as now?  We could make the
employer pay hazard pay on top of the usual wage, plus the full costs
of treatment as well as lost wages to all workers that get sick.  Then
employers would push our plutocratist government to make sure enough
protective equipment gets made.


feed_id: 47b89e815ec1b3c790aee0d610e8f6a3
title: Disinformation campaigns
uri: Disinformation-campaigns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Disinformation_campaigns%29
content:
<p>
The EU accused China of running disinformation campaigns <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/10/eu-says-china-behind-huge-wave-covid-19-disinformation-campaign">against the
EU</a>.

<p>
Why in the world would China refrain from doing so?


feed_id: d0fa156419b0136eb7230db7fabb0665
title: Tasers for deportation thugs
uri: Tasers-for-deportation-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Tasers_for_deportation_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The US deportation thugs <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/10/ice-weapons-contract-gear/">want to buy thousands of tasers</a>.

<p>
How often do immigrants physically resist arrest by the deportation
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>?  That must happen almost never.


feed_id: 8c451a21ad9807f428401f6ed56ce909
title: Taking down statues
uri: Taking-down-statues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Taking_down_statues%29
content:
<p>
Taking down statues of people who traded slaves or fought to own slaves
punctures a one-sided false picture of history <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/10/rewriting-history-historians-statue-past">which was constructed for
motives of bias</a>.

<p>
In Britain that false picture included the convenient side of empire
and forgot the oppressive side.  In the US, it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#20_August_2017_(Charlottesville_Mayor_Confederacy)">romanticized the
defeated Confederacy and its slave-based plantations</a>.

<p>
People now seek <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/10/columbus-king-leopold-ii-statues-could-be-next-to-fall-black-lives-matter-protests">to take down other statues in Britain</a>.

<p>
Columbus and King Leopold carried out enormous oppression, and that
was a large part of what they did in their lives.  I support changing
or removing monuments to them.


feed_id: d9b4f6f8ae8b47b68783af42c76c4c3c
title: Thugs prosecuted for lying
uri: Thugs-prosecuted-for-lying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Thugs_prosecuted_for_lying%29
content:
<p>
French <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are being prosecuted for making false charges
against an aid worker who complained about their brutality.
First they knocked him down onto a busy highway, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/10/french-police-charged-with-forging-evidence-against-uk-aid-worker">then
they lied to make an excuse</a>.

<p>
What is exciting is that some are being prosecuted specifically for
bearing false witness.  If France can do it, other countries can do
it.


feed_id: db28cd61cdd59a22bf2c9fe673dbfff2
title: 2000 people arrested
uri: 2000-people-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%282000_people_arrested%29
content:
<p>
New York City <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have arrested 2000 people in or near protests.
Many are held incommunicado in filthy jails <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/10/new-york-city-protesters-detained-abysmal-conditions">without water and without
face masks</a>.


feed_id: f0bba44385be53c85ac0708f78779701
title: Reparations for slavery
uri: 2020-06-11-Reparations-for-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Reparations_for_slavery%29
content:
<p>
*It's time for Britain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/10/its-time-for-britain-to-think-seriously-about-reparations-for-slavery">to think seriously about reparations for slavery</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#01_July_2014_(Reparations_owed_to_US_blacks)">The US, too</a>.


feed_id: 9ca716eacbd92ec19dde018e10da6279
title: Superstition kills
uri: Superstition-kills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Superstition_kills%29
content:
<p>
A gang of local man tortured a Maya healer and burned him to death,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/10/guatemalan-maya-spiritual-guide-tortured-burned-alive">apparently accusing him of witchcraft</a>.

<p>
Superstition can kill.


feed_id: 92a40c27011cebc659ac071550481fed
title: Paradise for disaster capitalists
uri: Paradise-for-disaster-capitalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Paradise_for_disaster_capitalists%29

content:
<p>
*[Bogus] Johnson's US trade deal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/09/boris-johnson-trade-deal-us-chlorinated-chicken">will make Britain a paradise for disaster
capitalists</a>.*


feed_id: 5dfaa38fa8c2db879e6db8a6c5e42581
title: Burundi president may have died from coronavirus
uri: Burundi-president-may-have-died-from-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Burundi_president_may_have_died_from_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
*Burundi president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/burundi-president-dies-illness-suspected-coronavirus-pierre-nkurunziz">dies of illness suspected to be coronavirus</a>.*


feed_id: 012aca38e8f1d30e1e0df62743993a14
title: Shutdown prevented millions of cases
uri: Shutdown-prevented-millions-of-cases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Shutdown_prevented_millions_of_cases%29

content:
<p>
*Amid Easing Restrictions, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/08/amid-easing-restrictions-study-estimates-shutdowns-prevented-60-million-covid-19">Study Estimates Shutdowns Prevented 60 Million
Covid-19 Cases in US Alone</a>.*
  60 million cases would have meant millions of deaths.

<p>
The question now is whether the US converts that temporary
preservation of lives into a permanent preservation of lives.
Careless reopening is likely to causes those 60 million avoided
cases to happen now.


feed_id: 0b143d1f29d0346500309e151247a955
title: Preventing thugs from being oppressors
uri: Preventing-thugs-from-being-oppressors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Preventing_thugs_from_being_oppressors%29

content:
<p>
Measures <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/08/how-exactly-should-us-reinvent-its-police-departments">that could help keep thug departments from being oppressors</a>.

<p>
The founding principles of London's police force make an exemplary
contrast <a href="https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/peel-policing-principles/">with how thug departments in the US behave</a>.


feed_id: 6d61d98b895ee33dd77ac5b896632115
title: Thugs' vandalism
uri: Thugs-vandalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Thugs%27_vandalism%29
content:
<p>
Minneapolis and Minnesota <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> slashed tires of specific people's
parked cards during a protest, then told some of the victims,
laughing.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/09/who-does-protect-minnesota-authorities-admit-officers-slashed-car-tires-during">Some were caught on video carrying out this vandalism</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> later claimed they had done this to prevent dangerous
driving and other unspecified sorts of "harm".  One must suspect that
in some cases the harm that they feared was journalism.  If such
concerns justified slashing tires, slashing cop cars' tires would
always be justified.

<p>
In some cases, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> did this indiscriminately to every car in a
lot.  If you define the people as the enemy, you can justify
vandalizing any car.


feed_id: 3bced55370996a6084ae6069d18c823a
title: Journalists for environmental protection organizations
uri: Journalists-for-environmental-protection-organizations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Journalists_for_environmental_protection_organizations%29

content:
<p>
As Bolsonaro tries to destroy environmental protection organizations,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/09/where-journalism-planted-democracy-blooms">Brazilian journalists continue to protect them</a>.


feed_id: 97cbb5b57cd24fcfce02fc821eda699d
title: Can't shoot without guns
uri: Can-t-shoot-without-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Can%27t_shoot_without_guns%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand cops can't shoot innocent people because they don't carry
guns.  New Zealand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/new-zealand-drops-armed-police-trial-after-public-concern">tried having a few armed cops but has dropped the plan</a>,


feed_id: 0839a8db9fb4075b849bc71f5985d983
title: Pepper-spraying journalists
uri: Pepper-spraying-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Pepper-spraying_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Black videojournalist Christopher Frierson was pepper-sprayed by a
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> who apparently paid no attention to what Frierson was doing:
standing with a camera and a press badge.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/protests-pepper-spray-police-george-floyd">He didn't avoid the spray,
but he got the video</a>.


feed_id: 260e2f5ca3bb69e936e23b56f49a5ad1
title: National Writes Guild call for AFL-CIO to expel thug unions
uri: National-Writes-Guild-call-for-AFL-CIO-to-expel-thug-unions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28National_Writes_Guild_call_for_AFL-CIO_to_expel_thug_unions%29

content:
<p>

The National Writers Guild, a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/police-unions-american-labor-movement-protest">called for that organization to expel thug unions</a>.
<p>
I support the campaign, but I think slightly different tactics would do more to stop those unions from protecting violent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  I call on the AFL-CIO to adopt rules that an affiliated union cannot make demands that tend to give its members immunity from prosecution for acts of corruption, dishonesty, or violence, and cannot encourage bigotry.
<p>
Under those rules, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> unions will either reform or be expelled for violating them.  Either of these outcomes will be better than expelling them directly.


feed_id: 9959abb07cc8bffbfeaac7cb2e889573
title: Hong Kong special thug branch
uri: Hong-Kong-special-thug-branch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Hong_Kong_special_thug_branch%29
content:
<p>

Hong Kong is setting up a special <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/11/hong-kong-to-establish-new-police-unit-to-enforce-new-security-laws">thug branch to attack political crimes</a>.


feed_id: 0014118f38fe60930c19ce960e7b7bed
title: UK will undo the privatization of the probation officers
uri: UK-will-undo-the-privatization-of-the-probation-officers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28UK_will_undo_the_privatization_of_the_probation_officers%29

content:
<p>

The UK will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/11/probation-services-to-return-to-public-control-after-grayling-disasters">undo the privatization of probation officers</a>.
<p>
One privatization down, dozens or hundreds to go.  Tory privatization was a blind ideology underpinned by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.
<p>
Occasionally the state does something there is no need for the state to do, because it works for people to get that something privately from a competitive market (properly regulated, to be sure, and assuming that the state makes sure people don't fall into poverty). In that case, the state can simply stop that activity and leave it to private business.
<p>
However, outsourcing a state activity to a business is never a good policy.  It leads to low pay for the workers and bad, unaccountable service for the public


feed_id: d4699bbf64cdbb06b32d75f23be8a5fb
title: Stop the far-right from using the Punisher skull
uri: Stop-the-far-right-from-using-the-Punisher-skull
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Stop_the_far-right_from_using_the_Punisher_skull%29

content:
<p>

*How do you stop the far-right using the Punisher skull? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/11/how-do-you-stop-the-far-right-using-the-punisher-skull-make-it-a-black-lives-matter-symbol">Make it a Black Lives Matter symbol</a>.*


feed_id: 9208293737bd933e95a7675e8531c3fa
title: Iowa's new ag-gag law
uri: Iowa-s-new-ag-gag-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Iowa%27s_new_ag-gag_law%29
content:
<p>

Iowa's legislature has passed a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/10/iowa-animal-rights-crime-ag-gag-law/">new ag-gag law</a>, imposing a two-year prison sentence on trespassing in a farm.


feed_id: 8f0ecd188e91162dee86b941219e4edc
title: Zimbabwean thugs arrested political opposition leaders and tortured them
uri: Zimbabwean-thugs-arrested-political-opposition-leaders-and-tortured-th
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Zimbabwean_thugs_arrested_political_opposition_leaders_and_tortured_them%29

content:
<p>

Zimbabwean thugs arrested some political opposition leaders and tortured them, as was demonstrated by their injuries.  Now the thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/10/zimbabwe-charges-activists-with-lying-about-police-torture">arrested them again</a>, and accused them of lying about being tortured.


feed_id: e83fae73a3bde89b3755d1016ae2c781
title: Zoom enforced Chinese censorship
uri: Zoom-enforced-Chinese-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Zoom_enforced_Chinese_censorship%29
content:
<p>

Zoom enforced Chinese <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/11/zoom-shuts-account-of-us-based-rights-group-after-tiananmen-anniversary-meeting">censorship against commemorating the anniversary of China's murderous repression of the protests at Tien An Men square in 1989</a>.


feed_id: 1303fe2a7da4d05377a588b4e3053811
uri: The-Palestinian-Authority-says-it-will-declare-itself-a-state-covering
title:
The Palestinian Authority says it will declare itself a state covering the whole of Palestine's territory

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28The_Palestinian_Authority_says_it_will_declare_itself_a_state_covering_the_whole_of_Palestine%27s_territory%29

content:
<p>

The Palestinian Authority says it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/palestine-says-it-will-declare-statehood-if-israel-annexes-west-bank">declare itself a state covering the whole of Palestine's territory</a>, including Jerusalem, if Israel claims to annex any more of Palestine.


feed_id: d60b7ab32beff78ed24b5a390b73d48d
title: New York City will cut some funds from the thug department
uri: New-York-City-will-cut-some-funds-from-the-thug-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28New_York_City_will_cut_some_funds_from_the_thug_department%29

content:
<p>

New York City will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/new-york-police-budget-cut">cut some funds</a> from the thug department.
<p>
It's a start.


feed_id: 3f02a69fa97028e4d1ece999367e27f0
title: Pepper-spraying journalists
uri: 2020-06-12-Pepper-spraying-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_June_2020_%28Pepper-spraying_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Black video journalist Christopher Frierson was pepper-sprayed by a
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> who apparently paid no attention to what Frierson was doing:
standing with a camera and a press badge.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/09/protests-pepper-spray-police-george-floyd">He didn't avoid the spray,
but he got the video</a>.


feed_id: 41abd0416b42b745e144f6c61f8e7280
title: Violence at protests comes from thugs
uri: Violence-at-protests-comes-from-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Violence_at_protests_comes_from_thugs%29

content:
<p>
FAIR: the US mainstream media are starting to recognize <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/09/media-are-slowly-starting-be-serious-about-police-violence">that the
violence at protests comes chiefly from the thugs</a>.


feed_id: 7148cb4526d41690aa1a573188899be1
title: Supporting aggressors
uri: Supporting-aggressors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Supporting_aggressors%29
content:
<p>
Since 1970, Republicans have used veiled white supremacism to convince
non-rich whites to support dooH niboR, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/09/neoliberal-capitalism-depends-white-supremacy">even though they are among the
victims of it</a>.


feed_id: 222fd1886241628fcbdb613840bbc8e3
title: ICC may not be able to investigate
uri: ICC-may-not-be-able-to-investigate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28ICC_may_not_be_able_to_investigate%29

content:
<p>
The International Criminal Court wants to investigate Israeli crimes
that violate international law, <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/the-us-and-israel-are-scaring-the-icc-away-from-helping-palestine-1.1030550">but US threats may instead destroy the ICC</a>.


feed_id: d92f90f30d9f2662c1fd9bcb16b7c763
title: Expensive weddings forbidden
uri: Expensive-weddings-forbidden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Expensive_weddings_forbidden%29
content:
<p>
Large, expensive weddings are now forbidden, which makes it easier
to avoid wasting lots of money <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jun/10/weddings-cancel-end">that you will soon need for other things</a>.

<p>
It is interesting that an expensive wedding goes with a short-lived
marriage.  I wonder why.  Perhaps saving your money helps the
relationship last.  Perhaps rejecting the social pressure to do
something foolish is a sign of people who are wiser and capable of
making it last.  Perhaps it indicates that they feel secure about their
relationship and don't feel a need to burn money to "cement" it.


feed_id: de6ccaa5bee64a4d6aaa809fae1b138a
title: Voting while black
uri: Voting-while-black
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Voting_while_black%29
content:
<p>
Georgia Republicans made an all-out attack on voting while black.
*"It's their test run for November," <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/10/design-georgia-election-disaster-condemned-result-deliberate-gop-voter-suppression">said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a>.*

*   What Georgia did yesterday was criminal, a racist crime against our
   democracy, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/10/what-will-it-take-stop-republicans-maintaining-structural-racism-our-voting">it’s time to criminalize voter suppression once and for
   all</a>.*


feed_id: 0396df89cc949015d213a896179553f4
title: Marine protection negated
uri: Marine-protection-negated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Marine_protection_negated%29
content:
<p>
The UK's protected marine areas are effectively negated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/11/supertrawlers-making-a-mockery-of-uks-protected-seas">because giant
trawlers are allowed to fish in them</a>.


feed_id: e2f392078f3c6d0ad7cfdcdded1ce51d
title: Nearly ended homelessness
uri: Nearly-ended-homelessness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Nearly_ended_homelessness%29
content:
<p>
*Coronavirus nearly ended homelessness in the UK. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/11/coronavirus-homelessness-uk-rough-sleepers-lockdown-tories">Why can't we end it for
good</a>?*


feed_id: 3f0643324e4f46d7b09b0ff704ca4e6a
title: Little different from slavery
uri: Little-different-from-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Little_different_from_slavery%29
content:
<p>
Australia forced tens of thousands of aboriginals and Melanesians
into a system that was little different from slavery, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/11/was-there-slavery-in-australia-yes-it-shouldnt-even-be-up-for-debate">though it
was disguised</a>.


feed_id: 5de44b87499ae1142c4309abbae30e20
title: Difficult to get an abortion
uri: Difficult-to-get-an-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#12_June_2020_%28Difficult_to_get_an_abortion%29
content:
<p>
Malta prohibits abortion, and due to Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/11/like-ireland-on-steroids-maltas-abortion-taboo-leaves-women-in-despair">it is very difficult
for women to leave the island to get an abortion</a>.


feed_id: 6beb0babee56a059e26095de2fae2d3b
title: Gradually reopening
uri: 2020-06-12-Gradually-reopening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#9_June_2020_%28Gradually_reopening%29
content:
<p>
Tokyo is gradually reopening, having put in place a system <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/06/contact-tracing-japan-coronavirus-covid-19-patients-social-etiquette">to stop
transmission of Covid-19</a>.
 Japan did not use snooping apps, but made a success of contact
tracing by human investigators.  It did not force anyone to do anything,
but people complied with the sensible measures announced.

<p>
By contrast, the US is reopening, in a careless way, without any system
to stop transmission, while transmission is increasing.

<p>
This reminds me of cargo cults.  In the 1940s and 50s, some
charismatic leaders in New Guinea and nearby islands had their
followers construct imitation airports.  They hoped these would fool
the spirits that sent "cargo" to European colonists and soldiers into
sending some to them too.  It did not work.  The practice ended many
decades ago.

<p>
Now it's the turn of the US to follow a path that is an imitation of a
rational policy, missing only the rationality.


feed_id: eb77e4e193c039bbaa192786e2868ece
title: Facebook chat censorship
uri: Facebook-chat-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Facebook_chat_censorship%29
content:
<p>
  Facebook has developed a chat system for coworkers which allows the
  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/11/facebook-workplace-unionize/">company to censor words of their choice</a>.  For instance, "unionize".


feed_id: d52c952fa6de0c64a3a31dc8ab297438
uri: Sanders-Proposes-Slashing-Pentagon-Budget-by-10-to-Reinvest-Funds-in
title:
*Sanders Proposes Slashing Pentagon Budget by 10% to Reinvest Funds in Communities 'Devastated by Poverty and Incarceration'.*

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28%2ASanders_Proposes_Slashing_Pentagon_Budget_by_10%2525_to_Reinvest_Funds_in_Communities_%27Devastated_by_Poverty_and_Incarceration%27.%2A%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/12/sanders-proposes-slashing-pentagon-budget-10-reinvest-funds-communities-devastated">*Sanders Proposes Slashing Pentagon Budget by 10% to Reinvest Funds in
  Communities 'Devastated by Poverty and Incarceration'.*</a>


feed_id: ef1c48377fd7d161535ff983cef311cb
title: Friendly cooperative no-cops zone
uri: Friendly-cooperative-no-cops-zone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Friendly_cooperative_no-cops_zone%29

content:
<p>
  Protesters have turned a region in Seattle around Capitol Hill into
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/chaz-seattle-autonomous-zone-police-protest">a friendly cooperative no-cops zone.</a>


feed_id: 46501ced2e517265f3885eb0ac833147
title: Arizona is having a big, predictable increase in Covid-19 cases after reopening
uri: Arizona-is-having-a-big-predictable-increase-in-Covid-19-cases-after
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Arizona_is_having_a_big%2C_predictable_increase_in_Covid-19_cases_after_reopening%29

content:
<p>
  Arizona is having a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/11/arizona-coronavirus-us-covid19-doug-ducey">big, predictable increase in new Covid-19 cases</a>
  as a result of "reopening" the economy.
<p>
  Full intensive care wards cannot be an artifact of increased testing.
  


feed_id: d47a94f03cc271f8f965d55de31e02a5
title: Microplastics rain down in remote national parks
uri: Microplastics-rain-down-in-remote-national-parks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Microplastics_rain_down_in_remote_national_parks%29

content:
<p>
  Microplastics in enormous quantities rain down <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/11/microplastics-us-national-parks-survey">in remote national parks.</a>


feed_id: 6ad7d9802e72102df4d092cd8648f0e7
title: Joe Biden wants to give the police more money
uri: Joe-Biden-wants-to-give-the-police-more-money
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Joe_Biden_wants_to_give_the_police_more_money%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/11/defund-the-police-joe-biden-cops/">*As Calls to Defund the Police Grow Louder,
  Joe Biden Wants to Give Them More Money.*</a>
<p>
  Sanders says that Biden is listening to what progressives tell him,
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/10/progressives-have-good-chance-move-receptive-biden-left-says-sanders">more than usual for a plutocratist Democrat.</a>  But evidently there is a
  long way to go.


feed_id: 7cebed744b852642ff68279a02299448
title: Syrians are again protesting because they are hungry
uri: Syrians-are-again-protesting-because-they-are-hungry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Syrians_are_again_protesting_because_they_are_hungry%29

content:
<p>
  Syrians are again <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/12/syrian-protesters-call-for-assads-downfall-as-economic-crisis-deepens">protesting because they are hungry</a>, as in 2011.


feed_id: f265fedb30db90bc1060bf955c193d0b
title: The 1900 New York City Anti-Black Police Riot
uri: The-1900-New-York-City-Anti-Black-Police-Riot
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28The_1900_New_York_City_Anti-Black_Police_Riot%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://newyorkalmanack.com/2020/06/the-1900-new-york-city-anti-black-police-riot/">The 1900 New York City Anti-Black Police Riot.</a>
<p>
  Essentially all the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked blacks indiscriminately on the
  street and in their homes, without the slightest shame or self control.


feed_id: db536d52a5d9f2d0434a9f57bea00ba8
title: Most businesses do better if they have an office
uri: Most-businesses-do-better-if-they-have-an-office
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Most_businesses_do_better_if_they_have_an_office%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/11/were-not-all-going-to-be-working-from-home-nor-should-we-heres-why">Most businesses</a> do better if they have an office and the staff actually
  see each other for a while every week.


feed_id: 4a10ff597b67376e14a8ca6a909d5c72
title: Sanders Demands Ban on Police Use of Tear Gas and Rubber[-coated] Bullets Against Protesters
uri: Sanders-Demands-Ban-on-Police-Use-of-Tear-Gas-and-Rubber-coated-Bull
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Sanders_Demands_Ban_on_Police_Use_of_Tear_Gas_and_Rubber%5B-coated%5D_Bullets_Against_Protesters%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/11/we-must-act-now-sanders-demands-congressional-ban-police-use-tear-gas-and-rubber">Sanders Demands Congressional Ban</a> on Police Use of Tear
  Gas and Rubber[-coated] Bullets Against Protesters.


feed_id: bc8e28790fba969bf85181c68cf8ed82
title: Amazon told thug departments they cannot use its face recognition system
uri: Amazon-told-thug-departments-they-cannot-use-its-face-recognition-syst
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Amazon_told_thug_departmemts_they_cannot_use_its_face_recognition_system%29

content:
<p>
  Amazon has told thug departments that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/10/21287101/amazon-rekognition-facial-recognition-police-ban-one-year-ai-racial-bias">for one year they cannot use its
  face recognition system</a>.
<p>
  However, there are other face recognition systems that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can use.
<p>
  To ban <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments from using face recognition <u>directly</u> is
  insufficient.  What about when Clearview AI turns itself into a
  general service for tracking people, without saying how it localized
  them?
<p>
  We have to make it illegal to <u>set up a system</u>
  <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">to do systematic face recognition or other biometric tracking</a>.
<p>
  The danger of false matches is a secondary issue.  As long as such
  errors are common, they will make it easy for anyone to argue, "That
  was a false match &emdash; I wasn't there."  To understand the <u>real</u> danger
  we face, imagine that someday computer face recognition is perfect.
  


feed_id: 026352de429107a03ee2d96c9576fbe5
title: Proper use of body cameras
uri: Proper-use-of-body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Propper_use_of_body_cameras%29
content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/10/solidarity-will-turn-impossible-inevitable">Suggestions for going beyond</a> the bill proposed in the House of
  Representatives.
<p>
  I agree with most of these suggestions, but the one for body cameras
  needs to be more selective.  We want body cameras to record when there
  is violence but not when there isn't.  If they recorded all the time,
  they would turn every cop info a surveillance system.
<p>
  We can't depend on the good will of cops to turn the cameras on and
  off when they ought to be on and off.  So I've proposed a technical
  system to do it automatically.
<p>
  See <a href="https://stallman.org/when-should-body-cameras-record.html">When Should Body Cameras Record</a>.


feed_id: ff4099e8b0f107791c34e91980866ca1
title: Farmers reject carbon trading for greenwashing
uri: Farmers-reject-carbon-trading-for-greenwashing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Farmers_reject_carbon_trading_for_greenwashing%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/10/family-farmers-reject-carbon-markets-bill-call-ecosystem-based-solutions-climate">Family farmers reject carbon trading as a tool for greenwashing.</a>


feed_id: c170452531223075b0621e5fef14f534
uri: Former-DOJ-Officials-Demand-Investigation-Into-Barr-s-Involvement-in-V
title:
Former DOJ Officials Demand Investigation Into Barr's Involvement in Violently Dispersing Demonstrators

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Former_DOJ_Officials_Demand_Investigation_Into_Barr%27s_Involvement_in_Violently_Dispersing_Demonstrators%29

content:
<p>
  1,250 Former DOJ Officials <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/10/1250-former-doj-officials-demand-investigation-barrs-involvement-violently">Demand Investigation Into Barr's Involvement</a> in
  Violently Dispersing Demonstrators Near White House.


feed_id: 4141f12d8e70a0d516392bfd3baaddbc
title: Urgent: Go further against dangerous thug practices
uri: Urgent-Go-further-against-dangerous-thug-practices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Go_further_against_dangerous_thug_practices%29

content:
<p>

	 US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/end-drug-war-fueled-police-militarization">go further against dangerous thug
	 practices.</a>
	 <br>
	 Here's the message I sent:

	 <blockquote><p>
	   I urge Congress to take stronger action against dangerous police
	   practices.  For instance, to entirely end the provision of military
	   weapons and vehicles to police departments, and make them get rid
	   of most of the military weapons and vehicles they now possess.</p>
	   <p>
	   Each SWAT team must be used, to keep its skill up, and that means
	   many opportunities each year for it to kill or wound.  We should
	   eliminate most of the SWAT teams, leaving just enough that one can
	   reach any necessary location by helicopter in 90 minutes.  Then they
	   will be used only when that is truly necessary.</p>
	   <p>
	   In addition, it is vital to put an end to no-knock and quick-knock
	   raids at all levels of jurisdiction.</p>
	 </blockquote>


feed_id: 9034c7522d0837f15711b8718c519bff
title: Urgent: Fire Tucker Carlson
uri: Urgent-Fire-Tucker-Carlson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Fire_Tucker_Carlson%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the CEO of Faux News <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/journ_cancel_carlson">to fire Tucker Carlson.</a>


feed_id: f66f31a23ab8ff859239ca7c4c66974f
title: Urgent: Support families not corporations
uri: Urgent-Support-families-not-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Support_families_not_corporations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-us-senate-to-pass-legislation-to-deliver-direct-aid-to-families-who-need-it-most-not-more-handouts-to-corporations-and-the-rich">pass legislation</a> to deliver direct
	 aid to families who need it most, not more handouts to corporations
	 and the rich.


feed_id: bce3035e2e89956169a9f4572ab58b8e
title: Evoting and snooping
uri: Evoting-and-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Evoting_and_snooping%29
content:
<p>
OmniBallot, a system for voting over the internet, is insecure in all
the usual ways such systems are.  But it's even worse: <a href="https://freedom-to-tinker.com/2020/06/08/democracy-live-internet-voting-unsurprisingly-insecure-and-surprisingly-insecure/">it snoops on
piles of the voter's personal information</a>.


feed_id: 71ffa84b49ccc606558e04400e8a46e1
title: Big email companies
uri: Big-email-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Big_email_companies%29
content:
<p>
As big email companies take over email, <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/06/08/the-last-federated-platform/#postal-inspectors">they start blocking senders unaccountably</a>.

