# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Swatting)
title: Swatting
uri: 2024-02-02-Swatting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Swatting)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/nikki-haley-swatted-republicans">Swatting has extended</a> to various right-wing US officials and
politicians.
<p>
Swatting is a dangerous form of violence, and its existence is a blot
on our society.  It used to be focused on people hated by
right-wingers, and that often led the SWAT <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> (often right-wing
themselves) to shoot first without noting that there was nothing
wrong.
<p>
Now that the victims may be themselves right-wing, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> may learn the
habit of considering there may be nothing actually wrong, before they
shoot anyone.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Green_Cross_organizations)
title: Green Cross organizations
uri: Green-Cross-organizations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Green_Cross_organizations)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing an international network of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/09/war-red-cross-green-climate-disasters">Green Cross organizations that
would help the people struck by climate disasters</a> beyond the ability
of a national government to deal with.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(US_and_Israel)
title: US and Israel
uri: US-and-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(US_and_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders: *The United States must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/27/the-us-must-act-to-end-the-gaza-disaster">make it clear to Netanyahu</a>
that we will not provide another dollar to support his inhumane,
illegal war.*
<p>
I agree.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Hinkley_Point_C)
title: Hinkley Point C
uri: Hinkley-Point-C
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Hinkley_Point_C)
content:
 
<p>
Delays have made the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant so expensive that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/27/hinkley-point-c-woes-threaten-break-uk-france-nuclear-fusion">the main investor, EDF, looks to lose money on it</a>.
<p>
Hinkley Point C should be canceled and the sunk costs written off.
<p>
Building nuclear power plants as a means of decarbonization is idiotic
because renewable electric generation and battery storage are much
cheaper and much faster to build.  The decision to build that power
reactor has to have been influenced by illegitimate goals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Defunct_blog_now_clickbait_farm)
title: Defunct blog now clickbait farm
uri: Defunct-blog-now-clickbait-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Defunct_blog_now_clickbait_farm)
content:
 
<p>
*How [defunct] Beloved Indie Blog "The Hairpin" <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-hairpin-blog-ai-clickbait-farm/">Turned Into an AI
Clickbait Farm</a>.*  The article reports that some businesses are
systematically buying expired domain names of sites that were of value
once, and doing this to them.
<p>
The copyright on the articles formerly posted on that blog site did
not expire with the site's domain.  What the site is described as
doing to some of those articles sounds like copyright infringement to
me.  This article does not say who holds those copyrights, or how the
clickbait farmer could have found those old articles.
<p>
You may have heard that I advocate <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">major relaxation of copyright law</a>.
If the changes I propose there were carried out, that would not alter
the legal situation of this issue.

<p>
 


title: Kagame regime targeting journalists
uri: Kagame-regime-targeting-journalists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Kagame_regime_targeting_journalists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Kagame_regime_targeting_journalists)

content:
 
<p>
*Kagame's government [in Rwanda] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/well-camouflaged-dictatorship-rwandans-fear-for-safety-while-dirty-tricks-campaign-undermines-critics">targeted journalists who uncovered killings</a>,
disappearances and torture linked to the regime.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Education_costs)
title: Education costs
uri: Education-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Education_costs)
content:
 
<p>
Many young Britons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/28/young-people-in-uk-having-to-refuse-jobs-due-to-high-costs-report-finds">can't afford the education needed to get a good job</a>.
A substantial number can't afford the costs of working, such as clothing
and commuting.
<p>
I suppose the latter will eventually compel employers to offer higher
wages.  But the education problem won't solve itself that way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(NSA's_warrantless_data_buying)
title: NSA's warrantless data buying
uri: NSA-s-warrantless-data-buying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(NSA's_warrantless_data_buying)
content:
 
<p>
The NSA gets Americans' location data <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nsa-admits-to-buying-americans-web-browsing-data-from-brokers-without-warrants-154904461.html?src=rss">without any sort of warrant
by buying it from data brokers</a>.
<p>
The NSA kept this secret, and Senator Wyden had to block a
nomination to extract the admission that the NSA does this.  I presume
he knew this for a fact, from secret sources he was allowed to see,
but in order to take action to stop the practice he needed something
he could lawfully cite.
<p>
The NSA currently says it "minimizes" such collection, which means
doing no more than it finds "necessary" for whatever goal it is
working on.  How much is that?  We don't know.
<p>
We do know there is danger that a year from now the US will have a
dictator nominally called "president", a dictator that cooperates with
Putin and whose supporters include state officials who seek to repress
abortion and women who get abortions.  What will the NSA and other
government agencies do then, with the location data they can obtain?
<p>
Of course, we should do our best to make sure that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> loses
to Biden again, and we should prepare to crush the coup that he
already encourages his followers to mount.
<p>
But this should also remind us that it is unacceptable for the systems
we use to keep track of our activities.  The most sensitive personal data
is about details:
<ul compact>
<li> Where did you go?
<li> What did you do there?
<li> Who did you communicate with (and what was said)?
</ul>
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">We must put an end to tracking and collection of people's sensitive
activity data</a> except based on specific warrants to authorize such
collection.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Hostile_architecture)
title: Hostile architecture
uri: 2024-02-02-Hostile-architecture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Hostile_architecture)
content:
 
<p>
Hostile urban architecture, designed to eliminate all opportunities to
comfortably rest or pause, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/21/hostile-architecture-is-making-our-cities-even-less-welcoming">makes cities unpleasant for doing anything</a>
other than rushing through to the next purchase or errand.
<p>
This fits perfectly with the spirit that criminalizes homelessness
and, in some US cities, <a href="https://homelessvoice.org/the-cost-to-criminalize-homelessness/">spends far more to persecute homeless people</a>
than it would cost to give them homes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Florida_and_social_media)
title: Florida and social media
uri: Florida-and-social-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Florida_and_social_media)
content:
 
<p>
Florida is considering a law that would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/25/florida-social-media-teenager-ban-bill">ban people under 16 years old
from making accounts on some sorts of platforms</a>, if they have addictive
design features.
<p>
<p>
The law says this applies if a social media platform "utilizes addictive,
harmful, or deceptive design features, or any other feature that is
designed to cause an account holder to have an excessive or compulsive
need to use or engage with the social media platform."
<p>
It is going to be hard for courts to decide what sites that law does
or doesn't apply to.
<p>
Such dis-services are unjust, and harmful to people of any age.  I
would suggest simply prohibiting such features.
<p>
Like many others, I am concerned that this law will result in a requirement
for users to identify themselves, for age verification.  There are systems
which make it possible to verify someone's age without being able to learn
per identity -- GNU Taler can be used that way.  But we can't take for granted
that the platforms will implement it that way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(DeMentis)
title: DeMentis
uri: DeMentis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(DeMentis)
content:
 
<p>
Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> has one year left to attack freedom in Florida.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/25/ron-desantis-florida-legislation">Citizens wonder what more they will lose</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Getting_past_Starmer)
title: Getting past Starmer
uri: Getting-past-Starmer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Getting_past_Starmer)
content:
 
<p>
How could people who want to make Britain just, kind and welcoming possibly
get past Starmer?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/25/uk-politics-keir-starmer-jeremy-corbyn-inequality">This article</a> suggests ways.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(California_SB938)
title: California SB938
uri: California-SB938
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(California_SB938)
content:
 
<p>
Oil and gas utilities, and electric utilities that use fossil fuels,
spend customer' payments on climate crisis denial.  California is <a href="https://act.evergreenaction.com/go/5119?t=1002&akid=14014%2E263952%2E2eGP3y">looking
at prohibiting this</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_((Satire)_One_free_treat)
title: (Satire) One free treat
uri: (Satire)-One-free-treat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_((Satire)_One_free_treat)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Congress Reduces SNAP Benefits To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-reduces-snap-benefits-to-one-free-treat-on-rec-1851113116">One Free Treat On
Recipient's Birthday</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Abortion_restrictions)
title: Abortion restrictions
uri: Abortion-restrictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Abortion_restrictions)
content:
 
<p>
Restrictions on abortion in the US are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/24/singles-sex-study-match-roe-v-wade">interfering with sex and with
forming sexual/romantic relationships</a>.
<p>
However, it has encouraged more use of birth control, including condoms.
That is good -- but that good consequence does not justify the anxiety
and fear caused by banning abortion.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Overturn "Citizens" United decision
uri: Urgent-Overturn-Citizens-United-decision
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Urgent:_Overturn_Citizens_United_decision)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Urgent:_Overturn_Citizens_United_decision)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-we-must-overturn-citizens-united-5?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=2024citizensunited_patriotic-millionaires">call on Congress</a>
to overturn the "Citizens" United decision.
<p>
Those corporations called their organization "Citizens United", but I have no reason to
endorse their distortion, so I call it the
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corporationsunited">Corporations United</a> decision.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: E2EE Surveillance: client-side scanning
uri: E2EE-Surveillance-client-side-scanning
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(E2EE_Surveillance:_client-side_scanning)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(E2EE_Surveillance:_client-side_scanning)

content:
 
<p>
There are proposals to impose censorship on material being shared
digitally between individuals by means of requiring that computers
(including snoop phones) contain a specific nonfree program which
would check for forbidden communications before end-to-end encryption
goes to work.  That system design is called "client-side scanning".
<p>
For me, the first argument against this is self-evident: nonfree
software is unjust and requiring any nonfree software is inexcusable.
<p>
The second argument is monitoring of people's private communications
is tyranny, and that once the system exists it will surely be used
to censor political views.
<p>
However, to persuade officials who don't care about those human rights
issues, neither the unjustice of nonfree software nor that of privacy
will suffice.  Other arguments are needed.
<p>
Here are some practical arguments against
<a href="https://academic.oup.com/cybersecurity/article/10/1/tyad020/7590463">mandating client-side
scanning</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Aborted_abortions)
title: Medically necessary abortion hassles, TN
uri: Medically-necessary-abortion-hassles-TN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Aborted_abortions)
content:
 
<p>
*The women suing Tennessee for being
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/01/abortion-ban-tennessee-texas-lawsuits">denied abortions [which they
needed</a>
for medical reasons].*
<p>
Vicious Republicans, shame on you!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Economics_and_climate_chaos)
title: Permacrises slams mainstream economics
uri: Permacrises-slams-mainstream-economics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Economics_and_climate_chaos)
content:
 
<p>
Economist James Meadway integrates
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/10/we-cant-pretend-the-ecological-crisis-is-separate-the-economist-thinking-differently-about-climate-breakdown">awareness of global heating</a>
and its effects and consequences into understanding of the economy.
<p>
When the climate was fairly stable, and fluctuations were temporary
("weather"), it may have worked to treat those as externalities.
They are small changes and can be modeled with perturbation theory.
But when <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is taking every measurement off the charts,
to assume they are small perturbations is simply false.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(UNRWA_as_irreplaceable)
title: UNRWA as irreplaceable
uri: UNRWA-as-irreplaceable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(UNRWA_as_irreplaceable)
content:
 
<p>
*It's right to probe UNRWA's problems &mdash yet what would replace it?  Its
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/31/unrwa-critics-israel-allegations-services-shrink">critics have no answer</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Spies_in_Taiwan)
title: Spies in Taiwan
uri: Spies-in-Taiwan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Spies_in_Taiwan)
content:
 
<p>
China seeks unceasingly to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/taiwan-china-spies-beijing-espionage">recruit spies</a> in Taiwan.
<p>
Why should Taiwanese fight China?  Not out of hatred for China the
country, but rather to protect freedom in Taiwan -- and someday,
perhaps, to bring it to China as well.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Tory_dooH_niboR_scheme)
title: Tory dooH niboR scheme
uri: Tory-dooH-niboR-scheme
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Tory_dooH_niboR_scheme)
content:
 
<p>
*[Tory] ministers plan to push cash-strapped English councils to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/30/ministers-plan-to-push-english-councils-to-sell-assets-to-plug-budget-holes-condemned">sell
assets</a>.*
<p>

The Tories cuts in support for local government now turn out to be
part of a two-part dooH niboR scheme.  First, cut the aid to local
governments to the point that they can't do anything for the non-rich,
not even parks and public libraries, not even the most essential
(which they must do anyway).  Then, compel them to make up the
shortfall by selling public buildings and land in a hurry, for less
than their market value, which is in effect a hand-out to the rich.
<p>
The two parts add up to dooH niboR as a whole: take from the poor, and
give to the rich.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(NAFTA)
title: NAFTA
uri: 2024-02-03-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(NAFTA)
content:
 
<p>
A seabed mining company is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/how-a-us-mining-firm-sued-mexico-for-billions-for-trying-to-protect-its-own-seabed">using NAFTA</a> to prevent Mexico from
protecting seabed ecosystems in the Gulf of California.
NAFTA is a <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>
and it contains an ISDS clause.
<p>
Businesses can use those against any government.  I call them "I Sue
Democratic States" clauses because democratic states sometimes heed
popular demand to make regulations to stop business operations from
doing massive damage.  This damage can be enormous -- it can include
global heating disaster, which may result in the collapse of
civilization -- so preventing it justifies war.
<p>
One of the few good things that the wrecker did as president, one of
the few cases in which he did what he said he would do, was <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_(Changes_in_the_new_NAFTA)">replacing
NAFTA</a> with a new version, which ISTR eliminated the ISDS clause.
I wonder, didn't that treaty eliminate this case?  If not, why not?
<p>
Could a further revision of NAFTA succeed in abolishing all the
existing cases under that one treaty?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(EU_biodiversity)
title: EU biodiversity
uri: EU-biodiversity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(EU_biodiversity)
content:
 
<p>
The EU has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/eu-delays-biodiversity-rules-amid-rising-protests-from-farmers">delayed a rule requiring each farm to set aside 4% of its
usable farmland for protection of wildlife and the soil.
<p>
It is safe to delay this, but in the long term such protection is
absolutely necessary to avoid disaster.  I suggest phasing it in,
perhaps introducing the rule by increments of 0.5% each year.  After 8
years of that, it will reach 4%, but by going slowly it will give
markets time to adjust.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(BP_vs_hedge_fund)
title: BP vs hedge fund
uri: BP-vs-hedge-fund
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(BP_vs_hedge_fund)
content:
 
<p>
Some investors in BP are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/29/bp-under-pressure-from-hedge-fund-to-ditch-clean-energy-strategy">demanding it cancel plans to ramp down fossil
fuel extraction</a>, saying it could make more money pumping more.
<p>
A few decades from now, if we do not curb global heating, all that
wealth will disappear along with the framework in which it is
meaningful,  But these fools don't look at the long term.
<p>
What this shows is that we must force the world to reduce fossil fuel
extraction at a planned pace.  We must make the world does not fulfill
these short-sighted investors' expectations.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Dissidents_arrested)
title: Dissidents arrested
uri: Dissidents-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Dissidents_arrested)
content:
 
<p>
Thailand has arrested a Russian dissident rock band and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/30/members-of-russian-anti-war-rock-band-bi-2-face-deportation-from-thailand">threatens to
deport them to Russia, where Putin would imprison them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Moths_and_light_pollution)
title: Moths and light pollution
uri: Moths-and-light-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Moths_and_light_pollution)
content:
 
<p>
Understanding why nocturnal insects orbit lamps shows why <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/jan/30/why-are-moths-attracted-to-lights-science-answer">light
pollution at night can wipe them out</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Climate_crisis_warning_in_1954)
title: Climate crisis warning in 1954
uri: Climate-crisis-warning-in-1954
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Climate_crisis_warning_in_1954)
content:
 
<p>
Fossil fuel companies were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/30/fossil-fuel-industry-air-pollution-fund-research-caltech-climate-change-denial">warned about the danger</a> of global heating
in 1954, from research that they funded to track the level of CO2 in
the air.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Civilian_casualty_compensation)
title: Civilian casualty compensation
uri: Civilian-casualty-compensation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Civilian_casualty_compensation)
content:
 
<p>
The US should pay <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/30/ilhan-omar-pentagon-drone-strike-victims/">compensation for the civilian casualties</a> of its
fighting in Somalia.  And elsewhere, too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(PFA_ban)
title: PFA ban
uri: PFA-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(PFA_ban)
content:
 
<p>
*New Zealand to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/new-zealand-pfa-chemicals-ban-2026-health-risks">ban PFAS</a> ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics from 2026.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Underestimated_emissions)
title: Underestimated emissions
uri: Underestimated-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Underestimated_emissions)
content:
 
<p>
Australia finds that car manufacturer are still <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/carmakers-grossly-under-reporting-emissions-as-australia-starts-real-world-tests">publishing greatly
underestimated figures for pollution emissions</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Conscription)
title: Conscription
uri: 2024-02-03-Conscription
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Conscription)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories are now considering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/29/why-boris-johnson-and-other-men-like-him-love-the-idea-of-conscription">imposing conscription</a> on the UK because young
people don't want to join the army.
<p>
There is not much about the UK as it is misgoverned that would inspire
people to fight to defend it.  The only argument I know of is,
"Government could be even worse."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Climate_gentrification)
title: Climate gentrification
uri: 2024-02-03-Climate-gentrification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Climate_gentrification)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating is causing sea-level rise.  The better-off people in
the prosperous parts of Miami (mostly whites) want to move west to
higher ground, into neighborhood now inhabited mainly by blacks.
To facilitate this, redevelopment projects <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/miami-climate-gentrification-pbs-documentary-liberty-city">tear down old housing projects
and build new housing</a>, most of which is rented out for more than the old
inhabitants can afford.
<p>
Because of the extent of racism in the US, this phenomenon has a
racial tinge.  The wealthier people who drive poor people out of
higher ground are more often white, and the poor people driven out
tend to be nonwhite.
<p>
But that detail is not what makes this an injustice.  If the people
moving in were the same mix of races as those being driven out, only
richer, the injustice would be the same.  A good society is not cruel
to anyone.
<p>
Governments ought to buy out every residence in what is or will be a
flood zone, and build new flood-safe rental housing for tenants to
move to.  And help people move out of regions such as Florida, which
are going to be too hot and wet whether inundated or not.  That is
what progressive officials would do -- while reducing the size of this
problem by <i>vigorously curbing global heating</i>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Reducing_microplastics)
title: Reducing microplastics
uri: Reducing-microplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Reducing_microplastics)
content:
 
<p>
*EU [proposes] force cosmetic companies to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/29/eu-will-force-cosmetic-companies-to-pay-to-reduce-microplastic-pollution">pay to reduce microplastic
pollution</a>.*
<p>
This is just a first step, but it will get started on a path that the
world needs to follow much further.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Voluntary_migration)
title: "Voluntary" migration
uri: Voluntary-migration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Voluntary_migration)
content:
 
<p>
*Israeli ministers attend conference calling for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/29/israeli-ministers-attend-conference-calling-for-voluntary-migration-of-palestinians">‘voluntary migration’ of
Palestinians</a>.*
<p>
I am sure any such migration would be no more "voluntary" than the use
of nonfree software today: done under pressure that is hard to resist.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Genocide_as_a_abused_term)
title: "Genocide" as an abused term
uri: Genocide-as-an-abused-term
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Genocide_as_a_abused_term)
content:
 
<p>
*AOC says no one should be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-public-discourse-israel-gaza-genocide">‘tossed out of public discourse</a>’
for accusing Israel of genocide.*
<p>
I disagree with that accusation &mdash; I've explained
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(South_Africa_V._Israel)">the difference
between</a>
genocide and a series of atrocities &mdash; but I agree completely with AOC's point.
<p>
As long as we tolerate people in public discourse despite their advocating the horrible
things that Republicans espouse (or, should we say, "rape"?) nowadays, it is absurd to
condemn a person totally for a disagreement over the level of condemnation Israel deserves
for killing 25,000 Palestinian civilians.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Rail_safety_V_hiring_more_workers)
title: Rail safety V hiring more workers
uri: Rail-safety-V-hiring-more-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Rail_safety_V_hiring_more_workers)
content:
 
<p>
The Norfolk Southern megarailroad responded to the derailment in
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/one-year-after-ohio-train-derailment-disaster-report-finds-norfolk-southerns-federal-lobbying-spending-increased-30-percent">East
Palestine, Ohio</a>,
by increasing its lobbying expenditures to make sure Congress
does nothing to require it to hire enough workers to ensure safety.
<p>
The derailment, the toxic gas leak and the fire would not have
happened if the train had had
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#1_March_2023_(Crafting_an_illusion)">a full crew</a>.

<p>
 


title: Dealing with kids' dopamine dealers
uri: Dealing-with-kids-dopamine-dealers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Dealing_with_kids'_dopamine_dealers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Dealing_with_kids'_dopamine_dealers)

content:
 
<p>
California is proposing an interesting approach towards
<a href="https://www.engadget.com/proposed-california-bill-would-let-parents-block-algorithmic-social-feeds-for-children-220132956.html?src=rss">antisocial media platforms</a>.
<p>
It is exciting that SB 976 turns towards restricting recommendation algorithms.  But these
options should not be limited to minors &mdash; every user should have this choice.
(Please do not refer to teenagers as "children"; that feeds the US tendency to treat them
like children and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Free-play_kid_programs)">retard their development</a>.)
<p>
However, I suggest taking a step beyond just choosing to use or not use the platform's
addiction system.  Recommendation algorithms should be completely separated from
platforms!
<p>
If you want to use a nontrivial recommendation algorithm, you should be able to choose it
yourself and use it anonymously.  You could send it the URLs you want it to base its
choices on.  These might be some of the pages you had visited, and perhaps pages you had
not visited.
<p>
Then it should send <i>you</i> its recommendations.  You could pass all, or just some, or
none of those recommendations to the platform to look at them.
<p>
AB 1949 is admirable because it gives a small boost to privacy for users of all ages, not
only for children.  It isn't enough, though &mdash; users should also be guaranteed the
right and possibility to access through the Tor network and to use aliases.  And
collection of a user's data by the state should require a warrant against the user.




<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Election_chaos)
title: Election chaos
uri: Election-chaos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Election_chaos)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich explains how the bullshitter and Republicans
are <a href="https://invidio.us/3Cjjh3VNOjs">trying to spread
chaos</a> to discourage non-fascists from voting.  After creating as
much real chaos as they can, they pretend there is even more of it,
hoping Americans will give up and not vote, or support a fascist
strong man.
<p>
I urge you to vote in Democratic primaries for the progressive
candidate, if there is one.  And in the final election I urge you to
vote for Democrats, unless a liberal independent had a good chance of
winning.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect American bumblebee
uri: Urgent-Protect-American-bumblebee
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_American_bumblebee)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_American_bumblebee)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55497&tag=email_blast:129880&supporter_KEY=229474">protect the
American bumblebee as an endangered species</a>.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Global_heating_and_food)
title: Global heating and food
uri: Global-heating-and-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Global_heating_and_food)
content:
 
<p>
A special meal highlights <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/03/endangered-disappearing-food-climate-crisis">well-known foods that are in danger</a> of
becoming unavailable due to global heating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_assault_weapon_ban)
title: Urgent: assault weapon ban
uri: Urgent-assault-weapon-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_assault_weapon_ban)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to pass <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-pass-the-assault-weapons-ban?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">the assault Weapons ban</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stand_with_journalists)
title: Urgent: Stand with journalists
uri: Urgent-Stand-with-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stand_with_journalists)
content:
 
<p>
In the US: Say <a href="https://act.aflcio.org/forms/add-your-name-i-stand-with-striking-journalists?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-journalists-on-strike">you stand with union journalists in the face of illegal
firings</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_Abbott)
title: Urgent: Investigate Abbott
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Abbott
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_Abbott)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Department of Justice to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-investigate-gov-abbotts-human-rights-abuses-immediately?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">investigate
Gov. Abbott's human rights abuses</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Plutocratist_Labour_party)
title: Plutocratist Labour party
uri: Plutocratist-Labour-party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Plutocratist_Labour_party)
content:
 
<p>
You can tell Labour <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/01/frustration-in-labour-ranks-over-reevess-refusal-to-reinstate-bankers-bonus-cap">is a plutocratist party</a> when it gives higher
priority to satisfying the demands of bank CEOs than to achieving the
goals of the voters.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Israel_considering_aid_limit)
title: Israel considering aid limit
uri: Israel-considering-aid-limit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Israel_considering_aid_limit)
content:
 
<p>
Some Israeli ministers call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/01/israeli-ministers-reportedly-considering-limiting-aid-entering-gaza">restricting the already inadequate
humanitarian aid</a> to Gaza, as a means of war.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Overcrowding_the_Palestinians)
title: Overcrowding the Palestinians
uri: Overcrowding-the-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Overcrowding_the_Palestinians)
content:
 
<p>
*One toilet for 500 people:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/31/death-disease-palestinians-rafah-gaza-war-overcrowding">death and disease</a>
as Palestinians flee to Rafah.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Criminal_mass_starvation,_GAZA)
title: Criminal mass starvation, GAZA
uri: Criminal-mass-starvation-GAZA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Criminal_mass_starvation,_GAZA)
content:
 
<p>
*Unless Israel changes course, it
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/31/israel-gaza-starvation-international-law">could be legally culpable</a>
for mass starvation.*
<p>
So far, what Israel has done to Palestinian civilians in Gaza is
violent killing of many civilians, and imposing great privation.  To
call it "genocide" is an exaggeration.  But if Israel continues adding
to this crime, including by knowingly causing famine in Gaza, the crime
will grow to become genocide for real.
<p>
Israel's true friends must join Palestine's true friends in making Israel stop.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Assisted_suicide_as_murder)
title: Assisted suicide as murder, CAN
uri: Assisted-suicide-as-murder-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_February_2024_(Assisted_suicide_as_murder)
content:
 
<p>
A Canadian man who sent many people suicide kits has been charged with many murders.  Equating
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/01/kenneth-law-suicide-kits-murder-charges-ontario">facilitation of suicide</a>
with murder is willful blindness.
<p>
The article obtusely refuses to entertain any doubt that providing means to commit suicide
constitutes murder.  Even if the author believes that, does <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> not recognize that it is
possible to disagree?
<p>
At the same time, it occurs to me that someone may have requested means to commit suicide,
not in order to commit suicide, but in order to murder someone else.  Ideally, people who
want to commit suicide should be able to get the means from someone who would refuse to
provide them to someone like that.