<p>
Several months ago, yahoo.com started blocking my mail from gnu.org.
As far as I could tell, they only fix was to inform those people (if I
could reach them) that they should switch email providers.


feed_id: 1259f4d30665c938169a86c87c9c986a
title: National emergency and ICC
uri: National-emergency-and-ICC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28National_emergency_and_ICC%29
content:
<p>
The conman declared a national emergency <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/11/grotesque-abuse-authority-trump-declares-national-emergency-over-icc-probe-alleged">because the International
Criminal Court plans to investigate Americans for war crimes</a>.

<p>
The ICC investigates people for war crimes when their own countries
fail to do so.  The real shame here is that the US has not done this,
not under Dubya, not under Obama, and still not under the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.


feed_id: dd1a640e53c306a0b15dcb462a4df921
title: Dodging class
uri: Dodging-class
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Dodging_class%29
content:
<p>
*Corporate Media Are Focusing on Race &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/11/corporate-media-are-focusing-race-and-dodging-class">and Dodging Class</a>.*

<p>
Not just the corporate media.  Just about every organization that
posts about an injustice nowadays feels obligated to talk about how
it hits blacks more often.

<p>
Suppose an injustice fell on people randomly in an unbiased way &mdash;
would that make it less bad?  If racism did not exist, and people of
whatever race were equally likely to suffer hunger, homelessness, lack
of medical care, and persecution, would that make those afflictions
acceptable?  I'd still campaign to end them.


feed_id: 6f28e72159f47ded561dc4ab557c7b0a
title: Presuming elected officials are honest
uri: Presuming-elected-officials-are-honest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Presuming_elected_officials_are_honest%29

content:
<p>
The US Constitution presumes that the elected officials are honest
people of good will, at many points in the electoral procedures.  This
gives a crook like the conman <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/6/3/21257133/trump-2020-election-meltdown-lawrence-douglas">many points at which to try to discard
an election in which he loses</a>.

<p>
That is assuming he did not arrange to "win" the election <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression)">by voter
suppression</a>.

<p>
*New Campaign Prepares Mass Mobilization <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/12/new-campaign-prepares-mass-mobilization-should-trump-refuse-leave-willingly-if">Should Trump Refuse to 'Leave
Willingly' If Defeated in November</a>.*


feed_id: 01f8b1367befbda86c110a8803482a06
title: Arrests instead of counseling
uri: Arrests-instead-of-counseling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Arrests_instead_of_counseling%29
content:
<p>
ACLU: US schools have too few guidance counselors.  They have hired
thugs instead.  <a href="https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-report-highlights-staff-shortages-over-policing-and-discriminatory-discipline">Instead of counseling, students get arrested</a>.
  That sucks them <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_December_2019_(School-to-prison)">into the school-to-prison pipeline</a>.
  


feed_id: 84a617938c67f5e7098c36ea5f12dcb7
title: Urgent: hazard pay and seat on the board for Walmart workers
uri: Urgent-hazard-pay-and-seat-on-the-board-for-Walmart-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_hazard_pay_and_seat_on_the_board_for_Walmart_workers%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/walmart-workers-deserve-a-seat-at-the-table">call on Walmart</a> to give workers hazard pay and a seat
on the board of directors.


feed_id: 1b17d23d72ccce929fe88ab87084931f
title: Deleting mockery of racism
uri: Deleting-mockery-of-racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Deleting_mockery_of_racism%29
content:
<p>
The BBC deleted an episode of Fawlty Towers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jun/12/john-cleese-attacks-stupid-removal-of-fawlty-towers-episode">which mocked an old
officer's racist views</a>.

<blockquote>
John Cleese: If you put nonsense words into the
mouth of someone you want to make fun of, you’re not broadcasting their
   views, you’re making fun of them. The major was an old fossil left over
   from decades before. We were not supporting his views, we were making
   fun of them. If they can’t see that – if people are too stupid to see
   that – what can one say?
</blockquote>

<p>
I read that this convinced the BBC to retract the deletion.

<p>
I think that that episode is the only one I ever saw.  I felt it
painted the principal irony ("Don't talk about the war") too thick,
so I did not like it.

<p>
There are many forms of irony.  Nowadays, right-wing bigots slather some
irony over their real bigotry to pretend they don't mean it.
But Fawlty Towers was many decades ago, and people did not do that then.


feed_id: 7789d77a60745493686d59e2efa6fa68
title: More honest investigations
uri: More-honest-investigations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28More_honest_investigations%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warren and Rep. Khanna have introduced a bill to make the US
military approach investigations of killing civilians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/12/sen-elizabeth-warren-and-rep-ro-khanna-introduce-bill-increase-military">in a more honest
way, and make the results available</a>.

<p>
This may be a helpful step, but it won't make a big difference if the
army just clams up.

<p>
Please don't use the term "war on terrorism" seriously.


feed_id: 7f136568eca1252e395c863725c4095b
title: No-knock warrants
uri: No-knock-warrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28No-knock_warrants%29
content:
<p>
*Louisville Lawmakers Ban No-Knock Warrants as Advocates Escalate Demand for
Arrests <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/12/louisville-lawmakers-ban-no-knock-warrants-advocates-escalate-demand-arrests-three">of Three Officers Who Killed Breonna Taylor</a>.*

<p>
No-knock home invasions are a regular path to homicides.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
also tend to damage people's houses and kill their dogs, sometimes
before the people inside know their is a raid.


feed_id: e9d5b54a88cdcc530ba6cefb44783c77
title: Covid-19 spread at protests
uri: Covid-19-spread-at-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Covid-19_spread_at_protests%29
content:
<p>
If Covid-19 spreads at protests, it will be largely the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' fault.
They go unmasked, refusing to protect protesters or even each other,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/12/second-wave-covid-19-looms-large-and-its-not-because-protests">and they spray tear gas which makes people more susceptible</a>.

<p>
Hate-ridden machista fools!


feed_id: 886ead600b3e8b3eb81b4033f1b1f7ae
title: Apple still censors for China
uri: Apple-still-censors-for-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Apple_still_censors_for_China%29
content:
<p>
Apple still censors for China &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/12/apple-removes-two-podcast-apps-from-china-store-after-censorship-demands">and acts as China's enforcer to make
other companies censor for China</a>.

<p>
Apple is responsible for its actions, but one general problem that tends
to encourage this behavior is the fact that companies are multinational.
China will always find a way to censor companies that do business in China.
And so will many other countries.

<p>
I think we must limit a forum to doing actual business in one single
country.  It could allow people to post and read without asking them
what countries they are in.  This way, other countries would have no
levers over the company, no way to make it censor anything.


feed_id: 2dcf3a907f402b73830b6f14ad363b8d
title: Open door to violent racist provocations
uri: Open-door-to-violent-racist-provocations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Open_door_to_violent_racist_provocations%29

content:
<p>
Violent protests <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/12/minneapolis-george-floyd-police-abolition-community-defense/">open a door to violent racist provocations</a>.

<p>
Community defense groups can substitute for official <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, but they
face the same temptation to slide into gang warfare.


feed_id: 13499463269b55255bfec916ee57f7a0
title: Still segregated
uri: Still-segregated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Still_segregated%29
content:
<p>
*The US is still segregated &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/12/wynton-marsalis-the-us-is-still-segregated-is-our-democracy-up-to-challenge">but is our democracy up to the challenge</a>?.*


feed_id: da806c22517f4b2b56bff12c96d65e98
title: Immediate cause of Siberian oil spill
uri: Immediate-cause-of-Siberian-oil-spill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#15_June_2020_%28Immediate_cause_of_Siberian_oil_spill%29

content:
<p>
The underlying cause of the Siberian oil spill was <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>,
but the immediate cause <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/09/russian-mining-firm-accused-of-using-global-heating-to-avoid-blame-for-oil-spill">was the lack of proper required maintenance
on the facility</a>.

<p>
The spill has reached a lake which is an important regional water
supply.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/10/three-arrested-over-huge-fuel-spill-in-the-arctic-circle">Next stop, the Arctic Ocean</a>.


feed_id: f18f0f1d0aee1e3f757ced5fcc615c00
title: Urgent: Protect workers' rights to report unsafe working conditions
uri: Urgent-Protect-workers-rights-to-report-unsafe-working-conditions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_workers%27_rights_to_report_unsafe_working_conditions%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://www.stopsilencingworkers.org/?referrer=group-free-press-action-fund">protect workers' rights to publicly report unsafe working conditions</a>.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>

     <p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 3f5a79abce7abb3d275a1ae7c62e7de0
title: Urgent: Federal holiday to celebrate the defeat of the confederacy
uri: Urgent-Federal-holiday-to-celebrate-the-defeat-of-the-confederacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Federal_holiday_to_celebrate_the_defeat_of_the_confederacy%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to enact a new federal holiday on April 9th, to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-celebrate-the-defeat-of-the-confederacy-every-year">celebrate the defeat of the confederacy (and slavery)</a>.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>

     <p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: ea72ad0dedf1bfe6af6ec5906774bb60
title: Walking for rights
uri: Walking-for-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Walking_for_rights%29
content:
<p>
Why did Martin Gugino walk towards the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that shoved him?  His
friend says, *What I think he was doing was trying to offer them
something to read on his phone: about the law, about the right of
people to assemble. Or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/14/martin-gugino-buffalo-police-catholic-worker">asking why they were preventing people from
exercising that right</a>.*


feed_id: 9fa55c8f4dca5904831e469eaa41307f
title: Tearing down of statues
uri: Tearing-down-of-statues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Tearing_down_of_statues%29
content:
<p>
In Albania, tearing down statues of the Communist regime made it
harder to remember, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/14/albania-statues-communist-freedom-history">and notice the aspects of injustice that
persisted, or got worse</a>.

<p>
Statues of the champions of injustice call attention to them and
lionize them.  Tearing down the statues ends the lionization but makes
it easy to forget what they did.  How can we end the lionization and
encourage attention to political issues about them.

<p>
Would building prison cells around the statues be a useful approach
for some of them?  For many of them, there are grounds to sentence
them to tens of thousands of years in prison, even in some cases
millions of years.  The prison cell could be permanent.

<p>
Another idea is to replace the statues with a holiday celebrating the
end of the bad things they did &mdash; for instance, in the US, an <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_(Urgent:_Federal_holiday_to_celebrate_the_defeat_of_the_confederacy)">annual holiday to celebrate the defeat of the Confederacy</a>.

<p>
Disputes are developing over whether to remove statues of
controversial people who are mainly known for doing something
generally agreed to be good, but also professed bigotry &mdash; for
instance, Baden-Powell who founded scouting, and Winston Churchill
who, more than anyone else, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/fears-of-violence-stop-london-racism-protest-as-statue-attacks-continue">defeated Hitler's empire</a>.

<p>
I think Churchill's statues should remain.  He was racist and a
colonialist (almost everyone in the UK was that), he defended the
power of the rich (most Britons disagreed, and voted in Labour before
the end of the war), and his decisions caused a deadly famine in
Bengal.  Those are large wrongs.  Yet he did an enormous good:
Churchill, more than anyone else, defeated Hitler's empire.
On the balance, I think he still deserves admiration, with attention
also to his wrongs.


feed_id: 988eca4cbf035f3c0a8475ed8df2602b
title: Slavery in Canada
uri: Slavery-in-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Slavery_in_Canada%29
content:
<p>
Canada experienced enslavement of Africans, and later treating them as second-class citizens.  Meanwhile, its legal repression of indigenous people continued
till just a few decades ago.  Canadians are just starting to recognize that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/14/canada-systemic-racism-history">this
has given Canada systemic racism fairly like that of the US</a>.

<p>
The RCMP are also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_February_2020_(Arresting_everyone)">famous for violence against protesters</a>.


feed_id: bd8d3adcb1d625ca2ff5b0e3da1aa078
title: Impeachment of Barr
uri: Impeachment-of-Barr
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Impeachment_of_Barr%29
content:
<p>
Should we call <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/barr-orders-attack-on-protesters-must-be-impeached?nowrapper=true">for impeachment of Attorney General Barr</a>?

<p>
I think the situation is similar to that of impeaching the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> a
year ago.  In justice, both should be removed from office.  But that
can't succeed.  I said that it was a tactical question and I would
leave it to the Democrats in Congress.

<p>
They impeached him, partly because many people demanded it.
Republican senators responded with blatant contempt for justice.  Did
that do any good against him?  I don't think so, but I am not
confident I can judge.  Does anyone know of objective arguments to
judge by?


feed_id: 266dbe89b1c316dd8ec35ba9e8cf969a
title: Why voting over the internet cannot be trusted
uri: Why-voting-over-the-internet-cannot-be-trusted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Why_voting_over_the_internet_cannot_be_trusted%29

content:
<p>
Something to show your state legislators: <a href="https://www.darkreading.com/risk/qanda-eugene-spafford-on-the-risks-of-internet-voting/d/d-id/1338011">why voting over the internet
cannot be trusted</a>.


feed_id: ee5dd8bc9a6a734e3b169a7f9a945dd4
title: Online courses dishonest practices
uri: Online-courses-dishonest-practices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Online_courses_dishonest_practices%29

content:
<p>
Online courses dishonest practices <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jun/13/big-online-learning-provider-faces-calls-for-refunds-after-complaints">that a physical school would have
trouble carrying out</a>.

<p>
That school seems to be getting in trouble, as it ought to.  But the article
does not mention the injustice that most people won't recognize: making
people run nonfree software and get ephemeral access to what they
are supposed to learn from.  I doubt any watchdogs are going to
investigate that.

<p>
I hope you have the wisdom to reject opportunities to "learn" that way.


feed_id: d75ba01b3b9303450a82a59773805dd4
title: Refusing to violate the constitution
uri: Refusing-to-violate-the-constitution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Refusing_to_violate_the_constitution%29

content:
<p>
The US military has a strong tradition of refusing to obey orders
that violate the constitution, going back to the founders of the country.
If the conman ordered the military to intervene in politics, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/13/why-soldiers-might-disobey-presidents-orders-occupy-us-cities">there is
a good chance generals would refuse</a>.

<p>
I interpret General Milley's apology for walking with the conman to his church
steps photo op as a reminder that generals are very much aware of
this aspect of their duty.


feed_id: 75772185f1d7162bb62e2add6943d2d8
title: Less sex
uri: Less-sex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Less_sex%29
content:
<p>
Americans adults of all ages have been having sex less in recent years.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jun/13/young-americans-less-sex-study">The data extended through 2018</a>.

<p>
Some of the decrease may represent fewer people having reluctant sex.
I'm glad for people who can avoid what they don't want to do.  But I
am sure that in most cases this represents rejection and loss, not an
escape, one that has gone on so long that it turns the world gray.

<p>
The survey did not cover teenagers, but I expect this decrease extends
to them too.  The new wave of prudery is part of the cause, but the
general infantilisation of teenagers (epitomized by calling them
"children" even when they are 17 years old) may be a bigger part.

<p>
Society should lead teenagers how to please their lovers and
themselves; how to do well in joyous sexual relationships.  Leading
people to be confused and left out is society's failure.


feed_id: 5349c0631a9685963bd3dd308bc47c24
title: New forest planting technique
uri: New-forest-planting-technique
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28New_forest_planting_technique%29
content:
<p>
A new technique of planting forests with diverse trees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/13/fast-growing-mini-forests-spring-up-in-europe-to-aid-climate">enables them to
grow faster</a>.


feed_id: acede35e709ec315a3c5892791eebb38
title: Vultures wipe out
uri: Vultures-wipe-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Vultures_wipe_out%29
content:
<p>
Vultures are being wiped out in large parts of Africa, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/13/the-vultures-arent-hovering-over-africa-and-thats-bad-news-aoe">that allows
animal carcasses to rot slowly and spread germs</a>.


feed_id: c597dbeac8fa92c3ae53314780f6b58e
title: Facial Recognition Moratorium
uri: Facial-Recognition-Moratorium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Facial_Recognition_Moratorium%29
content:
<p>
*Amazon’s Facial Recognition "Moratorium" Is a Public Relations Stunt.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/11/amazons-facial-recognition-moratorium-public-relations-stunt-lawmakers-should">Lawmakers Should Ban this Dangerous Surveillance Tech</a>.*

<p>
I agree, but the phrase "using face recognition for surveillance" can be
interpreted in various ways.  Some interpretations would permit dangerous
data collection by face recognition, because organizations will claim
that what they do is not really surveillance.

<p>
Big Tech is starting to recognize <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/13/silicon-valley-has-admitted-facial-recognition-technology-is-toxic-about-time">that face recognition is too toxic
to be involved with</a>.

<p>
When even a commentator such as John Naughton, who doesn't like to be
very far ahead of the opinion makers, can say this, that shows we are
making progress in the fight to prohibit it.


feed_id: ca580aba757a0a525f0d85fb9aa3e1b6
title: Bases named after traitors
uri: Bases-named-after-traitors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Bases_named_after_traitors%29
content:
<p>
Isn't it amazing that <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/13/george-floyds-murder-may-finally-end-the-armys-fealty-to-defeated-confederate-traitors/">the US Army runs bases named after traitors</a>?

<p>
It's not as if those traitors worked for Russia, China, or the Axis.
It was even worse &mdash; they worked for slavery!


feed_id: 309bd644c223408be1c73d6553066787
title: Not calling for murder
uri: Not-calling-for-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Not_calling_for_murder%29
content:
<p>
Atlanta <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> found Rayshard Brooks sleeping in the right front seat
of a car, blocking a store' drive-through lane.  This nuisance to the
public called for some sort of action, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/13/atlanta-georgia-police-shooting-black-man">but it should not have involved
shooting him dead</a>.

<p>
The idea of Defund the Police is to send helpful nonviolent teams
rather than armed cops to situations like this.  Imagine if he had
been visited by a homeless aid team instead of armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  They
would have unblocked the lane by helping him rather than by trying to
arrest him.


feed_id: 77a284abe800c5d72ae50ce1314a8bd2
title: Why Medicare for All is essential
uri: Why-Medicare-for-All-is-essential
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Why_Medicare_for_All_is_essential%29

content:
<p>
The Lancet explains why Medicare for All is essential for the US <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2820%2930124-3/fulltext">to
stop Covid-19 and future pandemics too</a>.


feed_id: ec740f45312fbea18d5bd07c3257b52e
title: Global heating will be much worse than predicted
uri: Global-heating-will-be-much-worse-than-predicted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_%28Global_heating_will_be_much_worse_than_predicted%29

content:
<p>
New observations about <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> and clouds shows that
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> will be much worse than predicted.  The same amount
of greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/13/climate-worst-case-scenarios-clouds-scientists-global-heating">will produce a larger amount of heating</a>.

<p>
As a result, there is no chance of avoiding 2C of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>,
the level at which disaster will be widespread.


feed_id: 205371808c575c699a1c3f561cab4b8d
title: US continues to impose sanctions on Sudan
uri: US-continues-to-impose-sanctions-on-Sudan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28US_continues_to_impose_sanctions_on_Sudan%29

content:
<p>

Sudan kicked out its dictator al-Bashir a year go, but <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/14/sudans-democratic-revolution-being-undermined-united-states">the US continues to impose the sanctions that it placed to push al-Bashir out</a>.


feed_id: f5b24b982a3e90130e9d852a17015483
title: Faux News published edited and mislabeled photos to make Seattle's protests seem violent
uri: Faux-News-published-edited-and-mislabeled-photos-to-make-Seattle-s-pro
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Faux_News_published_edited_and_mislabeled_photos_to_make_Seattle%27s_protests_seem_violent%29

content:
<p>

Faux News <a href="https://primepatriot.com/2020/06/13/fox-news-runs-digitally-altered-images-in-coverage-of-seattles-protests-capitol-hill-autonomous-zone/">published edited and mislabeled photos</a> to make Seattle's protests seem violent.


feed_id: 67f50ec6b191ecdf156b3abc7d9f3659
title: Fear of coronavirus, not lockdown, is the biggest threat to the UK's economy
uri: Fear-of-coronavirus-not-lockdown-is-the-biggest-threat-to-the-UK-s-e
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Fear_of_coronavirus%2C_not_lockdown%2C_is_the_biggest_threat_to_the_UK%27s_economy%29

content:
<p>

*Fear of coronavirus, not lockdown, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/15/coronavirus-fear-lockdown-recession">is the biggest threat to the UK's economy</a>.*
<p>
In other words, the Bogus Johnson screwed the pooch when he failed to aim aggressively to stamp out Covid-19.


feed_id: d19922be7b67cb26167b048fbb2f26f3
title: Wild salmon in Canada's pacific coast are mostly wiped out
uri: Wild-salmon-in-Canada-s-pacific-coast-are-mostly-wiped-out
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Wild_salmon_in_Canada%27s_pacific_coast_are_mostly_wiped_out%29

content:
<p>

Wild salmon in Canada's Pacific coast are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/15/canada-wild-salmon-fish-ladder-salmon-cannon-british-columbia-aoe">mostly wiped out, and many species of animals and plants are suffering as result</a>.


feed_id: f87c26fada23cbc13af33aa1413b980b
title: Covid-19 pandemic is 'fire drill' for effects of climate crisis
uri: Covid-19-pandemic-is-fire-drill-for-effects-of-climate-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Covid-19_pandemic_is_%27fire_drill%27_for_effects_of_climate_crisis%29

content:
<p>

*Covid-19 pandemic is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/15/covid-19-pandemic-is-fire-drill-for-effects-of-climate-crisis-says-un-official">'fire drill' for effects of climate crisis</a>, says UN official.*


feed_id: 59e1ccbbf106d969997393eed7739816
title: Employers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers
uri: Employers-cannot-discriminate-against-LGBTQ-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Employers_cannot_discriminate_against_LGBTQ%2B_workers%29

content:
<p>

*US supreme court rules <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jun/15/supreme-court-civil-rights-law-lgbtq">employers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers</a>.*
<p>
I approve of the decision, but what is most reassuring is that this was not a partisan vote.


feed_id: 62e3a4fb27e912bacb5fb257216b9580
title: Americans are becoming aware of systemic racism
uri: Americans-are-becoming-aware-of-systemic-racism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Americans_are_becoming_aware_of_systemic_racism%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/joe-biden-race-reforms-democrat-seizes-moment">Americans are rapidly becoming aware of systemic racism</a> and the systemic injustice of the thugs.


feed_id: 267c57710f746af2e431ee66f520a25c
title: Republicans happily 'de-funded' the police we actually need
uri: Republicans-happily-de-funded-the-police-we-actually-need
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Republicans_happily_%27de-funded%27_the_police_we_actually_need%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/15/republicans-are-hypocrites-they-happily-de-funded-the-police-we-actually-need">*Republicans are hypocrites. They happily 'de-funded' the police we actually need.*</a>
<p>
Strictly speaking, those are not police.  They enforce other laws, which regulate business activities that can put thousands or millions of people in danger.


feed_id: 361793aa868777360fdf1b5b233b16fb
title: Protester arrested on made-up grounds
uri: Protester-arrested-on-made-up-grounds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Protestor_arrested_on_made-up_grounds%29

content:
<p>

A thug in Seattle maced a 7-year-old child who was at a protest with his father.  Another protester posted a video of this.  A week later, thugs sought him and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/outrage-video-police-mace-child-seattle-protest">arrested him on made-up grounds</a>, apparently just for revenge.
<p>
*He now feels there is a target on his back, which has given him a very small taste of what black people deal with every day.*


feed_id: 8e1ede2883a5a7d3c1f12d6e1f422c67
title: Right-wing racists held a protest in London
uri: Right-wing-racists-held-a-protest-in-London
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Right-wing_racists_held_a_protest_in_London%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/14/met-police-condemns-mindless-hooliganism-far-right-protesters-london">Mere hundreds of right-wing racists held a protest in London</a>, and went in heavily for attacking the thugs.
<p>
It is not a good thing for decisions (even decisions about which statues to pull down) to be made by contests physical force. That is not how to make valid decisions or wise decisions.