<p>
 


title: A socially constructed behavioral crisis
uri: A-socially-constructed-behavioral-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(A_socially_constructed_behavioral_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(A_socially_constructed_behavioral_crisis)

content:
 
<p>
*Human "behavioural crisis"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/human-behavioural-crisis-at-root-of-climate-breakdown-say-scientists">at root of climate breakdown</a>,
say scientists.*
<p>
*[They propose] that climate breakdown is a symptom of ecological overshoot, which in turn
is caused by the deliberate exploitation of human [behavioral engineering].  Unless demand
for resources is reduced, many other innovations are just a [band-aid].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Lobbying_addiction_harmful_to_US)
title: Lobbying addiction harmful to US
uri: Lobbying-addiction-harmful-to-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Lobbying_addiction_harmful_to_US)
content:
 
<p>
Are socially harmful widespread practices caused by
<a href="https://reason.com/2024/02/02/why-are-pickup-trucks-ridiculously-huge-blame-government/">market failure, or
by bad government</a>
regulations?  This article argues that "market failure" is usually caused by bad
regulations, and often that is true.  But what causes those bad regulations, and why don't
we change them?
<p>
Why, for instance, doesn't the US regulate the emissions of SUVs and
pickup trucks
<a href="https://stallman.org/arhives/2011-sep-dec.html#23_November_2011_(Improvements_For_Cars)">like cars</a>?
Environmentalists have pressed for this, but they have been rebuffed by the US government.
<p>
That is lobbying at work.  Any bad regulations in the market tends to
benefit some companies, and they will spend part of the benefits to
lobby to maintain the regulations that benefit them.
<p>
Most economic policy choices are not between a "free" market and a nonfree one. 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#24_November_2022_(New_tactic_for_right-wing_global_heating_denialists)">A market requires rules</a>;
the question is, which rules will it have?  And how are they to be chosen?
<p>
In a democratic country, those rules are decided democratically.  In a flawed democracy
such as the US, they are decided by contention between democracy and lobbying.  Almost
every bad regulation is protected by lobbying, so fixing it requires a battle.
<p>
That's why I support election of progressive officials, such as Senator Sanders and
Representative Pressley, who will be eager to go against the lobbyists and fix the bad
regulations and laws.

<p>
 


title: HRW's 2024 world report warns grimly
uri: HRW-s-2024-world-report-warns-grimly
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(HRW's_2024_world_report_warns_grimly)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(HRW's_2024_world_report_warns_grimly)

content:
 
<p>
Human Rights Watch reports that *human
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/11/human-rights-decline-globally-leaders-fail-uphold-laws-warns-human-rights-watch-annual-report">rights are in decline globally</a>
as leaders fail to uphold laws.*

<p>
 


title: When Greenpeace blocked Energy Intelligence Forum
uri: When-Greenpeace-blocked-Energy-Intelligence-Forum
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(When_Greenpeace_blocked_Energy_Intelligence_Forum)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(When_Greenpeace_blocked_Energy_Intelligence_Forum)

content:
 
<p>
How
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/01/greta-thunberg-goes-on-trial-over-london-oil-industry-protests">Greta Thunberg was arrested</a>
and charged with a crime for a nonviolent climate defense protest.
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> that conveyed the threat to Ms Thunberg did so in a refined
way, avoiding verbal brutality.  However, the substance of the demand
supported a policy that kills a substantial number of people now,
and will kill much larger numbers in the future.  The message of
the protester at the trial was right on:
<blockquote>
Fossil fuel corporations are most responsible for the climate crisis,
and we will continue to hold them to account no matter what the state
throws at us. We have to, because nothing is worse than losing
 everything.
</blockquote>
The charge against her was <a href="#5_February_2024_(Corps._hounding_and_crushing_individuals)">later dropped on a technicality</a>,
but the threat to repress future protests remains active.

<p>
 


title: Top journalist silenced for coverage, CAN
uri: Top-journalist-silenced-for-coverage-CAN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Top_journalist_silenced_for_coverage,_CAN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Top_journalist_silenced_for_coverage,_CAN)

content:
 
<p>
Canadian <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested journalist Brandi Morin as she was covering their dismantling of a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/canada-indigenous-journalist-arrested-police-operation">homeless indigenous people's</a>
camp.

<p>
 


title: Protesters prosecution dismissed, London
uri: Protesters-prosecution-dismissed-London
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Protesters_prosecution_dismissed,_London)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Protesters_prosecution_dismissed,_London)

content:
 
<p>
Climate defenders were prosecuted for continuing a nonviolent protest
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/02/judge-throws-out-case-against-greta-thunberg-and-other-london-protesters">in London after being ordered to stop</a>.
The case was dismissed on the grounds that the order was not communicated to them properly.
<p>
That was the right result, but the reason for it means that human rights are not safe in
the UK.  In effect, this judge turned this case into a warning shot.

<p>
 


title: Demand for weak policies on climate
uri: Demand-for-weak-policies-on-climate
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Demand_for_weak_policies_on_climate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Demand_for_weak_policies_on_climate)

content:
 
<p>
*European politicians weaken climate policies
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/hypocritical-european-politicians-weaken-climate-policies-amid-farmer-protests">amid farmer protests</a>.*
<p>
It's much more comfortable in the short term not to bother preparing to keep climate
disaster small enough to survive it.  But it is foolish in the long term.

<p>
 


title: USDA requires urging for climate strategy
uri: USDA-requires-urging-for-climate-strategy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(USDA_requires_urging_for_climate_strategy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(USDA_requires_urging_for_climate_strategy)

content:
 
<p>
Climate defenders called on the US Department of Agriculture
to take account of the contribution to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> of 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/250-groups-scientists-urge-usda-to-stop-ignoring-climate-cost-of-meat-dairy">meat and dairy production</a>.

<p>
 


title: Corps. hounding and crushing individuals
uri: Corps-hounding-and-crushing-individuals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Corps._hounding_and_crushing_individuals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Corps._hounding_and_crushing_individuals)

content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: *In the UK and around the world, those who challenge
rich corporations are being hounded and crushed with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/02/plutocrats-powerful-laws-uk-rich-corporations">ever-more inventive penalties</a>.*
<p>
*Why in the UK, can you now potentially receive a longer sentence for "public nuisance"
&mdash; non-violent civil disobedience &mdash; than for rape or manslaughter?*
<p>
Monbiot connects this to plutocracy.
<p>
See the recent <a href="#5_February_2024_(When_Greenpeace_blocked_Energy_Intelligence_Forum)">Greta Thunberg example</a>.


<p>
 


title: Thailand law on speaking of the monarch
uri: Thailand-law-on-speaking-of-the-monarch
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Thailand_law_on_speaking_of_the_monarch)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Thailand_law_on_speaking_of_the_monarch)

content:
 
<p>

  Thailand has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/31/thai-court-rules-move-forward-party-must-end-bid-reform-lese-majesty-law">forbidden campaigning</a> to change the law that forbids
speaking of the monarch or the monarchy in a less than respectful way.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Coral reef heat damage warning system
uri: Coral-reef-heat-damage-warning-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Coral_reef_heat_damage_warning_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Coral_reef_heat_damage_warning_system)

content:
 
<p>

The coral reef heat damage warning system has added <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/01/literally-off-the-charts-global-coral-reef-heat-stress-monitor-forced-to-add-new-alerts-as-temperatures-rise">new levels of
    warning</a> that will be required by the higher ocean temperatures our
greenhouse emissions have brought about.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Result of British state funds cut to universities
uri: Result-of-British-state-funds-cut-to-universities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Result_of_British_state_funds_cut_to_universities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Result_of_British_state_funds_cut_to_universities)

content:
 
<p>

As the British state cuts funds to universities, it makes them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/31/international-students-uk-universities-money-cuts">turn
    increasingly to wealthy foreign students</a>, whose money keeps them afloat.
</p>
<p>
This is, of course, bad for British students.  But that's the general
pattern: right-wing budget cuts are bad for nearly all the non-rich.
</p>
<p>
The cits were started by the Tory party when it stood purely and
simply for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> (take from the poor and give to the rich).
Now that the Tory Party has moved towards the extreme right, it sees
this as an opportunity to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Tory_dooH_niboR_scheme)">knock down the non-rich</a> and weaken them.
  The Labour Party of the past would have offered to undo the cuts,
but now that it has become a center-right party it is not interested.
(<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/31/labour-party-cap-bankers-bonuses-financial-services">Here's the latest example</a>
   of Labour's new alignment.)
</p>
<p>
  Labour is also about to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/01/labour-to-ditch-annual-green-investment-pledge-party-sources-say">eliminate most of its planned investment</a> in avoiding
environmental disaster
  even as it courts business with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/30/labour-vows-to-cut-financial-red-tape-and-unashamedly-champion-uk-sector">deregulation</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Plan_by_woman_to_play_Richard_III)
title: Plan by woman to play Richard III
uri: Plan-by-woman-to-play-Richard-III
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Plan_by_woman_to_play_Richard_III)
content:
 
<p>

A campaign based on what some call "ableism" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/jan/31/richard-iii-non-disabled-actor-michelle-terry-shakespeare-globe-theatre">condemns the plan by a
    women to play Richard III</a>.  Peculiarly, not because of a gender
difference, but because she is not "disabled".
</p>
<p>
Can a non-disabled 21th-century actor properly play a powerful but
physically disabled 15th-century noble?  Can a disabled 21th-century
actor properly play a powerful non-disabled 15th-century noble?  I
think we can only answer, "Maybe &mdash; try and we'll see."
</p>
<p>
This production raises a similar issue about gender: Can a
21th-century woman play a 15th-century male king?  Is it reasonable
for her to try?  Can a 21th-century man play a 15th-century reigning
queen?  Is it reasonable for him to try?  I think we can only answer,
"Maybe &mdash; try and we'll see."
</p>
<p>
Interestingly, the article does not even mention that question.  It
accepts that a woman can play a male character.  If society accepts
that, why object?  Try it, and we'll judge your acting ability.
So why not do the same for disability?
</p>
<p>
The dispute may be based on confusion about the 15-th century facts.
Was Richard III "disabled" as we understand the term?  I can't be
certain but it seems that he was not.
</p>
He had scoliosis, but a doctor says this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_III_of_England#Early_life">would not have been apparent
  in the court because clothing could hide it</a>.
<p>
Whatever pain or inconvenience scoliosis caused him, it did not
interfere with his physical activities.  He could <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bosworth_Field#Yorkist">ride a horse in
    battle</a>, wield a sword in battle, and lead an army to victory.
He impressed people through success in vigosous sports.
</p>
<p>
My conclusion is that he was not disabled in any practical sense.
</p>
<p>
I think that disabled actors will be better off if they are accepted
for playing any and all roles, rather than guaranteed all the disabled
characters' roles.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Contributions to re-election campaign of NYC night-mayor Adams
uri: Contributions-to-re-election-campaign-of-NYC-night-mayor-Adams
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Contributions_to_re-election_campaign_of_NYC_night-mayor_Adams)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Contributions_to_re-election_campaign_of_NYC_night-mayor_Adams)

content:
 
<p>

  Alleging local business magnates <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/01/eric-adams-donations-reimbursed-2025-campaign-new-york-mayor">illegally contributed indirectly</a> to
the re-election campaign of NYC night-mayor Adams.
</p>
<p>
The reason to do this would be to buy support for their interests, and
that would not work unless Adams knew what policies he had to support
or block in order to earn those contributions.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(UK's_decaying_post_office)
title: UK's decaying post office
uri: UK-s-decaying-post-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(UK's_decaying_post_office)
content:
 
<p>

The UK's decaying post office shows Americans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/01/royal-mail-killed-lying-politicians-lousy-managers-ruthless-moneymen">what DeJoy is aiming to
    achieve here</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Paris plan to triple SUV parking charges
uri: Paris-plan-to-triple-SUV-parking-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Paris_plan_to_triple_SUV_parking_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Paris_plan_to_triple_SUV_parking_charges)

content:
 
<p>

  *Paris residents set to vote on plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/paris-residents-set-to-vote-on-plan-to-triple-parking-charges-for-suvs">triple parking charges</a> for
 SUVs.*
</p>
<p>
The extra parking charge would be good, since it would discourage
SUVs.  But parking is only one of the areas in which SUVs do harm.
They make collusions more damaging to pedestrians and people in other
vehicles, and they increase pollution.  The SUV penalty should be bigger
and apply everywhere.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Ohio amendment to end gerrymandering
uri: Ohio-amendment-to-end-gerrymandering
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Ohio_amendment_to_end_gerrymandering)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(Ohio_amendment_to_end_gerrymandering)

content:
 
<p>

  Ohio is voting on a constitutional <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/02/ohio-republicans-anti-trans-bills">amendment to end gerrymandering</a> in
that state, by having an independent commission draw the electoral
districts.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Feel the Bern: an interview with Sanders
uri: Feel-the-Bern-an-interview-with-Sanders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Feel_the_Bern:_an_interview_with_Sanders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Feel_the_Bern:_an_interview_with_Sanders)

content:
 
<p>
A long interview with Bernie Sanders, about <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist's</a> threat
to end
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/13/end-of-democracy-bernie-sanders-on-if-trump-wins-and-how-to-stop-him">democracy in the US, and related issues</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Race-based_dramas_in_high_places)
title: Race-based dramas in high places
uri: Race-based-dramas-in-high-places
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Race-based_dramas_in_high_places)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/31/rightwing-activist-christopher-rufo-ties-scientific-racism-journal">[Right-wing] activist</a>
who led ouster of Harvard president linked to "scientific racism" journal.*

<p>
 


title: Brexit stated intentions, actual results
uri: Brexit-stated-intentions-actual-results
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Brexit_stated_intentions,_actual_results)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Brexit_stated_intentions,_actual_results)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/03/observer-view-list-of-brexit-wins-is-in-short-and-feeble">trade pluses and minuses</a>
of taking Britain out of the EU add up to an enormous minus.
<p>
This is not to count all he suffering that the Tories have imposed on
Britain by restricting immigration, and the sadness of people who
cannot go to work or retire across that border.
<p>
I forecast that leaving the EU would be a disaster for Britain 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#09_July_2016_(UKs_vote_to_leave_the_EU)">if
the Tories were in charge</a>, and that it might be beneficial if Labour were in charge. The
first one is what happened, and my forecast come true, and for the reasons I gave.  A
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> party would use all "opportunities" for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.  By contrast, it is clear
that Corbyn's preference to maintain a customs union with the EU would have avoided a big
part of the harm, and he would have encouraged foreign workers to come and keep the NHS
and other public services functioning.
<p>
As for Starmer Labour, he is almost as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> as the Tories were
then, so that party would not reduce the harm much.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Asylum_seeker_conditions)
title: Asylum seeker conditions
uri: Asylum-seeker-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Asylum_seeker_conditions)
content:
 
<p>
The asylum seekers in the UK, given housing only on a remote barge,
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/02/bibby-stockholm-residents-mental-health-at-risk-from-overcrowding-mps-say">living
in terrible conditions</a> and say it is like a prison.
<p>
MPs told ministers, "We were disheartened to see some of the living
conditions on the Bibby Stockholm, with many individuals having to
share small, cramped cabins [originally designed for one person],
often with people [up to six] they do not know [some of whom spoke a
different language to them]."
<p>
One said told a reporter tat "We are concerned that housing asylum
claimants on Bibby Stockholm is leaving them in a claustrophobic
environment, isolated from external support, including legal advice,
and without important links to community, faith or family, potentially
for months on end."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Phony_scientific_papers)
title: Phony scientific papers
uri: Phony-scientific-papers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Phony_scientific_papers)
content:
 
<p>
Companies that write phony scientific papers for a fee have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/03/the-situation-has-become-appalling-fake-scientific-papers-push-research-credibility-to-crisis-point">infiltrated the editorial boards</a> of "real" academic papers.
That led to 10,000 articles retracted last year.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Camera_spying)
title: Camera spying
uri: Camera-spying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Camera_spying)
content:
 
<p>
Municipal surveillance cameras installed in Ukraine but produced in Russia
<a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-cctv-moscow-spying-schemes-investigation/32747767.html">could be doing surveillance for the Putin forces</a>
<p>
You can't trust a product with nonfree software..

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Unreliable_portable_computers)
title: Unreliable portable computers
uri: Unreliable-portable-computers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Unreliable_portable_computers)
content:
 
<p>
British school inspectors used unreliable portable computers to take
notes when they interviewed school the personnel.  A visit to a school
could last for some time, and if the computer crashed during a visit,
the notes already entered were lost and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/feb/03/ofsted-inspectors-make-up-evidence-about-a-schools-performance-when-it-fails">the inspector had to
reenter them from memory.
Careers could be wiped out because of the unreliability of reentering them.
<p>
Why did the people managing this believe that was acceptable?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Bitcoin_EFTs)
title: Bitcoin EFTs
uri: Bitcoin-EFTs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Bitcoin_EFTs)
content:
 
<p>
Gauging that the US approval of Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds)
without trustworthy regulation <a href="https://bettermarkets.org/newsroom/secs-approval-of-a-bitcoin-crypto-etf-is-an-historic-mistake-that-will-harm-investors-markets-and-financial-stability/">makes them sucker bait</a>.
<p>
I certainly will not but into them.  I don't want to speculate; I want
safe investments that don't require being watched with an eagle-eye
every day or second-guessing everyone else.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Fleeing_to_Egypt)
title: Fleeing to Egypt
uri: Fleeing-to-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Fleeing_to_Egypt)
content:
 
<p>
Israel's siege and bombardment has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/11/most-people-want-to-flee-pressure-cooker-of-southern-gaza-says-un-figure">made most Palestinians in Gaza want
to flee to Egypt</a>.
<p>
That is what Israel wants -- to depopulate Gaza of Palestinians.  And
the cruelty of its treatment of them seems designed to pressure them
to run.
<p>
To enable Israel to succeed in terrorizing Palestinians into fleeing
is not a just outcome.  Israel should stop its reign of terror, and the US
should make sure that it does.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Insurance_authorization)
title: Insurance authorization
uri: Insurance-authorization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Insurance_authorization)
content:
 
<p>
The Biden administration is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/02/new-federal-rule-insurance-authorization-surgery-medication">stop insurance companies from
going too far</a> in refusing to cover specific medical treatments.
<p>
The "approvals" process is meant to save the expenses of procedures
and medicines whose effectiveness would be dubious, but it is too
eager to say "no".  The people who do this are not doctors and do not
know the patient -- they are working from rules,
<p>
My doctors have had to spend time dealing with the approvals process
to get authorizations for medicines they have prescribed for me.  The
authorization come from a CVS company called "Carelon", and I don't
know why it mails me a copy of authorizations for procedures.  I worry
that under some circumstances some clinic will demand I prove a
procedure has been "authorized."
<p>
Every medicine-related organization seems to use "care" in its name,
which seems to me like a marketing campaign.  So I generally omit or
replace that word.  I call that company "Scarelon",

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Drone_warfare)
title: Drone warfare
uri: 2024-02-07-Drone-warfare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Drone_warfare)
content:
 
<p>
*Deadly, cheap and widespread: how Iran-supplied drones are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/deadly-cheap-and-widespread-how-iran-supplied-drones-are-changing-the-nature-of-warfare">changing the
nature of warfare</a>.*
<p>
What makes them so dangerous to the US now is that the religious
fanatics that use them cannot be deterred by the expected losses from
a probable counterattack.
<p>
Small, cheap drones have destabilized warfare, but I don't think the
instability will last.  Every country now needs a defense against
drone-bearing fanatics.  I expect the US will have a cheap
counter-drone weapon a few years from now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(AI_robocalls)
title: AI robocalls
uri: AI-robocalls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(AI_robocalls)
content:
 
<p>
*Robocalls with AI voices to be <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/fcc-to-declare-ai-generated-voices-in-robocalls-illegal-under-existing-law/">regulated under [existing law, the]
Telephone Consumer Protection Act</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(States'_rights)
title: "States' rights"
uri: 2024-02-07-States-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(States'_rights)
content:
 
<p>
* [Governor] Abbott is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/02/texas-mexico-border-states-rights-supreme-court-republican">using the same misguided legal arguments once
   used by the Confederacy</a>. Some of the supreme court is listening.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Criminal_charge_for_parody)
title: Criminal charge for parody
uri: Criminal-charge-for-parody
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Criminal_charge_for_parody)
content:
 
<p>
Students at Northwestern University <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/05/northwestern-criminal-charges-palestine-newspaper-israel/">face criminal charges for publishing
a parody</a> of the school's student newspaper.  It criticized the school's
support for Israel and its atrocities in Gaza.  They wrapped their parody
around some of the copies of the newspaper they were parodying.
<p>
They are being prosecuted under an obscure law against "theft of
advertising services".  It prohibits inserting other material into
newspapers.  Does the law cover wrapping a different cover around the
newspaper?  In terms of advertising, that is very different.
<p>
More deeply, prosecuting people for expressing their political views
in a parody is an attack on freedom of speech.  No matter if it is
offensive to someone -- since it is about a real political issue, we
must recognize its redeeming social value whether we agree with it or
not.
<p>
It seems clear that this is part of a campaign of persecution,
in the US, Britain and parts of Europe, of people who publicly
defend Palestinians rights.
<p>
I disagree with those people on a least one point.  They call Israel's
war in Gaza "genocide"; in my view, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_February_2024_(Genocide_as_a_abused_term)">it has not reached that level yet,
but it is heading that way</a>.
But that disagreement is not pertinent to the issues of raised
by prosecuting them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Misogynistic_messages)
title: Misogynistic messages
uri: Misogynistic-messages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Misogynistic_messages)
content:
 
<p>
Researchers say that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/06/social-media-algorithms-amplifying-misogynistic-content">recommendation algorithms of "social media"
platforms are "amplifying misogynistic [messages]</a>."
<p>
This is because companies design them to get users addicted by
amplifying whatever leads users to stay on the dis-service longer.
I've proposed passing a law to <a href="">disconnect recommendation engines from
the platforms</a>, and allow users to choose the recommendation engine to
use with any given platform.
<p>
Please don't call works "<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">content</a>."
Doing so disparages _all_ works.  The works which are misogynistic
may all be disgusting and despicable on account of that, but equating
works with "content" implies that all works -- whether misogynistic or
not -- have no value except to keep a box full.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Republicans_unaware)
title: Republicans unaware
uri: Republicans-unaware
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Republicans_unaware)
content:
 
<p>
*Most Republicans aren't aware of [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a>]’s <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/02/most-republicans-arent-aware-trumps-various-legal-issues/">various
[criminal accusations and lawsuits]</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Persecution_of_gays_in_Russia)
title: Persecution of gays in Russia
uri: Persecution-of-gays-in-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Persecution_of_gays_in_Russia)
content:
 
<p>
Putin has launched <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/17/i-will-pretend-not-to-be-me-russia-cracks-down-on-lgbtq-community">intense persecution of gays in Russia</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stock Buyback Disclosure Rule
uri: Urgent-Stock-Buyback-Disclosure-Rule
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stock_Buyback_Disclosure_Rule)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stock_Buyback_Disclosure_Rule)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the SEC to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sec-should-re-propose-stock-buyback-disclosure-rule?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-we-need-strong-oversight-rules-for-stock-buybacks">propose again the Stock Buyback Disclosure
Rule</a>.
<p>
Stock buybacks used to be prohibited entirely, before a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>
change in the law.  We should undo that change and prohibit them
entirely once again.  But this rule will be much better than no change.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Urgent:_Tax_Excessive_CEO_Pay_Act)
title: Urgent: Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act
uri: 2024-02-07-Urgent-Tax-Excessive-CEO-Pay-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Urgent:_Tax_Excessive_CEO_Pay_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/excessive-ceo-pay/?t=1001&akid=31844%2E96703%2EhyMKqJ">pass the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act</a>.
<p>
This would not do as much good as raising taxes generally on high
incomes together with limiting the ability to shelter large amounts of
wealth from taxation.  We should continue to push for that as what we
really want.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Underwater_curtain)
title: Underwater curtain
uri: Underwater-curtain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Underwater_curtain)
content:
 
<p>
*A 100km-long curtain moored to the Amundsen Sea bed in Antarctica could
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/04/how-do-you-stop-a-glacier-from-melting-simple-put-up-an-underwater-curtain">prevent catastrophic flooding elsewhere, say scientists.*
<p>
I can see things that might fail, but it may be worth a try.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Do-Dirty_advocating_secession)
title: Do-Dirty advocating secession
uri: Do-Dirty-advocating-secession
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Do-Dirty_advocating_secession)
content:
 
<p>
Reportedly, former <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dodirty">president Do-Dirty</a> of the Philippines is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/05/philippines-secession-attempts-force-mindanao-president-ferdinand-marcos-jr-alliance">advocating
secession</a> of the large island, Mindanao.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dodirty">Do-Dirty</a> was elected for the fame he got by running a "war on drugs"
in which <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#26_October_2016_(Duterte's_murder_campaign)">official thugs killed people on the street, then claimed they
were drug dealers</a>.  Some were really drug dealers and some were not.
Without putting them on trial, the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> had no way of knowing.
<p>
The article makes the error of describing Mindanao as a "town".  I am
not very confident about the rest of what it says, but I have no other
information.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Republicans_and_abortion_laws)
title: Republicans and abortion laws
uri: Republicans-and-abortion-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Republicans_and_abortion_laws)
content:
 
<p>
Mississippi Republicans want to <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/mississippi-ballot-initiative-proposal-would-not-allow-changes-to-abortion-laws/ar-BB1hdhoS">make it impossible to repeal abortion
restrictions</a> through a vote by the public.

<p>
 


title: Bullshit about Ukrainian prisoners
uri: Bullshit-about-Ukrainian-prisoners
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Bullshit_about_Ukrainian_prisoners)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Bullshit_about_Ukrainian_prisoners)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/04/ukrainian-error-deadly-russian-trap-belgorod-crash-putin-war">Much of what Putin says about Ukrainian prisoners is bullshit</a>.  Some
could be true, but we can't be sure of any of it on his say-so.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Bullying_and_brainwashing)
title: Bullying and brainwashing
uri: Bullying-and-brainwashing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Bullying_and_brainwashing)
content:
 
<p>
Putin's henchmen are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/04/they-told-me-were-all-russians-re-education-of-ukrainian-children">bullying and brainwashing the kidnapped Ukrainian
children</a>.  Ukraine has the name of around 20,000 kidnapped children,
but there are probably much more.
<p>
There are strange variations in how Russians treat kidnapped children
and the Ukrainian relatives who search for them.  I theorize that he
has not systematically informed all Russians of what he is trying to
do, and not given everyone orders to cooperate.  The result seems to
be that individual Russians who deal with these children react
to events according to their views and values.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Forest_fire)
title: Forest fire
uri: Forest-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Forest_fire)
content:
 
<p>
Forest fire has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/04/authorities-struggle-to-contain-forest-fires-in-chile">invaded the city of Viña del Mar, Chile, just north of
Valparaíso</a>.
I asked a friend there if he is ok.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Federal_shield_law)
title: Federal shield law
uri: Federal-shield-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Federal_shield_law)
content:
 
<p>
there is bipartisan support for a <a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4442351-why-political-rivals-can-and-should-come-together-for-press-freedom/">federal shield law to protect
journalists and their sources</a>.