feed_id: ada9564fa359e5da7f5009e22484ee1e
title: Confessions of a former Bastard Cop
uri: Confessions-of-a-former-Bastard-Cop
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Confessions_of_a_former_Bastard_Cop%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://medium.com/@OfcrACab/confessions-of-a-former-bastard-cop-bb14d17bc759">Confessions of a Former Bastard Cop.</a>
<p>
The article explains <em>how</em> police academies teach cops to be <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and says that there are no exceptions.  He is in favor of "defund the police".
<p>
He uses the term "bastard" where I say "<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>."  I don't think it is right to insult people because their parents were not married to each other.


feed_id: edf46b57ca1fc4da01d9bc174af717dd
title: Remote learning
uri: Remote-learning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Remote_learning%29
content:
<p>

*The Results Are In for Remote Learning: <a href="https://peckford42.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/the-results-are-in-for-remote-learning-it-didnt-work/">It Didn’t Work</a>.*
<p>
So many problems on top of the injustice of nonfree software and snooping.


feed_id: 76a02547839291015e5ffa4d4eb195d2
title: US plutocrats hope that we will get preoccupied with racism and its symbols
uri: US-plutocrats-hope-that-we-will-get-preoccupied-with-racism-and-its-sy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28US_plutocrats_hope_that_we_will_get_preoccupied_with_racism_and_its_symbols%29

content:
<p>

US plutocrats hope that we will get so preoccupied with racism and its symbols that we <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/14/donald-trump-racism-american-oligarchy">won't notice dooH niboR</a>.
<p>
The new broader awareness of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' violence gives us an opportunity to make progress against the systems that perpetuate thugs' violence, and we should take advantage of it. But in order to make headway against the harms of racism in general, we must follow its connections to plutocracy.


feed_id: 9737a12404b9cbf4032b94a059c01898
title: Institutions of racial subjugation tend to change form
uri: Institutions-of-racial-subjugation-tend-to-change-form
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Institutions_of_racial_subjugation_tend_to_change_form%29

content:
<p>

Institutions of racial subjugation tend to change form when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/14/these-protests-feel-different-but-we-have-to-be-realistic-theres-a-long-road-ahead">you think you've eliminated them</a>.


feed_id: f36d62782ba0030b7aa0bb99b5b468cc
title: What happens when cities prioritize property over black lives
uri: What-happens-when-cities-prioritize-property-over-black-lives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28What_happens_when_cities_prioritize_property_over_black_lives%29

content:
<p>

*I Saw My <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/14/chicago-police-black-lives-matter-protesters/">Friends Beaten by [Chicago] Police</a>. This Is What Happens When Cities Prioritize Property Over Black Lives.
<p>
I am not convinced that the reason the author gives is the main reason these <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> rioted.


feed_id: 62d100a299cb6886049a4df8f84af32b
title: Urgent: Prohibit funds for nuclear testing
uri: Urgent-Prohibit-funds-for-nuclear-testing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Prohibit_funds_for_nuclear_testing%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-demand-congress-prohibit-funds-for-nuclear-testing">prohibit funds for nuclear testing</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
  and 888-355-3588.</p>

<p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 5ef858456f4d47a7d7ce49a46eb79cbe
title: Urgent: Massachusetts citizens: call on state legislators to end racist policing.
uri: Urgent-Massachusetts-citizens-call-on-state-legislators-to-end-racis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Massachusetts_citizens%3A_call_on_state_legislators_to_end_racist_policing.%29

content:
<p>

Massachusetts citizens: <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-lawmakers-we-demand-end-racist-policing">call on state legislators to end racist policing</a>.


feed_id: 17b690559df89c879138c8388d26437b
title: Proper use of body cameras
uri: 2020-06-17-Proper-use-of-body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#14_June_2020_%28Propper_use_of_body_cameras%29
content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/10/solidarity-will-turn-impossible-inevitable">Suggestions for going beyond</a> the bill proposed in the House of
  Representatives.
<p>
  I agree with most of these suggestions, but the one for body cameras
  needs to be more selective.  We want body cameras to record when there
  is violence but not when there isn't.  If they recorded all the time,
  they would turn every cop info a surveillance system.
<p>
  We can't depend on the good will of cops to turn the cameras on and
  off when they ought to be on and off.  So I've proposed a technical
  system to do it automatically.
<p>
  See <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/when-should-body-cameras-record.html">When Should Body Cameras Record</a>.


feed_id: ead08db37c3a7fea17099563935881ee
title: Simpler process of extracting oil
uri: Simpler-process-of-extracting-oil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Simpler_process_of_extracting_oil%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/exxonmobil-simplifies-oil-extraction-by-cutting-earth-i-1844037046">satire</a>) *ExxonMobil announced Friday that they had
   developed a simpler process of extracting oil that involved cutting the
   Earth in half.*


feed_id: 33c78414860b97f1c52fd05f813f0c56
title: Cancel rally
uri: Cancel-rally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Cancel_rally%29
content:
<p>
*Tulsa newspaper and top health official <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/trump-tulsa-rally-coronavirus-calls-for-cancellation">call on [the exploiter] to
 cancel rally</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/15/we-cant-see-any-way-his-visit-will-be-good-city-largest-tulsa-newspaper-says-trump">More information</a>.


feed_id: 07f09619f410adefe083d4e9e0f42024
title: Overlooking murder
uri: Overlooking-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Overlooking_murder%29
content:
<p>
Italy decided to overlook Egypt's murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/16/family-giulio-regeni-betrayed-italian-pm-arms-sale-egypt">and sell arms to Egypt's military rulers anyway</a>.


feed_id: 57ca786a335bf68450b76888be3b2c8d
title: Arresting opposition
uri: Arresting-opposition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Arresting_opposition%29
content:
<p>
Lukashenko, the dictator of Belarus, is facing aroused public opposition
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/16/slipper-revolution-lukashenkos-reign-under-pressure-in-belarus">and arrested one opposition candidate already</a>.


feed_id: 1d8521d63710f3c4354fc86ba2a2d04f
title: Pulling down Jefferson Davis's statue
uri: Pulling-down-Jefferson-Davis-s-statue
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Pulling_down_Jefferson_Davis%27s_statue%29

content:
<p>
Protesters pulled down Jefferson Davis's statue in Richmond, Virginia,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/protesters-topple-statue-of-confederate-president-in-virginia">which was the capital of the Confederacy</a>.

<p>
Good riddance &mdash; Davis did nothing to deserve admiration from people
who are not right-wing extremists.


feed_id: 84b7d4ac8ccbf308993062b1f3555841
title: Journalist sentenced to prison
uri: 2020-06-17-Journalist-sentenced-to-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Journalist_sentenced_to_prison%29
content:
<p>
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, editor of the dissenting web site
Reppler, was sentenced to prison for an article published in 2012,
<a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/dismay-over-philippine-journalist-maria-ressas-prison-sentence">under a law of criminal libel</a>.

<p>
A law that makes libel a crime is always unjust; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_March_2020_(Suing_representative_and_press)">it is a fine tool for
crushing dissent</a>.


feed_id: faf778d00a90023f49e2fc0dd49605b8
title: Yet another spill
uri: Yet-another-spill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Yet_another_spill%29
content:
<p>
The TransMountain pipeline has had yet another oil spill.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/15/why-we-continue-fight-indigenous-leaders-outraged-trans-mountain-pipeline-spills">This has happened at least 80 times</a>.

<p>
If that
spill happened in your town, or its river, you'd call it large.
Compared with the amount of oil the pipeline carries, it is tiny.

<p>
But the spills remind us that the oil which does not spill is likely
to be <em>burnt</em> &mdash; and that endangers the whole world.


feed_id: 7f111c0b06f52658ec890ddb46ff2fa4
title: Other faces you might be interested in
uri: Other-faces-you-might-be-interested-in
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Other_faces_you_might_be_interested_in%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-temporarily-halts-police-use-of-facial-recogniti-1844038618">satire</a>) *Amazon Temporarily Halts Police Use Of Facial Recognition
Software Until It Can Perfect ‘Other Faces You Might Be Interested In’
Feature.*

<p>
*Amazon had reportedly offered as a concession free same-day
shipping on any evidence police forces might need to plant until the
issue was resolved.*


feed_id: d40ee12d617a984b1f0fd182e27b6046
title: Sued for true information about illegal plans
uri: Sued-for-true-information-about-illegal-plans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Sued_for_true_information_about_illegal_plans%29

content:
<p>
Cambodian garment worker Soy Sros faces criminal charges <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/16/jailed-for-a-facebook-post-garment-workers-rights-at-risk-during-covid-19">for posting true
information about her employer's illegal plans to dismiss workers</a>.


feed_id: f83354738ac8c1e304458e433c3c4018
title: Pay with interest for excess welfare payments
uri: Pay-with-interest-for-excess-welfare-payments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Pay_with_interest_for_excess_welfare_payments%29

content:
<p>
The Australian government set up a system to demand that poor people
"repay" supposedly erroneous "excess" welfare payments.  The system
imposed false charges on many poor people, and the ministers let it
continue until a court made it stop.  Now it looks like the court may
require the government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/16/robodebts-financial-cost-to-soar-as-judge-suggests-government-will-have-to-pay-interest">to pay interest as well as returning the false
"excess"</a>.

<p>
Dunning poor people for money you said you were giving them is cruel,
stingy and vile, even if you really had given it by mistake.

<p>
Will the ministers learn their lesson from this?  There is nothing
more stubborn than a right-winger demanding money from a pauper.


feed_id: 19f912586616c042e7c58edece0ee060
title: Abolished thug department
uri: Abolished-thug-department
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Abolished_thug_department%29
content:
<p>
Camden, New Jersey, abolished its <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department seven years ago and
replaced it with a new department that, from these reports, <a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/06/09/us/disband-police-camden-new-jersey-trnd/index.html">seems to
train and employ police officers rather than thugs</a>.


feed_id: d298c6c8d6c88fdc23a41feb03d6afbe
title: Fighting fire with water
uri: Fighting-fire-with-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Fighting_fire_with_water%29
content:
<p>
Some protesters in Atlanta <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/rayshard-brooks-police-shooting-was-homicide-says-medical-examiner">brought water in case anyone started a fire</a>.

<p>
That is a good humorous way to defuse tension.


feed_id: 1abe152d57fe0ffdbca86e4c104d9f74
title: Continuing to make reports of Health
uri: Continuing-to-make-reports-of-Health
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Continuing_to_make_reports_of_Health%29

content:
<p>
Rebekah Jones, who was fired by Florida's Department of Health for
honestly reporting statistics of Covid-19 in that state, has continued
making honest reports <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/florida-coronavirus-cases-counter-rebekah-jones-fired-scientist">so people can compare them with the state's
official reports</a>.

<p>
Her figures say that only one county in the state meets the criteria for
reopening businesses.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_May_2020_((satire)_Forcing_residents_back_into_malls,_movie_theaters)">The reopening is premature and will spread
Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 632c71058f869e99d99596a60639ecb2
title: Could not have been threatened
uri: Could-not-have-been-threatened
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Could_not_have_been_threatened%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> that killed Rayshard Brooks knew that Brooks had a taser in his hand,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/14/rayshard-brooks-police-killing-unrest-democrats">and could not threaten his life with the taser</a>.

<p>
If one <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_June_2020_(Thugs_pushed_an_elderly_protester_to_the_ground)">can believe the thug</a>, Brooks started fighting to grab the taser
after he failed a sobriety test.  I supposed Brooks feared arrest as a
consequence, but why?  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> did not find him driving the car, only
sitting in it, and that is not a crime.

<p>
Brooks' theft of a taser called for some action, but it did not have
to be immediate.  So did his being drunk and in possession of a car,
since he could have started driving it and killed someone.  But towing
the car should have been sufficient to prevent that.  If the key was
still in the ignition, a faster and cheaper solution would have been
to move the car to where it was not in anyone's way, then hold the key
until Brooks came in, sober, to claim it.


feed_id: 32684551efd4a50c1740a235a8498303
title: Omitted Collateral Murder video
uri: Omitted-Collateral-Murder-video
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#17_June_2020_%28Omitted_Collateral_Murder_video%29
content:
<p>
The US indictment of Julian Assange accuses him of publishing many
secret US materials, but strangely omits the best known example: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jun/15/julian-assange-indictment-fails-to-mention-wikileaks-video-that-exposed-us-war-crimes-in-iraq">the
Collateral Murder video</a>.

<p>
It appears the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/all-lies-how-the-us-military-covered-up-gunning-down-two-journalists-in-iraq">would rather people forget about that one</a>
while the British government absurdly <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_March_2020_(Laws_and_treaties)">distorts its legal system
to extradite Assange</a>.


feed_id: 564621f3e251877447e1abf27203b3c4
title: British tradition of lying about its history
uri: British-tradition-of-lying-about-its-history
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28British_tradition_of_lying_about_its_history%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/16/boris-johnson-lying-history-britain-empire">Bogus Johnson continues a long-standing British tradition of lying about its history</a>, especially atrocities and injustices. He is hardly entitled to criticize anything like removal of statues in the name of honesty.


feed_id: b512fcf6b68e5914c696b67d1a48c182
title: Renaming of ten US Army bases
uri: Renaming-of-ten-US-Army-bases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Renaming_of_ten_US_Army_bases%29
content:
<p>

Proposing to rename the ten US Army bases named after officers of the Confederacy, after <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/14/here-are-alternate-names-10-confederate-named-army-bases">ten foreign that came to the US to fight as officers for the independence of the United States</a>.
<p>
Here's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/14/rename-army-posts-these-10-soldiers-deserve-honor">another proposal</a> with American soldiers of the past.


feed_id: aa45dc78a568281e3d41ef66c8b831de
title: Illuminating disagreement of perspectives
uri: Illuminating-disagreement-of-perspectives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Illuminating_disagreement_of_perspectives%29

content:
<p>

A discussion over renaming US Army bases named after confederate officers includes an <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/15/dc-circuit-confederate-bases-federal-judge/">illuminating disagreement</a> between a whites vs whites perspective and a freedom vs slavery perspective.


feed_id: 576155bbfc2ed75060bbe5fc294ea5fe
title: Death of two black men in California
uri: Death-of-two-black-men-in-California
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Death_of_two_black_men_in_California%29

content:
<p>

Two black men died in California in what looked like suicides, but there are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/15/california-robert-fuller-hanging-death-invetigation">reasons to suspect white supremacists murdered them</a>.


feed_id: da7ed8b264de0fbf575d0a1dd5696e15
title: Republican donors are supporting Democrat Eliot Engel
uri: Republican-donors-are-supporting-Democrat-Eliot-Engel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Republican_donors_are_supporting_Democrat_Eliot_Engel%29

content:
<p>

Republican donors are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/15/gop-republican-super-pac-eliot-engel-jamaal-bowman/">supporting plutocratist Democrat Eliot Engel</a> against a progressive primary challenge.


feed_id: ac4b3ae80a421b2e7b7005183837c83c
title: New Mexicans removing statues of Juan de Oñate
uri: New-Mexicans-removing-statues-of-Juan-de-Oñate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28New_Mexicans_removing_statues_of_Juan_de_O%C3%83%C2%B1ate%29

content:
<p>

New Mexicans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/16/man-shot-as-new-mexico-protesters-try-to-remove-spanish-conquistador-statue-juan-de-onate">removing statues of Juan de Oñate</a>, a Spanish colonial leader of Biblical cruelty.
<p>
Oñate killed around 1000 people of Acoma after a dispute, then amputated a foot from many of the captured survivors.


feed_id: 51a73d2f9e5c3f31f7d0cb22d7f77465
title: How US police reforms have failed to stop brutality and violence
uri: How-US-police-reforms-have-failed-to-stop-brutality-and-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28How_US_police_reforms_have_failed_to_stop_brutality_and_violence%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/16/its-not-about-bad-apples-how-us-police-reforms-have-failed-to-stop-brutality-and-violence">'It's not about bad apples'</a>: how US police reforms have failed to stop brutality and violence.*
<p>
Policies prove ineffective because <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> make excuses to disregard them.  Body cameras prove ineffective because the system usually fails to punish thugs for the observed wrongs.
<p>
The New York Thug Department <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/16/nypd-anti-crime-unit/">proposes to shuffle personnel</a> and calls it a "seismic shift".


feed_id: cce5599f1f611b5695d6c3cf9a25b2b7
title: Transparent masks
uri: Transparent-masks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Transparent_masks%29
content:
<p>

Advocates for the deaf <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/16/charities-for-deaf-people-call-for-more-see-through-face-masks">want transparent masks</a> to be available for their companions.


feed_id: 17eaba4af5326c6bab602012fabe06b7
title: Surviving Covid-19 in the US
uri: Surviving-Covid-19-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Surviving_Covid-19_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>

In the US, surviving Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/16/coronavirus-hospital-bill-healthcare-america">could leave you with a million-dollar hospital bill</a>.
<p>
It's not inconceivable that this would result in seizing your future wages, and perhaps therefore cause your death.


feed_id: 3f11a44f7391e05adc678a1c48e76b85
title: Britain needs a truth and reconciliation commission
uri: Britain-needs-a-truth-and-reconciliation-commission
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Britain_needs_a_truth_and_reconciliation_commission%29

content:
<p>

*Britain needs a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/16/britain-truth-reconciliation-commission-racism-imperial">truth and reconciliation commission</a>, not another racism inquiry.*
<p>
Perhaps the US as well.


feed_id: b3860a7323cf72b6bfa5382880ad23e4
title: Killed by chokehold
uri: Killed-by-chokehold
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Killed_by_chokehold%29
content:
<p>
When Tacoma thugs killed Manuel Ellis in March, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/16/manuel-ellis-death-police-officer-neck-restraint">they used a chokehold
and put a knee on his neck or back</a>.


feed_id: 92024cbc747c32f0d9c062bf39517b07
title: Government secrets
uri: Government-secrets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Government_secrets%29
content:
<p>
Barr's department claims that Bolton's upcoming book contains
government secrets and has sued to block publication.  However, the
conman claims, falsely, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/16/john-bolton-book-donald-trump-administration-suit">that everything he says is a "government
secret", so he's probably making it all up</a>.

<p>
Bolton claims to have thoroughly checked what government secrecy laws
require, and I am sure that he did &mdash; it would have been foolish not
to.  Therefore, I suppose the conman is making a bogus claim hoping to
delay the book till after the election.

<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/17/john-bolton-book-trump-china-dictators-saudi-arabia">Some scandalous nuggets from the book</a>.

<p>
The conman wasn't entirely wrong in thinking that Finland was part of
Russia.  That was true until around 100 years ago.  Perhaps he has not
caught up to modern times.


feed_id: 17d5b8eee30baf5c1a7582290318fc61
title: Shooting at protesters
uri: Shooting-at-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Shooting_at_protesters%29
content:
<p>
At an Oñate statue protest in Albuquerque, a right-wing extremists
started shooting and wounded a protester.  Cops then arrested some of
them, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/16/protester-shot-new-mexico-clashes-erupt-between-civil-guard-militia-and-community">suppressing their thuggish nature because the shooters were
white</a>.

<p>
Organized violent right-wing militias in New Mexico work in
cahoots with various groups of official thugs.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/17/armed-vigilantes-under-scrutiny-after-statue-protester-shot-new-mexico">They refer to each
other as allies and protect each other</a>.

<p>
One such gang protected the man who shot a protester.  A prosecutor
seems to have tried also to protect him.  Now the forces of law and
order face the challenge of defeating those militias, as well as the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and officials that protect them.


feed_id: b1c1a386ebdcaa4d8903ca2835d4b39d
title: Covid-19 in prisons
uri: Covid-19-in-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Covid-19_in_prisons%29
content:
<p>
The rate of Covid-19 infections in US prisons <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/16/mass-murder-covid-19-deaths-us-prisons-have-risen-73-past-month">is increasing rapidly</a>.

<p>
These outbreaks tend to include prison <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, who bring the disease home
to their families.  That turns the local area into a hotspot.


feed_id: 4e528e0a31af0a8d72e0909785f32cfa
title: It worked!
uri: It-worked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28It_worked%21%29
content:
<p>
The conman is telling his followers to get ready to fight "Antifa".
When they do this, naturally there is no sign of "Antifa",
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/16/face-powerful-protests-parts-middle-america-enter-twilight-zone">and they say "It worked."</a>


feed_id: 8a9e1aaeba8c7aa34fcf888440f564bb
title: Killing to win election
uri: Killing-to-win-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Killing_to_win_election%29
content:
<p>
*Trump Willing to Kill Hundreds of Thousands of Americans in Effort to Win
Election.*

<p>
20,000 Americans are dying each month from Covid-19 because of the
government's totally wrong-headed response.  But it could easily go
back up to 30,000 a month, as Republicans "reopen the economy" without
having prepared to make that safe to do.  Meanwhile, the mad killer
encourages Americans to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/16/trump-willing-kill-hundreds-thousands-americans-effort-win-election">stop wearing masks and spread the disease
more</a>.

<p>
This could add up to more than 200,000 before inauguration day, at
which point (assuming the election wasn't rigged and doesn't get overturned)
    the new president can
start adopting the policies known to stamp out Covid-19.

<p>
Until that gets done, we are in the position of competing with everyone
else to be among the last ones that remain uninfected until herd immunity
protects us, perhaps 18 months and 600,000 deaths further along.
(Assuming we have around 10% exposure and need 70% for herd immunity.)


feed_id: 87659a9231e01e89a9a6c1d05ae9efb3
title: Sabotaging medical care with sanctions
uri: Sabotaging-medical-care-with-sanctions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Sabotaging_medical_care_with_sanctions%29

content:
<p>
US sanctions are sabotaging medical care in Cuba, even as Cuba sends
doctors <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/16/trump-hammers-cuba-while-cuba-cures-sick-worldwide">to help other countries that are hard hit by Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 870fd8b144f3881c83877bf58233e049
title: Pre-crisis level demand for oil
uri: Pre-crisis-level-demand-for-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Pre-crisis_level_demand_for_oil%29
content:
<p>
*With no plans to raise clean energy investment, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/16/global-oil-demand-could-hit-record-rate-next-year-iea-warns">demand [for oil] will
soon reach pre-crisis level</a>.*


feed_id: dbdfc3b36e6b708095cb0c7f46f46f80
title: Military budget cut
uri: Military-budget-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Military_budget_cut%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Barbara Lee has proposed 350 billion dollars in cuts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/16/time-reinvest-people-and-cut-weapons-war-barbara-lee-unveils-plan-cut-350-billion">for the US
military budget</a>.

<p>
That is almost half the total &mdash; but since the US spends more than 7
(or is it 10 now) largest other militaries, it would still have the
advantage over any of them.


feed_id: fa4a372b88cb6ee392e7a83c47730664
title: Coal mines laws
uri: Coal-mines-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Coal_mines_laws%29
content:
<p>
The saboteurs are working to neutralize enforcement of laws on coal
mines in the US, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/15/trump-administration-seeks-thwart-resident-reporting-coal-mining-violations">to make sure they can continue polluting land and
water unhindered by those laws</a>.

<p>
A phony "consumer group" has asked the Federal Electricity Regulatory
Commission <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/15/public-citizen-unmasks-suspect-ratepayer-group-aiming-disrupt-us-solar-policy">to stop states from managing programs to promote home solar
energy installations</a>.

<p>
If the FERC manages them instead, it will easily be able to mismanage
them to prevent new solar energy installations &mdash; and the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief will make sure that gets done.


feed_id: b00712cc178106b3db4d022c220b34cc
title: Death of fishery observers
uri: Death-of-fishery-observers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Death_of_fishery_observers%29
content:
<p>
9 independent fishery observers have died inexplicably on ships
since 2015.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/22/disappearances-danger-and-death-what-is-happening-to-fishery-observers">Very likely they were murdered by the crew</a>.


feed_id: 8a0c3f4c02db37f9a563a91f56195879
title: Eliminating environmental review
uri: Eliminating-environmental-review
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Eliminating_environmental_review%29
content:
<p>
With so many native species now close to extinction after the giant
fires burned much of their habitat, the Australian government sees a
great new opportunity to wipe them out once and for all, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/16/scientists-fear-push-to-deregulate-environmental-approvals-will-lead-to-extinction-crisis">by
eliminating environmental review of large activities that can take
additional steps towards extinction</a>.


feed_id: 974637a42ef138dacc3055052b5d3350
title: Improving birth rate
uri: Improving-birth-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Improving_birth_rate%29
content:
<p>
*Iran bans vasectomies and contraceptives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/15/iran-bans-vasectomies-and-contraceptives-to-improve-birth-rate">to improve birth rate</a>.*

<p>
Competing for bigger population means competing for a bigger disaster.
See <a href="https://stallman.org/puns.html#apocalypse">the four factors of the apocalypse</a>.


feed_id: d203e4db03943eb08eeeaba8cf1c00af
title: Phase 4 of pretending
uri: Phase-4-of-pretending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#18_June_2020_%28Phase_4_of_pretending%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/city-enters-phase-4-of-pretending-coronavirus-over-1844037065">satire</a>) *[Dallas] Mayor Eric Johnson told Dallas residents Friday that they would
   soon officially be entering Phase 4 of pretending the coronavirus was
   over.*


feed_id: ff54c2d9c479c42b4510a9aebc7a56ff
title: In response to public pressure, thug that killed Rayshard Brooks has been charged with murder
uri: In-response-to-public-pressure-thug-that-killed-Rayshard-Brooks-has-b
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28In_response_to_public_pressure%2C_thug_that_killed_Rayshard_Brooks_has_been_charged_with_murder%29

content:
<p>

In response to public pressure, the thug that shot and killed Rayshard Brooks has been <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/17/atlanta-cop-who-shot-rayshard-brooks-back-charged-11-counts-including-felony-murder">charged with murder and other crimes</a>, including attacking him rather than getting him medical attention when he was lying on the ground dying.
<p>
The other thug was given lesser charges.  If he does turn state's evidence, it would be a tremendous breakthrough against thugs' <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_(Thug_unions_defend_crimes_by_thugs)">>mafia-like bonds to each other</a>.
  


feed_id: f532b7810c711ad6c51a8b432ef1d611
title: US meat factories falsely claim shortage, but export record amount of pork to China
uri: US-meat-factories-falsely-claim-shortage-but-export-record-amount-of
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28US_meat_factories_falsely_claim_shortage%2C_but_export_record_amount_of_pork_to_China%29

content:
<p>

US meat factories <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/17/it-was-fake-meat-shortage-reporting-suggests-industry-sacrificed-workers-during">falsely claimed</a> there was a shortage of meat, in May, when in fact they exported a record amount of pork to China.
<p>
I don't see anything wrong about selling meat to China, as such. But it is hardly so essential that it justifies operating while workers are transmitting viruses to each other.


feed_id: a095fefb5e4cc503e5674d08b9a320b0
title: The Conman's scandals as described in Bolton's book
uri: The-Conman-s-scandals-as-described-in-Bolton-s-book
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28The_Conman%27s_scandals_as_described_in_Bolton%27s_book%29

content:
<p>

More <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-asked-chinas-xi-to-help-him-win-reelection-according-to-bolton-book/2020/06/17/d4ea601c-ad7a-11ea-868b-93d63cd833b2_story.html">extensive details</a> of a few of the conman's scandals as described in Bolton's book.


feed_id: fa6f365e1863515bb63d32045423aa4d
title: Protester Martin Gugino suffered a grave brain injury when a thug knocked him down.
uri: Protester-Martin-Gugino-suffered-a-grave-brain-injury-when-a-thug-knoc
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Protester_Martin_Gugino_suffered_a_grave_brain_injury_when_a_thug_knocked_him_down.%29

content:
<p>

Protester Martin Gugino suffered a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/17/skull-fractured-police-and-lied-about-trump-75-year-old-peace-activist-martin-gugino">grave brain injury</a> when a thug knocked him down.
<p>
It will take him a long time to regain the capability to walk up to a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>.  Maybe he never will.  At least his capacity to think is unimpaired.
<p>
Now I will follow his advice and focus on issues, not him.


feed_id: dddf83b9bafb1a0b4a01a42450de5db5
title: US thugs modeling themselves the way Israeli thugs and soldiers treat Palestinians
uri: US-thugs-modeling-themselves-the-way-Israeli-thugs-and-soldiers-treat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28US_thugs_modeling_themselves_the_way_Israeli_thugs_and_soldiers_treat_Palestinians%29

content:
<p>

As part of the "War on Terror", US thugs (and CIA torturers) started modeling themselves after <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/17/palestinian-chair-exposing-israels-direct-role-us-violence">the way Israeli thugs and soldiers treat Palestinians</a>.


feed_id: e12a8ef4c0af99f1ffdf4b7b8d9c290e
title: Bolton's reports are very useful, but he helped conceal the conman-bully's crimes
uri: Bolton-s-reports-are-very-useful-but-he-helped-conceal-the-conman-bul
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Bolton%27s_reports_are_very_useful%2C_but_he_helped_conceal_the_conman-bully%27s_crimes%29

content:
<p>

Bolton's reports of the conman-bully's crimes are very useful, but don't admire Bolton too much.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/17/excerpts-john-bolton-book-showing-unhinged-behavior-trump-evidence-former-advisor">He helped conceal those crimes, including during the impeachment.</a>


feed_id: 0be590ed609575133200af2b3f42783e
title: Thugs attacked a German MEP filming Belgian thugs harassing some blacks
uri: Thugs-attacked-a-German-MEP-filming-Belgian-thugs-harassing-some-black
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Thugs_attacked_a_German_MEP_filming_Belgian_thugs_harassing_some_blacks%29

content:
<p>

A German MEP tried to film Belgian thugs harassing some blacks. The MEP was also black, so the thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/17/black-german-mep-pierrette-herzberger-fofana-tells-european-parliament-she-was-victim-of-belgian-police-brutality">attacked her and took her phone</a>.
<p>
They refused to believe the documents that said she was an MEP, but that's a side issue.  You shouldn't have to be an elected official to have the right to film the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


feed_id: 02a97125db3bd6f4a21b4696924444fa
title: Georgia claims to have arrested and assassin
uri: Georgia-claims-to-have-arrested-and-assassin
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Georgia_claims_to_have_arrested_and_assassin%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/17/secret-services-thwarted-plot-to-kill-tv-host-who-attacked-putin-georgia-says">Georgia claims to have arrested an assassin</a> sent to kill a TV host who presented condemnation of Putin.


feed_id: 9c44da78066409ca2580a45334704638
title: Officer accused of covering up 2015 shooting
uri: Officer-accused-of-covering-up-2015-shooting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Officer_accused_of_covering_up_2015_shooting%29

content:
<p>

*Officer who killed Rayshard Brooks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/17/rayshard-brooks-shooting-police-officer-cover-up-accusations-garrett-rolfe">accused of covering up 2015 shooting</a>.* He and other thugs shot a black man who allegedly was driving a stolen truck, then they concealed the fact that they had shot him.


feed_id: 0ebea8351cdc149456da32960ccd88c5
title: South Africa has arrested the executives of a bank accused of corruption
uri: South-Africa-has-arrested-the-executives-of-a-bank-accused-of-corrupti
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28South_Africa_has_arrested_the_executives_of_a_bank_accused_of_corruption%29

content:
<p>

South Africa has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/17/south-african-police-make-arrests-vbs-bank-scandal-notorious-corruption">arrested the executives of a bank</a> accused of corruption, together with politicians.


feed_id: 765b78e97eb7a7885ef4fb0c2b0b0996
title: Mowing a lawn just once a month
uri: Mowing-a-lawn-just-once-a-month
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Mowing_a_lawn_just_once_a_month%29
content:
<p>

Mowing a lawn just once a month <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jun/16/plantlife-one-man-went-to-mow-but-maybe-he-should-wait">allows many small wildflowers to grow and feed bees</a>.


feed_id: 72cdd175c9cf5cc4bc70876eef0e83a4
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to adopt Medicare for All
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-adopt-Medicare-for-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_adopt_Medicare_for_All%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to adopt <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-we-need-medicare-for-all">Medicare for All</a>.

<p>
  The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
  and 888-355-3588.</p>

  <p>
    If you call please spread the word!
  </p>


feed_id: b05cc95e29cb9513572f72ab88cfc6e7
title: Urgent: Block common methods by which your vote could be stolen
uri: Urgent-Block-common-methods-by-which-your-vote-could-be-stolen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Block_common_methods_by_which_your_vote_could_be_stolen%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/3-step-election-protection-checklist/">take these simple steps</a> to block common methods by which your vote could be stolen.


feed_id: fcb6a0f48f7b98d174f4f97c09ad4c41
title: Why women are paid less
uri: Why-women-are-paid-less
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Why_women_are_paid_less%29
content:
<p>
*"Women are not paid less because they are less educated, less
   motivated, less ambitious, less willing to ask for more money, weaker,
   more cowardly, lazier, meant to be stay-at-home mothers, or any of the
   hundreds of 'blame the women' excuses that popular culture spits out,"
   runs one blistering passage. :They are paid less because hostile men,
   and the institutions they create, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/18/the-double-x-economy-by-linda-scott-review-the-need-to-empower-women">keep finding ways to frustrate gender
   inequality</a>."


feed_id: 6282157022450d0c9efcfd1e97446463
title: Renewed call for 1921 racial massacre reparations
uri: Renewed-call-for-1921-racial-massacre-reparations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Renewed_call_for_1921_racial_massacre_reparations%29

content:
<p>
*[The conman's] rally in Tulsa <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/trumps-visit-tulsa-spurs-renewed-call-1921-racial-massacre-reparations">spurs renewed call for 1921 racial
 massacre reparations</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#27_August_2019_(University_reparations_for_slave_money)">I've advocated reparations</a> for the victims of slavery and their
descendants, and for the targets of Jim Crow laws, and their
descendants.  


feed_id: b80005fb3386dbad5906ad838ba78659
title: Juneteenth
uri: Juneteenth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Juneteenth%29
content:
<p>
If we make Juneteenth a national holiday, it would give us <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/calls-grow-to-make-juneteenth-a-federal-us-holiday">a
commemoration of the victory over slavery and the Confederacy</a>.


feed_id: 50b3ee5a29c2a494645cd69700fb1599
title: Coronavirus crisis and unions
uri: Coronavirus-crisis-and-unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Coronavirus_crisis_and_unions%29
content:
<p>
*   The coronavirus crisis is making organization efforts difficult <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/us-employers-unions-pandemic-activism">for
   unions and bosses seem keen to take advantage</a>.*


feed_id: 7a90bdfff77aaa80d396bf1566f15046
title: Sentenced for defending human rights
uri: Sentenced-for-defending-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Sentenced_for_defending_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
Human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng has been sentenced to 4 years in prison
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/18/chinese-human-rights-lawyer-yu-wensheng-jailed-for-four-years-says-wife">for defending human rights in accord with China's constitution</a>.


feed_id: d017d932a5ea22afd99d659fcdf8532c
title: DACA program
uri: DACA-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28DACA_program%29
content:
<p>
The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the DACA program <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/daca-supreme-court-decision-trump-dreamers">which
permits many immigrants who were brought to the US as children
and grew up in the US to remain here</a>.

<p>
The DACA program is the right thing to do.  It is cruel and unjust to
deport someone to a country which <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> never knew except as a child.

<p>
Now if only people would stop using the hokey, oversentimental term
"dreamers" to refer to refer to them.


feed_id: a994401ff7c5b694c6bd5331891c871b
title: Climate policy council
uri: Climate-policy-council
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Climate_policy_council%29
content:
<p>
The Biden-Sanders climate policy council published a recommendation
which would make some real progress.  <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-climate-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-democratic-party-irked-by-councils-insurgent-climate-plan-sources-idUSKBN23M1DO">Democratic Party leaders
(plutocratists) don't like that</a>.


feed_id: 9aa7064df38b0ef29660088af4b416ca
title: New constitution
uri: New-constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28New_constitution%29
content:
<p>
Cubans voted <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-constitution-referendum/cubans-appear-to-ratify-new-socialist-constitution-idUSKCN1QE22Y">to approve a new constitution, about 84% in favor</a>.
  Some volunteer poll watchers reported seeing that local totals were in
line with that figure, suggesting the election was honest.

<p>
The new constitution takes a step towards more support for democracy
and human rights.  How big a step, I don't know.


feed_id: 5abc475e60df547fb08998c370091dd0
title: Right-wing extremist soldier charged
uri: Right-wing-extremist-soldier-charged
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Right-wing_extremist_soldier_charged%29

content:
<p>
A US soldier associated with right-wing extremists has been
charged with two murders: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/16/air-force-sergeant-charged-boogaloo-movement">one of a sheriff's deputy and one
of a federal court guard</a>.


feed_id: 688730e19f84ec0fb038b42c923c0a5c
title: Reagan was wrong
uri: Reagan-was-wrong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Reagan_was_wrong%29
content:
<p>
Reagan was wrong: The nine most terrifying words, for the wise, are:
"<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/17/covid-19-prompting-societywide-recalculation">Conservatives rule now.  We won't let government help people</a>."

<p>
Maybe Americans will understand that now.


feed_id: a17d56d44ee45b76e127e1d1023a433f
title: Reduce thugs' surveillance of protesters
uri: Reduce-thugs-surveillance-of-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Reduce_thugs%27_surveillance_of_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Groups call on Congress <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/17/more-100-racial-justice-and-civil-liberties-groups-urge-congress-defund-police">to reduce thugs' surveillance of protesters</a>.

<p>
As usual in the field of surveillance, this does not go far enough.
But it is heartening to see that it is now on the political map.


feed_id: bd5322517c1f25da604bfe9501572fb7
title: Tories and business-supremacy treaties
uri: Tories-and-business-supremacy-treaties
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Tories_and_business-supremacy_treaties%29

content:
<p>
I've warned that if the UK leaves the EU under Tory rule it will
sign <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#business-supremacy">business-supremacy treaties</a> that put Britons under the power
of foreign companies and negate their democracy.  Now it is
not a mere prediction.  The Tories <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/17/pacific-trade-deal-corporate-powergrab-say-campaigners-uk-pledges-join">want to join the Treacherous
Plutocratic Poison</a>.


feed_id: 2e9f3c660d9f00f9d05f6a48aeeaa0f2
title: Defending Yogi Bear statue
uri: Defending-Yogi-Bear-statue
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#19_June_2020_%28Defending_Yogi_Bear_statue%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/heavily-armed-fans-guard-statue-of-yogi-bear-in-case-it-1844070096">satire</a>) *&hellip; heavily
   armed fans reportedly guarded a statue of Yogi Bear Wednesday on the
   off chance that he turned out to have supported the confederacy.*


feed_id: caaf5e02c5a860bd06715ae7c9d695bd
title: Urgent: preserve Open Technology Fund
uri: Urgent-preserve-Open-Technology-Fund
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_preserve_Open_Technology_Fund%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: email or phone your congresscritter saying to
preserve the Open Technology Fund, which develops free/libre programs
to protect freedom from the repression of many governments.

<p>
It can't hurt to contact your senators as well.

<p>
There is an organized campaign to preserve the Open Technology Fund.
Although I was put off by its use of the term "open source",
which is a <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">philosophically weak substitute</a> for <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">"free software"</a>, its arguments for the OTF are valid and look effective.
So I decided to sign it.

<p>
Alas, to sign one has to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">run nonfree Javascript software</a>, which I refuse to do.  Likewise I am morally bound not to encourage
you to sign it, which is why I do not post a reference to it here.

<p>
You can probably have as much influence with your own direct emails as
you would by signing a petition, and with phone calls even more
influence.   Please show your support.


feed_id: 3f203a9e605016183581c606c1fa0e41
title: Urgent: offline tracking
uri: Urgent-offline-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_offline_tracking%29
content:
<p>
UK citizens: phone or write your MP to insist that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/21/reopened-pubs-in-england-may-require-drinkers-to-check-in">any register of who
has visited a pub or restaurant be stored offline</a>, in that place, to
prevent the state from using it for other than the ostensible purpose.
Each day's records should be sent separately when needed; if contact
tracers inquire about June 5, they should not receive data about June
4 or June 6.

<p>
You may wish to add that you do not trust Boris and Dominic to follow
any rules they may make about use of the data.

<p>
Please spread the word!


feed_id: f2eedce97384041f7ee1c2b57c82be82
title: Arrested over beating asylum seeker
uri: Arrested-over-beating-asylum-seeker
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Arrested_over_beating_asylum_seeker%29

content:
<p>
*Croatian police officers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/19/croatian-police-officers-arrested-over-beating-of-afghan-asylum-seeker">arrested over beating of Afghan asylum seeker</a>.*

<p>
One of them is charged with the beating, and the other with covering
it up.  To charge <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for covering up the crimes of other thugs a direct
challenge to the conspiracy of silence.


feed_id: 7d0d5d085f1abd93bf953e987b0a8cdd
title: Getting rid of the practice of restraining children
uri: Getting-rid-of-the-practice-of-restraining-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Getting_rid_of_the_practice_of_restraining_children%29

content:
<p>
England is in the process of getting rid of the practice of
"restraining" children <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/19/pain-inducing-restraint-in-child-custody-must-be-exception-moj-review">in ways that cause them great pain or danger of
injury</a>.


feed_id: 38b0a289e101cf81e4a321e2dd680345
title: Indirect donations to thugs
uri: Indirect-donations-to-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Indirect_donations_to_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Corporations fund <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments' military weapons indirectly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/police-foundations-nonprofits-amazon-target-microsoft">by donating to "police foundations" that in turn donate
to the thug departments</a>.

<p>
This is another reason why we need to regulate whether <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments
can have or use military weapons &mdash; not merely the funds they use
to get those weapons.

<p>
If you get a phone call asking you to donate to the local "police
foundation", it could be your opportunity to add to the funds for
those weapons.  Please don't give!


feed_id: 2dad2d9a4dd640344b03bb1a2c651740
title: Urgent: CORE Act
uri: Urgent-CORE-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_CORE_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-transparency-for-trumps-covid-19-spending?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to pass the CORE Act,
which would strengthen accountability for the executive branch
  (in particular, for the corrupter).


feed_id: 4bb0bd16a252df5644aca68369d56775
title: Firing heads at Global Media
uri: Firing-heads-at-Global-Media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Firing_heads_at_Global_Media%29
content:
<p>
A trumpet was appointed to run of the US Agency for Global Media, and
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/media/us-agency-for-global-media-michael-pack/index.html">fired the heads of Middle East Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia, Radio
Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and the Open Technology Fund</a>.


feed_id: a840f6a239534e872ce3efc2d119d76c
title: Funding for hospitals with lots of black or Hispanic patients
uri: Funding-for-hospitals-with-lots-of-black-or-Hispanic-patients
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Funding_for_hospitals_with_lots_of_black_or_Hispanic_patients%29

content:
<p>
US hospitals with lots of black or Hispanic patients <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/18/hospitals-serving-most-patients-color-have-least-funding-buildings-and-equipment">tend to be badly funded</a>.


feed_id: b012038bae0387c1876b56b661811a0e
title: Called suicide
uri: Called-suicide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Called_suicide%29
content:
<p>
Robert Fuller, a black man, was found hanged in a park.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
quickly called it suicide.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/california-police-shooting-brother-robert-fuller">That could be true, but people are skeptical</a>.

<p>
Now his half-brother, Terron Boone, was shot dead by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  The thugs
said he fired at them first, making this "suicide by cop".  That could
be true, but people are skeptical about this too.


feed_id: cf08ea9208fff613229618d939f00129
title: Defunding the police
uri: Defunding-the-police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Defunding_the_police%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/18/defunding-justified-murder">This is what defunding the police is all about</a>: defunding a system that
   sees social order as obedience to armed authority; that is growing
   increasingly militarized; that has no complex understanding of human
   behavior; and that has deep roots in white racism, which not only goes
   back centuries but is alive and well in the present moment, in the form
   of poverty, voter suppression and endless forms of discrimination.*


feed_id: 20d0cc2febbaafde89b2de4e59465560
title: We need solidarity
uri: We-need-solidarity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28We_need_solidarity%29
content:
<p>
*We Need Solidarity, Not White Guilt, <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/06/racism-george-floyd-racial-justice-protests-privilege">to Fight Racism</a>.*


feed_id: 6d63e9bd98be13516444d081a3730227
title: Organizing fight back against violent right-wing extremists
uri: Organizing-fight-back-against-violent-right-wing-extremists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Organizing_fight_back_against_violent_right-wing_extremists%29

content:
<p>
In 1946 a group of British Jews, many of them veterans who had just
helped defeat the Nazi regime, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/may/24/the-british-jews-who-fought-postwar-fascism-on-londons-streets">encountered violent right-wing British
extremists and organized to fight back</a>.


feed_id: 36bf5b824be5c03245cdcfda0b8767fd
title: PISSI is back
uri: PISSI-is-back
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28PISSI_is_back%29
content:
<p>
PISSI once again has the strength <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/24/islamic-state-is-back-and-this-time-the-west-is-ill-prepared-to-take-it-on">to attack in Syria and Iraq</a>.

<p>
As is usual with underground rebel groups, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#29_October_2019_(Al-Baghdadi's_death)">killing its leader did not
incapacitate it for long</a>.

<p>
When <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> was thoroughly defeated but not entirely crushed,
the Kurds could have wiped it out, but
the numskull <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_October_2019_(Kurd_allies)">instead decided not to turn against them</a>.
  This result is no surprise.


feed_id: 7b57e2b651113fc6b91484fe9fa47a15
title: Lessons from Auschwitz
uri: Lessons-from-Auschwitz
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Lessons_from_Auschwitz%29
content:
<p>
Viktor Frankl's lessons from Auschwitz, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/24/what-the-lessons-from-auschwitz-teach-us-about-the-choices-we-make">related to today</a>.


feed_id: 0e6945655e20d1ae1c207d10c3327ad1
title: Post-lockdown surge in emissions
uri: Post-lockdown-surge-in-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Post-lockdown_surge_in_emissions%29
content:
<p>
*   International Energy Agency chief <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/18/world-has-six-months-to-avert-climate-crisis-says-energy-expert">warns of need to prevent
   post-lockdown surge in emissions</a>.*


feed_id: 345108542d2b9159dc96f20f574aaa8d
title: Urgent: preserve Open Technology Fund
uri: 2020-06-23-Urgent-preserve-Open-Technology-Fund
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_preserve_Open_Technology_Fund%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: email or phone your congresscritter saying to preserve
the Open Technology Fund, which develops free/libre programs to
protect freedom from the repression of many governments.
<p>
It can't hurt to contact your senators as well.
<p>
There is an organized campaign to preserve the Open Technology Fund.
Although I was put off by its use of the term "open source", which is
a
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">philosophically weak substitute</a> for
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">"free
software"</a>, its arguments for the OTF are valid and look effective.
So I decided to sign it.
<p>
Alas, to sign one has to
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">run nonfree
Javascript software</a>, which I refuse to do.  Likewise I am morally
bound not to encourage you to sign it, which is why I do not post a
reference to it here.
<p>
You can probably have as much influence with your own direct emails as
you would by signing a petition, and with phone calls even more
influence.  Please show your support.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: f9c93d507ff1fc0743a69cce37f961fe
title: Racial wealth gap
uri: 2020-06-23-Racial-wealth-gap
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Racial_wealth_gap%29
content:
<p>

*Coronavirus has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/19/coronavirus-pandemic-billioinaires-racial-wealth-gap">widened America's vast racial wealth gap</a>, study finds.*


feed_id: 7f7b4d412cd68ded3dc6248568da357f
title: Denial of abortions
uri: Denial-of-abortions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Denial_of_abortions%29
content:
<p>

Women who are denied abortions often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/20/abortion-denied-debt-bankruptcy-eviction">fall into poverty</a>, and 6 years later they are still in poverty.


feed_id: 470ebc551757837f02df0cc424b20105
title: Chinese companies implemented total brainwashing life for Muslims
uri: Chinese-companies-implemented-total-brainwashing-life-for-Muslims
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Chinese_companies_implemented_total_brainwashing_life_for_Muslims%29

content:
<p>

The Chinese companies that have implemented the total brainwashing life for Muslims in Xinjiang are closely connected with American businesses, and got some of their <a href="https://cgpolicy.org/articles/the-global-implications-of-re-education-technologies-in-northwest-china/">ideas and technicals from the (itself evil) US reaction to the September 2001 terrorist attacks</a>.


feed_id: 79fc937ebf157c690ff81ec6f2dfbbf5
title: School district thugs with armored vehicles
uri: School-district-thugs-with-armored-vehicles
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28School_district_thugs_with_armored_vehicles%29

content:
<p>

Even some school district thug departments have <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-schools-weapons-20140917-story.html">received armored vehicles and heavy weapons</a>.
<p>
Apparently US right-wingers see students as possible rebels.


feed_id: ffc115c33fa1d61594a8e02208b94e08
title: Boston 9-1-1 calls
uri: Boston-9-1-1-calls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Boston_9-1-1_calls%29
content:
<p>

The Boston City Council is considering having some other agency handle a large fraction of 9-1-1 calls, to <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/19/metro/boston-councilors-propose-diverting-non-violent-911-calls-away-police/">avoid the danger of involving thugs</a>.


feed_id: 9bb533c1b5381faba34bf87564728772
title: The bullshitter's Tulsa rally
uri: The-bullshitter-s-Tulsa-rally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28The_bullshitter%27s_Tulsa_rally%29
content:
<p>

The bullshitter's big Tulsa rally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/20/donald-trump-tulsa-rally-crowd-division-greatness">failed to fill the stadium</a>.
<p>
Either many of his supporters have changed their minds, or they are disregarding his advice by protecting themselves from coronavirus.


feed_id: cc882e6bb04f07fd5757513d12446be2
title: John Bolton fires broadside that could sink Trump
uri: John-Bolton-fires-broadside-that-could-sink-Trump
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28John_Bolton_fires_broadside_that_could_sink_Trump%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/21/the-room-where-it-happened-review-john-bolton-donald-trump">The Room Where It Happened</a> review: John Bolton fires broadside that could sink Trump.*
<p>
*&hellip; it will be [the conman], not Biden, who will be catching grief for being the Middle Kingdom’s poodle.*


feed_id: e0b0d705fa6e4ddf7d01c68205644d51
title: What Defund the Police really means
uri: What-Defund-the-Police-really-means
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28What_Defund_the_Police_really_means%29

content:
<p>

*What Defund the Police <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/20/defund-the-police-social-control-investment-donald-trump-protests-race-george-floyd">really means</a>: replacing social control with investment.*
<p>
This would reverse a decades-long harmful trend of replacing aid with repression.  That goes with Reagan's ideology that the government can't help the public.  To ack up that claim, he started undermining and then eliminating the government activities that did help people.
<p>
The <a href="https://going-medieval.com/2020/06/17/on-a-world-without-police/">existence of a permanent police department is a fairly new thing</a> in Europe and the Americas, and in many places they have been thugs all along.


feed_id: fe343629e9a8575a3176122cd47e4e4f
title: Salfi Arabia's fighter planes
uri: Salfi-Arabia-s-fighter-planes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Salfi_Arabia%27s_fighter_planes%29
content:
<p>

A UK court ruled it was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/21/uk-accused-of-selling-arms-to-saudi-arabia-a-year-after-court-ban">illegal to support Salafi Arabia's fighter planes</a> since they were used in fighting in Yemen.  The government disregarded the ruling.


feed_id: 8d9d8a7fccece78c4adb01dc4e395e38
title: Saudi dissident
uri: Saudi-dissident
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Saudi_dissident%29
content:
<p>