<p>
 


title: Exxon suing to silence shareholders
uri: Exxon-suing-to-silence-shareholders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Exxon_suing_to_silence_shareholders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Exxon_suing_to_silence_shareholders)

content:
 
<p>
After <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/02/exxonmobil-blocks-activists-attempt-to-seek-climate-strategy-vote">Exxon's lawsuit against the shareholders' motion</a> made by climate defenders, they dropped the motion.
<p>
I suspect that defending the suit would have cost too much for those
climate defenders.  For <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#exxon">Exxon</a>, with its billions, suing is cheap.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_((Satire)_Russian_Roulette)
title: (Satire) Russian Roulette
uri: (Satire)-Russian-Roulette
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_((Satire)_Russian_Roulette)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *NRA Narrows Search For New Leadership With <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nra-narrows-search-for-new-leadership-with-round-of-rus-1851157507">Round Of Russian
Roulette</a>.*
<p>
  If an Onion page appears blank, try disabling JavaScript entirely or
  telling LibreJS to blacklist all scripts in the page, then
  right-click and select item "Reveal hidden HTML". Or use a browser
  such as lynx that doesn't implement JavaScript and CSS.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Biden_and_Palestine)
title: Biden and Palestine
uri: Biden-and-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Biden_and_Palestine)
content:
 
<p>
Biden seems to have in mind a deal for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/03/biden-eyes-political-capital-in-grand-bargain-deal-to-transform-middle-east-israel-gaza-war-mohammed-bin-salman">diplomatic recognition of Palestine</a>.  But it faces many obstacles, and probable obstruction by Republicans
under orders from <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> is not the biggest of them.
<p>
I don't think the US can wait several months to stop supporting the
killing of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza, not even to achieve
the hoped-for progress.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Scientology-linked_drug_rehab)
title: Scientology-linked drug rehab
uri: Scientology-linked-drug-rehab
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Scientology-linked_drug_rehab)
content:
 
<p>
*Scientology-linked UK drug rehab <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/03/scientology-linked-uk-rehab-centre-left-vulnerable-people-traumatised">left vulnerable people "traumatised"</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Pakistan_military_rule)
title: Pakistan military rule
uri: Pakistan-military-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Pakistan_military_rule)
content:
 
<p>
Pakistan's government has democratic forms but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/06/the-guardian-view-on-pakistans-elections-and-imran-khan-the-military-wins-again">the substance is military rule</a>.
<p>
I have no way of knowing whether Imran Khan is guilty of those
corruption charges.  (I don't know the details of them.)  I also don't
know whether this is an instance of selective prosecution over
something all politicians do.  But the "un-Islamic marriage" charges
clearly demonstrate that the Pakistani state is repressive and unjust.
<p>
That has, however, been true for a long time, because Pakistan sentences
people to death for "blasphemy".
<p>
I urge everyone to stat away <a href="/stay-away-countries.html#pakistan">from Pakistan</a>.

<p>
 


title: Discrimination from anti-Zionist beliefs
uri: Discrimination-from-anti-Zionist-beliefs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Discrimination_from_anti-Zionist_beliefs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Discrimination_from_anti-Zionist_beliefs)

content:
 
<p>
A UK court has ruled <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/feb/05/uk-professor-suffered-discrimination-due-to-anti-zionist-beliefs-tribunal-rules">people cannot be fired for being anti-Zionist</a>.
<p>
That policy is just: whether to be Zionist or anti-Zionist is a matter
of political views, and people should not be fired for disagreeing
about those.
<p>
Being antisemitic is a different matter: that is a form of bigotry,
like antimuslimism or antiarabism.  We must be careful to distinguish
clearly between antisemitism and criticism of Israel or its actions.
<p>
I am <a href="/articles/benevolence.html">pro-Israel and pro-Palestine</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Masturbation_abstinence)
title: Masturbation abstinence
uri: Masturbation-abstinence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Masturbation_abstinence)
content:
 
<p>
If misogynistic porn isn't bad enough, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1198916105/mens-health-masturbation-abstinence">propaganda against masturbation
goes one harmful step further</a>.
<p>
I have a hunch that "masturbation abstinence" advice comes from the same
people that campaign to prohibit abortion and birth control.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Thugs_destroy_tent_and_belongings)
title: Thugs destroy tent and belongings
uri: Thugs-destroy-tent-and-belongings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Thugs_destroy_tent_and_belongings)
content:
 
<p>
The London thug department arrested a homeless man for refusing to
leave the tent where he was living.  Then, viciously, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/17/met-police-wrong-arrest-detain-homeless-pensioner-anthony-sinclair-london">the thugs stole
and destroyed his tent and his other belongings</a>.
<p>
The department has apologized and agreed to pay damages.  That's
better treatment than is normal for thugs.  But even when they arrest
someone for a valid reason, that does not excuse confiscating or
destroying poor people's property when preserving it was possible.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Assange's_last_appeal)
title: Assange's last appeal
uri: Assange-s-last-appeal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Assange's_last_appeal)
content:
 
<p>
Julian Assange's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Assange#Appeals_and_other_developments">final hearing</a>
is Tuesday, February 20.  A rally that day at noon is at
the State House in Boston.  We're hoping Rep Jim McGovern will send
a statement to be read by his staff and are asking other big
speakers, and will also want our regulars to speak.  We'll do our
best to get press there.
<p>
Furthermore in Boston, on Saturday, February 10, starting at 11:00
there will be a two-hour "<a href="/#assange">postcard party</a>" for asking each the
441 members of the US House of Representatives to sign onto
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/934/text/ih">H
Res 934</a> to drop the charges against Assange.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Climate_disasters:_CA,_CHL)
title: Climate disasters: CA, CHL
uri: Climate-disasters-CA-CHL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Climate_disasters:_CA,_CHL)
content:
 
<p>
*World "not prepared" for climate disasters after
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/06/world-not-prepared-for-climate-disasters-after-warmest-ever-january">warmest ever
January</a>.*
<p>
Unprecedented disasters have just occurred in California (extreme rains)
and the Valparaíso region (wildfires entering a major city).


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Private_equity_in_nursing_homes)
title: Private equity in nursing homes
uri: Private-equity-in-nursing-homes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Private_equity_in_nursing_homes)
content:
 
<p>
Private equity is gobbling up large parts of the
<a href="media/35d2670a.AFFR_AAI_PE-Home-Health_Complete_6.6.23-1.pdf" data-original-source="https://ourfinancialsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AFFR_AAI_PE-Home-Health_Complete_6.6.23-1.pdf">US nursing home business</a>.
This puts patients in danger since private equity can amass lots of money,
create an oligopoly, and get away with abuses.
<p>
The study suggests that "regulation may be needed."  I will take a
stronger stand and call for firm limits &mdash; perhaps even prohibiting
private equity combinations from owning home nursing businesses.
<p>
I've also proposed prohibiting private equity from
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-nov-feb.html#13_February_2022_(Private_equity_wreckers)">buying up lots
of rental housing</a>.





<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Climate_disasters:_CA,_CHL)
title: Climate disasters: CA, CHL
uri: 2024-02-09-Climate-disasters-CA-CHL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Climate_disasters:_CA,_CHL)
content:
 
<p>
*World "not prepared" for climate disasters after
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/06/world-not-prepared-for-climate-disasters-after-warmest-ever-january">warmest ever
January</a>.*
<p>
Unprecedented disasters have just occurred in California (extreme rains)
and the Valparaíso region (wildfires entering a major city).

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Private_equity_in_nursing_homes)
title: Private equity in nursing homes
uri: 2024-02-09-Private-equity-in-nursing-homes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#8_February_2024_(Private_equity_in_nursing_homes)
content:
 
<p>
Private equity is gobbling up large parts of the
<a href="media/35d2670a.AFFR_AAI_PE-Home-Health_Complete_6.6.23-1.pdf" data-original-source="https://ourfinancialsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AFFR_AAI_PE-Home-Health_Complete_6.6.23-1.pdf">US nursing home business</a>.
This puts patients in danger since private equity can amass lots of money,
create an oligopoly, and get away with abuses.
<p>
The study suggests that "regulation may be needed."  I will take a
stronger stand and call for firm limits &mdash; perhaps even prohibiting
private equity combinations from owning home nursing businesses.
<p>
I've also proposed prohibiting private equity from
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-nov-feb.html#13_February_2022_(Private_equity_wreckers)">buying up lots
of rental housing</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Probably_futile_counterattack)
title: Probably futile counterattack
uri: Probably-futile-counterattack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Probably_futile_counterattack)
content:
 
<p>
Groups that support Iran attacked US troops in Iraq.  The US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/us-airstrikes-iraq-syria-drone-attack">counterattacked, but that was probably futile</a>.
<p>
I would expect that the attackers are religious fanatics and would be
thrilled to be martyrs, so fighting them will tend to be ineffective
unless the US army can destroy them.  That would be quite difficult.
<p>
The US must refuse to be intimidated by them.
If the US were to drop its support for Israel's fighting in Gaza
to appears fanatics, that would only make the US seem weak.
<p>
However, for the US to insist on supporting Israel's fighting in Gaza
in order to spite hostile fanatics would be childish.
<p>
The US should do the right thing in Gaza, and the right thing
is to make Israel stop its war crimes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Dicamba)
title: Dicamba
uri: 2024-02-09-Dicamba
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Dicamba)
content:
 
<p>
*US court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/07/us-weedkiller-ban-dicamba-epa">bans three weedkillers [based on dicamba]</a> and finds <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a>
broke law in approval process.*
<p>
*Federal Court Halts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/federal-court-halts-spraying-of-monsantos-dicamba-pesticide-across-millions-of-acres-of-cotton-soybeans">Spraying of Monsanto’s Dicamba Pesticide</a> Across
 Millions of Acres of Cotton, Soybeans.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Missing_bolts)
title: Missing bolts
uri: Missing-bolts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Missing_bolts)
content:
 
<p>
The door plug that blew out of a Boeing 737 Max 9 airplane was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/06/faa-regulation-boeing-blowout">missing
four bolts</a> meant to hold it in place.  They were missing because Boeing
maintenance removed them and did not put them back in again.
<p>
Some workers actually made the mistake, but they were working as part
of a work system that Boeing management was responsible for setting up
and running.  That's where the real fault is.
<p>
I suggest passing a law to require aircraft manufacturing and repair
companies to have a certain fraction of licensed commercial pilots on
their boards.  Perhaps 66%.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_abortion_pills)
title: Urgent: Protect abortion pills
uri: Urgent-Protect-abortion-pills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_abortion_pills)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the US Supreme Court to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-protect-the-abortion-pill?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">protect the abortion pill</a>.
<p>
I usually don't post (or sign) petitions addressed to courts, because
courts are likely to ignore public opinion about the judgment.  But
this time they might calculate they should heed it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_all_LNG_projects)
title: Urgent: Reject all LNG projects
uri: Urgent-Reject-all-LNG-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_all_LNG_projects)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on President Biden and Secretary Granholm to <a href="https://350.org/no-lng/">reject
all LNG projects</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(UK_university_funding_cut)
title: UK university funding cut
uri: UK-university-funding-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(UK_university_funding_cut)
content:
 
<p>
The UK government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/06/woke-foreign-students-uk-universities-starved-cash">cut funding for universities</a> to the point where
many will have to shut down entirely, if they cease to get foreign
students from wealthy families who pay heavy fees.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Saboteur_and_climate_change)
title: Saboteur and climate change
uri: Saboteur-and-climate-change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Saboteur_and_climate_change)
content:
 
<p>
*[The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#s-i-c">saboteur-in-chief's</a>] allies and advisers have hinted at a more methodical second term:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/06/trump-climate-change-fossil-fuels-second-term">driving forward fossil fuel production, sidelining scientists and
overturning rules</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Plan_to_cut_greenhouse_emissions)
title: Plan to cut greenhouse emissions
uri: Plan-to-cut-greenhouse-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Plan_to_cut_greenhouse_emissions)
content:
 
<p>
*EU lays out plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/06/eu-lays-out-plan-to-cut-greenhouse-emissions-by-90-by-2040">cut greenhouse emissions by 90% by 2040</a>.*

*Far-right group Project Veritas admits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/06/project-veritas-voter-fraud-pennsylvania-james-okeefe">it had ‘no evidence’ of voter
fraud in Pennsylvania</a>.*
<p>
Often you can detect these right-wing systematic liars by their
constant pretensions to be telling the truth.  Compare with the
bullshitter, for instance.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Climate_protests)
title: Climate protests
uri: 2024-02-09-Climate-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Climate_protests)
content:
 
<p>
*Repetition has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/feb/06/after-38-attacks-on-art-climate-protesters-have-fallen-into-big-oils-trap-its-time-to-change-tack">blunted the art museum protests so much</a> that the pumpkin
soup assault on the Mona Lisa felt pathetic. More effective tactics are
needed.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Inadequate_ministerial_code)
title: Inadequate ministerial code
uri: Inadequate-ministerial-code
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Inadequate_ministerial_code)
content:
 
<p>
The UK has a procedure for ministerial staff to raise complaints of
mistreatment by ministers, but staff say that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/06/ministerial-code-completely-inadequate-civil-servants-unions-tell-mps">invoking it is so
painful to use that it discourages anyone from filing complaints</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(EU_pesticides)
title: EU pesticides
uri: EU-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(EU_pesticides)
content:
 
<p>
*"Bitter Blow" to Biodiversity and Health as <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/eu-pesticides">EU Pulls Proposed
 Pesticide Rule</a>.*
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Why_to_quit_smoking)
title: Whyever give up quitting smoking?
uri: Whyever-give-up-quitting-smoking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Why_to_quit_smoking)
content:
 
<p>
*Quitting smoking
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/06/quitting-smoking-reduces-cancer-risk-at-any-age-says-study">reduces cancer risk at any age</a>,
says study.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Immigrants_suffering_torture,_US)
title: Immigrants suffering torture, US
uri: Immigrants-suffering-torture-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Immigrants_suffering_torture,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*U.S. immigration authorities locked
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/06/ice-solitary-confinement-detention-immigration/">thousands
of people in solitary confinement</a> in 2023 as the United States continues to flout
international human rights standards in its sprawling network of immigration detention facilities.*

<p>
 


title: Labeling all LLM-images posted on FB
uri: Labeling-all-LLM-images-posted-on-FB
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Labeling_all_LLM-images_posted_on_FB)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Labeling_all_LLM-images_posted_on_FB)

content:
 
<p>
Facebook and Instagram plan to label all images that were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/06/meta-ai-images-instagram-facebook-label-crackdown">created with generative machine
learning</a>
systems.
<p>
It is misleading to call generative machine learning "intelligence",
but labeling its output is a good thing to do.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Inadequate_Air_Defense)
title: Inadequate Air Defense
uri: Inadequate-Air-Defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Inadequate_Air_Defense)
content:
 
<p>

*American Base in Jordan Where Drone Killed 3 U.S. Troops <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/06/tower-22-drone-troops-air-defense/">Dogged by
    Inadequate Air Defenses</a>.*
</p>
<p>
I expect that it would be cheaper, as well as wiser, to provide better
defenses than to retaliate.  A group of religious fanatics can't be
deterred by retaliation or threats, but its weapons can be defeated
like anyone else's.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Taylor_Swift_private_jet)
title: Taylor Swift private jet
uri: Taylor-Swift-private-jet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Taylor_Swift_private_jet)
content:
 
<p>

  Taylor Swift <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/06/taylor-swift-jet-cease-desist-jack-sweeney">threatened to sue Jack Sweeney</a> for posting public data
about the movements of her private jet.
</p>
<p>
I would expect that any one rich person's private jet contributes too little
to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> to be worth a moral fuss for its own sake.  But all the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Private_jet_footprint)">private jets do amount to a significant</a> (though small) fraction, and a campaign
calls on people to stop using them.
</p>

<p>
Keep in mind, when considering the excuse repeated in the article,
that many <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#1_October_2022_(Rejecting_the_use_of_carbon_offsets)">"carbon offsets" are bogus</a>
  and that the system of ill-checked "carbon offsets"
is of substantial help to the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> in deflecting
justified public pressure for true decarbonization.
</p>
<p>
  This is why I call for a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#27_June_2022_(Carbon_credits_easy_to_game)">carbon tax rather than "carbon trading"</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Italy plan to decriminalise abuse of office
uri: Italy-plan-to-decriminalise-abuse-of-office
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Italy_plan_to_decriminalise_abuse_of_office)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Italy_plan_to_decriminalise_abuse_of_office)

content:
 
<p>

  *Italy's far-right government submits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/06/italy-far-right-government-plan-decriminalise-abuse-office">plan to decriminalise abuse of office</a>.*
</p>
<p>
  I'd expect right-wing plans to include <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Election_suppression_playbook)">abusing various offices</a>.
  But it is alarming that they openly propose changes in the law
so they can get away with that.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Ugandan_climate_activists)
title: Ugandan climate activists
uri: Ugandan-climate-activists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_February_2024_(Ugandan_climate_activists)
content:
 
<p>

*Ugandan climate activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/06/uganda-climate-pipeline-activists-students-jail-charges">face charges after a month in maximum
    security jail</a>.*
</p>
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> already brutalized them.  Now they could be imprisoned for a
year for a nonviolent protest.
</p>
<p>
The law being used to prosecute them was imposed by Britain when
Uganda was a British colony.  Ironically, Britain is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(When_Greenpeace_blocked_Energy_Intelligence_Forum)"imposing even
longer sentences /> on nonviolent climate defense protesters.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Public-surveillance attacked, HUN
uri: Public-surveillance-attacked-HUN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Public-surveillance_attacked,_HUN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Public-surveillance_attacked,_HUN)

content:
 
<p>
*EU to take action against Hungary's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/eu-to-take-action-against-hungary-sovereignty-law-viktor-orban">"sovereignty" law</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Campaign reporting adopts climate actions
uri: Campaign-reporting-adopts-climate-actions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Campaign_reporting_adopts_climate_actions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Campaign_reporting_adopts_climate_actions)

content:
 
<p>
*This is the year of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/07/climate-change-presidential-election-media-coverage">climate election</a>.
Journalists should cover it that way.*
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#5%20October%202003%20(global%20warming)">I've treated</a>
the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#10%20October%202003%20(solar%20cells)">slowly developing</a>
climate crisis as crucial since 2000 or before.

<p>
 


title: Bill McKibben on coal, LNG and Biden
uri: Bill-McKibben-on-coal-LNG-and-Biden
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Bill_McKibben_on_coal,_LNG_and_Biden)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Bill_McKibben_on_coal,_LNG_and_Biden)

content:
 
<p>
*Joe Biden just did the rarest thing in US politics:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/07/joe-biden-big-oil-lng-permits">he stood up to
the oil industry</a>.*
<p>
He doesn't do this as often as we need, but he's a lot better than many
politicians that are entirely <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>.  I also appreciate his
efforts to improve antitrust law and regulation of corporations,
which I've commented on here.
<p>
His efforts to end Israel's chain of atrocities are not firm enough
but they are
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_December_2023_(Rule_on_arms_transfers)">better than most</a>
American politicians would dare do.

 


title: Urgent: protect free speech on campus
uri: Urgent-protect-free-speech-on-campus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Urgent:_protect_free_speech_on_campus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Urgent:_protect_free_speech_on_campus)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-free-speech-campuses-now">call on your U.S. Senators and Representative</a>
to protect free speech on campus.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Head_of_UNRWA_capitulates)
title: Head of UNRWA capitulates
uri: Head-of-UNRWA-capitulates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Head_of_UNRWA_capitulates)
content:
 
<p>
The head of UNRWA says he fired employees that Israel accused of
aiding HAMAS
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/09/head-of-unwra-says-he-followed-reverse-due-process-in-sacking-accused-gaza-staff">without having evidence</a>
that they really did so.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Sovereign_overreach,_UK)
title: Sovereign overreach, UK
uri: Sovereign-overreach-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Sovereign_overreach,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK plans to make it
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/08/masked-protesters-could-soon-face-arrest-says-home-office">a crime to wear a mask</a>
at a protest.
<p>
Always
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#21_July_2014_(UK_is_saving_emails_of_lots_of_people)">more repression</a>
in the UK.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Dilemma_in_Radah,_Gaza)
title: Dilemma in Radah, Gaza
uri: Dilemma-in-Radah-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Dilemma_in_Radah,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
* Refugees [in Gaza] crammed into the border city [of Radah] face a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/our-last-stop-is-rafah-trapped-palestinians-await-the-israeli-onslaught">terrifying choice</a>:
stay for the expected attack, or flee back north through a war zone.*

<p>
 


title: HAMAS terms for truce with Israel
uri: HAMAS-terms-for-truce-with-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(HAMAS_terms_for_truce_with_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(HAMAS_terms_for_truce_with_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
HAMAS has proposed a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/hamas-responds-to-israel-plan-with-three-stage-proposal-to-end-gaza-war">three step plan</a>
to make a truce, release all the
hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the aim being
to agree on peace by the end of this.
<p>
This puts the hardest part at the end.  Nonetheless, I find it promising, since it shows
HAMAS is not opposed to ending the war.
<p>
I think the US should demand that Israel drop its opposition to ending that.
<p>
Ibrahim Hamed, a US citizen, called on Biden to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/07/israeli-troops-kidnapped-us-citizen-west-bank">rescue his mother</a>,
Samaher Esmail, also a US citizen, from the Israeli army, which took
her prisoner recently in the West Bank.
<p>
There are no criminal charges against her.  If there were, a trial
could perhaps determine whether there are grounds to imprison her.
But 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#11_May_2012_(Imprisonment_Without_Trial)">Israel often</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#07_June_2012_(Palestinians_imprisoned_without_charge)">imprisons Palestinians</a>
for
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#9_August_2015_(20_years_prison_for_minors)">years</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#28_June_2012_(Israel_imprisonment_without_trial)">without trying</a>
to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#24%20December%202009%20(US%20complicity%20with%20torture)">justify</a>
it.

<p>
 


title: Israelis speaking critically jailed, ISR
uri: Israelis-speaking-critically-jailed-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Israelis_speaking_critically_jailed,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Israelis_speaking_critically_jailed,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
220 Israelis have been jailed for expressing various views criticizing
Israel'
s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/08/israeli-lawyer-arrested-for-peaceful-protest-leaves-prison-after-110-days">bombardment and siege</a>
 of Gaza.
<p>
I probably agree with some of them and disagree with others, but that
question is, in each case, a side issue.  I support their freedom of
speech.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Taxes_for_the_US_monetary_system)
title: Taxes for the US monetary system
uri: Taxes-for-the-US-monetary-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Taxes_for_the_US_monetary_system)
content:
 
<p>
Some rich people say they will be 
<a href="https://proudtopaymore.org/">proud to pay</a>
more taxes.  By raising taxes on the rich, we will make patriotic
millionaires glad and the greedy bastards unhappy.  Both of the sides are good.

<p>
 


title: World leans toward two-state soln, Fatah
uri: World-leans-toward-two-state-soln-Fatah
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(World_leans_toward_two-state_soln,_Fatah)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(World_leans_toward_two-state_soln,_Fatah)

content:
 
<p>
Arguing that the US must insist Netanyahu release Palestinian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/08/freeing-marwan-barghouti-peace-israeli-gaza-war">politician Marwan Barghouti</a>
from prison, so he can challenge HAMAS for leadership of the Palestinians.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(How_DPRK_is_evading_sanctions)
title: How DPRK is evading sanctions
uri: How-DPRK-is-evading-sanctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(How_DPRK_is_evading_sanctions)
content:
 
<p>
*Cyber-attacks by North Korea
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/08/cyber-attacks-by-north-korea-raked-in-3bn-to-build-nuclear-weapons-un-monitors-suspect">raked in $3bn</a>
to build nuclear weapons, UN monitors suspect.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(History_of_deregulating_Boeing)
title: History of deregulating Boeing
uri: History-of-deregulating-Boeing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(History_of_deregulating_Boeing)
content:
 
<p>
*For the past 15 years, the government has allowed Boeing to conduct its
own inspections related to many
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/the-hole-in-boeings-inspection-program/">manufacturing and safety issues</a>.*
<p>
Government inspections generally exist for good reasons &mdash; reasons of safety.
Getting permission to inspect their own work is a favorite route to corrupting the
inspection system.  It gives businesses a way to defeat the purpose of inspections.