*Saudi dissident warned by Canadian police <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/21/exclusive-saudi-dissident-warned-by-canadian-police-he-is-a-target">he is a target</a>.* Target of Crown Prince Bone Saw, that is.


feed_id: 1682ab8476b3fa5a93a826bf768710a7
title: Racial disparity in the UK's jailing of immigrants
uri: Racial-disparity-in-the-UK-s-jailing-of-immigrants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Racial_disparity_in_the_UK%27s_jailing_of_immigrants%29

content:
<p>

There is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/21/home-office-uses-racial-bias-when-detaining-immigrants">racial disparity</a> in the UK's jailing of unauthorized immigrants.


feed_id: 492c5c4064c313239e41bde4ea058632
title: Bullshitter wants admiration for covering up Covid-19 spread in US
uri: Bullshitter-wants-admiration-for-covering-up-Covid-19-spread-in-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Bullshitter_wants_admiration_for_covering_up_Covid-19_spread_in_US%29

content:
<p>

The bullshitter wants his supporters to admire him for (according to him) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/21/global-report-trump-says-he-ordered-coronavirus-testing-to-slow-down">covering up the spread of Covid-19 in the US</a>.
<p>
Whether he actually did that, I don't know.  He said he did, but that means nothing.  Then his staff said that statement was a joke, but that means nothing.  What we can be certain of is that he would not scruple to do that &mdash; and that's all we really need to know about him.


feed_id: 82ae5ad8c07e20c15a9de1535f76b8d7
title: Hunger and abuse of children in Britain
uri: Hunger-and-abuse-of-children-in-Britain
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Hunger_and_abuse_of_children_in_Britain%29

content:
<p>

Over a million children in Britain are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/20/the-observer-view-on-a-manifesto-for-change-as-a-generation-of-britains-children-faces-crisis">expected to go hungry</a> in the next few months.  Over two million are being abused at home.
<p>
The article proposes how the UK could help children and young people recover from the harm done by lockdown.  It does not mention, though, the need to stop <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, lest its effects kill most of them before they get old.


feed_id: bb190a732f3c6221b2eb4b7f4e7888ba
title: Culture wars
uri: 2020-06-23-Culture-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Culture_wars%29
content:
<p>

*Culture wars risk <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/21/culture-wars-risk-blinding-us-to-just-how-liberal-weve-become-in-the-past-decades">blinding us</a> to just how liberal we've become in the past decades (in the UK).*
<p>
Now if only people didn't get so distracted by identity politics.


feed_id: dfeabd7cd2200c913e050db7c4f41fe0
title: China's border skirmish with India
uri: China-s-border-skirmish-with-India
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28China%27s_border_skirmish_with_India%29

content:
<p>

China seems to have engineered a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/21/xi-plays-tough-but-can-china-afford-to-make-an-enemy-of-india">bizarre gunless border skirmish</a> with India. Medieval weapons that were deadly hundreds of years ago can still be deadly today.
<p>
My theory is that Xi figures that the world is already disgusted with China, and can't get much more disgusted, so why not do every disgusting thing he would like to do, right now?


feed_id: 86d065016267240f08390a1bdc17ddb1
title: Persian leopard
uri: Persian-leopard
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Persian_leopard%29
content:
<p>


*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/20/landmines-last-line-of-defence-for-kurdistan-endangered-persian-leopard-aoe">Last chance for the Persian leopard</a>: the fight to save Iraqi Kurdistan’s forests.   Minefields left over from the Iran-Iraq war are one of the last bastions against illegal logging and poaching.*


feed_id: 6ccd069b1fe43f22949fe74629ae0607
title: Florida's reopening plan is not working
uri: Florida-s-reopening-plan-is-not-working
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Florida%27s_reopening_plan_is_not_working%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/20/florida-covid19-surge-reopening-governor-desantis-coronavirus">Florida’s Covid-19 surge</a> shows the state's reopening plan is not working.*


feed_id: 3f189ba743ca7626982c95b84766d3b2
title: Statues of Ulysses Grant
uri: Statues-of-Ulysses-Grant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Statues_of_Ulysses_Grant%29
content:
<p>

*San Francisco protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/20/san-francisco-statues-ulysses-s-grant-junipero-serra-francis-scott-key">topple statues</a> of Ulysses Grant and other slave owners.*
<p>
In regard to President Grant, I think they have rejected the idea of weighing the bad someone did against the good.


feed_id: f16f19f626cdee802979e55f7b3f84d7
title: Firing of the US attorney for Southern New York
uri: Firing-of-the-US-attorney-for-Southern-New-York
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Firing_of_the_US_attorney_for_Southern_New_York%29

content:
<p>

The Conman claims to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/20/geoffrey-berman-donald-trump-william-barr-fires">fired the US attorney for Southern New York</a>, but he may not be able to actually do it.
<p>
I think this is another step in the conman's plan to intimidate and corrupt every part of the US government.


feed_id: ae378c9d72c8850f9f251cde38d15fda
title: A privacy bill that starts to take the right approach
uri: A-privacy-bill-that-starts-to-take-the-right-approach
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28A_privacy_bill_that_starts_to_take_the_right_approach%29

content:
<p>

At last, a privacy bill that starts to take the right approach: <a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/brown-releases-new-proposal-that-would-protect-consumers-privacy-from-bad-actors">limiting the collection and acquisition of data</a>, not merely "protecting" it.


feed_id: faac78a822f1d68cb5b9e1744d8f0304
title: Defense of Free Speech
uri: Defense-of-Free-Speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Defense_of_Free_Speech%29
content:
<p>

*Those Who Exercise Free Speech Should Also <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/19/those-who-exercise-free-speech-should-also-defend-it-even-when-its-offensive">Defend It &mdash; Even WhenIt's Offensive</a>.*
<p>
This is why I generally do not suport campaigns to shut down some sort of expression; only a special aspect of the situation that would make that legitimate.  For instance, I do support campaigns calling on companies not to advertise in a right-wing show, or people to boycott it.
<p>
If it were forbidden to say things you or I find disgusting, saying things that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> finds disgusting will be even more forbidden.


feed_id: ca0427415b2fb03f6df4a22c1679a2bb
title: Greece denying refugees arrival
uri: Greece-denying-refugees-arrival
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Greece_denying_refugees_arrival%29
content:
<p>

Some of the refugees that arrive in Greece from Turkey find that Greece <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/19/boats-arrive-people-disappear-a-lone-search-for-missing-refugees-in-greece">denies that they ever arrived</a>. What really happens to them is not known.


feed_id: 4ba2fa0c25ec9883d88a1ca0de67f986
title: The conmen betraying the US
uri: The-conmen-betraying-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28The_conmen_betraying_the_US%29
content:
<p>

Bolton's book <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/19/john-bolton-book-trump-china">describes the conmen as betraying the US</a>, now to Russia, now to China.  There is almost nthing to prevent a president from doing this except if per party will desert per for it.


feed_id: d9fca808103b59d4bcc289c63025b89e
title: Not one police department compliant
uri: Not-one-police-department-compliant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Not_one_police_department_compliant%29

content:
<p>
*Report finds not one police department in the 20 largest American
cities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/us-police-human-rights-standards-report">are compliant with international rights laws</a>.*

<p>
These failings relate directly to the killings that Americans are
protesting now.


feed_id: 1f33c0cbf140903df1d9f4264441254c
title: Vaccine without proper testing
uri: Vaccine-without-proper-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Vaccine_without_proper_testing%29
content:
<p>
*Fear mounts bullshitter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/trump-circle-pressure-fda-rush-covid-19-vaccine-election">may pressure FDA to rush Covid-19 vaccine by
 election</a>.*
  In other words, approve it without proper testing.

<p>
You can see how powerful the anti-vax conspiracy theory is
even with no factual basis.  Imagine would would happen
if the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief contrives to give it a factual basis.


feed_id: 37af07c39de887f63ef93d01eadb43f6
title: Cut on local government funds
uri: Cut-on-local-government-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Cut_on_local_government_funds%29
content:
<p>
Since the Tories took power in 2010, they have cut local government funds
especially in the poorer areas, which (perhaps not coincidentally) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/21/exclusive-labour-councils-in-england-hit-harder-by-austerity-than-tory-areas">had
elected local officials from the Labour party</a>.

<p>
The Tories did this by making numerous changes in the formulas, and
most of the changes tended to privilege wealthier areas.  So they could
punish Labour &mdash; or was it, punish the poor? &mdash; in a disguised way.


feed_id: b2ff91abc586fc1b33a0f83fe5dbaa5a
title: Anthony Williams was a British citizen all along
uri: Anthony-Williams-was-a-British-citizen-all-along
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Anthony_Williams_was_a_British_citizen_all_along%29

content:
<p>
The UK recognized after 5 years that Anthony Williams was a British
citizen all along.  But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/21/i-feel-targeted-windrush-victim-decries-compensation-delays-as-racism">it has delayed two years in paying him any
compensation</a>.

<p>
Racism may well contribute to this mistreatment, but it's also part of
the general right-wing and contempt stinginess towards the poor.
Whenever there is uncertainty, they prefer to err in the direction of
shafting people.


feed_id: 669d61914c5eef8396b6e47c94bfbd14
title: Federal Attorney Berman resigned
uri: Federal-Attorney-Berman-resigned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Federal_Attorney_Berman_resigned%29
content:
<p>
Federal Attorney Berman resigned in favor of another tough prosecutor,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/21/donald-trump-geoffrey-berman-sdny-william-barr">so that the conman gets no benefit</a>.


feed_id: 4df0c8ed739feed296de217077783547
title: Surrendering to coronavirus
uri: Surrendering-to-coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Surrendering_to_coronavirus%29
content:
<p>
The numskull and Republicans have surrendered the US to coronavirus.
We may have to suffer its effects forever.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/19/heartbreaking-say-global-experts-alarmed-signs-us-has-given-fight-stop-covid-19">The rest of the world is
shocked</a>.

<p>
Modeling predicts <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-white-house-model-prediction-200000-deaths-october/">another 85,000 Covid-19 deaths in the US by October 1</a>.

<p>
At this rate, it will take us till October 2021 to reach herd
immunity, and then the disease might mostly disappear.


feed_id: 3810d97b5be9daed85cfe7d1389f4b6c
title: Mauling before searching
uri: Mauling-before-searching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Mauling_before_searching%29
content:
<p>
UK <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> show a pattern of mauling blacks before searching them, which they
don't do to whites.  A witness made a video of one example, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/20/met-to-refer-black-man-kneed-in-head-incident-to-police-watchdog">and the department
at least says it is investigating the way the thugs acted</a>.

<p>
To get a US <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department to go that far would require a week of protests.


feed_id: 8baf88ccf529a963eb211d67dd772894
title: Lyrics from champion of slavery
uri: Lyrics-from-champion-of-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Lyrics_from_champion_of_slavery%29
content:
<p>
The author of The Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key, was an
ardent champion of slavery.  <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/wheres-debate-francis-scott-keys-slave-holding-legacy-180959550/">What does that imply about his lyrics</a>?

<p>
In my opinion, nothing at all.  When one person does something good
and something else bad, which ironically conflict, let's reproach the
bad and respect the good.  Let's reproach Key for his support for
slavery, while admiring what his lyrics say.


feed_id: 139b5011b5f5ae85a7965d8f684bc8e6
title: Deepfake videos and fake news
uri: Deepfake-videos-and-fake-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Deepfake_videos_and_fake_news%29
content:
<p>
Deepfake videos <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/robtoews/2020/05/25/deepfakes-are-going-to-wreak-havoc-on-society-we-are-not-prepared/">are starting to provide an extended opportunity for
fake news</a>.

<p>
David Brin predicted in 1998 that this would happen soon.  Now, 22
years later, it has happened, and I wonder whether it will make a big
difference, as was expected.  Fake news is already widespread, and it does
not <em>need</em> to be indistinguishable from truth because so many people
are eager to believe it.  The long-predicted new method of falsification
may turn out to add little to the initially-surprising old method.


feed_id: 5655b16e89713c65fde3d6f9533e0c70
title: Racial problems in face recognition
uri: Racial-problems-in-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Racial_problems_in_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Opposition to face recognition has recognized that its racial problems
go beyond being less accurate for blacks.  Perfectly accurate face
recognition <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/06/12/facial-recognition-ban/">makes it easy to implement policies of bigotry</a>.

<p>
The extreme example is bigotry against Uygurs, in China.


feed_id: d9c8b7c4cbfe757c9c21d0203ef5e11a
title: Excuse to sell public assets
uri: Excuse-to-sell-public-assets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Excuse_to_sell_public_assets%29
content:
<p>
The UK's plutocratist government will use the heavy spending on relief measures
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/20/pandemic-fire-sale-property-assets-sunak-jenrick-sadiq-khan">as an excuse to sell public assets to businesses very cheap</a>.

<p>
The US is short-circuiting that process by giving away trillions
to big businesses.


feed_id: 403075e4a0cc9ccdda7da7c89c65d24c
title: Automation in work
uri: Automation-in-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Automation_in_work%29
content:
<p>
Automation in work is aimed at atomizing work, <a href="https://points.datasociety.net/the-robots-are-just-automated-management-tools-b9bf28c4434">making workers fungible,
and running them to exhaustion</a>.

<p>
I think these practices ought to be prohibited, even if it requires
imposing stiff, harsh penalties on employment systems.  It is wrong to
apply such laws to people, but an employment system is not a person,
even if it is part of a business that belongs to a person.


feed_id: 814b502e590e4e3904af1919aa89e882
title: Concealing voting data
uri: Concealing-voting-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Concealing_voting_data%29
content:
<p>
Voting machines made by ES&amp;S conceal data against independent audits,
so it is hard to investigate <a href="https://thewestsidegazette.com/election-data-sits-in-a-database-county-election-office-is-denied-access/">why some ethnic groups' votes sometimes
mysteriously get dropped</a>.


feed_id: 107351286058521aa1297e0494ceb8d2
title: 2050 Winter Olympics
uri: 2050-Winter-Olympics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%282050_Winter_Olympics%29
content:
<p>
By 2050 the Winter Olympics may not be feasible, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/20/climate-crisis-threatens-future-of-global-sport-says-report">as temperatures
may not be suitable</a>.
  The article predicts other obstacles too, such as flooding.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_June_2016_(Global_heating)">By 2070, I predict</a>, the idea of organizing a global activity involving
travel will be laughable.  Local leagues will divide players into diet
categories based on how much food each player has access to.


feed_id: 911b0e79f57aedf7cf6fbc6b942c4446
title: Overturned law on offensive postings
uri: Overturned-law-on-offensive-postings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_%28Overturned_law_on_offensive_postings%29

content:
<p>
France's constitutional court overturned a law that required platforms
to delete "offensive" postings <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/world/europe/france-internet-hate-speech-regulation.html">so quickly that no appeal or thought
would be possible</a>.

<p>
This was the law under which France <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#15_April_2019_(Internet_Archive)">ordered the Internet Archive to
delete thousands of works</a>.


feed_id: ea5fd596211b4d96b1890eafe51d8db5
title: When your furniture doesn't move smoothly.
uri: When-your-furniture-doesn-t-move-smoothly
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28When_your_furniture_doesn%27t_move_smoothly.%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://stallman.org/puns.html#casteroil">When your furniture doesn't move smoothly.</a>


feed_id: 313391d98bef7803700948a504aa625a
title: Thugs in Columbus, Ohio hit a protester, tried to steal his prosthetic legs
uri: Thugs-in-Columbus-Ohio-hit-a-protester-tried-to-steal-his-prosthetic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Thugs_in_Columbus%2C_Ohio_hit_a_protester%2C_tried_to_steal_his_prostetic_legs%29

content:
<p>

Thugs in Columbus, Ohio, hit a protester then sprayed him with mace. Since his legs were prosthetics, he was unable to remain standing and fell on the ground.  Then they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/06/22/bravo-you-heroes-columbus-oh-police-mace-double-amputee-take-his-legs-leave-him-0">tried to steal his prosthetic legs</a>.


feed_id: 0126f95d5cdb779cfd51f525603d8f1a
title: Racial justice protests, Covid-19
uri: Racial-justice-protests-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Racial_justice_protests%2C_covid-19%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/new-research-suggests-racial-justice-protests-have-not-led-covid-19-transmission">New Research Suggests</a> Racial Justice Protests Have Not Led to Covid-19 Transmission Spike.*
<p>
Uniformed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> often do not wear masks at protests, and that threatens to make the public sick &mdash; literally, this time.  City governments should impose a strict requirement for thugs to wear masks, with specified punishment for every thug found near the public without a mask.


feed_id: a3495a66faf1bff5f48b4664a65c4037
title: Bill to prevent big pharma price-gouging
uri: Bill-to-prevent-big-pharma-price-gouging
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Bill_to_prevent_big_pharma_price-gouging%29

content:
<p>

*House Dems Introduce Bill to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/house-dems-introduce-bill-prevent-big-pharma-price-gouging-during-covid-19-pandemic">Prevent Big Pharma Price-Gouging During Covid-19 Pandemic</a>.*


feed_id: 69e40e03bea0f7be942e1a0f84e08bff
title: (satire) The bullshitter's Tulsa Rally
uri: (satire)-The-bullshitter-s-Tulsa-Rally
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_The_bullshitter%27s_Tulsa_Rally%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *White House Announces <a href="https://www.theonion.com/white-house-announces-entire-u-s-populace-of-6-200-att-1844122613">Entire U.S. Populace Of 6,200</a> Attended [the bullshitter]’s Tulsa Rally.*


feed_id: 66b2410e48c57e3623295843ca71fcf4
title: (satire) Break up U.S. Government
uri: (satire)-Break-up-U-S-Government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_Break_up_U.S._Government%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Facebook Announces Plan <a href="https://www.theonion.com/facebook-announces-plan-to-break-up-u-s-government-bef-1844121902">To Break Up U.S. Government Before It Becomes Too Powerful</a>.*
<p>
One irony is that pervasive decentralization was designed into the US constitution, and still exists.
<p>
Another irony is that another function of the state is to be powerful enough to defeat threats to subjugate people &mdash; but it is too much under the control of those threats.


feed_id: 8fbbb43709935a1fe176778ecef6d3fb
title: Fair and Just Foreign Policy Regarding Israel and Palestinian Rights
uri: Fair-and-Just-Foreign-Policy-Regarding-Israel-and-Palestinian-Rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Fair_and_Just_Foreign_Policy_Regarding_Israel_and_Palestinian_Rights%29

content:
<p>

*115+ Groups <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/115-groups-urge-biden-and-trump-support-fair-and-just-foreign-policy-regarding">Urge Biden (and Trump)</a> to Support 'Fair and Just Foreign Policy Regarding Israel and Palestinian Rights'.*


feed_id: 523f5b3b3507363a05c560a48329125a
title: The Justice Department with one client
uri: The-Justice-Department-with-one-client
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28The_Justice_Department_with_one_client%29

content:
<p>

*William Barr Has Turned the Justice Department Into a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/22/william-barr-has-turned-the-justice-department-into-a-law-firm-with-one-client-donald-trump/">Law Firm With One Client: [the conman]</a>.*


feed_id: 66f2ce2b63b6b6e146134e73c3f34549
title: Covid-19 is spreading twice as fast in Texas
uri: Covid-19-is-spreading-twice-as-fast-in-Texas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Covid-19_is_spreading_twice_as_fast_in_Texas%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/22/texas-open-for-business-despite-covid-19-surge">spreading twice as fast</a> in Texas as one month ago.
<p>
California has had a jump in new Covid-19 cases because of people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/california-coronavirus-cases-hospitalizations-masks">who refuse to wear masks</a>.


feed_id: 322429330ec5be45cfecfe3946cdaad4
title: Advertisers boycotting Facebook
uri: Advertisers-boycotting-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Advertisers_boycotting_Facebook%29
content:
<p>

Some advertisers are boycotting Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/22/facebook-hate-speech-advertisers-north-face">demanding that it block "hate speech"</a>.
<p>
That they have influence, and people do not, strikes me as a problem.


feed_id: 8b2a85dfbe5ae62e4a029afa56b4edb5
title: Hard to counter disinformation campaigns waged by Chine
uri: Hard-to-counter-disinformation-campaigns-waged-by-Chine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Hard_to_counter_disinformation_campaigns_waged_by_Chine%29

content:
<p>

*The Trump administration’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/23/trumps-misleading-information-enables-china-to-sow-discord-among-allies-research-finds">engagement in misinformation</a> makes it harder for other nations to counter disinformation campaigns waged by China.*
<p>
Give his kowtowing to Xi, why would he mind that?


feed_id: 7d43dbd4de2bbf9b329ed4f3bef92959
title: The Tories' "universal credit" system ruled illegal
uri: The-Tories-universal-credit-system-ruled-illegal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28The_Tories%27_universal_credit_system_ruled_illegal%29

content:
<p>

The Tories' "universal credit" system which combines various welfare payments was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/22/universal-credit-rules-irrational-and-unlawful-judge-says">ruled illegal by a court</a>, for arbitrary rules that screw poor people.


feed_id: 75a4e3bf2e407d6f953157dcbb260cf1
title: New York Thug Department and chokeholds
uri: New-York-Thug-Department-and-chokeholds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28New_York_Thug_Department_and_chokeholds%29

content:
<p>

In the New York Thug Department, a chokehold no longer needs to kill someone to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/nypd-commissioner-dermot-shea-rockaway-police-officer-suspended-chokehold">provoke punishment</a> for the thug who did it.
<p>
This is important progress, because this can start teaching lots of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> not to use chokeholds.


feed_id: 2d066c89753ce8e2d0b457114894312d
title: A plutocrat in the 1920s
uri: A-plutocrat-in-the-1920s
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28A_plutocrat_in_the_1920s%29
content:
<p>

In the 1920s, a plutocrat used his political influence to get the US estate tax reduced.  As a result, his heir has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/21/racism-free-22nd-century-we-need-billionaire-free-21st">a giant fortune and used it to get the conman elected</a>.


feed_id: bb826708ce219bf285be49444f0ef124
title: Birthday parties in Melbourne, Australia
uri: Birthday-parties-in-Melbourne-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Birthday_parties_in_Melbourne%2C_Australia%29

content:
<p>

Birthday parties made a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/22/family-celebrations-send-parts-of-australia-back-into-coronavirus-restrictions">new Covid-19 hotspot</a> in Melbourne, Australia. In response, lockdown has been reimposed.
<p>
People in the houses next to mine seem to have family parties every weekend. I am sure they will get sick one of these days.


feed_id: e2da6558b319d7a0f6f3b8b05fa9e414
title: Can't carry warning
uri: Can-t-carry-warning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Can%27t_carry_warning%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court ruled that California can't require glyphosate to
carry a cancer warning, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/23/judge-rules-california-requirement-cancer-warning-label-glyphosate-violates">because the evidence for that isn't completely
conclusive proof</a>.

<p>
There is lots of evidence that Roundup causes various kinds of harm.
Something needs to be done to discourage its use.


feed_id: 1fc4a2690f93c47529be8b7dfb47c536
title: Prosecuting hostages
uri: Prosecuting-hostages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Prosecuting_hostages%29
content:
<p>
As China prosecutes Canadians as hostages, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/canada-risks-being-outplayed-in-feud-over-citizens-jailed-in-china">what should Canada do</a>?

<p>
Canada cannot rescue those two hostages, nor stop China from taking
more hostages.  So Canada should warn Canadians against going to
China.

<p>
It can also invite Hong Kongers to move to Canada.

<p>
Above all, Canada should cancel with immediate
effect <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">the business-supremacy treaty</a>
                                     that would require Canada to pay
billions in "compensation" to some Chinese company <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_January_2020_(Country_can't_refuse_pipeline)">if it doesn't build
one of the tar sands pipelines</a>.


feed_id: 23b9adfc3bdbbdd92cffe6f55b9f5b6c
title: Over 100F in the Arctic
uri: Over-100F-in-the-Arctic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Over_100F_in_the_Arctic%29
content:
<p>
It was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/scares-me-says-bill-mckibben-arctic-hits-1004degf-hottest-temperature-record">over 100F in the Arctic</a>.

<p>
*"Six Months To Avert Climate Crisis": <a href="https://www.medialens.org/2020/six-months-to-avert-climate-crisis-climate-breakdown-and-the-corporate-media/">Climate Breakdown And The
Corporate Media</a>.*

<p>
If we did climate disaster protests the way we now do <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> violence
protests, maybe we could limit the disaster so that civilization
survives.


feed_id: c9f199d79cc81ad5e7dcd4d3b5ce6fda
title: Improve water supply
uri: Improve-water-supply
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Improve_water_supply%29
content:
<p>
*Improve water supply in poorer nations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/27/improve-water-supply-in-poorer-nations-to-cut-plastic-use-say-experts">to cut plastic use, say experts</a>.*

<p>
There should be a substantial tax on small water bottles, of the size
that are normally not reused with another batch of water.


feed_id: 572c633a8ba7c86d7983d248af8c9be9
title: GRU
uri: GRU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28GRU%29
content:
<p>
According to a defector, the egg on the GRU's face after exposure of
its botched attack on the Skripals reflects <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/skripal-salisbury-poisoning-decline-of-russia-spy-agencies-gru">the essential incompetence
of that organization today</a>
 &mdash; and its inability to cope with the modern world of big data.


feed_id: 4bbda5b4df851238e77e578a2d84c797
title: Earning money for children and opium addict husbands
uri: Earning-money-for-children-and-opium-addict-husbands
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Earning_money_for_children_and_opium_addict_husbands%29

content:
<p>
In rural Afghanistan, the wives of opium addicts have to earn money
for their children and their addict husbands <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/23/divorce-isnt-an-option-afghan-women-find-hope-in-saffron-scheme">who won't let them leave
the house</a>.


feed_id: 2c0492568d558ae695c54afec73969b0
title: Help public workers fend off cuts
uri: Help-public-workers-fend-off-cuts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Help_public_workers_fend_off_cuts%29

content:
<p>
*   On Public Service Day, don’t just thank all the workers combating
   Covid-19. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/23/after-applause-time-rebuild-global-public-services-covid-19">Help them fend off punitive budget cuts</a>.*

<p>
*US nurses at for-profit hospital <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/us-nurses-strike-over-cuts-ppe-shortages-pandemic">chain to strike over cuts and PPE shortages</a>.*


feed_id: 981bbbe8571c84354916f813d678d8da
title: Water bills
uri: Water-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Water_bills%29
content:
<p>
*Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, nearly 14m US households were unable
to afford their water bills.*  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/jun/23/clean-water-should-be-an-american-human-right-not-a-government-profit-machine">Soon it will be far more</a>.


feed_id: d9a3facf2a6c98d01e1bac0ca1d74a88
title: Protecting ancient sites
uri: Protecting-ancient-sites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Protecting_ancient_sites%29
content:
<p>
Mexico is cutting funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/funding-cuts-threaten-ancient-sites-warn-mexican-archaeologists">for protecting ancient sites from looting</a>.

<p>
Such damage is impossible to repair.  Artefacts stolen before being scientifically examines lose their context, so that even if scientists have a chance
to look at them later, what they can learn is much less.


feed_id: 3fb6e3d06193ba014c658b867972eddc
title: Prevention, not policing
uri: Prevention-not-policing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Prevention%2C_not_policing%29
content:
<p>
*'We can stop the cycle': crime survivors work toward prevention, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/defund-police-violence-survivors-us">not
 policing</a>.*


feed_id: f9e0abeaf977b5c9816bc9163d956615
title: Thug lobbies
uri: Thug-lobbies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Thug_lobbies%29
content:
<p>
Thug unions in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/police-unions-spending-policy-reform-chicago-new-york-la">spend million of dollars
a year on lobbying</a>.
  Much of that lobbying is so that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can get away with the
occasional murder, lots of lesser crimes, and frequent lies.


feed_id: 8466cf04696644f761cbaf2e529562a7
title: Killing and lying about it
uri: Killing-and-lying-about-it
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Killing_and_lying_about_it%29
content:
<p>
Parisian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> put a delivery driver in a choke hold, which mortally
injured him.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/suffocating-french-delivery-driver-cedric-chouviat-last-words-george-floyd-case">Then they lied about what they did</a>.

<p>
They offer the excuse that the victim called them "fools".  "Disrespectful",
they called it.  That is no excuse for violence.


feed_id: a66b4b11916f97201824d9efb3488183
title: Supporting oppression
uri: Supporting-oppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Supporting_oppression%29
content:
<p>
The great oppressors of history had as their base a society in which
people generally supported the oppression they did, got a share of hate
profits, and chose not to question.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/23/germans-know-toppling-statues-confront-past-britain-empire-nazism">Germany, in the 1960s, chose to
try to root this out</a>.


feed_id: 8f552fda64dc55669fea58d203e16fd3
title: Told the truth
uri: Told-the-truth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Told_the_truth%29
content:
<p>
Extra, extra!  The bullshitter told the truth!  It was just where we
wished he had been lying &mdash; saying he had cut back on coronavirus
testing so as to cover up how much it had spread.

<p>
The Department of Harm and Human Suffering received 14 billion dollars
for expanded coronavirus testing, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/senators-find-14-billion-unspent-funds-after-trump-admits-ordering-slowdown-covid-19">and did not spend it</a>.


feed_id: 06bd4a8f0af6d37abfb72c1568c04947
title: Profiting by stirring up division
uri: Profiting-by-stirring-up-division
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_%28Profiting_by_stirring_up_division%29

content:
<p>
Facebook's management knew in 2018 that it profited by stirring up division
between users, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/26/facebook-ignored-internal-warnings-its-algorithms-were-intensifying-divisiveness">and decided to continue</a>.


feed_id: 3a1f4740d9b7966f424c8c4e00d827a8
title: Militarist democrat defeated
uri: Militarist-democrat-defeated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Militarist_democrat_defeated%29
content:
<p>
Militarist Democrat Eliot Engel <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/24/jamaal-bowman-eliot-engel-new-york-primary/">has been defeated by a progressive
challenger</a>.

<p>
Being against the conman is too low a standard to judge candidates by.


feed_id: 66646310bae076f35475a6359483be86
title: Fired after forming union
uri: Fired-after-forming-union
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Fired_after_forming_union%29
content:
<p>
*Zara and Primark factory workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jun/24/zara-primark-factory-workers-myanmar-fired-union">say they were fired after forming union</a>.*

<p>
Their factory is in Burma.  Overseas production sure works wonders for
evading workers' rights.


feed_id: 2b5f3554dcfe015b80f61e70f0a28e4c
title: Defunding universities' cops
uri: Defunding-universities-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Defunding_universities%27_cops%29
content:
<p>
Students call on universities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/24/campus-policing-us-university-students-call-to-defund">to defund their cops</a>.


feed_id: 13c156c149ab658273b559a6d8251127
title: Arrested because of faulty photo match
uri: Arrested-because-of-faulty-photo-match
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Arrested_because_of_faulty_photo_match%29

content:
<p>
Robert Julian-Borchak Williams was arrested and accused of theft
specifically because a computer matched a photo of the thief to
his face.  <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/06/24/882683463/the-computer-got-it-wrong-how-facial-recognition-led-to-a-false-arrest-in-michig">It was mistaken</a>.

<p>
Once the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> got the computer's answer they believed it with total faith,
That often happens with prestigious technical systems.

<p>
To be falsely accused is annoying, occasionally disastrous, but it is
not a new danger.  It happens plenty often without a computer.  That
is why I believe the main danger of computerized identification of
people is not that it may make mistakes, but rather that it may
function correctly.  Suppose the system correctly recognizes you as a
protester, or as a journalist.  Suppose the system recognizes you
repeatedly as you walk along the street.

<p>
Suppose businesses set up millions of cameras and recognize everyone.

<p>
We must ban face recognition, and systematic tracking of people, not 
only by the state but by any entity whatsoever.


feed_id: e736026a14fdb0f4ec03596471faccdf
title: Wanting fewer children
uri: Wanting-fewer-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Wanting_fewer_children%29
content:
<p>
Under the influence of Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/24/us-women-delay-pregnancy-children-coronavirus-pandemic-survey">1/3 of US women want fewer children
and/or later</a>.

<p>
A smaller human population will make dealing with environmental
problems easier, and that includes <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.


feed_id: 1d7e077c97eb3825d81bfc0650870050
title: Vaccines donations
uri: Vaccines-donations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Vaccines_donations%29
content:
<p>
Rich countries donate vaccines to poor countries, through a system
designed to preserve the exploitative monopolies.  It has the effect of
preventing the systemic changes we really need, and it keeps the
production down <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/24/worlds-poorest-people-coronavirus-vaccine-gavi">so that we're helpless against a pandemic</a>.


feed_id: 8600511b21d4412c4607efc3e64604a3
title: Deleting old search records
uri: Deleting-old-search-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Deleting_old_search_records%29
content:
<p>
Google says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/24/google-says-it-will-no-longer-save-a-complete-record-of-every-search">it will delete old search records after 18 months</a>.
  I am not impressed.  That is plenty of time for the NSA to look at them.


feed_id: 32c589e9011c29d0b8414f15d2b909ea
title: Giving up fight against Covid-19
uri: Giving-up-fight-against-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Giving_up_fight_against_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
*Global Health Experts Alarmed at Signs US <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/global-health-experts-alarmed-at-signs-us-has-given-up-fight-against-covid-19/">Has “Given Up” Fight Against
COVID-19</a>.*

<p>
Massachusetts has not given up &mdash; the R value is less than 1 &mdash; but many
state governors, as well as the conman, seem to have opened the gates
and welcomed the enemy in.


feed_id: 67e102f07b3ba7bcd1cf88092817a9f5
title: Barred from travel
uri: Barred-from-travel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Barred_from_travel%29
content:
<p>
Due to the conman's sabotage (beyond mere incompetence), the Americans
will probably <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/23/eu-looks-reopen-borders-us-covid-19-surge-means-americans-may-not-be-welcome">be barred from going to Europe for a long time</a>.


feed_id: 980751fa2c65fe12d4857411b92af8dc
title: The New York City thug department seizes opportunities for repressions
uri: The-New-York-City-thug-department-seizes-opportunities-for-repressions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28The_New_York_City_thug_department_seizes_opportunities_for_repressions%29

content:
<p>

The New York City thug department <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/23/report-broken-windows-spending-bolsters-call-redirect-1-billion-nypd-budget-harmed">focuses heavily on minor offenses</a>, and this is useful chiefly as an opportunity for repression.


feed_id: 0a8eaade8ed76535ad4fb9da85c3bcca
title: America Is Exceptional in All the Wrong Ways.
uri: America-Is-Exceptional-in-All-the-Wrong-Ways
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28America_Is_Exceptional_in_All_the_Wrong_Ways.%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/23/america-exceptional-all-wrong-ways">*America Is Exceptional in All the Wrong Ways.*</a>


feed_id: c4a7fbbc7339927dce38eaccd919854d
title: Violent harassment and destruction against Palestinians
uri: Violent-harassment-and-destruction-against-Palestinians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Violent_harassment_and_destruction_against_Palestinians%29

content:
<p>

Israeli, particularly the "settlers" continue various forms of <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=82028">violent harassment and destruction against Palestinians</a>.
<p>
Israel continues seizing Palestinians' land and building more colonies on it.  <a href="https://www.972mag.com/settlements-bethlehem-efrat-annexation/">Colonies cut Bethlehem off from the rest of Palestine.</a>


feed_id: c20ab8be2c9de9278a30b2345c4a6918
title: Peoples indigenous to Palestine
uri: Peoples-indigenous-to-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Peoples_indigenous_to_Palestine%29
content:
<p>

In Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, an Israeli argues that <a href="https://www.hadassahmagazine.org/2020/05/01/journey-changing-middle-east/">both the Jews and the Palestinians are peoples indigenous to Palestine</a>.


feed_id: 6d487aadd3a7c8221019a047650e3ede
title: Transferring money away from thug departments
uri: Transferring-money-away-from-thug-departments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Transferring_money_away_from_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>

Nearly all Americans want to prosecute thugs for unjustified violence, but but only <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/23/why-we-march-poll-shows-overwhelming-us-support-police-reform-increased">1/3 support transferring funds from thug departments to other ways of dealing with emergency calls</a>.


feed_id: c535ffe58f0c8f72d7161434c6fce99e
title: The Bullshitter wants to blame the CDC
uri: The-Bullshitter-wants-to-blame-the-CDC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28The_Bullshitter_wants_to_blame_the_CDC%29

content:
<p>

Reportedly the bullshitter wants to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/23/trump-cdc-overhaul-coronavirus-335039">blame the CDC</a> for his bad decisions about Covid-19.


feed_id: f614c0502fb77962a2ff8839277e9892
title: Earth's worst mass extinction was caused by global heating
uri: Earth-s-worst-mass-extinction-was-caused-by-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Earth%27s_worst_mass_extinction_was_caused_by_global_heating%29

content:
<p>

The Earth's worst mass extinction was caused by global heating, which resulted when <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/coal-burning-end-permian-mass-extinction-08561.html">giant volcanic eruptions burned large amounts of coal</a>.


feed_id: d3830e4b733eb1b213e49494009fe050
title: Should the House vote to impeach Attorney General Barr?
uri: Should-the-House-vote-to-impeach-Attorney-General-Barr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#25_June_2020_%28Should_the_House_vote_to_impeach_Attorney_General_Barr_%29

content:
<p>

It is clear that Attorney General Barr is morally unfit for his office. Should the House vote to impeach him?  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/23/nadler-says-waste-time-progressives-say-impeach-barr-and-do-it-now">Rep. Nadler says it would be ineffective and useless.  His primary opponent disagrees.</a>
<p>
We ought to remove Barr from office, but since impeachment can't do that, is it worth the effort?  I don't think it would influence the outcome of the election very much, given that impeaching the conman failed to do so.  On this question, I agree with Nadler.
<p>
I've read that Nadler is more plutocratist than progressive, on policies.  If so, replacing him in the primary might be a good thing to do.


feed_id: c3add648f459b3f2bb09d05c97d8069d
title: Paying for Roundup cancers
uri: Paying-for-Roundup-cancers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Paying_for_Roundup_cancers%29
content:
<p>
Bayer-Monsanto will pay ten billion dollars to 100,000 people who
sued, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/24/bayer-monsanto-agrees-10b-settlement-victims-poisoned-roundup-weedkiller">claiming that Roundup gave them cancer</a>.

<p>
It is too bad that a court eliminated California's requirement to warn
other people so that they can avoid Roundup and not get cancer.


feed_id: b9ee7644aad238ec5e0445eaea3c15c2
title: Medical surplus
uri: Medical-surplus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Medical_surplus%29
content:
<p>
Australia is considering building up medical manufacturing capacity
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/25/australian-drug-makers-hit-by-critical-shortages-at-height-of-pandemic-inquiry-hears">so that it won't face a shortage in the future</a>.

<p>
Every country should do this!  Surplus capacity, distributed around
the world, may seem like a waste, but in an emergency it is crucial.


feed_id: a0242d62eb464b334b5da1e84055ca3a
title: Cutting on testing
uri: Cutting-on-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Cutting_on_testing%29
content:
<p>
Now that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief has made Covid-19 spread rapidly in the
US as never before, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/25/us-coronavirus-testing-sites-federal-support-cut-officials-alarm">his next step is to cut back on testing</a>.

<p>
Perhaps he is trying to infect a lot of people and make voters scared
to vote.


feed_id: 0a1f26591f6eb8daa47c9f0686081ad1
title: Cooling systems and Covid-19
uri: Cooling-systems-and-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Cooling_systems_and_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
The cooling system in a meat factory <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/25/abattoir-air-cooling-systems-could-pose-covid-19-risks-expert-warns">seem to have spread Covid-19 among
the workers</a>.


feed_id: 4831f8ccecb80cf7626f7445f3ca52d2
title: Thugs fired for bigotry
uri: Thugs-fired-for-bigotry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Thugs_fired_for_bigotry%29
content:
<p>
Three North Carolina thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/25/north-carolina-officers-fired-over-racist-comments-video-emerge">have been fired for expressing bigotry</a>.

<p>
Ordinary citizens have the right to express those views.  We must
defend the right to state views we find disgusting, lest powerful
people who feel disgust for our views censor us.

<p>
However, cops (whether they are <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> or <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#police">police officers</a>) are given
special powers over the public.  With special power goes special
responsibility, including the responsibility not to give in to bigotry
even when under pressure.  If some <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> blame the stress of the job
for their expression of bigotry, in effect they are saying they are
not up to the requirements of the job.

<p>
I think it is important to make a distinction between the one who
advocated a civil war to massacre blacks, and the two who did not
(especially the one who opposed the idea).  Those two should get
a second chance to show they can do their job.


feed_id: d3e03dc8594d4bbeb38a247cc0f88a53
title: Heat wave in Arctic
uri: Heat-wave-in-Arctic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Heat_wave_in_Arctic%29
content:
<p>
What are the consequences of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/25/arctic-heatwave-38c-siberia-science">the heat wave in the Arctic</a>?


feed_id: 2618169540e2bc0b770f79055e4e36b0
title: Charges over apparent chokehold
uri: Charges-over-apparent-chokehold
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Charges_over_apparent_chokehold%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/25/new-york-police-officer-chokehold-charges">*New York police officer faces charges over apparent chokehold.*</a>
<p>
Finally the impunity ends.


feed_id: cb0c6cc18b1c3d6c0bad632bb59dac97
title: Atheists and humanists facing discrimination
uri: Atheists-and-humanists-facing-discrimination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Atheists_and_humanists_facing_discrimination%29

content:
<p>

*Atheists and humanists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/25/atheists-and-humanists-facing-discrimination-across-the-world-report-finds">facing discrimination across the world</a>, report finds.*
<p>
This prejudice is found in the US as well.  A substantial fraction of Americans believe that Atheists are bad people.  Some states nominally do not allow nonreligious people to run for office, and an avowed Atheist would be unlikely to win.


feed_id: 646eadc9c937cfc9ab6be12f6cfc4bc2
title: Australian government is not bothering to enforce laws to protect wildlife habitat
uri: Australian-government-is-not-bothering-to-enforce-laws-to-protect-wild
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Australian_government_is_not_bothering_to_enforce_laws_to_protect_wildlife_habitat%29

content:
<p>

WWF says that the Australian government is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/25/million-hectares-of-threatened-species-habitat-cleared-without-assessments">not bothering to enforce laws</a> to protect wildlife habitat.


feed_id: 14079e75a9f4910c3edf678ffa17e197
title: Committee on Climate Change
uri: Committee-on-Climate-Change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Committee_on_Climate_Change%29
content:
<p>

The UK government's Committee on Climate Change <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/25/road-to-net-zero-what-the-committee-on-climate-change-recommends">recommends a list of policies</a>.


feed_id: 835438c713e9c59ce53f797125fa805d
title: Honduran Family Sues US Govt for Separation Lawyers
uri: Honduran-Family-Sues-US-Govt-for-Separation-Lawyers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Honduran_Family_Sues_US_Govt_for_Separation_Lawyers%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/05/29/honduran-family-sues-us-govt-separation-lawyers-say-was-deliberately-meant-torment">Honduran Family Sues US Govt for Separation Lawyers</a> Say Was Deliberately Meant to 'Torment and Traumatize'.*


feed_id: 6961b579d4d16e0ad8421061346392c1
title: Rise of Iran hardliners threatens nuclear diplomacy
uri: Rise-of-Iran-hardliners-threatens-nuclear-diplomacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#26_June_2020_%28Rise_of_Iran_hardliners_threatens_nuclear_diplomacy%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/24/rise-of-iran-hardliners-threatens-nuclear-diplomacy-europe-warned">*Rise of Iran hardliners threatens nuclear diplomacy, Europe warned.*</a> The leader of parliament says that negotiation with the US is "harmful and forbidden."
<p>
What a shame if the US becomes willing to resume the non-nuclear deal and Iran's right-wing rulers would rather keep the sanctions up.


feed_id: 109a2accff547ac6dad648662a1fe15a
title: Clemency to prisoners
uri: Clemency-to-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Clemency_to_prisoners%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/26/california-clemency-covid-19-governor-prisons">California governor grants clemency to 21 prisoners</a> as thousands infected with Covid-19.*


feed_id: 6ce22531c732aef101c7e00630536d92
title: Controversial Data-Mining Firm Palantir
uri: Controversial-Data-Mining-Firm-Palantir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Controversial_Data-Mining_Firm_Palantir%29

content:
<p>

*Controversial Data-Mining Firm Palantir <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/26/biden-adviser-avril-haines-palantir/">Vanishes From Biden Adviser's Biography After She Joins Campaign</a>.*


feed_id: a2189edb56ec738390fc139c85332af6
title: Minimum Wage
uri: 2020-06-28-Minimum-Wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Minimum_Wage%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/24/now-still-good-time-raise-minimum-wage">*Now Is Still a Good Time to Raise the Minimum Wage.*</a>


feed_id: 1942a4a014849f5cbb156b82829568f5
title: Boston has ordered city officials not to ask for face recognition data
uri: Boston-has-ordered-city-officials-not-to-ask-for-face-recognition-data
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Boston_has_ordered_city_officials_not_to_ask_for_face_recognition_data%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/06/23/boston-facial-recognition-ban">Boston has ordered city officials</a> not to ask for face recognition data from any source.  However, you can't expect thugs to honestly obey the rules.
<p>
What if the data is given to officials without their asking?  What if it is not explicitly identified as based on face recognition?
<p>
Companies such as Clearview AI can oppress people even if they give their data only to businesses.  We need to prohibit systematic tracking of people by any means whatsoever.  <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">Only a government agency with a specific warrant should be allowed to do that.</a>


feed_id: 4ba5f8bbc684dc050d6e4b66630af703
title: Alaa Abdel's sister, Sanaa Seif jailed in Egypt
uri: Alaa-Abdel-s-sister-Sanaa-Seif-jailed-in-Egypt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Alaa_Abdel%27s_sister%2C_Sanaa_Seif_jailed_in_Egypt%29

content:
<p>

Egypt made Alaa Abdel Fattah a political prisoner last year. Now they have <a href="https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/egypt-abduction-and-arbitrary-detention-of-ms-sanaa-seif-sister-of">jailed his sister, Sanaa Seif</a>.			      


feed_id: 6f20fdc83ab900774d48c3e6192f230d
title: (satire) Defunding the police could lead to a spike in crime
uri: (satire)-Defunding-the-police-could-lead-to-a-spike-in-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_Defunding_the_police_could_lead_to_a_spike_in_crime%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; law enforcement officials warned Wednesday that defunding the police could lead to a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/officials-warn-defunding-police-could-lead-to-spike-in-1844149047">spike in crime from ex-officers</a> with no outlet for their violence.*


feed_id: ebd817a89187a0c06ee993cd74f93178
title: Leadership that neglects science
uri: Leadership-that-neglects-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Leadership_that_neglects_science%29
content:
<p>

*Leadership That Neglects Science Led to <a href="https://truthout.org/video/leadership-that-neglects-science-led-to-worst-covid-crises-in-us-and-brazil/">Worst COVID Crises in US and Brazil</a>.*


feed_id: 1a0e8cd7ae19e4a13499b621686bb6a4
title: Environmental activists being prosecuted for an imaginary felony
uri: Environmental-activists-being-prosecuted-for-an-imaginary-felony
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28Environmental_activists_being_prosecuted_for_an_imaginary_felony%29

content:
<p>

Environmental activists delivered a box of toxic plastic pellets, fished out of the Gulf of Mexico, to a lobbyist for a company that wants to build a new factory to make more such pellets.  For this symbolic act, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/25/louisiana-bucket-brigade-arrests-formosa-plastics-protest">they are being prosecuted for an imaginary felony</a>.


feed_id: c079d4ca6dd3c6f97a091fd6f3fef654
title: A victory against euphemism
uri: A-victory-against-euphemism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28A_victory_against_euphemism%29
content:
<p>

In a victory against euphemism, a New Zealand supermarket company has decided to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/26/new-zealand-supermarket-chain-countdown-becomes-first-to-use-period-label-on-menstrual-products">remove a level of euphemism from descriptions of its products for menstruation</a>.


feed_id: a27b296d7e2d105046f7369b5fafc5d4
title: TraceTogether Token
uri: TraceTogether-Token
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#28_June_2020_%28TraceTogether_Token%29
content:
<p>

Bunnie Huang reports on the <a href="https://xobs.io/trace-together-token-teardown/">stand-alone contact tracing device</a>, the TraceTogether Token, in a pre-release version.
<p>
I respect Bunnie highly; if he says something respects privacy, I suppose it does.
<p>
One issue the report does not discuss: the device is meant to be used for months &mdash; does it delete information about past contacts after a few weeks pass?  Older contacts should not be relevant to Covid-19, so there is no justification for reporting them.
<p>
Bunnie explains why using mobile phones for contact tracing gratuitously puts <a href="https://www.bunniestudios.com/blog/?p=5820">privacy in danger</a>. In brief, it's because carrying a mobile phone gratuitously puts privacy in danger, and running an app gratuitously puts privacy in additional danger.


feed_id: 73d95cdcc1ac90c13414e9ff7366e911
title: AI predicting criminality
uri: AI-predicting-criminality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28AI_predicting_criminality%29
content:
<p>

An AI system <a href="https://medium.com/@CoalitionForCriticalTechnology/abolish-the-techtoprisonpipeline-9b5b14366b16">claims to predict</a> who will be a criminal based on people's photos.  Actually it predicts who will be accused of crimes, using a simple heuristic: black skin => more likely to be accused.
<p>
The heuristic gives valid results because of the racism in society's systems.


feed_id: 211bf6cd87373fd90de3e532aa4273b0
title: Yahoo did not pay its taxes
uri: Yahoo-did-not-pay-its-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Yahoo_did_not_pay_its_taxes%29
content:
<p>

Yahoo did not pay its taxes, and <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2020/06/17/yahoo_irs_lawsuit/">the IRS is suing</a>, but has given up on billions of what was owed.


feed_id: 922a142bbf587ccfeb7923eee23070dd
title: For the rich to keep getting richer
uri: For-the-rich-to-keep-getting-richer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28For_the_rich_to_keep_getting_richer%29

content:
<p>

*For the Rich to Keep Getting Richer, <a href="https://charleshughsmith.blogspot.com/2020/06/for-rich-to-keep-getting-richer-we-have.html">We Have to Sacrifice Everything Else</a>.*  Excuses that the rich give for dooH niboR.


feed_id: 85ff223d36fa233620371e5258587bc8
title: The bullshitter and his army of eager liars
uri: The-bullshitter-and-his-army-of-eager-liars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28The_bullshitter_and_his_army_of_eager_liars%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.rightwingwatch.org/report/disinformation-coronavirus-and-the-2020-presidential-election/?source=hp">main source of disinformation</a> attacks against the US is the bullshitter and his army of eager liars, though various other countries do it too.  This article surveys their methods and targets and explains typical signs to recognize disinformation by.


feed_id: 80e0fa37463c2cf67cb30005f6a70d19
title: Bicycle repair tools, "tools of criminals"
uri: Bicycle-repair-tools-tools-of-criminals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Bicycle_repair_tools%2C_tools_of_criminals%29

content:
<p>

Thugs confiscate bicycle repair tools from protesters, then <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/06/09/in-portlandia-police-confisca.html">make announcement</a> that these tools were "the tools of criminals".
<p>
I suppose some criminals ride bikes, and would carry the same repair tools that other bike riders carry.  People who recognize the tools will laugh at those idiotic <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  But people like me, who don't ride bikes, might believe the thugs because we don't know any better.


feed_id: 24ff970aadc99817c889009cce6a662c
title: (satire) Heaven flush with cash
uri: (satire)-Heaven-flush-with-cash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28%28satire%29_Heaven_flush_with_cash%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Heaven Flush With Cash After Trump Administration Sends <a href="https://www.theonion.com/heaven-flush-with-cash-after-trump-administration-sends-1844165406">$1.4 Billion In Stimulus To Dead Americans</a>.*


feed_id: 613b95064ba57e2c30ab5d0c5e69c0d0
title: Movement to remove police from schools
uri: Movement-to-remove-police-from-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Movement_to_remove_police_from_schools%29

content:
<p>

*Movement to Remove Police From Schools <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/25/movement-remove-police-schools-gains-momentum-seattle-and-oakland-boards-sever-ties">Gains Momentum</a> as Seattle and Oakland [school] Boards Sever Ties With [thug] Departments.*
<p>
However, Chicago and Los Angeles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/25/police-schools-oakland-chicago-los-angeles">rejected the proposals</a> to do that.


feed_id: 926205e9b1080aa9576f3c97c78b1ca6
title: Boston's thug department commissioner had a meeting with Barr
uri: Boston-s-thug-department-commissioner-had-a-meeting-with-Barr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Boston%27s_thug_department_commissioner_had_a_meeting_with_Barr%29

content:
<p>

Boston's thug department commissioner had a meeting with Barr, and <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/24/metro/gross-was-had/"> pleads incredible naive excuses</a> to deny it had the effect of political support.
<p>
The fact that the commissioner is black is not actually relevant.  The moral imperatives of the situation would be the same for anyone in it.


feed_id: 73a2fc86a7d55c03d658ff56d97aa68c
title: Covid-19 tests for people working in nursing homes
uri: Covid-19-tests-for-people-working-in-nursing-homes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Covid-19_tests_for_people_working_in_nursing_homes%29

content:
<p>

The murderer of Americans just told medical insurance companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/25/free-handout-insurance-industry-trump-administration-tells-insurers-they-dont-have">they are not required to pay</a> for Covid-19 tests for people that work in nursing homes.
<p>
The result will be that workers (not very well paid) skip testing, and thus risk infecting inmates.  Some nursing homes will have outbreaks and many of their inmates will die.
<p>
Various right-wing extremist rulers of various countries are taking absurd approaches to Covid-19, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/25/why-trump-so-enthusiastic-about-americans-dying">there is no obvious explanation</a>.
<p>
Could it be that they want many deaths as an exciting background for their lives?


feed_id: e5ba06be568258e68b8a10bc8c4d362b
title: Emerging from the pandemic at a terrible cost
uri: Emerging-from-the-pandemic-at-a-terrible-cost
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#27_June_2020_%28Emerging_from_the_pandemic_at_a_terrible_cost%29

content:
<p>

Chomsky: <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/06/noam-chomsky-donald-trump-coronavirus-george-floyd-protests">*The pandemic is serious enough that we will emerge from it at terrible cost.</a> The cost is greatly amplified by the gangster in the White House, who has killed tens of thousands of Americans, making this the worst place in the world [for the coronavirus]. We will emerge [from the pandemic, but] we’re not going to emerge from another crime that Trump has committed, the heating of the globe. The worst of it is coming &mdash; we’re not going to emerge from that.*


feed_id: 65c10cd8a123cb830c81b1014eb0eac1
title: Urgent: stop advertising in Facebook
uri: Urgent-stop-advertising-in-Facebook
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_stop_advertising_in_Facebook%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/ctt_fb_ad_ban/">call on advertisers</a> to stop advertising in Facebook, as pressure
for it to remove hatred.


feed_id: 929640c20db5697936bb3eaaeb453d97
title: Principal terrorist threat
uri: Principal-terrorist-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Principal_terrorist_threat%29
content:
<p>
The principal terrorist threat in the US today <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/27/us-far-right-violence-terrorist-threat-analysis">is from right-wing
extremists</a>.