<p>
 


title: Siege of Khan Yunis' hospital, ISR
uri: Siege-of-Khan-Yunis-hospital-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Siege_of_Khan_Yunis_hospital,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Siege_of_Khan_Yunis_hospital,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
Israel has besieged the al-Amal hospital in Khan Yunis for 18 days.  It
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/08/gaza-hospital-seige-red-crescent/">ordered people to leave</a>,
but many wounded people were unable to leave and many medical personnel would not leave their patients.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Urgent:_Citi_banks_on_methane)
title: Urgent: Citi banks on methane
uri: Urgent-Citi-banks-on-methane
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Urgent:_Citi_banks_on_methane)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-citi-stop-financing-toxic-lng?nowrapper=true">call on Citibank</a>
to stop financing liquid natural gas.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_polystyrene_foam)
title: Urgent: Ban polystyrene foam
uri: Urgent-Ban-polystyrene-foam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_February_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_polystyrene_foam)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55499&tag=email_blast:130019&supporter_KEY=229474">call on your senators</a>
to vote to ban polystyrene foam.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Border_wall_injuries)
title: Border wall injuries
uri: Border-wall-injuries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Border_wall_injuries)
content:
 
<p>
*[One] US hospital
treated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/09/mexico-border-wall-injuries-increase">441
patients with severe injuries</a> from border wall last year.* But
that's just one sector of the wall.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(The_wrecker's_EPA_plan)
title: The wrecker's EPA plan
uri: The-wrecker-s-EPA-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(The_wrecker's_EPA_plan)
content:
 
<p>
*‘It would be devastating’: inside [the wrecker]’s plan
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/09/trump-epa-plan-environment">destroy
the EPA</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Fast_food_union)
title: Fast food union
uri: Fast-food-union
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Fast_food_union)
content:
 
<p>
*California fast-food
workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/09/california-fast-food-workers-new-union">launch
new union</a>.* Bravo!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Israel_and_ICJ)
title: Israel and ICJ
uri: Israel-and-ICJ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Israel_and_ICJ)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel appears to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/israel-appears-to-be-in-breach-of-icj-orders-on-gaza-senior-un-official-says">in breach of ICJ orders</a> on Gaza, [UN special
 rapporteur] says.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Fascist_style_raids)
title: Fascist style raids
uri: Fascist-style-raids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Fascist_style_raids)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/10/georgia-police-fbi-raids-cop-city-activists-atlanta">Georgia police and FBI conduct Swat-style raids</a> on "Cop City" activists'
homes.*
<p>
Some of the targets have no links to any known crimes, and were not
charged with crimes.  
<p>
Thugs are carrying out repression fascist style, with the help of the
FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Will
Biden not make these agencies stop?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(War_on_children)
title: War on children
uri: War-on-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(War_on_children)
content:
 
<p>
*The world is waging war on its children, in an obscene mockery of
international law.*
<p>
The article focuses on the short term harm which is occurring in a
number of regions.  But let's not ignore that it will get worse in the
long term.  The biggest attack against children is governments'
tolerance for continuing global heating, manifested in the failure to
firmly curb the planet roasters.  This is likely to kill a large
fraction of today's children in a few decades.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Duo_euthanasia)
title: Duo euthanasia
uri: Duo-euthanasia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Duo_euthanasia)
content:
 
<p>
In the Netherlands, couples who are gravely ill
can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/duo-euthanasia-former-dutch-prime-minister-dies-wife-dries-eugenie-van-agt">now
have euthanasia together</a> and die hand in hand.
<p>
I think the couple presented in the article as an example would have
chosen to stay alive together if their medical problems had been
adequately treatable.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Chronic_pain)
title: Chronic pain
uri: 2024-02-12-Chronic-pain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Chronic_pain)
content:
 
<p>
A survey of women in one Australian state found
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/22/australia-first-womens-pain-inquiry-victoria-chronic-illness">2/5
suffer from chronic pain</a>.
<p>
The main causes of this pain are affecting large numbers of people, so
they should have high priority in medical research.

<p>
 


title: Some rich people proud to pay taxes
uri: Some-rich-people-proud-to-pay-taxes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Some_rich_people_proud_to_pay_taxes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Some_rich_people_proud_to_pay_taxes)

content:
 
<p>
Some rich people say they will
be <a href="https://proudtopaymore.org/">proud to pay more taxes</a>.
By raising taxes on the rich, we will make patriotic millionaires glad
and the greedy bastards unhappy.  Both of the sides are good.

<p>
 


title: Running candidates against Labour
uri: Running-candidates-against-Labour
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Running_candidates_against_Labour)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Running_candidates_against_Labour)

content:
 
<p>

UK voters who consider Labour too right-wing, especially in its total
support for Israel's war policy, are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/10/labour-mps-facing-wave-of-independent-challengers-over-stance-on-gaza">organizing to run candidates
    against Labour</a>
</p>
<p>
They have concluded, as I have, that they cannot influence
Starmer-Labour except by running against it.  I expect they will
influence Starmer-Labour's stand on Gaza.  I hope they will <em>also</em>
influence Starmer-Labour stand on <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Starmer's_commitment_to_letting_the_environment_die)">plutocracy and the environment</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: China's control over activists in exile
uri: China-s-control-over-activists-in-exile
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(China's_control_over_activists_in_exile)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(China's_control_over_activists_in_exile)

content:
 
<p>

  *   China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/10/china-transnational-repression-beijing-targets-tibetan-exiles-spying-blackmail-threats-losar">"threatens relatives in Tibet"</a> to exert control over activists in
   exile.*
</p>
<p>
  China <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-nov-feb.html#19_January_2022_(Dissidents_living_overseas)">threatens relatives of dissident Chinese overseas</a>, too.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Climate scientist wins defamation lawsuit
uri: Climate-scientist-wins-defamation-lawsuit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Climate_scientist_wins_defamation_lawsuit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Climate_scientist_wins_defamation_lawsuit)

content:
 
<p>

  *US climate scientist Michael Mann <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/09/us-climate-scientist-michael-mann-wins-1m-in-defamation-lawsuit">wins $1m in defamation lawsuit</a>*
against right-wing denialists.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Inadequate security on Tesla's customer data
uri: Inadequate-security-on-Tesla-s-customer-data
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Inadequate_security_on_Tesla's_customer_data)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Inadequate_security_on_Tesla's_customer_data)

content:
 
<p>

  Tesla faces punishment for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/26/tesla-data-leak-customers-employees-safety-complaints">inadequate security on customer data</a>.
  Since Tesla cars snoop so much on customers, the data that can leak
is more than you might expect.
</p>
<p>
I recommend that before buying any car made in the last decade or so
you investigate how to prevent it from phoning home with any data,
prevent it from contacting cellular data networks (since they would track
the car's location), and cut off its access to GPS (so it can't remember that
for the next time it is serviced).
</p>
<p>
  Europe's focus on data <em>protection</em> is a basic distraction.  Data,
  once collected, <em>will</em> be abused.  The key to privacy is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">preventing
    data <em>collection</em></a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Three sectors not reducing reliance on fossil fuels
uri: Three-sectors-not-reducing-reliance-on-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Three_sectors_not_reducing_reliance_on_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(Three_sectors_not_reducing_reliance_on_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

*The world is reducing its reliance on fossil fuels &mdash; except for in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/09/biggest-fossil-fuel-emissions-shipping-plane-manufacturing">three key
    sectors</a>*:
   shipping, aviation and industry.
</p>
<p>
In addition, agriculture causes <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> due to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Deforestation_raises_temperature_more_than_thought)">deforestation</a>, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_November_2021_(Nitrogenous_fertilizer)">fertilizer</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-may-aug.html#23_August_2021_(Global_meat_and_dairy_companies)">methane from cows</a>.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(The_Olympics,_Brisbane_2032,_AUT)
title: The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, AUT
uri: The-2032-Olympics-in-Brisbane-AUT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_February_2024_(The_Olympics,_Brisbane_2032,_AUT)
content:
 
<p> 
Resistance is growing in Brisbane to the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/11/brisbane-olympics-2032-gabba-rebuild-scrapped">expense of stadium</a>
construction for the planned 2032 Olympic games there.
<p>
In general, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_January_2024_(Costs_of_sports_stadiums)">government subsidies to big stadiums</a>
benefit various wealthy interests at the people's expense.  The people of Brisbane got
angry at this and may have caused cancellation of part of the plans.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jul-oct.html#08_September_2013_(Tokyo_elected_to_bear_burden_of_2020_Olympics)">Olympic games tend to cause</a>
nonfinancial kinds of harm, too &mdasy; such as
repression of street vendors, repression of people passing by, and lasting increments in surveillance.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop funding unrestrained Israeli atrocities
uri: Urgent-Stop-funding-unrestrained-Israeli-atrocities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_unrestrained_Israeli_atrocities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_unrestrained_Israeli_atrocities)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/conditional-aid-Israel-funding-bill/?t=1002&akid=31864%2E96703%2EjMAwHU">call on Congress</a>
to vote NO on unconditional aid to Israel.
<p>
You can also phone 1-833-STOP-WAR to convey the same message.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: YouTube disinformation profit
uri: Urgent-YouTube-disinformation-profit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Urgent:_YouTube_disinformation_profit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Urgent:_YouTube_disinformation_profit)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Youtube to stop profiting from
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-youtube-stop-monetizing-climate-change-denial?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">global heating denialism</a>.
<p>
(wordplay)<br>
The page misuses the word "monetizing", which properly means "using something
as currency."  I refuse to imitate that bad change in the English language, but I agree in
substance with the petition so I signed it.
<p>
The petition also use the term "content creators" to refers to the makers of videos that
pretend <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is unreal or not disastrous.  The term fits in a way, since those
videos are designed to make people content with seeing our world go down the tubes.
<p>
Civilization depends on people to refuse to be content with this.
Please be a malcontent creator like me!

 


title: Cognitive-glitch vibes for president, US
uri: Cognitive-glitch-vibes-for-president-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Cognitive_glitch_vibes_for_president,_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Cognitive_glitch_vibes_for_president,_US)

content:
 
<p>
  *[<!---->The insurrectionist] is too old and incited a coup.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/09/donald-trump-joe-biden-america-us-president-6-january">Biden is too old</a>
and mixes up names.  America, how to choose?*
<p>
Otherwise put, which is worse &mdash; forgetting details or a Big Lie?
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist's</a> memory is
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2024/01/22/trump-confuses-vietnam-war-with-desert-storm-in-bizarre-peech-video.html">not so good</a>
either.

<p>
 


title: Evading traffic cameras and ULEZ, UK
uri: Evading-traffic-cameras-and-ULEZ-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Evading_traffic_cameras_and_ULEZ,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Evading_traffic_cameras_and_ULEZ,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
Many Britons are making using license plates, copied from other cars,
so that they can
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/feb/10/car-cloning-drivers-fines-scams-number-plates">dump fines on someone else</a>.
<p>
Even worse, various agencies punish the victim and close their eyes to evidence that they
were victims of this.
<p>
That is a very British form of government screwup.  I conjecture that it is caused by the
combination of automation and outsourcing to private companies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Rafah_bloodbath_expected,_Gaza)
title: Disaster, bloodbath expected in Rafah
uri: Disaster-bloodbath-expected-in-Rafah
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Rafah_bloodbath_expected,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Biden said, of Israel's atrocities in Gaza (my words), that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/09/biden-criticises-israel-gaza-military-campaign-over-the-top">"it's
gotta stop"</a>.
<p>
He gradually gets closer to insisting, but it is not clear whether he means that the
fighting has "gotta stop" or that fighting this intense has "gotta stop".

<p>
 


title: Devastating loss: global ocean currents
uri: Devastating-loss-global-ocean-currents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Devastating_loss:_global_ocean_currents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#13_February_2024_(Devastating_loss:_global_ocean_currents)

content:
 
<p>
The Amoc ocean current cycle is close to running amok. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/09/atlantic-ocean-circulation-nearing-devastating-tipping-point-study-finds">It could
happen any year</a>.
If it does, it could raise the height of the Atlantic Ocean by one
extra meter in a few decades, as well as making northern Europe colder
and drier and wiping out the Amazon rainforest.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Be_wary_of_the_Tayvis_obsession)
title: Be wary of the Tayvis obsession
uri: Be-wary-of-the-Tayvis-obsession
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Be_wary_of_the_Tayvis_obsession)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/09/ross-and-rachel-for-the-tiktok-age-how-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelces-romance-captured-the-world">Millions of Americans are obsessed</a>
with a celebrity couple and tossing their
money away on conditioning themselves to feel even more obsessed.
<p>
It's a trap &mdash; stay out!

<p>
 


title: Chemical attack on university protesters, NY
uri: 2024-02-15-Chemical-attack-on-university-protesters-NY
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/22/columbia-university-palestine-protest-skunk/">Columbia Scolds Students</a>
for "Unsanctioned" Gaza Rally Where They Were
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)">Attacked With Chemicals</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Sweet_ol'_ditty_turn_sad)
title: Sweet ol' ditty turn sad
uri: Sweet-ol-ditty-turn-sad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Sweet_ol'_ditty_turn_sad)
content:
 
<p>
I heard the song, Daisy a Day, on an oldies radio station this week.  I had never heard it
before.  It's sweet and sad, and I drifted with the feelings.  But then, when I heard the line
<blockquote>
I'll love you until the rivers run still.
</blockquote>
I was struck by despair, because that is <i>now</i>.  The rivers are running still already!
<p>
The
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#18_October_2022_(Drought_stopped_freight_on_the_Mississippi)">Mississippi</a>
and the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#25_August_2022_(china_drought_yangtze_river_hydropower_shortage)">Rhine</a>
were so dry last summer that they could no longer carry shipping.  And the Panama Canal didn't have
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_August_2023_(Drought_limits_ships_passing_Panama_Canal)">enough water supply</a>
to operate normally.









<p>
 


title: The war-lover's NATO protection racket
uri: The-war-lover-s-NATO-protection-racket
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_war-lover's_NATO_protection_racket)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_war-lover's_NATO_protection_racket)

content:
 
<p>
The wrecker<!---->
<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/11/donald-trump-threatens-nato-russia/72556515007/">threatened to dun NATO members</a>
for not paying enough by encouraging Putin to destroy them.
<p>
Other NATO members should contribute their share to he common defense, but being bullied
by the US would feel more like a protection racket than like protection from Russia.
Thus, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> is seriously trying to wreck NATO while making it deniable.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_persecutor's_yeasayers)
title: The persecutor's yeasayers
uri: The-persecutor-s-yeasayers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_persecutor's_yeasayers)
content:
 
<p>
Sycophantic Republicans go
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/12/trump-running-mate-vice-president-republicans-racism">overboard in supporting everything</a>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> has said, and what they think he might perhaps say soon.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_tide_agaist_power_and_wealth)
title: The tide against monopoly
uri: The-tide-against-monopoly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(The_tide_agaist_power_and_wealth)
content:
 
<p>
*The
<a href="media/8660efe8.Davos-Taken-not-Earned-full-Report-2024-FINAL.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.balancedeconomy.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Davos-Taken-not-Earned-full-Report-2024-FINAL.pdf">super-rich got that way</a>
through monopolies.*
<p>
I don't believe rich people inherently deserve to keep riches even if they have "earned"
them.  When they have done so, it is a point arguing that they deserve a bigger part
rather than a smaller part, but does not imply that they deserve to keep all of it.
<p>
The system of trading and business is very useful, and eliminating it would be foolish, as
the Soviet Union and China have at times demonstrated.  It does not follow that we should
bow down to the invisible hand and place business above the most important things,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Profits_and_payouts_over_passengers)">as Boeing</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Paxlovid)">and Pfizer</a>
do.  We must have the strait jacket ready for when it goes nuts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(canada_banning_flipper)
title: Canada vows to ban flipper zero devices
uri: Canada-vows-to-ban-flipper-zero-devices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(canada_banning_flipper)
content:
 
<p>
Old radio-controlled car locks are insecure, so Canada plans to ban 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/02/canada-vows-to-ban-flipper-zero-device-in-crackdown-on-car-theft/">digital radio analyzers</a>
<p>
On those few occasions when I have driven cars with wireless locks, I 
have felt extremely uncomfortable with them &mdash; but not because of theft. It is because of pitfalls, such as the ease of walking off with the key while leaving the engine running for a friend to borrow the car. I'd feel safer with a key that must be <Em>in the lock</Em> for the car to run.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(biden_israeli_settlement)
title: Israeli settlements and Biden
uri: Israeli-settlements-and-Biden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(biden_israeli_settlement)
content:
 
<p>
If Biden is serious about recognizing an independent Palestine alongside
Israel, he could make Israel accept that by means of additional
sanctions on people and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/12/israeli-settlements-stand-in-the-way-of-peace-biden-can-defund-them-all">businesses like the ones he has already made.</a>
<p>
Those sanctions could be viewed as a warning shot at Netanyahu.
<p>
This would, in my view, be using sanctions for a worthy goal.
However, it also shows the extent of arbitrary power
that the US exercises in this way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(munich_security_conference)
title: National self-interest studying global cooperation, report finds
uri: National-self-interest-studying-global-cooperation-report-finds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(munich_security_conference)
content:
 
<p>
*National self-interest stymieing global cooperation, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/12/national-self-interest-stymying-global-cooperation-report-finds-munich-security-conference">a [poll of
powerful people] finds.*</a>
<p>
*  The world has entered a new era marked by zero-sum thinking in which
   countries seek relative advantage through protectionism, self-interest
   and rejection of mutually beneficial cooperation&hellip;*
<p>
Zero-sum thinking is more foolish now than ever, as we are all
threatened together by global heating disaster, and avoiding it
requires efforts by all.  But there will always be countries that
are threatened more in the short term and others threatened less.
If that becomes an excuse to refuse to pull together, the shortsighted
foolish will doom themselves as well as their "rivals".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(shared_histories_reconstruction)
title: Reconstructed hemisphere
uri: Reconstructed-hemisphere
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(shared_histories_reconstruction)
content:
 
<p>
*In the 19th century, civil wars tore apart the US, Mexico and Argentina. Then came democracy's fight against reaction.* 
<a href="https://aeon.co/essays/on-the-shared-histories-of-reconstruction-in-the-americas">That is called "reconstruction."</a>
<p>
In several countries, liberal governments got tired of putting down
right-wing rebellions, and ultimately gave amnesties to the reels; those did not settle down, but continued to rebel and sometimes eventually won. This suggests that the US needs to crush the trumpery movement to ensure it cannot keep rebelling. No amnesty.

<p>
 


title: Google’s and Microsoft’s chatbots are making up Super Bowl stats
uri: Google-s-and-Microsoft-s-chatbots-are-making-up-Super-Bowl-stats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(chatbots_superbowl_google_microsoft)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(chatbots_superbowl_google_microsoft)

content:
 
<p>
Before the Super Bowl had been played, Google and Microsoft bullshit generators 
<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/11/googles-and-microsofts-chatbots-are-making-up-super-bowl-stats/">fabricated statistics for the game.</a>
<p>
Why do people insist on calling them "artificial intelligence"?
"Artificial stupidity" would fit these bullshit generators better.


<p>
 


title: TV team targeted with lethal force, ISR
uri: TV-team-targeted-with-lethal-force-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(TV_team_targeted_with_lethal_force,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(TV_team_targeted_with_lethal_force,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/al-jazeera-reporter-camera-operator-seriously-hurt-israeli-airstrike-gaza">Al Jazeera accuses Israel</a>
of specifically targeting a TV team at work in Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Israel warned by UK: int'l law, Rafah
uri: Israel-warned-by-UK-int-l-law-Rafah
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Israel_warned_by_UK:_int'l_law,_Rafah)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Israel_warned_by_UK:_int'l_law,_Rafah)

content:
 
<p>
The UK's foreign minister,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/israel-in-breach-of-international-law-if-gaza-denied-food-and-water-says-cameron">former
PM David Cameron</a>,
said that Israel must allow Gaza food and water
or else it would violate international law.  He also said that the UK
will not support Israel in attacking Rafah.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Artworks_vs._Life_of_Assange)
title: Artworks vs. Life of Assange
uri: Artworks-vs-Life-of-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Artworks_vs._Life_of_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
An activist threatens to destroy some
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/13/im-not-trying-to-destroy-art-says-man-planning-to-do-just-that-if-assange-dies-in-jail">prized works of art</a>
if the UK does not free Julian Assange.
<p>
I support that goal, but I think that method is misguided and harmful
because it  uses the art works as hostages.
<p>
How so?  It is not a threat against the <em>owners</em> of those art
works.  They have given him permission to destroy them for his
protest, and legally that may be sufficient for him to avoid criminal
charges.  But the permission of the owner is not <em>morally</em>
sufficient.  These paintings are part of the heritage of humanity, and
humanity too has a right to protect them.
<p>
More deeply, it is an error to take the construct of property rights
for the sole and total basis for judgment of right and wrong.  It is
useful to have a concept of property, and useful to legally protect
property to some extent.  But destroying art works would also do wrong
to the rest of us who do not own them.  Including those of us who
advocate freeing Assange.
<p>
The importance of these paintings to humanity is not a direct
consequence of their market value.  Rather, their market value
reflects the idea that they are important.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_mifepristone_legal)
title: Urgent: Keep mifepristone legal
uri: Urgent-Keep-mifepristone-legal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_mifepristone_legal)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/mife_amicus/">call on the Supreme Court</a>
to keep mifepristone legal.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Ban neonicotinoids on wildlife refuges
uri: Urgent-Ban-neonicotinoids-on-wildlife-refuges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_neonicotinoids_on_wildlife_refuges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_neonicotinoids_on_wildlife_refuges)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55487&tag=email_blast:130057&supporter_KEY=229474">call on your congresscritter</a>
to vote to ban spraying neonicotinoid pesticides in wildlife refuges!
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: End surprise medical bills
uri: Urgent-End-surprise-medical-bills
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_End_surprise_medical_bills)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_February_2024_(Urgent:_End_surprise_medical_bills)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-end-surprise-medical-bills-in-the-next-covid-19-package?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a>
to end surprise medical bills in the next COVID-19 package.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Cities' waste-dump, methane tactics
uri: Cities-waste-dump-methane-tactics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Equatorial_waste-dump_carbon_bombs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Equatorial_waste-dump_carbon_bombs)

content:
 
<p>
Some waste dumps occasionally release a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/12/revealed-the-1200-big-methane-leaks-from-waste-dumps-trashing-the-planet">large
quantity of methane</a> in a short time.  Preventing more such leaks would take a substantial
step towards avoiding <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> disaster.  But the biggest problems are in Pakistan, India
and Bangladesh; it won't be easy to get them to spend money on this.

 


title: Urgent: Budget down the Pentagon's emissions
uri: Urgent-Budget-down-the-Pentagon-s-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Urgent:_Budget_Pentagon's_emmissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Urgent:_Budget_Pentagon's_emmissions)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=climate-threshold.lba3dX&source=em20240211_1&t=1006&akid=9570%2E223515%2ELbbOrO">call on Biden</a>
to cut Pentagon emissions and help save the planet.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Squeezing_profits_out_of_drivers)
title: Squeezing profits out of drivers
uri: Squeezing-profits-out-of-drivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Squeezing_profits_out_of_drivers)
content:
 
<p>
In 2023, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#guber">GUber</a> made a profit for the first time&hellip;by squeezing it out of
the drivers. 
<a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/drivers-bear-the-cost-of-ubers-first">It's paying them less</a>
than peanuts, now.
<p>
Many reasons to <a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">refuse to do business with GUber</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect NLRB from a lawsuit
uri: Urgent-Protect-NLRB-from-a-lawsuit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_NLRB_from_a_lawsuit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_NLRB_from_a_lawsuit)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/musk-nlrb-tesla/?t=1001&akid=31867%2E96703%2EqTtAYX">call on Congress</a>
to protect the National Labor Relations
Board from the musk-et's lawsuit designed to destroy its funding.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(President_Hoover_revisited)
title: President Hoover revisited
uri: President-Hoover-revisited
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_February_2024_(President_Hoover_revisited)
content:
 
<p>
A relative of Herbert Hoover
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/13/biden-comparing-trump-herbert-hoover-cheap-shot">rebuked Biden</a>
for comparing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> to Hoover.
<p>
I have a different criticism: comparing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> to Hoover is an understatement.
<p>
Herbert Hoover was a Republican president who worshiped the Invisible Hand and therefore
refused to take effective action to get the US out of depression.  The many people made
homeless by his inaction built shanty towns that they called "Hoovervilles".
<p>
But Hoover did not try to overthrow democracy.  He was a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>, not a fascist.  He ran
again for president, lost to FDR, and accepted defeat.  Then FDR instituted the New Deal.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker</a>, by contrast, is a fascist and is trying to <a href="https:stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist_could_end_democracy)">eliminate democracy</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#22_September_2023_(An_election_theory_very_base)">rule of law</a>
in the US by turning democracy and the constitution into a sham to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Wrecker_as_unitary_executive)">disguise a dictatorship</a>.
<p>
Although Hoover did not try to overthrow democracy, other <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> did try, and
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler#Business_Plot">asked
recently retired General Smedley Butler</a>
to lead the coup for them.
Butler surprised them by upholding the Constitution and testifying about their plot.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Affirm ex-president is accountable for Jan 6
uri: Urgent-Affirm-ex-president-is-accountable-for-Jan-6
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_(Urgent:_Affirm_ex-president_is_accountable_for_Jan_6)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_(Urgent:_Affirm_ex-president_is_accountable_for_Jan_6)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/forms/add-your-name-donald-trump-is-not-above-the-law-7?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=020924-trumpDQ-oral-argument">Call on the Supreme Court</a>
to affirm that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a> is not above the law.

<p>
 


title: Tough-on-gangs Bukele reelected, SLV
uri: Tough-on-gangs-Bukele-reelected-SLV
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_(Tough-on-gangs_Bukele_reelected,_SLV)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_(Tough-on-gangs_Bukele_reelected,_SLV)

content:
 
<p>
El Salvador's president
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/05/nayib-bukele-re-elected-as-el-salvador-president-in-landslide-win">Bukele</a>
was reelected despite the constitution's prohibition on reelecting any president.
<p>
He made El Salvador crime-free, by means of putting 75,000 people in prison without charges.  A
trial is an imperfect way to judge a person's guilt, but a non-trial is much worse.  Surely
many of them are not criminals.  Will they ever be released?

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Random execution experiment, US
uri: (Satire)-Random-execution-experiment-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_((Satire)_Random_execution_experiment,_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_February_2024_((Satire)_Random_execution_experiment,_US)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) Ohio Begins Executing Random People
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/ohio-begins-executing-random-people-in-hopes-they-re-cr-1851218315">In Hopes They're Criminals</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Funding bills that do not also restrict services
uri: Urgent-Funding-bills-that-do-not-also-restrict-services
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Funding_bills_that_do_not_also_restrict_services)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Funding_bills_that_do_not_also_restrict_services)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and insist on clean funding bills that attach no new
restrictions to government services.  These bills need to be passed by March 1 to avoid
shutdowns of parts of the government.
<p>
I think Democrats should stand by as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> shut down some large part of the government,
rather than join with them in a compromise that would damage government programs and policies.
<p>
With courage we can defeat those disinformation-wielding saboteurs.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(PFAS_as_a_govt._secret)
title: PFAS as a govt. secret
uri: PFAS-as-a-govt-secret
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(PFAS_as_a_govt._secret)
content:
 
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> is concealing the measurements of the amount of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/epa-conceals-pfas-health-info-as-trade-secret">PFAS in plastic containers</a>
from he public, calling it a "trade secret".
<p>
In general, the US government gives businesses' desired for secrecy much more weight than it
deserves.  Trade secrecy is fundamentally antisocial.  At the same time, compelling people to
publish everything they know would be tyranny; therefore, when a business's secrecy about some
specific thing does no particular harm, we should go along with it.
<p>
However, when
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#25_July_2019_(Evidence_of_product_defects)">trade secrecy collides with anything important</a>
for society or the public, trade secrecy must yield.