<p>
The study does not count terrorism by the president, such as
sabotaging the response to Covid-19, but that dwarfs casualties of the
September 2001 terrorist attacks and I think it should be counted as
a terrorist attack.

<p>
I agree that we should not further attack human rights in the name of
"anti-terrorism".  The PAT RIOT act authorizes too much surveillance
and it needs to be weakened.  Most of the right-wing terrorism is not
susceptible to being prevented.  But we could cut back on the spread
of right-wing extremist recruiting with suitable changes in Facebook's
algorithms for what postings to propagate.


feed_id: 1d38bfb469ddd654eaf8939e8ee2892b
title: Minor wrongdoing
uri: Minor-wrongdoing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Minor_wrongdoing%29
content:
<p>
Thug departments are fond of harping on minor wrongdoing, claiming
that this will discourage all crime.  (There is no evidence it works.)
But when they commit nonfatal wrongdoing, such as minor false
accusations, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/27/police-lie-fast-food-poisoning-how-can-we-trust-them">they want us to disregard them</a>.

<p>
I think that cops, because of their special powers and privileges,
should be held to an especially strict standard.


feed_id: 7bcd2fcb54deb4389df326d61462e607
title: War with Covid-19
uri: War-with-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28War_with_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Countries where the US is perpetuating an endless civil war <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/27/toxic-mix-of-violence-and-virus-sweeps-poorest-countries-warns-war-reporter-lyse-doucet">now
face war together with Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 9c0e0fdc230f0f7ac6541a35009b882e
title: Giving up in despair
uri: Giving-up-in-despair
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Giving_up_in_despair%29
content:
<p>
Reportedly, many Hong Kong protesters are giving up in despair <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/27/hong-kong-fears-freedoms-will-end-as-new-law-looms">on seeing
the arbitrary power that China is imposing on Hong Kong</a>.  

<p>
China can accused anyone of a "national security crime", which means
anything China wants it to mean, and the trial will be conducted by
puppet judges chosen by China.

<p>
Hong Kongers struggled so valiantly, hoping that China would be dissuaded
from blatantly crushing Hong Kong's autonomy, or else that China would
pay a price for doing so.  They did not attain the first.  Let's help
them attain the second.


feed_id: 9fe49931ec0579aea55fcb63e334cd0b
title: Escalating economic warfare
uri: Escalating-economic-warfare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Escalating_economic_warfare%29
content:
<p>
It looks like Biden is planning <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/26/joe-biden-should-not-try-out-hawk-trump-venezuela">to escalate the US economic warfare
with Venezuela</a>.

<p>
Replacing Maduro's dictatorship with the crushing international
plutocratic empire (which will get worse with time) is not a solution
to Venezuela's problem.

<p>
US economic sanctions on Venezuela <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/25/killing-them-softly-sanctions">are killing people just as
sanctions on Iraq did</a>.

<p>
They are deadly <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/26/covid-19-hits-war-torn-nation-unicef-warns-millions-yemeni-children-risk-starvation">in Yemen, too</a>.


feed_id: 23791bda9d1db8ef6d5dd1203b766184
title: Investigate Drug Enforcement Agency
uri: Investigate-Drug-Enforcement-Agency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Investigate_Drug_Enforcement_Agency%29

content:
<p>
Congress should investigate the Drug Enforcement Agency, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/26/deas-most-recent-abuse-power-should-renew-calls-divestment">then
eliminate it</a>.

<p>
Let's decriminalize possession and use of any and all drugs.  Clinics
should distribute dangerous, addictive drugs to registered addicts, to
kill off most of the black market.  This works in other countries.


feed_id: 80f40694fa605b6276233c6a1b2d61a6
title: Judge orders to free migrant children
uri: Judge-orders-to-free-migrant-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Judge_orders_to_free_migrant_children%29

content:
<p>
*Judge orders US to free migrant children from [immigration prison],
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/27/judge-orders-us-to-free-migrant-children-from-family-detention-citing-virus-spread">citing virus spread</a>.*

<p>
I suspect the article uses the term "children" to mean "children and
teenagers."


feed_id: 535b9df7c248d8a1bbeb04fe6fe49f99
title: Making household water more expensive
uri: Making-household-water-more-expensive
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Making_household_water_more_expensive%29

content:
<p>
Plutocratist politics in the US is making household water more
expensive.  Many Americans can't afford their water bills.  By 2030,
with current trends, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/26/running-drinking-water-poverty-us-cities">that will happen to a considerable fraction
of the population</a>.


feed_id: 3ec55cfa053bb061673fd902854e5133
title: History of targeting black activists
uri: History-of-targeting-black-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28History_of_targeting_black_activists%29

content:
<p>
*The FBI has a history of targeting black activists. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/26/fbi-black-activism-protests-history">That's still true today</a>.*


feed_id: 4446c8d49da016a34e76b508a760e0e8
title: Bill HR4
uri: Bill-HR4
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Bill_HR4%29
content:
<p>
*The bill HR4 would put the teeth back into the Voting Rights Act. For
   the sake of racial progress, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/26/voting-rights-act-shelby-county-hr4-bill">the Senate must pass it</a>.*


feed_id: 84e32d89d95e0b77ae9600d64cbd6ef7
title: Sick leave
uri: Sick-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Sick_leave%29
content:
<p>
If sick leave pay is much less than normal pay, workers are compelled
to go to work when when sick.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/26/emanuel-gomes-died-just-hours-after-his-cleaning-shift-why-was-he-working">They can die from that</a>.

<p>
Those that do decide to stay home <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/26/moj-failed-to-investigate-potential-covid-19-cluster-among-cleaners">may face pressure to work
even while sick</a>.


feed_id: c234393d9dbc9a4c9053e50b497a8d7d
title: CO2 emissions post lockdown
uri: CO2-emissions-post-lockdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28CO2_emissions_post_lockdown%29
content:
<p>
The UK's CO2 emissions went down because of lockdown, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/26/leading-scientist-criticises-uk-over-its-climate-record">but they
will go back up if it doesn't adopt more green policies</a>.


feed_id: 5974d8eaf4ab363f4fea276d7ae6ff7c
title: Another choice
uri: Another-choice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Another_choice%29
content:
<p>
An anonymous gay man, after a man tried to push sex on him and
eventually relented, looks for another choice besides prosecute,
denounce, and do nothing.  One that would not <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/26/touched-without-my-consent-speaking-out-social-media-harassment-assault">"preclude the
possibility of rehabilitation and restorative justice."</a>


feed_id: 182c4ef1c24dfb6a1ce65e716f303ce3
title: Published warnings about global heating
uri: Published-warnings-about-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Published_warnings_about_global_heating%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/28/beyond-google-my-afternoon-trawling-trove-for-the-first-mentions-of-climate-change">Published warnings about global heating</a> go back at least to 1912.


feed_id: 2df125a4cf9f643b42f91ec084983929
title: Greta Thunberg hits out at leaders
uri: Greta-Thunberg-hits-out-at-leaders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Greta_Thunberg_hits_out_at_leaders%29

content:
<p>

*Greta Thunberg hits out at leaders who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/27/greta-thunberg-hits-out-at-leaders-who-use-her-fame-to-look-good">use her fame to 'look good'</a>.*
<p>
It's easier to ask for a photo with her than to champion climate defense.


feed_id: 96c418a4a8147c110f04d23d44770e75
title: Political correctness
uri: Political-correctness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Political_correctness%29
content:
<p>

Political correctness threatens to put the word "master" under taboo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jun/27/galleries-and-museums-uneasy-about-using-term-old-masters">regardless of the meaning</a>.
<p>
Opposing slavery and racism does not require that we blot out every word that had a use in relation to slavery or racism.


feed_id: 7d838db8359d256b87475bd7b1703788
title: How Rojava reorganized the police
uri: How-Rojava-reorganized-the-police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28How_Rojava_reorganized_the_police%29

content:
<p>

How <a href="https://roarmag.org/essays/police-abolition-and-other-revolutionary-lessons-from-rojava/">Rojava reorganized the police</a>, so that most patrolling is done by volunteers from the community.
<p>
What it says about the rest of Rojava's system is fascinating too.


feed_id: f77a95ce25256a187a7216ea3151181b
title: Thugs that killed Elija McClain will perhaps be prosecuted
uri: Thugs-that-killed-Elija-McClain-will-perhaps-be-prosecuted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Thugs_that_killed_Elija_McClain_will_perhaps_be_prosecuted%29

content:
<p>

The three thugs that killed Elijah McClain for looking suspicious (including wearing a mask because he was shy) will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/06/26/please-forgive-me-said-elijah-mcclain-three-cops-murdered-him">perhaps now be prosecuted</a>.
<p>
When <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are allowed to start violence because of vague fears, that will systematically lead to killings based on no reason except their imagination.


feed_id: ee86094987cdbebfdeb6bce1f2c62300
title: Charter seeks to impose data caps
uri: Charter-seeks-to-impose-data-caps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Charter_seeks_to_impose_data_caps%29

content:
<p>

*Charter seeks FCC OK to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/06/charter-seeks-fcc-ok-to-impose-data-caps-and-charge-fees-to-video-services/">impose data caps and charge fees to video services</a>.*
<p>
While reminding us that we should never give big companies anything on credit because they do often cheat on the deal, the main reason this merger should not have been allowed is that we need more competition, not less.


feed_id: 93369058a1e1231add26a3580c29d7d9
title: Fools having street parties
uri: Fools-having-street-parties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Fools_having_street_parties%29
content:
<p>

Thousands of fools having street parties have started <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/27/met-police-break-up-london-illegal-parties-coronavirus">raising London's Covid-19 infection rate</a>.


feed_id: 16cb672fee0079ecf05b16bfd7e7d5b2
title: UK railways
uri: UK-railways
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28UK_railways%29
content:
<p>

Covid-19 has effectively nationalized the UK railways, but it remains to merge the systems and realize the benefits of nationalization. Meanwhile, it won't be feasible to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/27/what-next-for-the-uks-deserted-public-transport-network">keep them running</a> if masses don't return to using them.


feed_id: 8eacab86a160b41ede8ffe85d93208d5
title: Large corporations donating funds to anti-racism campaigns
uri: Large-corporations-donating-funds-to-anti-racism-campaigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Large_corporations_donating_funds_to_anti-racism_campaigns%29

content:
<p>

Large corporations are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/27/corporations-racial-injustice-donations-statements">donating funds to anti-racism campaigns</a>, but mostly not changing the harsh working conditions that they impose.
<p>
One exception to this picture is that Target announced a $15-per-hour minimum wage for the whole US.


feed_id: aadc0cfdd51a23dcfd21f6b37da5bf52
title: First steps toward artificial wombs
uri: First-steps-toward-artificial-wombs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28First_steps_toward_artificial_wombs%29

content:
<p>

Scientists are taking the first steps that might some day lead to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jun/27/parents-can-look-foetus-real-time-artificial-wombs-future">artificial wombs</a>.  (Not that the road will be quick or easy, even for nonhumans.)
<p>
If it becomes possible to move a 9-week fetus to an artificial womb and bring it to term, what moral implications should that have?
<p>
Except for the benefit of protecting the health of gestating women (and, ideally, fetuses also), not much.  A fetus is not a baby, regardless of where it happens to be located at the time.
<p>
To protect Women's rights from theocratic oppression, we will need to reject, clearly, the idea that once a fetus is outside the mother, it has been "born" and is therefore a human being.


feed_id: 24e537c63d10deebd9b50b55b972d86d
title: Chemical pollutants combine with Covid-19
uri: Chemical-pollutants-combine-with-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Chemical_pollutants_combine_with_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Chemical pollutants combine with Covid-19 to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/26/coronavirus-toxic-chemicals-pfas-bpa/">cause deaths</a>.


feed_id: b5ee28d962ee5bae325f1b3d36f2fa44
title: "Fusion centers" and other government "intelligence" agencies
uri: Fusion-centers-and-other-government-intelligence-agencies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Fusion_centers_and_other_government_intelligence_agencies%29

content:
<p>

"Fusion centers" and other government "intelligence" agencies sent thugs in Minneapolis and later elsewhere warnings of violent protests, which were not based on facts, and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/26/blueleaks-minneapolis-police-protest-fears/">may have encouraged the thugs to be violent</a>.


feed_id: b401cab80665132911541631cb0cbf7f
title: Mass. students defrauded by Corinthian Colleges
uri: Mass-students-defrauded-by-Corinthian-Colleges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Mass._students_defrauded_by_Corinthian_Colleges%29

content:
<p>

*'Huge Win': Court Orders DeVos to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/26/huge-win-court-orders-devos-cancel-loans-mass-students-defrauded-corinthian-colleges">Cancel Loans for Mass. Students</a> Defrauded by Corinthian Colleges.*
<p>
I suppose <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> will appeal this decision.


feed_id: eb6ced1af94534d8c0872125702e826a
title: Bill that would make Washington, DC a state
uri: Bill-that-would-make-Washington-DC-a-state
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Bill_that_would_make_Washington%2C_DC_a_state%29

content:
<p>

The House of Representatives passed a bill that would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/26/long-past-time-historic-vote-house-democrats-pass-legislation-make-dc-51st-state">make Washington, DC, a state</a>.
<p>
I think that residents of Washington, DC, should have representation in Congress.  There are various ways to give them that.  Making Washington, DC, a state would mean two more Democratic senators, probably progressive senators.  That would be a change for the better, but it ensures that Republicans will block DC statehood.
<p>
Another way is to have Washington, DC, vote as part of Maryland.  That is natural since it was originally carved out of Maryland to create the capital district.  This would not change the balance in the Senate, but it would enable the residents of Washington to vote for Congress.


feed_id: 96b7f93d6979d292469271a7111ce15b
title: Animal rights activist Regan Russell was killed
uri: Animal-rights-activist-Regan-Russell-was-killed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Animal_rights_activist_Regan_Russell_was_killed%29

content:
<p>

Animal rights activist Regan Russell <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/26/we-need-more-people-regan-russell-mourning-and-justice-demanded-over-killing-animal">was killed, in a protest, when truck carrying pigs hit her</a>.  The protest was against an ag-gag law criminalizing various kinds of protest and journalist activities.
<p>
I do not support the animal rights movement, but I support journalism and freedom to protest, and condemn ag-gag laws.


feed_id: 761d4c2780cc8538274b14eeecd8e43b
title: Regrow forest where it has been cut down
uri: Regrow-forest-where-it-has-been-cut-down
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Regrow_forest_where_it_has_been_cut_down%29

content:
<p>

Brazilians are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/27/either-we-change-or-we-die-the-radical-farming-project-in-the-amazon">studying how to regrow forest where it has been cut down</a>.


feed_id: a1e5de58015a97397000ef9db0a63c7f
title: Antelope Valley of California
uri: Antelope-Valley-of-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Antelope_Valley_of_California%29
content:
<p>

The Antelope Valley of California is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/27/california-racism-policing-robert-fuller-antelope-valley">center of white supremacism</a>, and the thugs there have a history of murdering blacks.


feed_id: 11283bb85a9987f6b6f304cc36159650
title: The Movement for Black Lives
uri: The-Movement-for-Black-Lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28The_Movement_for_Black_Lives%29
content:
<p>

The Movement for Black Lives aims for more than getting thugs to stop killing blacks.  It <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/27/black-lives-matter-police-brutality-history/">includes advancing equality along many fronts</a>, described here.
<p>
I support all of them.


feed_id: 2581747096c3723950222cf1cadba219
title: Urgent: Keep up a high rate of coronavirus testing
uri: Urgent-Keep-up-a-high-rate-of-coronavirus-testing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Keep_up_a_high_rate_of_coronavirus_testing%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/coronavirus-tests/">keep up a high rate of coronavirus testing</a>.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>
     <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: d2dd98c2b27a6251b683bbe8ab008b98
title: Urgent: Safe storage of guns
uri: Urgent-Safe-storage-of-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Safe_storage_of_guns%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://sign.actiontaker.org/page/s/demand-congress-pass-safe-storage">promote safe storage of guns</a>.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>

     <p>If you call, please spread the word</a>


feed_id: 03e9cec8a01ed057fab8648f92b64a35
title: Urgent: Prohibit face recognition
uri: Urgent-Prohibit-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Prohibit_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/congress-stop-face-surveillance-technologies">call on Congress to prohibit face recognition.</a>
<p>
Here is the message I sent.

<blockquote>
  If "law enforcement" agencies can use face recognition to track and
  find people, that creates opportunities for oppressive surveillance.
  We need to prohibit that &mdash but not only that.  If other government
  agencies such as the NSA are allowed to do it, the FBI will get the
  data.  If the UK is allowed to do it in the US, the UK will give the
  US that data.

  If businesses such as Clearview AI are allowed to systematically track
  Americans, that data will be so widely available that police
  departments will surely get it.  (Police departments are not known for
  obeying laws.)  But even if only businesses use the data collected by
  Clearview AI, that can still amount to oppressive surveillance.

  I therefore urge you to prohibit the installation of systems that
  systematically collect Americans' images, or any biometrics that enable
  recognition of individuals in general as they move around the US.

  The same should apply to vehicles &mdash; for instance, systematic recognition
  of car license plates, or other tracking of cars, should be legally
  limited to when the system sees an offense, or when there is a warrant
  to track a particular car.

  Digital toll payment should be done by anonymous payment systems so
  that they do not create a database of people's movements.  I can tell
  you about these systems.
</blockquote>

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>

     <p>If you contact them, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 85df9e55c26204216192c14e6ac7314c
title: Urgent: Choose a progressive new leader for the Foreign Affairs committee
uri: Urgent-Choose-a-progressive-new-leader-for-the-Foreign-Affairs-commit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#29_June_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Choose_a_progressive_new_leader_for_the_Foreign_Affairs_committee%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on the House of Representatives to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/hfac-chair-opportunity">choose a progressive new leader for the Foreign Affairs Committee</a> &mdash; replacing Eliot Engel.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>

<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>
  


feed_id: be4acb8c7a7ab848a39162283a37c729
title: Fire due to rising temperatures
uri: Fire-due-to-rising-temperatures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Fire_due_to_rising_temperatures%29
content:
<p>
3500 square miles of the Siberian forest <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/27/warning-sign-major-proportions-number-siberian-forest-fires-increase-fivefold-week">is now on fire
due to rising temperatures there</a>.


feed_id: bf1c8b49e7fd7b5fafa2159977a8fef9
title: Lead with over 65
uri: Lead-with-over-65
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Lead_with_over_65%29
content:
<p>
Biden leads the cheater <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/28/us/politics/trump-approval-older-voters-coronavirus.html">with voters over 65 in battleground states</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> surely knows that.  Could that be part of why he is trying
to spread coronavirus as much as possible?


feed_id: 0ed93d38ca228e2de2ca67492644e0b2
title: Digital lessons
uri: Digital-lessons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Digital_lessons%29
content:
<p>
The Oak National Academy, a UK government operation, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jun/28/teachers-to-film-10000-lessons-in-case-schools-cant-fully-open-in-september">plans to make 10,000
digital lessons for use in teaching over the internet</a>.

<p>
If these are free/libre, they will revolutionize online education.  If
they are free/libre and copylefted, they will liberate online
education.  Otherwise, they will be more bait for exploitation.

<p>
If you are British, how about writing to the Oak National Academy to
urge them to make these lessons free/libre?  Please spread the idea on
social media and with letters to the editor, too.


feed_id: c3f2e43667666d1aed08bba808d7571b
title: Refraining criticizing
uri: Refraining-criticizing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Refraining_criticizing%29
content:
<p>
The UN refrains from criticizing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> for attacking Yemen
so as to encourage Salafi Arabia <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/28/first-you-bomb-and-starve-country-then-youre-praised-sending-aid">to give humanitarian aid
to compensate for part of the damage that it does</a>.


feed_id: 6fdc4977fa6c259731faa39ef0cdecb7
title: Job of police
uri: Job-of-police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Job_of_police%29
content:
<p>
*Getting Real About the Job of Police: <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/03/obama-george-floyd/">A Letter to Barack Obama</a>.*

<p>
When thugs kill, main, or <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> people, they are doing their job &mdash;
their real job.  And that is the underlying problem.


feed_id: 57bd208e9fa8913b45fdd3f76d92e543
title: Protesters shot
uri: Protesters-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Protesters_shot%29
content:
<p>
Someone shot two protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/28/man-dies-shooting-louisville-kentucky-protest-breonna-taylor-killing">at a rally for justice for Breonna Taylor</a>.

<p>
I suppose the killer is one of the violent right-wing extremists that the
extremist-in-chief has stirred up.


feed_id: 96c98e6cbd4495113298944fb51cc44b
title: Thugs during curfew
uri: Thugs-during-curfew
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Thugs_during_curfew%29
content:
<p>
New York City thugs went berserk during the curfew, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/28/new-york-city-curfew-nypd-protests/">mauling people who were minding their own business in their back yards</a>.

<p>
Naturally, they made up absurd accusations against their victims &mdash;
that's standard <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> procedure.


feed_id: aeb273bb0fc462378d3f19159b8da69d
title: We are what we eat
uri: We-are-what-we-eat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28We_are_what_we_eat%29
content:
<p>
*We are what we eat, so we’re right <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/28/we-are-what-we-eat-so-were-right-not-to-trust-what-goes-into-american-food">not to trust what goes into American food</a>.*


feed_id: 09d0461ed3e282fc56fb77aabad897a3
title: Never mind Covid-19
uri: Never-mind-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Never_mind_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
30% of Americans have decided, never mind if we catch Covid-19
and never mind if we transmit it to other people.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/27/coronavirus-cases-us-trump-politics-masks">The result
is a swelling outbreak</a>.