<p>
 


title: Trump fined hundreds of millions of $US
uri: Trump-fined-hundreds-of-millions-of-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Trump_fined_hundreds_of_millions_of_$US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Trump_fined_hundreds_of_millions_of_$US)

content:
 
<p>
The verdict in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist's</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/16/trump-verdict-judge-new-york-fraud-case">fraud trial</a>
fined him 364 million dollars.
<p>
It was not a criminal trial on charges of fraud.  If it were, he could have
ended up in prison once found guilty.
<p>
*The "law-and-order" candidate is an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/16/donald-trump-organization-legal-woes">adjudicated fraudster</a>.*
<p>
He is already responding by escalating the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#17_June_2022_(Republicans_fraudulent_fund-raising)">super-big-lie</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Cancer)
title: Cancer
uri: 2024-02-20-Cancer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Cancer)
content:
 
<p>
Suggesting that we <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/16/king-charles-speak-cancer-winning-losing-war-bowel-language">stop treating the subject of cancer as a taboo or
unmentionable</a>.  And stop comparing it to a "battle".
<p>
My cancer treatment never felt like a battle to me.  It was sometimes
annoying and hurt only occasionally.  As for bearing up against cancer,
that was easy after <a href="https://stallmansupport.org/">almost four years of practice in bearing up
against cancellation</a>.

<p>
 


title: Hugo awards and Chinese censorship
uri: Hugo-awards-and-Chinese-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Hugo_awards_and_Chinese_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Hugo_awards_and_Chinese_censorship)

content:
 
<p>
*Leaked emails reveal organizers of leading science fiction and fantasy
awards (the Hugo awards) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/feb/15/authors-excluded-from-hugo-awards-over-china-concerns">[excluded] works of a "sensitive political nature"*
to cater to Chinese censorship</a>.
<p>
The World Science Fiction Society should change its rules so that
Worldcon cannot be held in a country that would impose political
censorship on books to be sold, discussed, shown or judged at the
event.  Teams bidding to hold a future Worldcon should have to
sign and publish an affirmation to this effect.
<p>
I understand, of course, that bidders cannot take responsibility for
stopping the sate from censoring Worldcon.  But I think bidders in
countries that impose political censorship would hesitate to sign such
an affirmation, and that would achieve the goal of protecting Worldcon
from being held in one.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Targeting_critics_in_exile)
title: Targeting critics in exile
uri: Targeting-critics-in-exile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Targeting_critics_in_exile)
content:
 
<p>
*China, Russia and Cambodia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/16/china-russia-and-cambodia-top-list-of-regimes-targeting-critics-in-exile">top list of regimes targeting critics in exile</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Putin_and_deaths)
title: Putin and deaths
uri: Putin-and-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Putin_and_deaths)
content:
 
<p>
*The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/16/the-mysterious-violent-and-unsolved-deaths-of-putins-foes-and-critics-alexi-navalny">mysterious, violent and unsolved deaths</a> of Putin's foes and critics.*

<p>
 


title: "Preaching to the choir" in politics
uri: Preaching-to-the-choir-in-politics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Preaching_to_the_choir_in_politics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Preaching_to_the_choir_in_politics)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich explains why "preaching to the choir" in politics is
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-i-preach-to-the-choir">useful and worth while</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_((Satire)_Ohio_executions)
title: (Satire) Ohio executions
uri: (Satire)-Ohio-executions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_((Satire)_Ohio_executions)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Ohio Begins Executing Random People <a href="https://www.theonion.com/ohio-begins-executing-random-people-in-hopes-they-re-cr-1851218315">In Hopes They're Criminals</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Modern_Luddites)
title: Modern Luddites
uri: Modern-Luddites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Modern_Luddites)
content:
 
<p>
The Guardian has covered some modern Luddites, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/17/humanitys-remaining-timeline-it-looks-more-like-five-years-than-50-meet-the-neo-luddites-warning-of-an-ai-apocalypse">whose views are
somewhat similar to my ideas -- on free software and neighboring issues</a>.
<p>
Ms Crabapple even cited an FSF slogan!
<p>
If you know any of them, please tell per about <a href="https://www.fsf.org/tedx">fsf.org/tedx</a> and <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/">gnu.org/philosophy</a>.  <a href="https://www.gnu.org/gnu/first-hackers-conference-1984.html">gnu.org/gnu/first-hackers-conference-1984.html</a>
could be useful to mention as well.  And it never hurts to mention <a href="https://www.stallmansupport.org/">stallmansupport.org</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Reforestation)
title: Reforestation
uri: 2024-02-20-Reforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Reforestation)
content:
 
<p>
Reforestation in some US regions is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/17/us-east-trees-warming-hole-study-climate-crisis">keeping those regions from heating up</a>.
<p>
Even more important, it is working against <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> -- though it isn't
enough to overcome the greenhouse emissions of other parts of the world.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Marwan_Barghouti)
title: Marwan Barghouti
uri: Marwan-Barghouti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Marwan_Barghouti)
content:
 
<p>
Arguing that Israel should release Marwan Barghouti from prison,
so he could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/the-most-popular-palestinian-leader-alive-releasing-marwan-barghouti-could-transform-territories-politics">win free elections and lead Palestine in a secularist direction</a>
towards making peace with Israel.
That is supposing Israel is willing to accept such a peace.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Virtual_hospital_beds)
title: Virtual hospital beds
uri: Virtual-hospital-beds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Virtual_hospital_beds)
content:
 
<p>
"Virtual hospital beds" can now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/07/how-virtual-nhs-wards-now-reality">monitor a patient's recovery</a>
while <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> stays at home.
<p>
It sounds like a useful idea, for certain patients (not those who
might need a rapid intervention if something goes wrong).  Except that
I suspect it is implemented in an unjust way, depending on nonfree
software plus connection to the internet.
<p>
If that is the case, I'd have to refuse to allow it in my home.
<p>
It would be easy to implement such a monitoring system with free
software.  But I expect that the NHS never even thought about the
issue.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Corrupting_influence)
title: Urgent: Corrupting influence
uri: Urgent-Corrupting-influence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Corrupting_influence)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Senator Dick Durbin to subpoena Harlan Crow and
Leonard Leo about <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/we-need-to-get-to-the-bottom-of-the-billionaire-influence-on-scotus-tell-senator-dick-durbin-to-subpoena-harlan-crow-and-leonard-leo?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-the-senate-judiciary-committee-did-its-job-now-sen-durbin-must-do-his">their corrupting influence on Supreme Court justices</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_Section_702)
title: Urgent: Reject Section 702
uri: Urgent-Reject-Section-702
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_Section_702)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/reject-section-702/?t=1001&akid=31878%2E96703%2EzHD2Ka">reject section 702 mass surveillance</a>.
<p>
I read that one attempt to pass the bill was rejected, but not conclusively.
There will be more attempts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Alexei_Navalny)
title: Alexei Navalny
uri: 2024-02-20-Alexei-Navalny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Alexei_Navalny)
content:
 
<p>
Alexei Navalny has died a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/alexei-navalny-death-confirmed-official-cause-of-death-disputed">political prisoner in Russia</a>.
<p>
His decision to return to Russia and be imprisoned on political
charges was brave, and in a country with less censorship might have
stimulated opposition to Putin.  But it was ineffective, because the
uncensored media and communication that might have galvanized
opposition had all been crushed.
<p>
*Alexei Navalny death: protesters gather across Europe to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/alexei-navalny-death-protesters-gather-across-europe-to-express-outrage-and-denounce-putin">express outrage and
denounce Putin</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Rigged_elections)
title: Rigged elections
uri: Rigged-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Rigged_elections)
content:
 
<p>
*Senior Pakistan official <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/senior-pakistan-official-admits-election-rigging-as-protests-grip-country">admits election rigging</a> as protests grip
country.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Israel_trade_deal_reviewed)
title: Israel trade deal reviewed
uri: Israel-trade-deal-reviewed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Israel_trade_deal_reviewed)
content:
 
<p>
*Ireland and Spain demand EU <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/14/ireland-and-spain-demand-eu-reviews-israel-trade-deal-over-rights-obligations">[review] Israel trade deal over rights
obligations</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Amazon_rainforest_tipping_point)
title: Amazon rainforest "tipping point"
uri: Amazon-rainforest-tipping-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Amazon_rainforest_tipping_point)
content:
 
<p>
*Amazon rainforest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/14/amazon-rainforest-could-reach-tipping-point-by-2050-scientists-warn">could reach ‘tipping point’ by 2050</a>, scientists warn*
*Authors of study call for action to prevent possible collapse of
   region's ecosystems and climate impacts that would result.*
<p>
I don't think anyone can tell how long it will take for this disaster
to be unstoppable.  The question we face is one of how far to press
our luck.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Diagnosis_delay)
title: Diagnosis delay
uri: Diagnosis-delay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_February_2024_(Diagnosis_delay)
content:
 
<p>
*Mississippi prison <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/14/mississippi-prison-delayed-cancer-diagnosis-terminal-lawsuit">delayed [prisoner]'s cancer diagnosis until it was
terminal</a>, lawsuit says.*
<p>
I wish it were possible to get courts to intervene _before_ it is too late.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Civil_Society_horrified,_IDN)
title: Civil Society horrified, IDN
uri: Civil-Society-horrified-IDN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Civil_Society_horrified,_IDN)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/15/indonesia-presidential-election-results-prabowo-subianto-likely-victory">new president of Indonesia</a>
appears to be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#09_July_2014_(President_of_Indonesia)">General Subianto</a>,
who served
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-nov-feb.html#24_January_2019_(1965-66_massacre_in_Indonesia)">dictator Suharto</a>
and is accused of torture.

<p>
 


title: UK, US urged: free Julian Assange, AUS
uri: UK-US-urged-free-Julian-Assange-AUS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(UK,_US_urged:_free_Julian_Assange,_AUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(UK,_US_urged:_free_Julian_Assange,_AUS)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/14/australian-mps-pass-motion-urging-us-and-uk-to-allow-julian-assange-to-return-to-australia">Australia's parliament</a>
has called for freeing Julian Assange.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Assange's_final_appeal,_UK)
title: Assange's final appeal, UK
uri: Assange-s-final-appeal-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Assange's_final_appeal,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Global media freedom at risk as Julian Assange back in UK court
facing
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/global-media-freedom-at-risk-as-julian-assange-back-in-uk-court-facing-possible-extradition-to-usa">possible extradition to USA</a>.*
<p>
The US is the prime mover of imprisoning Assange, but the UK is responsible for its willingness
to extradite people for acts of journalism.  It is doing so under
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#2_March_2020_(Political_offense)">a treaty</a>
that the UK ratified but the US never did.  It demonstrates the subservience of the UK.
<p>
The substance of the treaty is outrageous because it agrees to extradite to the US for actions
that are not crimes under UK law.  That discards a basic principle of extradition known as
"dual criminality": that country A should not extradite a person to country C for an act that is
a crime in country unless that act is also a crime in country A.  This principle spares country
A from becoming an accessory to country C's repression.
<p>
We used to envision the Soviet Union or China as playing the role of
country C, but in this case the US plays that role.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Basic_status_of_Julian_Assange)
title: Basic status of Julian Assange
uri: Basic-status-of-Julian-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Basic_status_of_Julian_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/18/julian-assange-press-freedom-wikileaks-uk-high-court">We have seen</a>
Assange’s plight in a UK prison, but extraditing him this week would be a disaster for us all.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act
uri: 2024-02-22-Urgent-Supreme-Court-Ethics-Recusal-and-Transparency-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_Ethics,_Recusal_and_Transparency_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_Ethics,_Recusal_and_Transparency_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://act.commoncause.org/forms/take-action-become-a-grassroots-co-sponsor-of-the-supreme-court-ethics-recusal-and-transparency-act">Support the Supreme Court Ethics,  Recusal, and
    Transparency Act</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Investigate election rigging in Pakistan
uri: Urgent-Investigate-election-rigging-in-Pakistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_election_rigging_in_Pakistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_election_rigging_in_Pakistan)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the United States to insist on a <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-the-united-states-conduct-a-full-investigation-into-pakistani-election-interference">full
    investigation into accusations</a> of military election rigging in Pakistan,
  before recognizing a new government there.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Investigation into the wrecker's ill-gotten gains
uri: Urgent-Investigation-into-the-wrecker-s-ill-gotten-gains
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigation_into_the_wrecker's_ill-gotten_gains)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Investigation_into_the_wrecker's_ill-gotten_gains)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/investigate-trump-foreign-gains?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">complete the investigation</a> into the
wrecker's foreign ill-gotten gains.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Reject proposal to label fentanyl as "chemical weapon"
uri: Urgent-Reject-proposal-to-label-fentanyl-as-chemical-weapon
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_proposal_to_label_fentanyl_as_chemical_weapon)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_proposal_to_label_fentanyl_as_chemical_weapon)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=house-fentanyl-cwc.4gqpmv">reject the proposal</a> to label fentanyl
dishonestly as a "chemical weapon" and charge people with "terrorism"
for possession of it.
</p>
<p>
Laws must not lie.  The illegal fentanyl trade has harmful effects &mdash; the usual
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Fentanyl)">effects of black-market sale</a> of drugs.
</p>
<p>
Some of the people who buy fentanyl on the street buy it because they
doctors won't prescribe them enough oxycodone to last the whole day.
(Each pill works for 6 hours.)  They are victims of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-may-aug.html#24_August_2021_(War_on_pain_sufferers)">War on Pain Sufferers</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

</li>

 


title: Tunnels under UNRWA's main office in Gaza
uri: Tunnels-under-UNRWA-s-main-office-in-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Tunnels_under_UNRWA's_main_office_in_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Tunnels_under_UNRWA's_main_office_in_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

  The Israeli army showed reporters <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-unwra-gaza-tunnels-31f6ca23365e349bcde1332d5028e431">extensive tunnels</a> under the UNRWA's
main office in Gaza.
</p>
<p>
We cannot trust either HAMAS or Israel to tell the truth about events
in Gaza, or about tunnels that exist there.  But I think it must be
true that these tunnels were built by HAMAS.  I don't think Israel
could have built tunnels 700 meters long in a few months in Gaza in
the middle of the fighting.  It could perhaps have set up a room full
of electrical equipment supposedly connected to the tunnels, but I won't
say those couldn't be the work of HAMAS.
</p>
<p>
I would expect that the construction of military facilities amidst
UNRWA's facilities was a war crime committed by HAMAS.  We already
know HAMAS commits much worse violations of international humanitarian
law.
</p>
<p>
It is plausible that the tunnels got their electricity from the UNRWA
camp.  Stealing electricity happens world-wide, but it is a minor
issue compared to the war crimes in Gaza.
</p>
<p>
I don't think the UNRWA knew about these tunnels.  I expect that HAMAS
recruited some of the UNRWA staff and they ensured no one else learned
of the existence of the tunnels

.  Israel has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Head_of_UNRWA_capitulates)">accused some of UNRWA's staff of serving HAMAS</a>.
That <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_February_2024_(Head_of_UNRWA_capitulates)">accusation is not proof</a> as regards the guilt of specific
individuals,
  but it is perfectly plausible that HAMAS infiltrated the staff of
UNRWA.  I expect Israel tried too but was not in a position to succeed
very much.
</p>
<p>
This infiltration of UNRWA is no reason to cut the funding for the
humanitarian aid it gives to Palestinians, and no excuse for
continuing to subject hundreds of thousands in Gaza to death from
hunger, thirst and disease.
</p>
</li>

 


title: People privately enslaved in Britain
uri: People-privately-enslaved-in-Britain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(People_privately_enslaved_in_Britain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(People_privately_enslaved_in_Britain)

content:
 
<p>

Almost half the people privately enslaved in Britain nowadays were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/11/british-boys-risk-modern-slavery-study-teenagers">not
    trafficked from some other country</a>.  Rather, they are boys who were
pressured by local criminals into supporting their crimes.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Germany silencing criticism of Israel
uri: Germany-silencing-criticism-of-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Germany_silencing_criticism_of_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Germany_silencing_criticism_of_Israel)

content:
 
<p>

  Germany is <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-12-17/germany-israel-gaza-antisemitism-holocaust-genocide-palestinians-solidarity">harshly silencing</a> those who criticize Israel.
</p>
<p>
After Hitler's mass murder of Jews became public knowledge, Jews were
compelled to confront the question: is it "never again" <em>against us</em>,
or "never again" <em>against anyone whatsoever</em>?  Humanitarian morality
must choose the latter interpretation, and that is what I support.
</p>
<p>
Germany has, according to the article, adopted the narrow
interpretation, according to which Israel cannot be criticized for
predictably killing tens of thousands (and perhaps eventually more) of
Palestinians in Gaza, and those who do criticize it are
"anti-semitic".
</p>
</li>

 


title: Tennessee bill on helping minors obtain abortion
uri: Tennessee-bill-on-helping-minors-obtain-abortion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Tennessee_bill_on_helping_minors_obtain_abortion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Tennessee_bill_on_helping_minors_obtain_abortion)

content:
 
<p>

  *Tennessee <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/tennessee-minors-abortion-ban">advances bill</a> to [imprison] people [for] helping minors
obtain abortion.*
</p>
<p>
This demonstrates the fanaticism of the religious extremists that are
determined to prevent abortion, whatever the cost (to those who are
pregnant).
</p>
<p>
The bill says specifically anyone who "recruits, harbors, or
transports a pregnant unemancipated minor" commits a crime.  I wonder
what it means, concretely, to "recruit" someone for an abortion.
Does that ever really occur?
</p>
<p>
I also wonder what is covered by "transports".  Does it include
giving someone money, which she might use to buy a bus ticket?
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Small_US_farms_having_trouble)
title: Small US farms having trouble
uri: Small-US-farms-having-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Small_US_farms_having_trouble)
content:
 
<p>

  Small farms in the US are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/usda-census-smaller-farms-falling-further-behind">having trouble</a>, while large farms are bringing
high profits.  Congress is proposing to increase subsidies that are
independent of size.  That won't address the problem.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Denouncing critics of Israel as 'un-Jews' or antisemites
uri: Denouncing-critics-of-Israel-as-un-Jews-or-antisemites
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Denouncing_critics_of_Israel_as_'un-Jews'_or_antisemites)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Denouncing_critics_of_Israel_as_'un-Jews'_or_antisemites)

content:
 
<p>

*Denouncing critics of Israel as ‘un-Jews’ or antisemites is a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/11/denouncing-critics-of-israel-as-un-jews-or-antisemites-is-a-perversion-of-history">perversion of history</a>.*
  There is an old current in Jewish thought
which stands up for anyone who is mistreated &mdash; including Palestinians
mistreated by Jews.  And another old current of deplatforming them.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Explanations around Netanyahu, HAMAS and the US
uri: Explanations-around-Netanyahu-HAMAS-and-the-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Explanations_around_Netanyahu,_HAMAS_and_the_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Explanations_around_Netanyahu,_HAMAS_and_the_US)

content:
 
<p>

  Explanations for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/13/us-stop-horror-rafah-israel-gaza">why Netanyahu clings so tightly to defeating HAMAS militarily</a>
even though the war is not going well, and why the US finds it so hard
to stop this.
</p>
<p>
The fact that HAMAS is not dead even in occupied northern Gaza may
help convince pertinent people that the idea of militarily eliminating
HAMAS is an impossible dream.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Fire disaster in southern South America
uri: Fire-disaster-in-southern-South-America
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Fire_disaster_in_southern_South_America)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Fire_disaster_in_southern_South_America)

content:
 
<p>

The hottest January ever recorded has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/13/megafires-wildfires-chile-argentina-south-america">caused fire disaster in southern
    South America</a>.
  Governments need to change many policies so as to prevent and
discourage fires.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Ill-judged tree planting in Africa
uri: Ill-judged-tree-planting-in-Africa
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Ill-judged_tree_planting_in_Africa)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Ill-judged_tree_planting_in_Africa)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/15/ill-judged-tree-planting-africa-threatens-ecosystems-scientists-warn">Ill-judged tree planting in Africa threatens ecosystems, scientists warn.</a>*
</p>
<p>
Projects to plant lots of trees have gone awry before.
Sometimes the problem is simply that most of the trees die, having
been planted in places where those species <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#28_July_2019_(The_right_trees_in_the_right_palce)">will not grow</a>.
  In this case, it seems worse problems threaten.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Feasibility_of_plastic_recycling)
title: Feasibility of plastic recycling
uri: Feasibility-of-plastic-recycling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Feasibility_of_plastic_recycling)
content:
 
<p>

  *Plastic producers have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/15/recycling-plastics-producers-report">known for 30 years</a> that recycling is not an
economically or technically feasible plastic waste management solution.
That has not stopped them from promoting it, according to a new report.*
</p>
<p>
  This could be the basis for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-report-makes-the-case-for-legal-action-over-the-fraud-of-plastic-recycling">big lawsuits against them</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Bullshitter mixing up Haley with Pelosi
uri: Bullshitter-mixing-up-Haley-with-Pelosi
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Bullshitter_mixing_up_Haley_with_Pelosi)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Bullshitter_mixing_up_Haley_with_Pelosi)

content:
 
<p>

*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a>] says mixing [up] Haley with Pelosi and Biden
with Obama <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/15/trump-haley-pelosi-mix-up-tactic">was tactic, not gaffe</a>.*
</p>
<p>
One advantage of training your supporters not  to accept truth from you
is that you can get away with bullshit about your bullshit.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Pennsylvania coal miners move to the right wing
uri: Pennsylvania-coal-miners-move-to-the-right-wing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Pennsylvania_coal_miners_move_to_the_right_wing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Pennsylvania_coal_miners_move_to_the_right_wing)

content:
 
<p>

  Why Pennsylvania coal miners <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/2/14/2223447/-Why-Many-Workers-Swing-to-the-Right?_=2024-02-14T10:05:52.000-08:00">moved to the right wing after the 1950s</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Labour's "maxed out credit card" analogy
uri: Labour-s-maxed-out-credit-card-analogy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Labour's_maxed_out_credit_card_analogy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Labour's_maxed_out_credit_card_analogy)

content:
 
<p>

Yanis Varoufakis: *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/15/labour-credit-card-analogy-mendacious-tory">Why is Labour still using the self-defeating,
    discredited "maxed out credit card" analogy?</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Global awareness of women’s health
uri: Global-awareness-of-women-s-health
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Global_awareness_of_women’s_health)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Global_awareness_of_women’s_health)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/15/global-awareness-of-womens-health-being-hijacked-by-vested-interests">Global awareness of women’s health being "hijacked by vested interests"</a>*
  to sell quackery.
</p>
<p>
Rampant unrestrained capitalism does that in every area.
Society needs a framework that doesn't elevate profit above all else.
</p>
</li>

 


title: States banning "captive audience meetings"
uri: States-banning-captive-audience-meetings
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(States_banning_captive_audience_meetings)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(States_banning_captive_audience_meetings)

content:
 
<p>

  States are <a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/states-are-cracking-down-on-a-key">banning the "captive audience meetings"</a> in which businesses
order workers to listen to anti-union propaganda.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Largest GAZA hospital now in great peril
uri: Largest-GAZA-hospital-now-in-great-peril
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Largest_GAZA_hospital_now_in_great_peril)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Largest_GAZA_hospital_now_in_great_peril)

content:
 
<p>
Israeli attacks have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/19/gaza-nasser-hospital-out-of-service-who-israel-palestine-raid-hamas">effectively ruined the Nasser hospital</a>,
which was
the largest hospital that was still functioning in Gaza last week.
<p>
Israel claims to have arrested "100 suspected HAMAS militants" in the hospital courtyard.  This
sounds impressive &mdash; we are supposed to assume that Israel must have had some specific
reason to "suspect" each of those people, and therefore proves an enormous level of HAMAS infiltration.
<p>
More likely it means is that Israel found 100
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_November_2023_(Palestinian_writer_released)">men "of military age"</a>
there, and followed
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#6_December_2023_(Israel_using_computer_systems_to_choose_where_to_bomb)">a policy of suspecting</a>
each of them on general principles.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Navalny's_dead_body)
title: Navalny's dead body
uri: Navalny-s-dead-body
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Navalny's_dead_body)
content:
 
<p>
Putin is hiding Navalny's body, as his
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/kremlin-plays-for-time-after-alexei-navalny-death">mother travels to search</a>
for it.
<p>
The suspicion is that this could involve something more rational than mere corpse fetishism.
Navalny's body could provide evidence of torture or murder.

<p>
 


title: Netanyahu's continuing materializations
uri: Netanyahu-s-continuing-materializations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Netanyahu's_continuing_materializations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Netanyahu's_continuing_materializations)

content:
 
<p>
*Dozens trapped [inside Nasser hospital without water, food or
electricity] after
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/17/dozens-trapped-after-nasser-hospital-raid-as-g7-warns-israel-over-rafah-offensive">Nasser hospital raid</a>
as G7 warns Israel over Rafah offensive.*

<p>
 


title: The corrupter aiming for US, world
uri: The-corrupter-aiming-for-US-world
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(The_corruptor_aiming_for_US,_world)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(The_corruptor_aiming_for_US,_world)

content:
 
<p>
If <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> gets
<a href="https://www.theissue.io/the-final-stages-of-american-collapse/">power next year</a>,
this article argues that the American Republic would collapse, followed by the current world
order, the US economy, and efforts to curb <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.

<p>
 


title: Basis of Hunter Biden inquiry revealed
uri: Basis-of-Hunter-Biden-inquiry-revealed
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Basis_of_Hunter_Biden_inquiry_revealed)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Basis_of_Hunter_Biden_inquiry_revealed)

content:
 
<p>
An FBI informant who gave the FBI incriminating testimony about Hunter Biden has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/15/fbi-informant-biden-ukraine-charged-burisma">charged criminally with falsifying</a>
that testimony.
<p>
Right-wing billionaires could supply plenty of money to recruit liars to testify against Hunter Biden.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Urgent:_Single-use_plastics)
title: Urgent: Single-use plastics
uri: Urgent-Single-use-plastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_February_2024_(Urgent:_Single-use_plastics)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55507&tag=email_blast:130462&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the US government</a>
to stop using single-use plastics.

<p>
 


title: Senate on nonconsensual, sexual deepfakes
uri: Senate-on-nonconsensual-sexual-deepfakes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(Senate_on_nonconsensual,_sexual_deepfakes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(Senate_on_nonconsensual,_sexual_deepfakes)

content:
 
<p>
US senators have proposed a bill that they say would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/30/taylor-swift-ai-deepfake-nonconsensual-sexual-images-bill">"criminalize the
spread</a>
of nonconsensual, sexualized images generated by [so-called] artificial intelligence."  I agree
with the goal, but a vagueness hides a dangerous detail in the bill.
<p>
I support criminalizing the making, publication and republication of nude deepfakes without the
subject's permission.  Any deepfake that misrepresents the subject's words or actions should
get the same punishment.  You have the right to claim someone said or did something, but
creating fake evidence that falsely purports to prove that is the moral equivalent of perjury.
<p>
However, to criminalize "receiving" or simply holding on to a copy of
such a deepfake is a broad threat to freedom.
<p>
This is not to say that there is anything redeeming about nude or disinformational deepfakes.
Whatever you wish to say, it is wrong to say it that way.  But they will be made, and people
will receive them.  What then?
<p>
To prohibit having a copy of an image or text &mdash; <em>any</em> image or text,
no matter what it presents, no matter how disgusting we consider it &mdash;
is an attack on history, journalism, and democratic politics.
Ultimately, it becomes an attack on memory, creating the danger that
governments will command people to forget.  It becomes an attack on
justice, since people will be ordered to destroy evidence of crimes
they may wish to fight.
<p>
If we tolerate a law requiring people to forget one specific kind of material, that would
invite more laws ordering people to forget other things as well.  That road leads to tyranny
(China is an example) and puts truth in danger.
<p>
It also opens the door to a kind of digital swatting.  Once some texts or images (it doesn't
matter which) are designated as criminal to possess, people could accuse you at random of
having some.  Then the digital SWAT team will seize all your computers and storage devices to
check for them.
<p>
With a physical SWAT team of today, if you're still alive by the time it has ascertained that
there was no need to break into your home, it will leave you in peace with the repair bills.
Being raided by a digital SWAT team would be painful and dangerous too.  They might find no
forbidden deepfakes but they could copy your secrets.  Worse, they could find something that
you had been sent and did not remember to delete.  They could find an email you had not noticed
or with an attachment you had not tried to view, but you could not prove that.  And supposing
you could, would that exonerate you?
<p>
If Republicans get away with claiming to have won the next election, what sorts of documents or
videos might they punish people for having?
<p>
We will all be safer, and democracy safer too, if we establish that no such law can be considered.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(US_UN-resolution_on_Gaza,_Rafah)
title: US UN-resolution on Gaza, Rafah
uri: US-UN-resolution-on-Gaza-Rafah
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(US_UN-resolution_on_Gaza,_Rafah)
content:
 
<p>
*US proposes UN [Security Council] resolution calling for temporary
ceasefire in Gaza and for Israel
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/19/us-proposes-un-resolution-calling-for-temporary-ceasefire-in-gaza">not to attack Rafah</a>.*
<p>
Step by small step, Biden is increasing the pressure on Israel.
The small but painful US
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(biden_israeli_settlement)">sanctions on certain Israelis</a>
may expand.  I think he intends to ramp up the pressure until Israel stops the attacks.
<p>
That will be a good outcome, but if he doesn't speed it up, Israel's steadily mounting
atrocities may truly amount to genocide before that happens.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Keep making progress on state-level gun reforms
uri: Urgent-Keep-making-progress-on-state-level-gun-reforms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_making_progress_on_state-level_gun_reforms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_February_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_making_progress_on_state-level_gun_reforms)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/tell-state-legislatures-take-the-lead-on-gun-control">call on state legislatures</a>
to take the lead in regulating guns.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(When_Avdiivka_fell,_Sat.,_UKR)
title: When Avdiivka fell, Sat., UKR
uri: When-Avdiivka-fell-Sat-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(When_Avdiivka_fell,_Sat.,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/21/pro-war-russian-blogger-who-revealed-huge-avdiivka-losses-dies-by-suicide">won a Pyrrhic victory</a>
when they captured Avdiivka.  An extreme nationalist Russian revealed the figures, and was
targeted with so much hostility that he shot himself.
<p>
If Putin conquers enough small parts of Ukraine with such a high rate of casualties, he will
lose the war.


<p>
 


title: Credit giants merging "to compete" with titans
uri: Credit-giants-merging-to-compete-with-titans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Credit_giants_merging_to_compete_with_titans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Credit_giants_merging_to_compete_with_titans)

content:
 
<p>
Two large US credit card companies
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/capital-one-takeover-of-discover-portends-more-predatory-credit-card-interest-rates-and-junk-fees">want to merge</a>.
<p>
The government should not permit this.  The benefits of capitalism,
when there are some, come from the existence of competition, but
businesses keep seeking to eliminate that benefit.
<p>
Senator Warren
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/20/elizabeth-warren-block-capital-one-discover-merger">thinks the same</a>.

<p>
 


title: Gaza-ceasefire UN-resolution conflicts
uri: Gaza-ceasefire-UN-resolution-conflicts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Gaza-ceasefire_UN-resolution_conflicts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Gaza-ceasefire_UN-resolution_conflicts)

content:
 
<p>
The US again vetoed a simple Security Council resolution calling for
a cease-fire in Gaza, saying that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/20/us-vetoes-un-resolution-ceasefire-israel-gaza">its own proposed resolution</a>
would have a better chance of making a cease fire happen.
<p>
I do not see what its advantage would be.

<p>
 


title: Frozen embryos ruled "children", AL
uri: Frozen-embryos-ruled-children-AL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Frozen_embryos_ruled_children,_AL)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Frozen_embryos_ruled_children,_AL)

content:
 
<p>
A court decision has made in-vitro fertilization effectively illegal
in Alabama, by ruling that the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/21/university-alabama-ivf-embryo-care-paused-supreme-court-ruling">destruction of a frozen embryo</a>
constitutes "killing a child."  As a result, to carry out IVF
there is now too risky.
<p>
This is the sort of lunacy that religion leads to.  And if this decision stands, it would be a
short step further to rule that abortion is murder.
<p>
In addition, the world desperately needs to reduce the human population through humane means,
so as to decrease the disaster that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is starting to produce.  Discouraging IVF is
a legitimate contribution to that.  The good thing to do, if you want to raise a child, is to
adopt one.  That will not increase the world's population, and it will help someone who is
otherwise likely to suffer.


<p>
 


title: A national president and drug gangs, HND
uri: A-national-president-and-drug-gangs-HND
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(A_national_president_and_drug_gangs,_HND)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(A_national_president_and_drug_gangs,_HND)

content:
 
<p>
Former president Hernández of Honduras is on trial in the US for
accepting
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/20/juan-orlando-hernandez-trial-honduras-president-drugs-bribes">bribes from leaders of drug gangs</a>.
<p>
His corruption was bad for Honduras, as corruption always is; but if the alternative was a destructive
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#02_November_2012_(Legalization_of_marijuana_in_US_states)">"War on Drugs</a>",
what he did may have been less harmful.  But it would be better to legalize and tax the
transshipment of drugs than to take bribes to look the other way.

<p>
 


title: Universities rally for worker's unions
uri: Universities-rally-for-worker-s-unions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Universities_rally_for_worker_unions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Universities_rally_for_worker_unions)

content:
 
<p>
*Twenty-five US universities face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/21/protest-starbucks-university-campus-unions">calls [by students, teachers and
staff]</a>
to cancel Starbucks contracts [on account of its union-busting].*


<p>
 


title: Name calling: terrorist, antisemite
uri: Name-calling-terrorist-antisemite
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Name_calling:_terrorist,_antisemite)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_February_2024_(Name_calling:_terrorist,_antisemite)

content:
 
<p>
Distinguishing support for Palestinians from support for terrorism is
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/21/adl-palestine-terrorism-legislation/">the mirror reflection</a>
of distinguishing condemnation of Israeli government actions from antisemitism.  Lobbying for
Israel's policies campaigns to erase both of those distinctions.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass Stop Politicians Profiting From War Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-Stop-Politicians-Profiting-From-War-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_Stop_Politicians_Profiting_From_War_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_Stop_Politicians_Profiting_From_War_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/stop-politicians-profiting-from-war-act">pass the Stop Politicians Profiting
    From War Act</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_No_war_with_Iran)
title: Urgent: No war with Iran
uri: 2024-02-26-Urgent-No-war-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_No_war_with_Iran)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/no-maga-war-with-iran">not to start a war with Iran</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Pass bill to limit book bans
uri: Urgent-Pass-bill-to-limit-book-bans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_bill_to_limit_book_bans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_bill_to_limit_book_bans)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Florida Legislature to pass Rep. Dana
Trabulsy's bill to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/pass-rep-trabulsys-bill-to-limit-book-bans">limit book bans</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Reject "fiscal commissions"
uri: Urgent-Reject-fiscal-commissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_fiscal_commissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_fiscal_commissions)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-no-fiscal-commission">reject "fiscal commissions"</a> to cut
programs that non-rich Americans depend on.
</p>
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> have expanded this; the targets now include many government programs
that either benefit the non-rich or inconvenience the powerful.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Businesses required to report ownership
uri: Businesses-required-to-report-ownership
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Businesses_required_to_report_ownership)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Businesses_required_to_report_ownership)

content:
 
<p>

Most US businesses are now required to report who effectively owns them.
However, some big businesses won a <a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/024ee6be?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">special exception by expensive lobbying</a>.
</p>
<p>
They include venture capital funds, hedge funds and private equity
funds.
</p>
</li>

 


title: UK tax agency investigating rich people less
uri: UK-tax-agency-investigating-rich-people-less
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(UK_tax_agency_investigating_rich_people_less)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(UK_tax_agency_investigating_rich_people_less)

content:
 
<p>

The UK's tax agency is following the path of the US IRS: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/18/hmrc-investigations-of-wealthy-tax-dodgers-halve-in-five-years">investigating
    rich people less</a>.
</p>
<p>
I conjecture that the reason is the same in both countries:
the state has surrendered to the demands of the rich,
who demand to be allowed not to pay their taxes.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Mass media influence on Americans view on child kidnapping
uri: Mass-media-influence-on-Americans-view-on-child-kidnapping
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Mass_media_influence_on_Americans_view_on_child_kidnapping)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Mass_media_influence_on_Americans_view_on_child_kidnapping)

content:
 
<p>

  How the mass media <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/how-the-media-makes-us-scared-for-our-kids/">mislead Americans</a> to think their children are
in real danger of being kidnapped on the street.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Disentangling the wrong of racist prejudice
uri: Disentangling-the-wrong-of-racist-prejudice
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Disentangling_the_wrong_of_racist_prejudice)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Disentangling_the_wrong_of_racist_prejudice)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/18/century-on-from-rhapsody-in-blue-debates-about-cultural-theft-rage-still-gershwin">Disentangling the wrong</a> that racist prejudice does to people from the
benefit that cultural mixing between racial groups gives to culture.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine murdered
uri: Russian-pilot-who-defected-to-Ukraine-murdered
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Russian_pilot_who_defected_to_Ukraine_murdered)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Russian_pilot_who_defected_to_Ukraine_murdered)

content:
 
<p>

A Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine, then went to live in Spain,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/19/russian-helicopter-pilot-defected-found-dead-spain-says-ukraine-security-agency">has been murdered</a>.
  I see little reason to doubt that Putin organized the killing.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Lobbying firms representing perpetrators of climate disaster
uri: Lobbying-firms-representing-perpetrators-of-climate-disaster
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Lobbying_firms_representing_perpetrators_of_climate_disaster)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Lobbying_firms_representing_perpetrators_of_climate_disaster)

content:
 
<p>

  *   Lobbying firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/19/new-york-lobbyists-climate-crisis">work double-duty</a>, representing political interests of
   victims and perpetrators of climate [disaster] in state capital.*
</p>
<p>
We must expect any one lobbying company to work for many clients.  And
normally that is not particularly scandalous.  But continuation of
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> will destroy almost anything, and using the same
lobbyist will help that lobbyist become better known and more
influential with officials.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_((satire)_Birds_lied)
title: (satire) Birds lied
uri: (satire)-Birds-lied
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_((satire)_Birds_lied)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/scientists-discover-birds-lied-about-being-related-to-d-1851263023">Scientists Discover Birds Lied About Being Related To
    Dinosaurs.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


title: British troops' war crimes in Afghanistan
uri: British-troops-war-crimes-in-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(British_troops'_war_crimes_in_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(British_troops'_war_crimes_in_Afghanistan)

content:
 
<p>

A UK minister, given the job of investigating whether British troops
in Afghanistan committed war crimes, said he has found no evidence to
deny it &mdash; and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/20/uk-minister-says-he-cannot-disprove-claims-afghans-were-unlawfully-killed">information suggesting that they did</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: UK economy held back by long-term disabled workers
uri: UK-economy-held-back-by-long-term-disabled-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(UK_economy_held_back_by_long-term_disabled_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(UK_economy_held_back_by_long-term_disabled_workers)

content:
 
<p>

The UK economy is held back by a record number of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/17/record-long-term-sickness-bodes-ill-for-uk-economic-growth">workers who
    are disabled by long-term illness</a>.
</p>
<p>
Two important causes are the Tory-beset NHS, so damaged that it cannot
treat all the disabled workers so they can return to work, and long
Covid.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Belarusian opposition leader not heard from since a year ago
uri: Belarusian-opposition-leader-not-heard-from-since-a-year-ago
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Belarusian_opposition_leader_not_heard_from_since_a_year_ago)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Belarusian_opposition_leader_not_heard_from_since_a_year_ago)

content:
 
<p>

Imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/21/belarusian-flautists-fate-unknown-as-hundreds-of-activists-remain-in-prison">not been
    heard from since a year ago</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Victims_of_cop_Derek_Ridgewell)
title: Victims of cop Derek Ridgewell
uri: Victims-of-cop-Derek-Ridgewell
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Victims_of_cop_Derek_Ridgewell)
content:
 
<p>

Racist, crooked cop Derek Ridgewell went on framing man after man, as
the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department protected him.  Then he was caught and convicted
of thefts like those he had framed others for &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/25/i-just-went-bent-how-britains-most-corrupt-cop-ruined-countless-lives">nothing was done</a>
to find all his victims and exonerate them.
</p>
</li>

 


title: China crushed thriving independent cinema movement
uri: China-crushed-thriving-independent-cinema-movement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(China_crushed_thriving_independent_cinema_movement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(China_crushed_thriving_independent_cinema_movement)

content:
 
<p>

China has crushed a thriving independent cinema movement.  Many of the films
have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/feb/20/chinese-independent-film-archive-newcastle">preserved in an archive</a> in the UK.
</p>
<p>
If Republicans take over the US, they will crush independent cinema here.
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) God sent flood to impress Jodie Foster
uri: (satire)-God-sent-flood-to-impress-Jodie-Foster
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_((satire)_God_sent_flood_to_impress_Jodie_Foster)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_((satire)_God_sent_flood_to_impress_Jodie_Foster)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-admits-sending-great-flood-was-just-misguided-attem-1851261761">God Admits Sending Great Flood Was Just Misguided Attempt To
    Impress Jodie Foster.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Particulate air pollution in the US
uri: Particulate-air-pollution-in-the-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Particulate_air_pollution_in_the_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Particulate_air_pollution_in_the_US)

content:
 
<p>

The level of PM2.5 particulate air pollution in the US causes a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/21/air-pollution-quality-harmful">large
    increase in cardiovascular disease</a>.
   Even at the WHO-recommended (lower) concentration limit, the
contribution to disease is significant.
</p>
<p>
  It also seems to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/21/air-pollution-could-be-significant-cause-of-dementia-even-for-those-not-predisposed">increase the rate of dementia</a>.
</p>
<p>
As <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> continues, there could be more and larger wildfires.
They create this pollution and spread it widely.
</p>
<p>
So, if my memory serves, does burning wood in a stove in your home.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Putin persecuting right-wing Russians
uri: Putin-persecuting-right-wing-Russians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Putin_persecuting_right-wing_Russians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_February_2024_(Putin_persecuting_right-wing_Russians)

content:
 
<p>

  Putin is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/25/russia-jails-ultra-nationalist-putin-critic-igor-girkin-and-darya-trepova-bomb-attack">persecuting right-wing Russians</a> that criticized him.
  They used to be tolerated.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Letitia James wins big NRA case, NY
uri: Letitia-James-wins-big-NRA-case-NY
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_February_2024_(Laticia_James_wins_big_NRA_case,_NY)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_February_2024_(Laticia_James_wins_big_NRA_case,_NY)

content:
 
<p>
*NRA and Wayne LaPierre
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/23/nra-wayne-lapierre-trial-verdict">found liable</a>
in lawsuit over misspending of funds.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: The Climate Pollution Rule
uri: Urgent-The-Climate-Pollution-Rule
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_The_Climate_Pollution_Rule)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_The_Climate_Pollution_Rule)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-the-epa-strengthen-and-finalize-the-climate-pollution-rule?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on the EPA</a>
to strengthen and finalize the Climate Pollution Rule.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_Gaza_ceasefire)
title: Urgent: Gaza ceasefire
uri: 2024-02-27-Urgent-Gaza-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_Gaza_ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/biden-ceasefire-rafah?">call on Biden</a>
to secure a ceasefire in Gaza to save lives in Rafah and beyond..
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Endangered red wolves passes
uri: Urgent-Endangered-red-wolves-passes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_Endangered_red_wolves_passes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Urgent:_Endangered_red_wolves_passes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55508&tag=email_blast:130666&supporter_KEY=229474">call on North Carolina Governor Cooper</a>
to make bridges or
tunnels so endangered red wolves can cross highways without getting killed.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Mexico_City_water_crisis)
title: Mexico City water crisis
uri: Mexico-City-water-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Mexico_City_water_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
*Mexico City may be just months away from
<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/25/climate/mexico-city-water-crisis-climate-intl/index.html">running of out water</a>.*
It has been emptying an aquifer and now the aquifer is almost empty.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> has put most of Mexico into a drought.  Decades of
population growth has also contributed to creating this crisis.

<p>
 


title: The Hg in oil &amp; gas pipelines
uri: The-Hg-in-oil-gas-pipelines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(The_Hg_in_oil%26amp;gas_pipelines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(The_Hg_in_oil%26amp;gas_pipelines)

content:
 
<p>
*[16000 miles of]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/24/abandoned-oil-gas-pipelines-poison-pollution-risk-north-sea-scientists">abandoned pipelines</a>
could release [large amounts of
 mercury and lead] into North Sea, scientists warn.*

<p>
 


title: The gravity at Assange's appeal hearing
uri: The-gravity-at-Assange-s-appeal-hearing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(The_gravity_at_Assange's_appeal_hearing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(The_gravity_at_Assange's_appeal_hearing)

content:
 
<p>
<p>
* At [Julian Assange's extradition hearing],
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/24/julian-assange-court-hearing-extradition-death-sentence">lawyers posed the pivotal
question</a>: how can exposing crime and torture be worse than committing them?*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Belarus'_electoral_puppetry)
title: Lukashenko's electoral puppetry
uri: Lukashenko-s-electoral-puppetry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_February_2024_(Belarus'_electoral_puppetry)
content:
 
<p>
Lukashenko, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/25/belarus-elections-alexander-lukashenko-opposition">tyrant
of Belarus</a>,
is holding bogus elections. All the candidates he permitted to run are his supporters.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(S._Pole_ice-extent_regime_shift)
title: S. Pole ice-extent regime shift
uri: S-Pole-ice-extent-regime-shift
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(S._Pole_ice-extent_regime_shift)
content:
 
<p>
*Antarctica
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/24/antarctica-sea-ice-reaches-alarming-low-for-third-year-in-a-row">sea ice reaches alarming low</a>
for third year in a row.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Protest-rights_errosion,_UK)
title: Protest-rights erosion, UK
uri: Protest-rights-erosion-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Protest-rights_errosion,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK government is trying to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/21/removing-uk-climate-protesters-defence-could-erode-right-to-trial-by-jury">eliminate a defense</a>
that climate
defense protesters have used to convince juries
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_February_2024_(When_Greenpeace_blocked_Energy_Intelligence_Forum)">to acquit them</a>.
<p>
There is another defense that is valid for all climate defenders on trial for protesting: the
necessity defense, for trying to prevent the bigger crime of ecocide.

<p>
 


title: N. Gazans' food supply vs. S. Gazans
uri: N-Gazans-food-supply-vs-S-Gazans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(N._Gazans'_food_stolen_by_S._Gazans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(N._Gazans'_food_stolen_by_S._Gazans)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/24/unrwa-suspends-aid-to-northern-gaza-amid-collapse-of-civil-order">The
UNRWA says</a> that, given the desperation for food of people in southern Gaza, they can't
safely carry aid to northern Gaza.
<p>
The only place they can bring aid into Gaza is in the south, from Egypt, transporting a fraction
of that insufficient aid across southern Gaza, meaning carrying it past injured and starving
refugees, whose families will steal it.
<p>
As long as the aid is insufficient, and someone is going to starve, I suppose
it makes no moral difference who draws the short straw,  The real point is to
bring in enough aid for everyone in Gaza.
<p>
The US could do that &mdash; it could land the aid on Gaza's shore by boat.
It could land, each week, enough for everyone in Gaza for a week.
Even Netanyahu would not dare attack the US aid force.
<p>
What it does require is boldness of spirit.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Car_theft_by_technical_cracking)
title: Car theft by technical cracking
uri: Car-theft-by-technical-cracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Car_theft_by_technical_cracking)
content:
 
<p
Emulators that pretend to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/feb/24/smart-keys-car-crime-thieves-hi-tech-arms-race">radio keys make stealing a car</a>
faster and easier than ever before.
<p>
*Revealed: car industry was warned
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/24/revealed-car-industry-was-warned-keyless-vehicles-vulnerable-to-theft-a-decade-ago">keyless vehicles vulnerable</a>
to theft a decade ago.*
<p>
These cars are full of computers with nonfree software and little
security.  But the insecurity (like the surveillance) depends on
their attempt to <a href="https://stallmsn.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_February_2024_(canada_banning_flipper)">communicate by radio</a>.
If you deactivate the antennas, the car may be safe.
<p>
How difficult is that in practice?  Does anyone collect information on
converting connected cars into disconnected cars?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Bankruptcy case of Near Intelligence
uri: Urgent-Bankruptcy-case-of-Near-Intelligence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Bankruptcy_case_of_Near_Intelligence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Bankruptcy_case_of_Near_Intelligence)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/FTC_data_privacy/">call on the FTC</a>
to intervene in the bankruptcy case of Near Intelligence and stop it from ever again selling people's location data.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Capital One / Discover merger
uri: Urgent-Capital-One-Discover-merger
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Capital_One_%2F_Discover_merger)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Capital_One_%2F_Discover_merger)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-federal-trade-commission-block-the-capital-onediscover-merger?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-take-action-tell-the-ftc-to-block-the-capital-onediscover-merger">call on the Federal Trade Commission</a>
to block the Capital One / Discover merger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Monarch_butterflies)
title: Urgent: Monarch butterflies
uri: Urgent-Monarch-butterflies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Monarch_butterflies)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55510&tag=email_blast:130747&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the Fish and Wildlife Service</a>
to protect monarch butterflies.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop insuring LNG export terminals
uri: Urgent-Stop-insuring-LNG-export-terminals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_insuring_LNG_export_terminals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_February_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_insuring_LNG_export_terminals)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://engage.newmode.net/nm-letter/1549/64212">tell the executives</a>
of some insurance companies to stop insuring LNG export terminals.