<p>
Republican politicians are pushing this, and surely they can't be
unaware of where things are going.  Therefore, they want that, and it
is surely for the sake of their power.  But what is their strategy?


feed_id: 31692e3fdbd0248467ed15a0d60300a4
title: Support for democracy
uri: Support-for-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Support_for_democracy%29
content:
<p>
In Brazil, a campaign to show support for democracy and teach young people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/28/top-brazil-newspaper-in-pro-democracy-drive-to-counter-bolsonaro">what dictatorship was really like</a>.


feed_id: b2b87efd02cfb7df0e257ae058e921dd
title: Shift to zero emissions and jobs
uri: Shift-to-zero-emissions-and-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Shift_to_zero_emissions_and_jobs%29
content:
<p>
*Australia could create hundreds of thousands of jobs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/29/australia-could-create-hundreds-of-thousands-of-jobs-by-accelerating-shift-to-zero-emissions-report">by accelerating shift to
zero emissions</a>.*


feed_id: 67d24535e5129caad9b326a93690531a
title: Summit Learning
uri: Summit-Learning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Summit_Learning%29
content:
<p>
Some US schools have installed Summit Learning, Facebook-sponsored
proprietary software which sends students' data to a servers <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90269809/after-rapid-growth-zuckerberg-backed-school-program-faces-scrutiny-over-effectiveness-and-data-privacy">so as to give them "customized" lessons</a>.

<p>
Students say it is tiresome and they don't learn much.

<p>
The company's PR chief says, “I want to make clear to you that we are
in no way misusing student data.”  Whatever it does with the data is,
apparently, just fine in the organization's view.

<p>
My view is that none of that data should ever leave the school itself.


feed_id: 38520687d4cfb04b5077d349d9bdb806
title: Armies fighting for oil
uri: Armies-fighting-for-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Armies_fighting_for_oil%29
content:
<p>
The two main armies in Libya are about to start
fighting for control of Libya's oil fields.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/26/libyan-standoff-risks-dragging-egyptian-military-into-regions-cold-war">One has support
from Egypt and the other from Turkey</a>.

<p>
Someone should propose a deal by which both sides get paid
to leave the oil in the ground.  Then maybe they could make peace.


feed_id: b019a1bf15e9654365d6530554930369
title: Daesh defeated
uri: Daesh-defeated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Daesh_defeated%29
content:
<p>
Afghanistan defeated Daesh as a field force, leaving only scattered
underground terrorists.  (Hooray!)  About 600 of them surrendered, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jun/26/there-hasnt-been-rehabilitation-afghanistan-struggles-with-fate-of-daesh-isis-wives">of
whom around 1/3 are radicalized women</a>.

<p>
Here's an idea, for some, those who are not full of hatred: send them
to live in villages with people who suffered Daesh's atrocities, but
who do not see them as targets for revenge, so they can learn to
understand what it was about Daesh that was so bad.

<p>
This might be good for some American supporters of imperialist wars, too.


feed_id: c88c4d794e642079616affbdb8595b14
title: Whitening
uri: Whitening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Whitening%29
content:
<p>
The word "whitening" is becoming taboo.  A company said it will stop
describing its skin creams with that word.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/27/loreal-to-remove-words-like-whitening-from-skincare-products">It will still sell them,
though</a>.

<p>
Is it wrong to aim for better treatment by trying to lighten your skin
color?  Is it wrong to sell whitening creams that purport to do that?
I don't see how.

<p>
Is the idea that people should organize to reject the idea of
lightening their skin, to insist that skin color should not matter?  I
can see the sense in that idea, if people do it.  But I do not think
making it taboo to <em>say</em> "whitening" will help matters.


feed_id: a1b84ef78224e47b3a836154faca6cb6
title: Falsifying figures again
uri: Falsifying-figures-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#30_June_2020_%28Falsifying_figures_again%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 is spreading faster in Florida, and filling the hospitals,
and Rebekah Jones (who was fired for refusing to falsify figures)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/26/florida-governor-ron-desantis-republican-coronavirus">accuses Governor DeSantis of falsifying them again now</a>.

<p>
Since he is a firm supporter of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief, I wouldn't put
that past him.  But it raises the question of why he seeks to spread
Covid-19 in Florida.


feed_id: eae89a42f07a321f9993b2770047afd4
title: New York thug department and FBI interrogating arrested protesters
uri: New-York-thug-department-and-FBI-interrogating-arrested-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28New_York_thug_department_and_FBI_interrogateing_arrested_protesters%29

content:
<p>

The New York thug department invited the FBI to join in interrogating arrested protesters (and non-protesters) <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/04/fbi-nypd-political-spying-antifa-protests/">about their political views</a>.


feed_id: 369e3d4970712a4a3ca63dc02862b4af
title: Thugs used pepper spray on protesting violinists
uri: Thugs-used-pepper-spray-on-protesting-violinists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Thugs_used_pepper_spray_on_protesting_violinists%29

content:
<p>

Thugs in Arizona <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/29/elijah-mcclain-colorado-police">used pepper spray to disperse protesting violinists</a>.
<p>
This might have been justifiable if they were playing Schönberg's atonal music.  Didn't the Atonal Brigade in Guatemala torture dissidents during the civil war? ;-}


feed_id: a77d5ae2beb4d1ac6816c427c49d1b32
title: Advance for Women's equal opportunity?
uri: Advance-for-Women-s-equal-opportunity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Advance_for_women%27s_equal_opportunity_%29

content:
<p>

Is being the first American woman to bomb Yemen, or operate a CIA torture operation, an advance for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/29/bombing-people-not-feminist-no-matter-how-you-spin-it">Women's equal opportunity</a>?
<p>
Reducing gender bias is an important cause, but it is not the only issue of right and wrong in life.


feed_id: d84470138fb78ebff1ead318712bb402
title: Green Party won many local elections in France
uri: Green-Party-won-many-local-elections-in-France
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Green_Party_won_many_local_elections_in_France%29

content:
<p>

The Green Party won many local elections in France.  This convinced Macron to adopt most of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/emmanuel-macron-pledges-15bn-to-tackle-climate-crisis">recommendations of the Citizens' Commission for the Climate</a>, though Greenpeace says he weakened them in the process.


feed_id: a43bf3dc1726ccfdb945be96f3835d0b
title: CIA and KGB manipulation of elections
uri: CIA-and-KGB-manipulation-of-elections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28CIA_and_KGB_manipulation_of_elections%29

content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/29/rigged-america-russia-and-100-years-of-covert-electoral-interference-by-david-shimer-review">book reports</a> on how the CIA and the KGB have manipulated elections in various countries.
<p>
It might be true that the CIA no longer tries to manipulate elections as such, but the US helped overthrow governments in Honduras and probably Brazil and Bolivia.  And it is trying to do so in Venezuela.


feed_id: ce4af53d30eb782d2788c1299f17a82b
title: US medics have a shortage of protective gear again
uri: US-medics-have-a-shortage-of-protective-gear-again
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28US_medics_have_a_shortage_of_protective_gear_again%29

content:
<p>

US medics have a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/demand-ppe-soars-again-amid-shortage-us-cases-rise">shortage of protective gear again</a>, thanks to Republican efforts to boost Covid-19 infection rates and pack the hospitals.


feed_id: 794b1c40a283f29e11165920506a7ef5
title: Why not apply social distancing to social media?
uri: Why-not-apply-social-distancing-to-social-media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Why_not_apply_social_distancing_to_social_media_%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/29/social-distancing-social-media-facebook-misinformation">No more going viral</a>: why not apply social distancing to social media?*


feed_id: 091d3c5010d9cb87c1c392e3201129fe
title: Mayors call for cash payment to every American
uri: Mayors-call-for-cash-payment-to-every-American
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Mayors_call_for_cash_payment_to_every_American%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://time.com/5860407/guaranteed-income-mlk-jr-mayors/">Mayors of 11 US cities</a> call for an automatic monthly cash payment to every American.
<p>
Here is their <a href="https://www.mayorsforagi.org/faqs">web site</a>.
<p>
I'm in favor of this, but it is not sufficient by itself.  For instance, it will not be enough to give everyone medical care; we need Medicare for All.


feed_id: 73b5f627423ba2f799577e52f03fe4a4
title: Libya's oil wells
uri: Libya-s-oil-wells
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Libya%27s_oil_wells%29
content:
<p>

Instead of working to keep Libya's oil wells shut, there is a scheme to reopen them by letting the two warring governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/talks-may-lead-to-end-of-blockade-of-libyan-oilfields">cooperate and split the income</a>.
<p>
This might lead to peace, which would be a great thing for Libya, but the increased oil extraction could speed the world towards global disaster.


feed_id: 44c79fd78efa1b232111ca5b5fd10eed
title: Louisiana's indirect scheme to ban abortion
uri: Louisiana-s-indirect-scheme-to-ban-abortion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Louisiana%27s_indirect_scheme_to_ban_abortion%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/abortion-ruling-supreme-court-strikes-down-louisiana-law">US Supreme Court rejected</a> Louisiana's latest indirect scheme to effectively ban abortion.


feed_id: 6ff95384b089077fc5681af72f428725
title: China limits limits on having children
uri: China-limits-limits-on-having-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28China_limits_limits_on_having_children%29

content:
<p>

China is singling out Uighurs and other minority groups in Xinjiang for special limits on having children, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/china-sterilising-ethnic-minority-women-in-xinjiang-report-says">imposing them with forced sterilization</a>.


feed_id: 725e3f5cb06c53815900ea052248f7be
title: Tory-style economy of recent years
uri: Tory-style-economy-of-recent-years
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Tory-style_economy_of_recent_years%29

content:
<p>

When it comes to the economy, only <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/28/just-6-of-uk-public-want-a-return-to-pre-pandemic-economy">6% of Britons</a> want to return to the Tory-style economy of recent years.
<p>
Too bad they will have Tory government for 4 more years.  They should have voted for Corbyn and Labour.


feed_id: 93766d136545152a50efdbf3243f5afa
title: Australian government powerless against lobbyists
uri: Australian-government-powerless-against-lobbyists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Austrailian_government_powerless_against_lobbyists%29

content:
<p>

*Australian government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/29/australian-government-powerless-against-lobbyists-with-hidden-interests-audit-finds">powerless against lobbyists with hidden interests</a>, audit finds.*


feed_id: 59d3fe96bb1ba2e0e82cd261be7a11fe
title: Shortage of state funds
uri: Shortage-of-state-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Shortage_of_state_funds%29
content:
<p>

A shortage of state funds for what cities need has pushed UK cities into <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/26/jenrick-affair-exposes-a-financialised-planning-system">corruptible deals</a> to get funds from developers in exchange for permission for bad projects.


feed_id: ce088b020fa37bbb1450ff71d2b30fdf
title: Urgent: Vote NO on the 2021 military spending authorization act
uri: Urgent-Vote-NO-on-the-2021-military-spending-authorization-act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Vote_NO_on_the_2021_military_spending_authorization_act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: phone your senators to ask them to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/22514">vote NO on the 2021 military spending authorization act</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>

  <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: a4b4ce92ae426cc8248a9beb08a1804d
title: Torture from all sides
uri: Torture-from-all-sides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Torture_from_all_sides%29
content:
<p>
All sides in Yemen's civil war <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/scale-of-torture-and-deaths-in-yemens-unofficial-prisons-revealed">are torturing prisoners</a>.


feed_id: d2992b80f0d9f7a6c15b654d3deba2d4
title: Exorbitant water bills
uri: Exorbitant-water-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Exorbitant_water_bills%29
content:
<p>
Americans are losing their homes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/30/us-water-poverty-crisis-shut-offs-unpaid-bills">due to exorbitant water bills that they
cannot pay</a>.


feed_id: 3fd5c5b3d725f5e346df7f22ccb50148
title: Cooperation with the rest of the world
uri: Cooperation-with-the-rest-of-the-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Cooperation_with_the_rest_of_the_world%29

content:
<p>
With Covid-19 building up in most countries, will the wealthier parts
of the world <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/30/covid-19-global-health-crisis-solutions-americas-india-africa">cooperate with treatment in the rest of the world</a>? 


feed_id: 6a1bed02417f4503197a1944fa0f2d0c
title: Toxic positivity
uri: Toxic-positivity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Toxic_positivity%29
content:
<p>
*The Toxic Rise <a href="https://cosmicshambles.com/words/blogs/deanburnett/toxic-positivity">of Toxic Positivity</a>.*

<p>
As much of my life has been unhappy &mdash; for reasons that were pretty
obvious to me &mdash; I have been visited many times with demands that I be
helped by the help they offer, and become cheerful.  Or at least
pretend to be.


feed_id: 0b82e5d2d0a05dfc4a95f5d345dfdcee
title: Crushing organized protests
uri: Crushing-organized-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Crushing_organized_protests%29
content:
<p>
China's draconian law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/hong-kong-activists-shut-down-protest-groups-after-china-passes-security-law">has crushed the organized protests of Hong Kong</a>.

<p>
We must not forget Hong Kong's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-nov-feb.html#08 December 2005 (Democracy in Hong Kong)">years of resistance</a>, just as we must
not forget China's massacre of students supporting democracy
in Tian An Men Square.


feed_id: 42522500054ad4911669107ca112f2d6
title: Romanticizing Confederacy
uri: Romanticizing-Confederacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Romanticizing_Confederacy%29
content:
<p>
Stone Mountain Park romanticizes the Confederacy, but when the giant
statue was built, in the 1960s, it embodied the spirit of
segregationism.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/jun/30/what-we-can-do-now-about-stone-mountains-150ft-confederate-carving">This article proposes ways to make it ineffective</a>.


feed_id: 2f54ec90911b92bbd93cdf96f783d32a
title: Sentencing journalist to death
uri: Sentencing-journalist-to-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Sentencing_journalist_to_death%29
content:
<p>
Iran has sentenced journalist Ruhollah Zam <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/iran-sentences-journalist-ruhollah-zam-to-death">to death</a>.


feed_id: 301c7c28b99b2a055f769039504e5f3d
title: Amendment to reduce military budget
uri: Amendment-to-reduce-military-budget
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Amendment_to_reduce_military_budget%29

content:
<p>
Sanders explains the need for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/jun/30/a-10-budget-cut-to-the-us-military-budget-by-10-to-help-save-lives-in-this-pandemic">his amendment to reduce
the US military budget by 10%</a>.


feed_id: edc62f238975bcefbf3548d0562fcb7f
title: Banning group activities
uri: Banning-group-activities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Banning_group_activities%29
content:
<p>
Some US states are banning certain group activities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/29/arizona-covid-19-shutdown-rollback-bars-gyms">to try to slow the
accelerating spread of Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: e5e397efd42cf563a3bf663ddf7f44dd
title: Onions suggestions for thug departments
uri: Onions-suggestions-for-thug-departments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Onions_suggestions_for_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/how-to-reform-the-police-1843886848">satire</a>) The Onion's suggestions for reforming US thug departments.


feed_id: 2b7b3ab47f3ede1f8adc94e30a3bbe34
title: Great idea for a sitcom
uri: Great-idea-for-a-sitcom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Great_idea_for_a_sitcom%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://entertainment.theonion.com/economist-has-great-idea-for-sitcom-where-keynesian-and-1844201646">satire</a>) *economist John Stephens confirmed to
   sources Monday that he has a great idea for a sitcom where a Keynesian
   and a Friedmanite have to live together.*


feed_id: 397ca9154eb2a8ec927e188bdf7041bb
title: Chess
uri: Chess
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Chess%29
content:
<p>
Chess: <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/hhbpdq/gotta_love_youtube/fw97xnn/">patriarchal</a>
  or <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/hhbpdq/gotta_love_youtube/fw9ljoj/">feminist</a>?


feed_id: 0b8965fbd64cbde7eaa0e0eb8551e686
title: Not getting jobs back
uri: Not-getting-jobs-back
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Not_getting_jobs_back%29
content:
<p>
Some economists forecast that 10% of US workers will not get their
jobs back even if we eliminate Covid-19.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/29/analysis-warns-11-those-unemployed-due-pandemic-have-zero-chance-getting-job-back">That will amount to a big
recession</a>.


feed_id: c421348735ce188aa53b529c28d3fa9b
title: $500 per dose
uri: 500-per-dose
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28%24500_per_dose%29
content:
<p>
Gilead Sciences <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/29/absolute-robbery-gilead-announces-3120-price-tag-covid-19-drug-developed-70-million">plans to charge $500 per dose for remdesivir</a>.

<p>
The company would make a profit selling it for $50 per dose,
and if we had a national medical system, it would push the price
down to such a level.

<p>
The role of government funds in developing remdesivir is not an
exception, it is the normal case.  Medicine is one of the areas
<a href="media/1dcfd209.45_1_stallman.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/law/students/publications/llj/pdfs/45_1_stallman.pdf">where it is important not to allow patents</a>.

<p>
The US government has bought nearly the entire production of
remdesivir for July through September, making the drug unavailable
to other countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/30/us-buys-up-world-stock-of-key-covid-19-drug">that are subservient to the patent system</a>.

<p>
I hope that they will go through with the plan to make compulsory
licenses, which are permitted by the WTO treaty.  The US has lobbied
for decades to convince countries to forego that right.
Maybe they are prepared to defy the conman to help their
hospitals cope.

<p>
The article claims that the US government has tried to keep supplies
for treating Covid-19 available in the US, but that's not its usual policy.
There are examples
where it did the exact opposite, in particular with masks and ventilators.
  Even now, Fauci says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/masks-slow-spread-coronavirus-experts-cultural-shift">that US medical personnel face shortages</a>.

<p>
And the numskull has no wish to ensure there is sufficient testing
capacity in the US.

<p>
Thus, the purchase of remdesivir is contrary to the usual practice, and
makes me wonder what his motive was.


feed_id: dc9889e77566f38ad2b08703fa03c8e6
title: Bold plan to do part of the deal
uri: Bold-plan-to-do-part-of-the-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_%28Bold_plan_to_do_part_of_the_deal%29
content:
<p>
House Democrats have proposed a "bold" plan to do a substantial
part of the Green New Deal &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/29/democrats-climate-crisis-carbon-emissions">but nowhere near all of it</a>.

<p>
2050 is far too late a target.  The target we need, to avoid disaster,
is 2020, or perhaps 2010.  But since that's impossible, at least make
it 2030.

<p>
The plan seems to be formulated in terms of "net" emissions, meaning
that it will rely on planned "offsets" that are intended to cancel out
emissions.  However, these plans can fail.   You can plant trees, but
over thirty years of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, the changes in climate can kill
them, and whatever carbon they absorbed will be released again.


feed_id: 0ca459bb164a9601db825adb0b67e030
title: No limits on gouging
uri: No-limits-on-gouging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28No_limits_on_gouging%29
content:
<p>
The US government is signing contracts about possible treatments for Covid-19
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/01/coronavirus-treatment-drug-contracts-trump/">and choosing to put no limits on gouging</a>.


feed_id: b127b30fb3bea4e7a94e1a0adc027eab
title: Harvesting faster than it grows
uri: Harvesting-faster-than-it-grows
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Harvesting_faster_than_it_grows%29
content:
<p>
Europe is harvesting its vast tree plantations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/01/europe-losing-forest-to-harvesting-at-alarming-rate-data-suggests">faster than they grow</a>.


feed_id: 0fb0dab61d3815294319928be8cbf210
title: Protesters and journalists attacked violently
uri: Protesters-and-journalists-attacked-violently
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Protesters_and_journalists_attacked_violently%29

content:
<p>
Thousands protested in Hong Kong, and 400 were arrested.
The thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/01/hong-kong-protesters-arrested-as-security-law-comes-into-effect">attacked protesters and journalists violently</a>.

<p>
Every aspect of this law, and the way it was imposed, has been
designed to show that China's repression will be totally arbitrary.
*“If you’ve ever said anything that might offend the PRC [People’s
Republic of China] or Hong Kong authorities, stay out of Hong Kong,”
 said Donald Clarke, a law professor at George Washington University.*


feed_id: bae88392bd0903ff6a4bfd83067d3cdb
title: Commando disbanded due to far-right culture
uri: Commando-disbanded-due-to-far-right-culture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Commando_disbanded_due_to_far-right_culture%29

content:
<p>
*German [army] commando company <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/01/german-commando-company-disbanded-after-extremist-rightwing-culture-discovered">is disbanded due to far-right culture</a>.*


feed_id: c8d5d8fd476fb5199364a4e79d68c856
title: Tropical plant species wipe out
uri: Tropical-plant-species-wipe-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Tropical_plant_species_wipe_out%29
content:
<p>
1/5 of tropical plant species could be wiped out by 2070;
it will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jul/02/global-heating-will-make-it-much-harder-for-tropical-plants-to-germinate-study-finds">too hot for their seeds to germinate</a>.

<p>
I would expect this was based on estimates of heating that have already
been found too low.  Not long ago it was reported <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#16_June_2020_(Global_heating_will_be_much_worse_than_predicted)">that the numbers have
to be adjusted upward</a>.


feed_id: 104f31d483cb18e93b442190ca3515f9
title: Removing copy of the Confederate flag
uri: Removing-copy-of-the-Confederate-flag
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Removing_copy_of_the_Confederate_flag%29

content:
<p>
Mississippi has modified its state flag <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/30/mississippi-flag-confederate-symbol-remove">to remove a copy of the
Confederate flag</a>.

<p>
Several southern states put that into their state flags as a symbol of
racism.


feed_id: 6322fb8dce3819500acd9b382c578e65
title: Adham Hassoun ordered released
uri: Adham-Hassoun-ordered-released
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Adham_Hassoun_ordered_released%29
content:
<p>
The conman's officials sought to keep Adham Hassoun in prison
permanently without any sort of hearing.  A US court ordered him released,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/29/federal-court-rules-trump-effort-detain-man-indefinitely-without-charges-cannot">though the decision is likely to be appealed</a>.


feed_id: 22e07156e1de9b45c1496f088b2cd59f
title: Sympathy card
uri: Sympathy-card
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Sympathy_card%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-sends-sympathy-card-after-killing-man-s-wife-1844216451">satire</a>) *God, Our Heavenly Father, reportedly sent a
   sympathy card Tuesday to 56-year-old Arizona resident Greg Harris after
   killing his wife.*


feed_id: d4a3fada86d1bcb608110c4b292de14d
title: Take a clear stand
uri: Take-a-clear-stand
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Take_a_clear_stand%29
content:
<p>
*Progressive Lawmakers Call on US to 'Take a Clear Stand' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/30/progressive-lawmakers-call-us-take-clear-stand-suspending-military-aid-if-israel">by Suspending
Military Aid If Israel Carries Out 'Illegal' Annexation</a>.*

<p>
Annexation would violate the international laws of war, just like the
colonization and theft of land and water resources which Israel has
already done.


feed_id: 393a1d12a6b3ec8e2dcb76b706816d68
title: NAFTA improved labor rights
uri: NAFTA-improved-labor-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28NAFTA_improved_labor_rights%29
content:
<p>
The improved labor rights clauses in the new NAFTA may not do much good
when lawyers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/30/launch-new-nafta-marred-detainment-mexican-labor-activist-hundreds-court">who try to exercise them are jailed on absurd charges</a>.


feed_id: e6d2d39d02d4b5e49a810c0da2cdfde1
title: Bold climate plan fail
uri: Bold-climate-plan-fail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Bold_climate_plan_fail%29
content:
<p>
The Democrats' "bold" climate plan <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/30/dems-climate-crisis-committee-fails-treat-climate-crisis">fails even to include ending the
construction of fossil fuel facilities</a>.

<p>
The companies that own oil or gas facilities will fight like the devil
to keep on using them till the last possible moment.  To allow
continued "investment" in destroying civilization means creating
additional enemies for later stages of the fight to save civilization.


feed_id: eb5f3e1953ab20bbfafcd3a75dc16c02
title: The Case for Medicare for All
uri: The-Case-for-Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28The_Case_for_Medicare_for_All%29
content:
<p>
*The Case for Medicare for All <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/30/case-medicare-all-has-grown-stronger-ever">Has Grown Stronger Than Ever</a>* based on current economic and expense figures.


feed_id: fd3761c5a472328609271524a12015f4
title: Even more power to president
uri: Even-more-power-to-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Even_more_power_to_president%29
content:
<p>
The Supreme Court ruled that the president <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/29/victory-wall-streets-army-lawyers-and-lobbyists-supreme-court-puts-cfpb-chief-under">can fire the head of the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau arbitrarily</a>.

<p>
This gives the president even more power over it, but the conman
already replaced the head of the CFPB, which shows it already
had insufficient independence.


feed_id: da64b6f399525471e3f67e2a12bc24fd
title: Limit targeting of advertising
uri: Limit-targeting-of-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Limit_targeting_of_advertising%29
content:
<p>
A California ballot initiative aims to limit targeting of advertising <a href="https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/353024/california-residents-to-vote-on-new-privacy-rights.html">based on "sensitive" personal information</a>.

<p>
I think it will do some good &mdash; but there are ways to game the new
requirement about personal data.  Users could tell companies not to
use the sensitive data, if they find which companies to give this
instruction to.  But companies can use observed behavior as
approximate proxies for the personal data.  Facebook and others can
tell with high probability whether someone is gay, or what per
religion is, by what <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> visits and searches for.  However, those
proxy data are not, in fact, part of the sensitive personal data.

<p>
In addition, this requirement is vulnerable to the <em>manufacture of
consent</em>(*): "to use our service, which everyone believes one cannot live
without, you must consent to our using your sensitive personal data
for advertising."

<p>
What we really need is anonymity in searching and paying on the internet.

<p>
Senator Sherrod Brown has proposed a strong internet privacy law
<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/privacy-isnt-a-right-you-can-click-away/">that would make some real difference</a>.  His proposed law would limit the collection of data.
He has grasped the issue of the manufacturing of consent.

<p>
Whether it would fully address the problem depends on details that I
have not seen.  It would prohibit selling personal data; would it
prohibit selling the service of selecting people based on their
personal data, which is what Facebook actually does?  The California
ballot initiative does that.

<p>
He talks of allowing collection of data that is "necessary" for the
service that is offered, but that rule <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">has strong interpretations and weak interpretations</a>.

<p>
Nonetheless, Senator Brown has advanced the discussion considerably.
He rejects the supposed imperative to keep nasty businesses going.

<p>
* It amuses me no end to repurpose this term, which Chomsky coined for one
nasty practice, to describe another nasty practice.