<p>
 


title: Disincentives for population decrease
uri: Disincentives-for-population-decrease
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Disincentives_for_population_decrease)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Disincentives_for_population_decrease)

content:
 
<p>

China proves that disincentives can achieve a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/21/cost-of-raising-children-in-china-is-second-highest-in-the-world-think-tank-reveals">substantial rate of
    population decrease</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Refugee compelled to drive overloaded boat
uri: Refugee-compelled-to-drive-overloaded-boat
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Refugee_compelled_to_drive_overloaded_boat)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Refugee_compelled_to_drive_overloaded_boat)

content:
 
<p>

A refugee who was compelled by people smugglers to drive an overloaded boat has
been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/19/man-who-steered-boat-across-channel-found-guilty-over-drownings">convicted
of manslaughter</a> because some of them drowned, because supposedly the smugglers forced on
him the "duty of care" &mdash; to have required qualifications, to refuse to allow too many
passengers, to drive it safely, etc.
</p>
<p>
This is morally bullshit.  A person who is forced to do a job can
never deserve punishment on account of being unable to do it properly.
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) Cavemen frozen meal kits
uri: (satire)-Cavemen-frozen-meal-kits
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Cavemen_frozen_meal_kits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Cavemen_frozen_meal_kits)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-study-finds-cavemen-had-trouble-sticking-to-paleo-d-1851267498">New Study Finds Cavemen Had Trouble Sticking To Paleo Diet
    Without Frozen Meal Kits.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) Bullshitter needs $5 for bus
uri: (satire)-Bullshitter-needs-5-for-bus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Bullshitter_needs_$5_for_bus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Bullshitter_needs_$5_for_bus)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-trump-fundraising-email-claims-candidate-needs-5-f-1851271232">New [bullshitter] Fundraising Email Claims Candidate Needs
    $5 For Bus To New Jersey So He Can See Ailing Mother.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Attempt to declare that "nature" has rights
uri: Attempt-to-declare-that-nature-has-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Attempt_to_declare_that_nature_has_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Attempt_to_declare_that_nature_has_rights)

content:
 
<p>

  The UK, and other countries, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/22/uk-government-can-never-accept-idea-nature-has-rights-delegate-tells-un">rightly resisted an attempt</a> at a UN
conference to declare that "nature" has rights.
</p>
<p>
This must be rejected because it is an incoherent idea.  Exercising a
right requires volition.  "Nature" as such does not have volition.
Neither does a species, an ecosystem, or a ship &hellip; or a
corporation, for that matter.
</p>
<p>
Although many countries treat a corporation as a "person" and accord
it rights, that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_January_2021_(Democracy_for_All_Amendment)">policy is harmful</a>. and we need to change it.
In the US, we need to override the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_November_2021_(Corporations_United_decision)">Corporations United decision</a>
  which says that constitutional rights apply to corporations.
</p>
<p>
Laws to protect aspects of nature are a different issue.  Those are
coherent, and in general I support them.  Indeed, I think we need to
make some of these laws <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Protections_for_nature_during_fossil_fuel_phase-out)">more strict</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#5_June_2018_(Protection_of_nature)">add more</a>.
But we can protect aspects of nature without
confusing ourselves philosophically.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Rare harmful consequences of Covid-19 vaccines
uri: Rare-harmful-consequences-of-Covid-19-vaccines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Rare_harmful_consequences_of_Covid-19_vaccines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Rare_harmful_consequences_of_Covid-19_vaccines)

content:
 
<p>

The rare harmful consequences of Covid-19 vaccines are being tracked
with great care.  A couple of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/23/two-very-rare-covid-vaccine-side-effects-detected-in-global-study-of-99-million">side effects have been found to happen
    to 1 or 2 people in every million</a> that has been vaccinated.
</p>
<p>
But if you have the bad luck to get one of these, you'll probably
recover anyway.  And you're more likely to get either of them after a
real Covid-19 infection than after a vaccination.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Potential move to restrict asylum
uri: Potential-move-to-restrict-asylum
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Potential_move_to_restrict_asylum)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Potential_move_to_restrict_asylum)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/22/democrats-biden-asylum-mexico-border-aoc">Progressives lambaste Biden</a> over potential move to restrict asylum.*
</p>
<p>
Not everyone has ground for asylum, but rejecting people without a
hearing is evidently unjust.
</p>
<p>
Trying to "compromise" with the Sabotage Party is futile.  Their
specific demands, ordered by the fascist saboteur, are meant only as
trolling, and when he wants them to block government he can invent a
new excuse at any moment.
</p>
</li>

 


title: European countries pulling out of energy charter treaty
uri: European-countries-pulling-out-of-energy-charter-treaty
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(European_countries_pulling_out_of_energy_charter_treaty)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(European_countries_pulling_out_of_energy_charter_treaty)

content:
 
<p>

Several European countries have now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/22/uk-quits-treaty-that-lets-fossil-fuel-firms-sue-governments-over-climate-policies">pulled out of the Energy charter
    Treaty</a>.
</p>
<p>
Alas, this is not as beneficial as it might have been.
Pre-existing foreign investments remain covered by the treaty
for many years after a country leaves the treaty.

<!--
[pol note which mentions this point, and states how many years.
I don't recall.  If the note itself does not say how many years,
see if it points to an article which says that]
 -->
                                                   What is really needed
is something stronger: for the countries that belong to it to agree
to an "update" which turns this part into a no-op.
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) Snap recipients must balance food on nose
uri: (satire)-Snap-recipients-must-balance-food-on-nose
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Snap_recipients_must_balance_food_on_nose)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Snap_recipients_must_balance_food_on_nose)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-law-requires-snap-recipients-to-balance-food-on-nos-1851278899">New Law Requires SNAP Recipients To Balance Food On Nose
    Until Receiving Command To Eat It.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Trial_of_4-day_work_week)
title: Trial of 4-day work week
uri: Trial-of-4-day-work-week
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Trial_of_4-day_work_week)
content:
 
<p>

The UK's trial of 4-day work week was a success.  9/10 of the companies that
started it a year ago are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/feb/21/four-day-week-made-permanent-for-most-uk-firms-in-worlds-biggest-trial">still using it</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Embryo shipping services halt business to Alabama
uri: Embryo-shipping-services-halt-business-to-Alabama
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Embryo_shipping_services_halt_business_to_Alabama)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Embryo_shipping_services_halt_business_to_Alabama)

content:
 
<p>

  *Embryo shipping services to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/23/embryo-shipping-alabama-ivf-ruling">halt business in Alabama after IVF ruling</a>.*
</p>
<p>
That puts the Alabama IVF clinics that no longer dare to continue with
the implantation of the frozen embryos that they are storing on
patients' behalf into a quandary.  There is no course of action
that won't make them liable.
</p>
<p>
I expect it is not safe to be pregnant in Alabama either.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Insurrectionist says biggest threat is from within our country
uri: Insurrectionist-says-biggest-threat-is-from-within-our-country
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Insurrectionist_says_biggest_threat_is_from_within_our_country)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Insurrectionist_says_biggest_threat_is_from_within_our_country)

content:
 
<p>

  *[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist</a>] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/23/trump-national-religious-broadcasters-enemies-within-country">told the National Religious Broadcasters</a> that "the
greatest threat" to the US is "people from within our country".*
</p>
<p>
Nice of him to admit it.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Alabama_ruling_on_embryos)
title: Alabama ruling on embryos
uri: Alabama-ruling-on-embryos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Alabama_ruling_on_embryos)
content:
 
<p>

The Alabama court ruling that every embryo is a "child" makes no sense
in terms of biology and medicine, and is based on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/23/fertility-doctors-reaction-alabama-embryo-ruling">mistaking science
    fiction (artificial wombs) for reality</a>.
</p>
<p>
When the judges grasp the reality, that none of those stored embryos
can develop into a baby except by being implanted, I have a hunch they
will conscript women to forcibly implant them into.  Or maybe they
will force the woman who made the eggs to suffer implantation of all
of her stored embryos at once.  These would seem like justice to
people who don't care about human suffering.
</p>
<p>
But I doubt they could find any doctors willing to perform
those procedures.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Shell_USA's_new_climate_tech)
title: Shell USA's new climate tech
uri: Shell-USA-s-new-climate-tech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Shell_USA's_new_climate_tech)
content:
         
<p>                                                                                              
"A Trojan horse of legitimacy": Shell launches a "climate tech"                                  
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/26/shell-climate-tech-startup-onward-oil-g\
as-jobs-greenwashing">startup advertising jobs in oil and gas</a>.*     

 


title: Just Stop Oil candidate, UK Parliament
uri: Just-Stop-Oil-candidate-UK-Parliament
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Just_Stop_Oil_UK_Parliament_candidate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Just_Stop_Oil_UK_Parliament_candidate)

content:
 
<p>

  Just Stop Oil is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/21/labour-tories-carbon-parties-just-stop-oil-mps-parliament">fielding a candidate</a> for a seat in the UK Parliament
  as a rebuke to the cowardice of Starmer-Labour.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Prosecution of people forced to drive smuggling boats
uri: Prosecution-of-people-forced-to-drive-smuggling-boats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Prosecution_of_people_force_to_drive_smuggling_boats)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_February_2024_(Prosecution_of_people_force_to_drive_smuggling_boats)

content:
 
<p>

  The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/23/people-smuggling-gangs-small-boats-home-office-migration">systematically trying to prosecute</a> the passengers that
people smugglers force to drive boats.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Democracy_in_decline,_IND)
title: Democracy in decline, IND
uri: Democracy-in-decline-IND
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Democracy_in_decline,_IND)
content:
 
<p>
*As Indian democracy rapidly declines, will [US Ambassador] Eric
<a href="https://pieterjfriedrich.medium.com/time-ticking-new-us-ambassador-to-india-promised-human-rights-focus-3dabb88881dc">Garcetti uphold his commitment</a> [to democracy]?*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Repression_must_end,_UN)
title: Repression must end, UN
uri: Repression-must-end-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Repression_must_end,_UN)
content:
 
<p>
*European nations must end repression
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/28/european-nations-must-end-repression-of-peaceful-climate-protest-says-un-expert">of peaceful climate protest</a>,
says UN [special rapporteur on environmental defenders].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_February_2024_(Ultra-processed_foods_unsound)
title: Ultra-processed foods unsound
uri: Ultra-processed-foods-unsound
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_February_2024_(Ultra-processed_foods_unsound)
content:
 
<p>
A meta-study has linked the consumption of ultra-processed food to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/28/ultra-processed-food-32-harmful-effects-health-review">many different medical
problems</a>
including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, mental disorders and early death.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Electorate_warning_signals)
title: Electorate warning signals
uri: Electorate-warning-signals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Electorate_warning_signals)
content:
 
<p>
More than 100,000
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/michigan-primary-biden-uncommitted-palestine-">Michigan Democrats voted symbolically</a>
for "uncommitted" rather than "Biden" to pressure him to reduce military support for Israel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Fire_Postmaster_DeJoy)
title: Urgent: Fire Postmaster DeJoy
uri: 2024-03-01-Urgent-Fire-Postmaster-DeJoy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Fire_Postmaster_DeJoy)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-strengthen-the-usps-and-lower-costs-remove-dejoy?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4&source=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4">call on Biden</a>
to appoint the USPS governors who will fire Postmaster DeJoy.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Orwellian resolution on Jan 6 debacle
uri: Urgent-Orwellian-resolution-on-Jan-6-debacle
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Orwellean_resolution_on_Jan_6_debacle)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Orwellean_resolution_on_Jan_6_debacle)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-oppose-rep-gaetzs-extreme-and-false-jan-6-resolution?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call on Congress</a>
to defeat the Orwellian MAGA resolution about Jan 6.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Congress' stock-investments via Pentagon
uri: Urgent-Congress-stock-investments-via-Pentagon
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Congress'_stock-investments_via_Pentagon)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Congress'_stock-investments_via_Pentagon)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/stop-war-profiteering?akid=9586.223515.bCiwuH&c0=stop-war-profiteering.W8hi2e&rd=1&source=em20240222_2&t=1006">call on Congress</a>
to bar members of Congress, and their immediate family, from owning stock in companies that do
business with the Pentagon.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Allow ex-cons to vote, nationwide
uri: Urgent-Allow-ex-cons-to-vote-nationwide
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Allow_ex-cons_to_vote,_nationwide)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_February_2024_(Urgent:_Allow_ex-cons_to_vote,_nationwide)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congress-end-shameful-felony-disenfranchisement?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=021624-felony-disenfranchisement">call on Congress</a>
to end disenfranchisement of ex-cons, nationwide.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>


<p>                                                                                              
 


title: Protesters accused of intimidating MPs
uri: Protesters-accused-of-intimidating-MPs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Protesters_accused_of_intimidating_MPs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Protesters_accused_of_intimidating_MPs)

content:
 
<p>

  UK ministers accuse protesters of trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/23/sunak-decries-intimidation-by-protesters-amid-row-over-chaotic-gaza-vote">intimidate MPs with threats</a>.
</p>
<p>
Indeed, a democracy must not tolerate that.  Some senators reported
that threats to their lives and their families' lives <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Vigilante_justice_threats)">convinced them
    not to vote to convict the insurrectionist</a> after his second
impeachment.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Starmer's plans of seizing Labour Party
uri: Starmer-s-plans-of-seizing-Labour-Party
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Starmer's_plans_of_seizing_Labour_Party)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Starmer's_plans_of_seizing_Labour_Party)

content:
 
<p>

  Starmer planned to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/24/starmer-set-up-own-labour-leadership-team-six-months-before-corbyns-2019-defeat">seize the Labour Party</a> before the 2019 election.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(The_neighborhood_Notting_Hill)
title: The neighborhood Notting Hill
uri: The-neighborhood-Notting-Hill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(The_neighborhood_Notting_Hill)
content:
 
<p>

  How the film <em>Notting Hill</em> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2024/feb/24/notting-hill-25-years-after-the-film-what-is-left-of-the-districts-character">damaged the neighborhood Notting Hill</a> &mdash;
through gentrification.
</p>
<p>
At that time, I was dating a woman who lived in Notting Hill.  I told
her I had enjoyed the film, and she said that she resented it for
forcing her to move to a farther part of London.  Indeed,
gentrification is shown right on the screen. I still enjoy it despite
that, perhaps because it's a romantically inept bookish man's perfect
romantic fantasy.
</p>
<p>
At the end of the first encounter between the two main characters, Ms
Scott steals a kiss from Mr Thacker.  Would you call that a "sexual
assault" and comparable to rape?  Do you think she should be
prosecuted for that?  I can imagine the scene in which Thacker
testifies at Scott's trial and falsely claims to have given verbal
consent in advance, thus sparing her a prison term.  After hearing the
verdict, she runs over to him and kisses him, and they arrest her
again.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Intensity_of_Russian_repression)
title: Intensity of Russian repression
uri: Intensity-of-Russian-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Intensity_of_Russian_repression)
content:
 
<p>

A Russian journalist, exiled abruptly when Putin attacked Ukraine
because she was reporting from there, describe how his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/24/war-and-peace-russia-soldiers-ukraine">repression in
    Russia is so intense that it tears apart families</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: UK canceling people's citizenship for crimes
uri: UK-canceling-people-s-citizenship-for-crimes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(UK_canceling_people's_citizenship_for_crimes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(UK_canceling_people's_citizenship_for_crimes)

content:
 
<p>

An appeal has upheld the UK's practice of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/23/shamima-begum-loses-appeal-against-removal-of-british-citizenship">canceling people's citizenship
    for committing crimes</a>.
</p>
<p>
Going to help <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> was certainly a crime, but a citizen of country C
should have the right to go home and serve a sentence there, rather than
being exiled.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Tunisia's dictator sentencing opposition to prison
uri: Tunisia-s-dictator-sentencing-opposition-to-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Tunisia's_dictator_sentencing_opposition_to_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Tunisia's_dictator_sentencing_opposition_to_prison)

content:
 
<p>

Tunisia's once-elected dictator is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/24/former-tunisian-president-moncef-marzouki-given-eight-years-in-prison">sentencing opposition politicians
    to prison</a>.  
  Some of them are safely living in exile, but that doesn't help Tunisia
become free.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Product labels of non-dairy substitutes
uri: Product-labels-of-non-dairy-substitutes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Product_labels_of_non-dairy_substitutes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Product_labels_of_non-dairy_substitutes)

content:
 
<p>

The UK has a proposal to ban product labels for using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/24/uk-dairy-alternatives-names-new-rules-trading-standards">variants of
    dairy product names</a> to label non-dairy substitutes.
</p>
<p>
I don't think anyone is likely to think that "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter"
with butter.  However, I did once buy a product with "cheeze" when I wanted a
version that had real cheese.  If I had checked carefully, I would have understood the difference, but I didn't realize it might be a mistake.
</p>
<p>
I would suggest allowing the names that say "not FOO" when the "not"
is large and visible.  But a substitute name that differs only a little
from the dairy product name does cause a risk of confusion and should not
be allowed.
</p>
</li>

 


title: End of Wisconsin's extreme gerrymandering era
uri: End-of-Wisconsin-s-extreme-gerrymandering-era
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(End_of_Wisconsin's_extreme_gerrymandering_era)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(End_of_Wisconsin's_extreme_gerrymandering_era)

content:
 
<p>

  *Wisconsin's extreme gerrymandering era <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/25/wisconsin-new-voting-maps-gerrymandering-republicans-democrats">ends as new maps come into force</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Special Texas court system for businesses
uri: Special-Texas-court-system-for-businesses
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Special_Texas_court_system_for_businesses)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Special_Texas_court_system_for_businesses)

content:
 
<p>

  Texas has set up a <a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/0e7fad8e?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">special court system for businesses</a>, so right-wing
extremist governor Abbott can personally choose the judges.
</p>
<p>
He can pick them to defend businesses from accusations of mistreating
customers, employees or people who live in the area.  That is part of
his <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> politics.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Microplastics_in_human_placentas)
title: Microplastics in human placentas
uri: Microplastics-in-human-placentas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Microplastics_in_human_placentas)
content:
 
<p>

  A study of human placentas found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/microplastics-found-every-human-placenta-tested-study-health-impact">microplastics in each one</a>.
</p>
<p>
I have seen a series of results about the presence of microplastics in
various places and various kinds of organisms.  All of these address
one side of the crucial question: are we exposed to microplastics?
</p>
<p>
Whether this is a real problem depends on the other side: how
dangerous are they?  We speculate that they may make various medical
problems more likely, but we don't have any firm knowledge about this.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(UK_jailed_hundreds_of_refugees)
title: UK jailed hundreds of refugees
uri: UK-jailed-hundreds-of-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(UK_jailed_hundreds_of_refugees)
content:
 
<p>

  The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/25/hundreds-jailed-for-coming-to-uk-in-small-boats-to-claim-asylum-says-report">jailed hundreds of refugees</a> for traveling to the UK
without prior approval, including victims of trafficking and torture.
Their aim was to ask for asylum.
</p>
<p>
This is part of a global tendency for countries to make it effectively
impossible for people without plenty of money to ask for asylum there.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Lawsuit_against_Tinder)
title: Lawsuit against Tinder
uri: Lawsuit-against-Tinder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_March_2024_(Lawsuit_against_Tinder)
content:
 
<p>

A lawsuit accuses Tinder and some other dating apps of only <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/17/are-dating-apps-fuelling-addiction-lawsuit-against-tinder-hinge-and-match-claims-so">pretending
    to seek to find people good matches</a>; instead, the plaintiff charge, they
are designed to keep people on those apps for as long as possible
through addictive design.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(israel_org_visa)
title: Humanitarian workers face deportation from Israel after freeze on visas
uri: Humanitarian-workers-face-deportation-from-Israel-after-freeze-on-visa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(israel_org_visa)
content:
 
<p>
Israel is sabotaging humanitarian organizations that aid Palestinians
in the occupied Palestine 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/29/humanitarian-workers-face-deportation-from-israel-after-freeze-on-visas">by not giving visas to their workers.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(risotto_crisis)
title: Risotto crisis
uri: Risotto-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(risotto_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating effects in part of Italy have wiped out the harvest of
the rice 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/29/risotto-crisis-the-fight-to-save-italys-beloved-dish-from-extinction-aoe">varieties used for risotto.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(transnistria_moldova)
title: Moldova breakaway region
uri: Moldova-breakaway-region
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(transnistria_moldova)
content:
 
<p>
Putin seems to be using the "my puppets are pleading for my help" game
with Transnistria, a breakaway part of Moldova with a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/29/transnistria-moldova-breakaway-region-russia-protection-appeal">garrison of
Russian troops.</a>
<p>
There is no easy way Putin can send reinforcements to Transnistria:
they would have to fly over Ukraine or cross the Black Sea.
Either way, Ukraine could attack them
<p>
But first, surely some of those Russian soldiers would like to get out
of Putin's power.  Let's give them a chance and encourage them to take it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(ai_workers_layoffs)
title: We must start preparing the US workforce for the effects of AI – now
uri: We-must-start-preparing-the-US-workforce-for-the-effects-of-AI-now
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(ai_workers_layoffs)
content:
 
<p>
AI systems already control many kinds of mistreatment of workers.
This article 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/29/ai-workers-layoffs-surveillance">starts with some examples.</a>
<p>
It ends with a number of recommendations, which seem wise to me.
However, when the article discusses the use of AI to evaluate the
continually monitored work of an employees, I think it focuses too
much on the use of AI for the evaluation, and that the crucial wrong
is in the monitoring itself rather than how it is evaluated.
<p>
In its list of real AI systems that really know something about some
domain, the article perhaps includes bullshit generates as well in
some points.  The author doesn't distinguish.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(hearing_migration_climate)
title: People displaced by climate crisis to testify in first-of-its-kind hearing in US
uri: People-displaced-by-climate-crisis-to-testify-in-first-of-its-kind-hea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(hearing_migration_climate)
content:
 
<p>
*People displaced by climate crisis to testify &hellip;
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will hear how climate is
driving 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/29/hearing-forced-migration-climate-change-us-central-america">forced migration across the Americas.*</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(austraila_vape_import_ban)
title: New Zealand online vape seller vows to ignore Australia’s new import ban
uri: New-Zealand-online-vape-seller-vows-to-ignore-Australia-s-new-import
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(austraila_vape_import_ban)
content:
 
<p>
Australia is trying to crack down on the importation of vapes.
A foreign seller that ships to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/01/australia-vape-import-ban-new-zealand-online-seller-vapoureyes">Australia is defying the restriction.</a>
<p>
Prohibition of addictive dangerous drugs tends to cause various forms
of harm.
<p>
Which can be worse than the harm caused by the drug itself.
However, this prohibition does not criminalize users, so maybe it
will avoid the worst harms that prohibition usually causes.
<p>
However, a government that can succeed in blocking vapes being shipped
in could succeed in blocking mifepristone being shipped in.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(sanctions_arms_embargo)
title: Impose Targeted Sanctions and Arms Embargo to Prevent Atrocities
uri: Impose-Targeted-Sanctions-and-Arms-Embargo-to-Prevent-Atrocities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(sanctions_arms_embargo)
content:
 
<p>
Calling for targeted sanctions and an arms embargo against
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/impose-targeted-sanctions-and-arms-embargo-to-prevent-atrocities">Israel to make
it cease its war crimes.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(sanders_retirement_warning)
title: Retirement Savings Crisis
uri: Retirement-Savings-Crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(sanders_retirement_warning)
content:
 
<p>
*Sanders Report Warns Nearly Half of Older Americans 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/retirement-crisis">"Have No
Retirement Savings."*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(israeli_gaza_conflict)
title: 112 dead in chaotic scenes as Israeli troops open fire near aid trucks
uri: 112-dead-in-chaotic-scenes-as-Israeli-troops-open-fire-near-aid-trucks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(israeli_gaza_conflict)
content:
 
<p>
Israeli army firing at a crowd of hungry Palestinians near some aid trucks
caused a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/29/more-than-a-hundred-dead-after-israeli-troops-opened-fire-near-aid-trucks-say-gaza-officials">total of 400 casualties.</a>
<p>
Israel says its soldiers never shot at the crowd, but witnesses there say
people were shot.  The Israeli army has a decades-long 
<a href="http://www.dci-palestine.org/israeli_forces_use_palestinian_child_as_human_shield_in_gaza">tradition of lying
about such things.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(climate_chaos_texas)
title: Oil companies are fueling the flames of climate chaos
uri: Oil-companies-are-fueling-the-flames-of-climate-chaos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(climate_chaos_texas)
content:
 
<p>
*Texas is on fire while oil companies are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/texas-is-on-fire-while-oil-companies-are-fueling-the-flames-of-climate-chaos">fueling the flames of climate chaos.*</a>

<p>
 


title: (satire) SNAP recipients must balance food on nose
uri: (satire)-SNAP-recipients-must-balance-food-on-nose
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Snap_recipients_must_balance_food_on_nose)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_February_2024_((satire)_Snap_recipients_must_balance_food_on_nose)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-law-requires-snap-recipients-to-balance-food-on-nos-1851278899">New Law Requires SNAP Recipients To Balance Food On Nose
    Until Receiving Command To Eat It.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Bullshit_generators_and_elections)
title: Bullshit generators and elections
uri: Bullshit-generators-and-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Bullshit_generators_and_elections)
content:
 
<p>
Computerized bullshit generators are <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-chatbots-elections-artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-falsehoods-cc50dd0f3f4e7cc322c7235220fc4c69">leading would-be US voters astray</a>
with incorrect information about coming primary elections.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Greenhouse_gas)
title: Greenhouse gas
uri: Greenhouse-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Greenhouse_gas)
content:
 
<p>
Electric trains produce <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/27/train-travel-generates-less-carbon-than-battery-ev-says-rail-group-data">much less greenhouse emissions</a> than electric cars.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Boeing_safety_problems)
title: Boeing safety problems
uri: Boeing-safety-problems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Boeing_safety_problems)
content:
 
<p>
The FAA <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/28/faa-deadline-boeing-plane-safety-problems-737">ordered Boeing</a> to "commit to real and profound improvements"
in its quality control.
<p>
I expect that the change needed would include more staff working at a somewhat
slower pace -- in Boeing and its subcontractors.  It will be difficult to
achieve that.  Boeing may need to buy its subcontractors so that it can
have sufficient control to ensure that agreed-on reforms truly occur.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(IVF)
title: IVF
uri: IVF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(IVF)
content:
 
<p>
*Senate Democrats to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/28/senate-democrats-ivf-bill">force vote on protecting IVF</a> access across the
US.*
<p>
I think there is a good chance enough Republicans will support this bill
that it eventually gets 60 votes and passes the Senate.  That will
be a step forward -- but how big a step, compared to what is needed?
<p>
I can't tell, because this article gives little detail about how the
bill aims to achieve that goal.  I am against punishing the death of
embryos made by in-vitro fertilization, but what happens with embryos
made with in-vitro fertilization is a far more important issue.  That
determines whether people have a right to use some kinds of birth
control.  Republicans also try to punish women for suffering from
miscarriages.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Ceasefire)
title: Ceasefire
uri: Ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
*As British Jews, we call for an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/27/as-british-jews-we-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza">immediate ceasefire in Gaza</a>.*
<p>
Rabbis, too

<p>
 


title: National Defense Program investigation
uri: National-Defense-Program-investigation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(National_Defense_Program_investigation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(National_Defense_Program_investigation)

content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders calls for the Senate to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/sanders-military-spending-2667378533">bring back the Special
Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program</a>,
also known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Committee">Truman Committee</a> because it was headed by Senator Truman (who later became vice president and then president).
<p>
The Truman Committee reports on profiteering had great impact because
the Senate supported its goals and followed its advice.  I don't think
trumpets in the Senate would stand by their country if the
insurrectionist tells them to sabotage it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Abortion_trafficking)
title: Abortion trafficking
uri: Abortion-trafficking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Abortion_trafficking)
content:
 
<p>
The term <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/28/abortion-trafficking-rape-victims/">"abortion trafficking"</a> absurdly equates woman who
want abortions with victims of enslavement.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Support_Ukraine)
title: Support Ukraine
uri: Support-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Support_Ukraine)
content:
 
<p>
Masha Alekhina, of Pussy Riot, calls on the world to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/28/russia-alexei-navalny-putin-pussy-riot">support Ukraine
in order to free Russia of Putin</a>.
All patriotic Russians should support Ukraine, as she does.
<p>
I said in 2022 that Ukraine's supporters <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#28_March_2022_(Peace_needs_to_weaken_Putin_but_not_ruin_him)">should not demand Putin's
overthrow as a condition for peace</a>.  I still think so, for the same
reasons.
But as long Putin defiantly continues his war of conquest, we have
no reason to refrain from saying we hope that Putin's defeat will lead
also to the liberation of Russia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Antoine_Galindo)
title: Antoine Galindo
uri: Antoine-Galindo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Antoine_Galindo)
content:
 
<p>
*French journalist arrested <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/26/french-journalist-antoine-galindo-arrested-ethiopia-accused-of-conspiracy-to-create-chaos">[while visiting] Ethiopia</a> accused of
"conspiracy to create chaos".*
This refers, apparently, to the intention o commit journalism.
<p>
The US may soon join the shameful club of nations that prosecute
people
for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#21_February_2023_(The_collateral_murder_video)">committing journalism</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Unhealthy_air)
title: Unhealthy air
uri: Unhealthy-air
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Unhealthy_air)
content:
 
<p>
*Researchers say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/26/us-air-pollution-health-americans">the number of Americans exposed to unhealthy air</a> will
rise by 50% by the middle of the century.*
<p>
Currently 1/4 of the population are exposed to it.  The cause will be
increasing wildfires caused by global heating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Rafah_attack)
title: Rafah attack
uri: Rafah-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Rafah_attack)
content:
 
<p>
*UN warns Rafah attack would be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/26/un-rafah-attack-nail-coffin-gaza-aid-deliveries-halve">‘nail in coffin’ of Gaza aid</a> as
deliveries halve.*
<p>
Israel already knowingly limits aid to Gaza to an amount far below what
the population requires.  Lowering it further would compound the crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Weaponising_San_Francisco)
title: Weaponising San Francisco
uri: Weaponising-San-Francisco
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Weaponising_San_Francisco)
content:
 
<p>
Right-wing rich people are funding an attempt to <a href="  which in fact are comparable to other American cities, and often smaller.">buy the election of a
right-wing government in San Francisco</a> by fomenting fear based on
exaggerating the city's problems,
which in fact are comparable to other American cities, and often smaller.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Judicial_reconsideration)
title: Judicial reconsideration
uri: Judicial-reconsideration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(Judicial_reconsideration)
content:
 
<p>
Louisiana's governor wants to put a end to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/19/louisiana-criminal-justice-bills-jeff-landry">judicial reconsideration of
convictions</a> based k evidence of illegality in the trial.
<p>
Also, to make parole much harder for people that some members of a parole board
are prejudiced against -- blacks, typically.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  <a href="/articles/bigotry.html">I
denounce bigotry</a>, and normally I will not link to articles that
practice it.  But I make exceptions for some articles because I
consider them important -- and I label them like this.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(They_took_everything,_PSE)
title: They took everything, PSE
uri: They-took-everything-PSE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(They_took_everything,_PSE)
content:
 
<p>
*"They took our home, our land, everything": Palestinians
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/they-took-our-home-our-land-everything-palestinians-displaced-by-settlers-tell-their-stories">displaced by illegal
settlers</a>
tell their stories.*
<p>
"Illegal settlers" means the ones that Israel officially says are grabbing Palestinian land
without Israeli government authorization.  These settlement are also called "illegal" in
Israel, though the government almost
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Illegal_settlers_need_to_be_relocated)">never does anything to interfere</a>
with them,
<p>
In fact,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_September_2017_(Netanyahu_Palestine_occupation)">all the settlements are illegal</a>
under international law.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


title: 1961 assassination of first UN chief
uri: 1961-assassination-of-first-UN-chief
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(1961_assassination_of_UN_chief_Hammarskjöld)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(1961_assassination_of_UN_chief_Hammarskjöld)

content:
 
<p>
*UK and US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/uk-us-obstructing-inquiry-death-united-nations-dag-hammarskjold">accused of obstructing inquiry</a>
into 1961 death of UN [Secretary General, Dag Hammarskjöld].*
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_November_2017_(Dag_Hammarskjold)">There is evidence</a>
that the plane crash was no accident.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(US_aid_airdrop,_Gaza)
title: US aid airdrop, Gaza
uri: US-aid-airdrop-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_March_2024_(US_aid_airdrop,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
The US will drop
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/gaza-airdrop-food-aid-us-biden">aid to Gaza</a>
by air.
<p>
This can't provide enough, but it will show Israel that the US will not let
Israel limit the amount of aid delivered.
<p>
To provide more aid, the US could land it on the beach using landing
ships and invite civilians to come and get it.
<p>
  Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(tories_islamophobic)
title: Islamophobia poll
uri: Islamophobia-poll
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(tories_islamophobic)
content:
 
<p>
Most Tory supporters endorse anti-Muslim 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/28/tories-islamophobic-conservative-party-members-hope-not-hate">hostility and disinformation.</a>
<p>
Is Islam incompatible with the British way of life?  The answer is
"yes and no", just as for Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism.
<p>
Each major religion has different variants of belief, and Islam is no
exception.  Each has some extremist variants which are incompatible
with tolerance and democracy.  That includes Christianity, Hinduism,
Islam and Judaism.
<p>
Each also has mainstream forms which are compatible with living in a
tolerant and democratic society.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(alabama_house_ivf_protection_bill)
title: Alabama legislature passes bill
uri: Alabama-legislature-passes-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(alabama_house_ivf_protection_bill)
content:
 
<p>
Alabama is almost finished passing a law to shield in-vitro
fertilization from its recent court ruling that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/29/alabama-house-senate-ivf-protection-bill
">every embryo is a
"child".</a>
<p>
This would overcome covers the part of that ruling's effect that is
arousing the most focused hostility.  But not the worst parts of it.
This law will not protect women who have abortions, or miscarriages.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(warrantless_internet_records)
title: NSA buying browser records
uri: NSA-buying-browser-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(warrantless_internet_records)
content:
 
<p>
*Government agencies typically have to secure a court-approved warrant
before obtaining private data on Americans from a phone or a tech
company. But U.S. agencies have skirted this requirement by arguing
   they do not need a warrant if the information, like precise location
   records or net flow data, is openly for sale to 
<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/26/national-security-agency-americans-internet-browsing-records-warrantless/?guccounter=1">anyone who wants to buy
   it.*</a>
   <p>
This convinces me that the wrong is not located in the buying of that data,
but in offering it for sale.  We should not allow that to happen.  However,
as

<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">I've stated,</a>
<p>
  data once collected will surely be misused.  To prevent the sale of
collections of data about more or less everyone, we need to prohibit
systems that collect such data.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(unrwa_funding)
title: UNRWA Oct 7th claims
uri: UNRWA-Oct-7th-claims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(unrwa_funding)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel has not yet provided evidence to back Hamas 7 October attack claims
against [employees of UNRWA], 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/unrwa-funding-pause-employees-october-7-hamas-attack-claims-no-evidence-un">UN says.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(sweden_nato)
title: Sweden is joining Nato
uri: Sweden-is-joining-Nato
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(sweden_nato)
content:
 
<p>
More than a small fraction of foreign ownership of critical facilities
can make a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/01/sweden-nato-unprepared-vulnerable-attack">country vulnerable to attack.</a>
<p>
It would be wise to prohibit that outright.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(monahan_sentence)
title: NY man gets 25 years
uri: NY-man-gets-25-years
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(monahan_sentence)
content:
 
<p>
The man who shot and killed a passenger in a car that drove up his
driveway by mistake 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/01/kevin-monahan-sentence">has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.</a>
<p>
Is this enough to teach people that you can't shoot people based on
an unlikely surmise?  I think we should make more efforts to inform
the public that this really is a crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(palestinian_factions)
title: Palestinian factions and political unity
uri: Palestinian-factions-and-political-unity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(palestinian_factions)
content:
 
<p>
Russia's mediation between Fatah and HAMAS has brought them a big
step closer to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/palestinian-factions-hamas-fatah-political-unity-talks-russia-sergei-lavrov">agreeing on a unity government for Palestine.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(ca_police_prone_restraint)
title: Dangers of prone restraint
uri: Dangers-of-prone-restraint
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_March_2024_(ca_police_prone_restraint)
content:
 
<p>
*Revealed: at least 22 Californians have died while being held face down by
[thugs], 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/california-police-officers-prone-restraint-deaths">like George Floyd, since 2016.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Very_Urgent:_Support_Gaza_ceasefire)
title: Very Urgent: Support Gaza ceasefire
uri: Very-Urgent-Support-Gaza-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Very_Urgent:_Support_Gaza_ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/sotu-ceasefire">show support for a Gaza ceasefire
at Biden's State of the Union speech</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Beating_disinformation)
title: Beating disinformation
uri: Beating-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Beating_disinformation)
content:
 
<p>
Sefton Delmer's propaganda messages to Germany <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/02/the-man-who-tricked-nazi-germany-lessons-from-the-past-on-how-to-beat-disinformation">induced Germans to doubt the
validity of Hitler's propaganda</a>.  Ukrainians have learned from them.
<p>
I wonder if there is a chance of applying these methods to the
delusion of trumpet propaganda.  Delmer had more than a clever idea:
he had the resources of the British government available to carry out
the idea.  There are surely Americans who could try to do something
like that -- but what institution would give them a voice loud enough
to be noticed?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Thug_violence)
title: Thug violence
uri: 2024-03-04-Thug-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Thug_violence)
content:
 
<p>
London thugs knocked over a legal observer watching events at a rally
for Palestine, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/02/police-aggression-towards-gaza-march-observers-on-the-rise-in-uk-as-woman-says-officers-knocked-her-over">leaving her unconscious and bleeding</a>.  There were 30
thugs in the group, and none of them attended to her injuries.
<p>
This was not the only recent instance of violence by thugs toward
legal observers.
<p>
I can see why thugs might feel hostility towards legal observers,
feeling that the observers' mission is to observe and report
wrongdoing by thugs.  But that is no excuse for violence against them.
<p>
It should not be difficult for the department to determine from the
video which thugs did what.  Then we will see whether the department
is sincere in saying that these actions are unacceptable.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Urgent:_End_Section_702)
title: Urgent: End Section 702
uri: Urgent-End-Section-702
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Urgent:_End_Section_702)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to call for ending <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#26_April_2015_(Sun_Must_Go_Down)">Section 702 mass
surveillance</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2024-03-04-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
US ski resorts are losing money because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/02/ski-resorts-snow-global-warming-study">global heating has reduced the
amount of snowfall</a>.
<p>
We can live without skiing, but reduced rain on farmland will make
food scarce.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Gaza_aid)
title: Gaza aid
uri: Gaza-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Gaza_aid)
content:
 
<p>
*Gaza airdrops might not be necessary <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/02/gaza-aid-airdrops-palestinian-territories-israel-uk-us">if Israel faced more pressure on
aid</a>.*
<p>
I agree with the article, but it will be hard to make delivery of aid
from Israel itself function properly.  It will always be easy to make
snags occur, to set up regulations that will slow the flow based on
whatever pretext.
<p>
Sea delivery would avoid that problem because the aid would not pass
through Israel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Texas_wildfire)
title: Texas wildfire
uri: Texas-wildfire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Texas_wildfire)
content:
 
<p>
It is only March, but the Texas panhandle is so hot and try that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/02/texas-wildfire-rising-temperatures-winds-dry-air">the
spreading giant wildfire is hard to control</a>.
Come June, normally 25F hotter, it may spread much faster and may be
totally unstoppable.
<p>
Americans, vote for climate defense!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(The_left_behind)
title: The left behind
uri: The-left-behind
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(The_left_behind)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: how Democrats' <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-old-left-the-new-left-and-the">abandonment of the working class and
labor unions</a> opened the door for the bullshitter to offer the white
working class a bogus sense of power.
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Black_voters_exploited_for_The_Liar)
title: Black voters exploited for the liar
uri: Black-voters-exploited-for-the-liar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Black_voters_exploited_for_The_Liar)
content:
 
<p>
A supporter of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a> has used bullshit generators to
make "photos" showing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/04/trump-ai-generated-images-black-voters">the insurrectionist with black supporters</a>.
They are fake.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Nature_habitat_20X30_restoration,_EU)
title: Natural habitat restoration goals, EU
uri: Natural-habitat-restoration-goals-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Nature_habitat_20X30_restoration,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
The European Parliament has given
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/european-parliament-votes-for-watered-down-law-to-restore-nature-farmers-protests">preliminary approval to a directive</a>
requiring restoring natural ecosystems, with explicit quotas.
<p>
The article fails to give any details about the concessions given to protesting farmers.  I
wish I knew what they were.  Without specific information, I can only speculate that the
farmers had some valid demands, and that a careful compromise could have grafted those more or
less, but that right-wing politicians stirred them up to make extreme and harmful demands,
which I hope they did not gain.

<p>
 


title: Corporate monetary policies unsuitable
uri: Corporate-monetary-policies-unsuitable
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Corporate_monetary_policies_unsuitable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Corporate_monetary_policies_unsuitable)

content:
 
<p>
Why we need to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-greedy-tax-dodging-corporations-must-pay-their-fair-share-in-taxes?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">overturn the "Citizens" United decision</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Potential_conscripts_flee,_Myanmar)
title: Potential conscripts flee, Myanmar
uri: Potential-conscripts-flee-Myanmar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Potential_conscripts_flee,_Myanmar)
content:
 
<p>
Thousands of Burmese are trying to flee so they will not be conscripted into
the Burmese army, which they consider to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/28/myanmar-military-conscription-law-details">an occupying enemy</a>.
<p>
The Burmese military goes to extreme lengths to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/29/myanmar-military-junta-totters-as-battalions-surrender">prevent soldiers from
defecting</a>,
but many manage to do it anyway.
<p>
It is better to die than to fight for the dictators.  if the people fleeing recognize that, and
form groups ready to fight if they must, they have a better chance of surviving to escape.
<p>
I wonder why Thailand is not letting refugees in.
Is this due to China's influence in Thailand?
(<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#9_November_2023_(Myanmar_military_losses)">China backs the Burmese dictators</a>.)
If you know the answer, please tell me.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Borders_inspector_sacked,_UK)
title: Borders inspector sacked, UK
uri: Borders-inspector-sacked-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(Borders_inspector_sacked,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Sacked UK borders inspector tells MPs he was removed "for doing his job".*
<p>
The Tories appointed David Neal as "inspector of borders and immigration", meaning it was his
job to report to a ministry about the cruelty that it was steadily finding ways to increase.
When he saw the government had no interested in correcting the problems he reported,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/27/sacked-uk-borders-inspector-tells-mps-removed-doing-job-david-neal">he told the public instead</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(US_sanctions_on_settlers,_Palestine)
title: US sanctions on settlers, Palestine
uri: US-sanctions-on-settlers-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_March_2024_(US_sanctions_on_settlers,_Palestine)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing several kinds of US sanctions that would hit Israel's colonies in Palestinian
territory, and the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/28/israeli-settlements-us-opinion-two-state">people and institutions
located in them</a>.
<p>
The article continues with other ways to pressure Israel to move towards peace with Palestine.
<p>
Gush Shalom (founded by Uri Avnery) launched a boycott in Israel of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#18_October_2021_(Novelist_Sally_Rooney)">products made in those colonies</a>.
They withdrew the boycott when Israel adopted a law designed to bankrupt anyone in Israel who
promoted it, but since I am not in Israel
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_December_2020_(Boycotts_and_antisemitism)">I continue to support that boycott</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(clayton_county_ai)
title: Clayton County Register
uri: Clayton-County-Register
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(clayton_county_ai)
content:
 
<p>
There are now click bait farms filled automatically with the output
of 
<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/iowa-newspaper-website-ai-generated-clickbait-factory/">bullshit generators.</a>
<p>
They are not intended to make any sense to humans who visit them,
only intended to attack advertising income.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(aerial_surveys)
title: Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2024-03-06-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(aerial_surveys)
content:
 
<p>
*Aerial surveys of Great Barrier Reef ordered after flights 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/28/aerial-surveys-of-great-barrier-reef-ordered-after-flights-confirm-mass-coral-bleaching">confirm mass coral
bleaching.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(7000_humpback_whales)
title: 7,000 humpback whales
uri: 7-000-humpback-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(7000_humpback_whales)
content:
 
<p>
It appears that high ocean temperatures in 2014-2016 reduced the population
of humpback whales by around 1/5.  It has not rebounded yet.
<p>
This sadly suggests that global heating could make them vulnerable to
extinction, or 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/28/did-a-marine-heatwave-cause-7000-humpback-whales-to-starve-to-death-aoe">even cause their extinction.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(bangladesh_extreme_weather)
title: Bangladesh weather
uri: Bangladesh-weather
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(bangladesh_extreme_weather)
content:
 
<p>
Bangladesh has worked hard to improve its ability to cope with weather
disasters, but 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/28/why-bangladesh-is-running-out-of-options-in-the-face-of-extreme-weather">global heating is making them worse.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(Real_countries_music)
title: Real country music not the US genre
uri: Real-country-music-not-the-US-genre
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(Real_countries_music)
content:
 
<p>
Rhiannon Giddens rejects the idea that genres of music belong to
certain groups and that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/27/black-artistry-is-woven-into-the-fabric-of-country-music-it-belongs-to-everyone-beyonce-texas-hold-em-rhiannon-giddens">others should be excluded</a>
from playing them.
<p>
For music, and for everyone, we must reject the idea that
"<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/cultural-appropriation.html">cultural
appropriation</a>"
is something bad.  That view is wrong, regardless of which group's rights are being attacked.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_((satire)_mcconnell_donates_body)
title: (Satire) McConnell pledges to donate body
uri: (Satire)-McConnell-pledges-to-donate-body
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_((satire)_mcconnell_donates_body)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *[Senator] Mitch McConnell Donates Body 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/mitch-mcconnell-donates-body-to-lobbyists-for-research-1851297865">To Lobbyists For Research.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_()
title: Biden’s $1.2tn bill
uri: Biden-s-1-2tn-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_()
content:
 
<p>
The US has for decades spent far more on roads than on public transit.
In the past that was unfair to Americans in cities.  Now it's resisting
efforts to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/29/biden-spending-highways-public-transport-climate-crisis">minimize climate disaster.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(mdma_therapy)
title: Rick Doblin and MDMA
uri: Rick-Doblin-and-MDMA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(mdma_therapy)
content:
 
<p>
An interview with a leading campaigner for legalization of MDMA
and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/29/mdma-therapy-legal-rick-doblin">its use for therapy.</a>
<p>
I dislike the part that tries to validate the idea of "spirits" as something
other than a metaphor, because there is no way those can exist; it can only
be an instance of confused thinking.
<p>
That doesn't invalidate the beneficial results of the therapy, or the
arguments for legalization.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(spain_droughts)
title: Spain faces droughts
uri: Spain-faces-droughts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(spain_droughts)
content:
 
<p>
Catalonia's three-year drought has gone beyond mere inconvenience.
Agriculture 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/02/it-makes-me-so-sad-church-reemerges-from-reservoir-as-spain-faces-droughts">is being destroyed.</a>
<p>
It has plans to use desalination to get drinking water.
I hope they will not be powered by fossil fuels, as that would
accelerate the increase of drought over all Spain and large parts
of the world.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(midwest_record_low)
title: How our seasons are shifting
uri: How-our-seasons-are-shifting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_March_2024_(midwest_record_low)
content:
 
<p>
There was hardly any ice in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/28/us-midwest-record-low-snow-winter">Lake Erie this winter.</a>
<p>
*Gardens in England and Wales blooming four weeks early, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/02/gardens-england-wales-blooming-four-weeks-early-national-trust">says National Trust.</a>
<p>
I expect this is happening all across the temperate zones.
<p>
This flowery symptom of global heating may be pleasant, but these
sorts of changes don't affect a whole ecosystem in a uniform way.  The
resulting disconnects break relationships between species, and can
cause some to go extinct.  It also attracts invasive species, which
can displace or eat other species and cause their extinction.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Starvation_as_a_weapon_of_war,_Gaza)
title: Starvation as a weapon of war, Gaza
uri: Starvation-as-a-weapon-of-war-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Starvation_as_a_weapon_of_war,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Death by
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/look-at-yazan-for-god-s-sake-this-has-to-stop">starvation has begun</a>
among Palestinians in Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Top mental-assessment on the provocateur
uri: Top-mental-assessment-on-the-provocateur
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Top_mental-assessment_on_the_provacateur)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Top_mental-assessment_on_the_provacateur)

content:
 
<p>
Dr. John Gartner, psychologist, says that <!---->the bullshitter manifests
<a href="https://www.salon.com/2024/03/01/like-someone-pulled-the-metaphorical-plug-dr-john-gartner-on-accelerating-dementia/">rapidly increasing cognitive failure</a>,
and that it is often visible in
his speeches but the media only show the parts in which he is coherent.
<p>
He also says that many other psychologists have noticed this but are afraid to say it openly.
<p>
I lack the expertise to judge the validity of this claim, and I hardly wish
to watch <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> speeches to look for myself.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Presidential,_blind,_pressuring,_US)
title: Presidential, blind, pressuring, US
uri: Presidential-blind-pressuring-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Presidential,_blind,_pressuring,_US)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/03/achilles-trap-steve-coll-review">Saddam Hussein's taped conversations</a>
with ministers and generals show he was certain that the CIA knew he had destroyed his projects
for chemical and nuclear weapons.
<p>
The CIA had some idea of this, but <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/#2003-sep-dec.html#8%20December%202003%20(suspicion%20into%20certainty)">pressured the CIA</a>
into not consciously recognizing that conclusion.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Public_policy_red-lines)
title: Public policy red-lines
uri: Public-policy-red-lines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_March_2024_(Public_policy_red-lines)
content:
 
<p>
Kenan Malik: *Blurring the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/03/blurring-line-between-criticism-and-bigotry-only-fuels-hatred-of-muslims-and-jews">line between criticism and bigotry</a>
fuels hatred of Muslims and Jews.*
<p>
This leads him, among other things, to reject the term "Islamophobia", for slightly different
but related reasons:
<blockquote>
It is for this reason that I have long been a critic of the concept of
“Islamophobia”; not because bigotry or discrimination against Muslims
does not exist, but because the term conflates disapproval of ideas and
disparagement of people, making it more difficult to challenge the
latter. It is, in my view, more useful to frame such intolerance as
"anti-Muslim prejudice" or "bigotry". The issue, though, is not one of
wording; what matters is less the term employed than the meaning
attributed to it.
</blockquote>
The term I coined is "<a class="glossary" href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#islamophobia">antimuslimism</a>".
I reject it because of a category error: bigotry is not a phobia.  A phobia is a mental
disorder; we cannot blame people for having a phobia.  We can and should blame people
(including ourselves) for bigotry.  Thus, paradoxically, calling bigotry "phobia" lets the
bigots off the moral hook.
<p>
I agree with his point that the choice of meaning is more important than the choice of word.
But often an article uses the word without explanation, assuming the reader knows what it
means.  In those articles, the choice of word is the core of the article's communication about
the meaning intended.
<p>
Another gem from the article:
<blockquote>
   Anti-Zionism is not necessarily antisemitic; but it can be, and too
   often is. The answer is not to label all expressions of anti-Zionism as
   antisemitic but to call out the latter, while acknowledging the
   legitimacy of the former.
</blockquote>
I should comment that criticism (however strong) of actions of Israel
is not necessarily anti-Zionism.

<p>
 


title: Food production govt. and resources
uri: Food-production-govt-and-resources
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Food_production_regulation_and_resources)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Food_production_regulation_and_resources)

content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: the plans to increase global food production call for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/04/water-world-run-out-planet-hotter-looming-crisis">using more water</a>
for irrigation, but no more fresh water is available to use.

<p>
 


title: Information-production resource usage
uri: Information-production-resource-usage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Info_production_regulation_and_resources)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Info_production_regulation_and_resources)

content:
 
<p>
Today's bullshit generators need a lot of energy to run, and a lot of water.  The next
generation will use so much that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/02/ais-craving-for-data-is-matched-only-by-a-runaway-thirst-for-water-and-energy">that itself will be a problem</a>.

<p>
 


title: Food systems reharmonization by unhiding
uri: Food-systems-reharmonization-by-unhiding
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Food_systems_re-harmonizing_by_un-hiding)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Food_systems_re-harmonizing_by_un-hiding)

content:
 
<p>
A study argues that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/29/sustainable-food-production-economic-benefits-study">moving to sustainable food</a>
production globally would
fix many of the world's problems, including <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>, malnutrition
and environmental degradation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Trump_steps_closer_to_US_Presidency)
title: Trump steps closer to US Presidency
uri: Trump-steps-closer-to-US-Presidency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Trump_steps_closer_to_US_Presidency)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/05/us-supreme-court-trump-ruling">US Supreme Court</a>
eliminated any possibility of barring insurrectionists with the support of a major party from
government office using the 15th amendment.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Urgent:_North_Atlantic_right_whales)
title: Urgent: North Atlantic right whales
uri: Urgent-North-Atlantic-right-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Urgent:_North_Atlantic_right_whales)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55506&tag=email_blast:130912&supporter_KEY=229474">call on NOAA</a>
to protect North Atlantic right whales.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank response after signing.  That
does not mean anything is wrong; your signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank
screen has text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a way to disable
the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make the text appear.

<p>
 


title: Starbucks bucks up to NLRB, union bosses
uri: Starbucks-bucks-up-to-NLRB-union-bosses
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Star-bucks-up_to_NLRB_and_union_bosses)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Star-bucks-up_to_NLRB_and_union_bosses)

content:
 
<p>
*Starbucks and its workers’ union
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/27/starbucks-workers-union-bargaining">agree to talks</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Synthetic fertilizer tanker sank, Yemen
uri: Synthetic-fertilizer-tanker-sank-Yemen
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Synthetic_fertilizer_tanker_sank,_Yemen)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(Synthetic_fertilizer_tanker_sank,_Yemen)

content:
 
<p>
The Houthis sank a ship carrying fertilizer, which could
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/05/sinking-of-rubymar-in-red-sea-poses-grave-environmental-risks-experts-warn">leak and
poison the Red Sea</a>.
<p>
The owners wanted to tow the ship to a port to repair it, but no port would allow it because of
the environmental risks it would have caused there.  Would towing that vessel's to deep water
have made it less of a threat?  It seems that no organization has authority and funds for doing
that when necessary.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Open_LLMs_as_superior_to_proprietary)
title: Open LLMs as superior to proprietary
uri: Open-LLMs-as-superior-to-proprietary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Open_LLMs_as_superior_to_proprietary)
content:
 
<p>
Some Google employees reportedly wrote that "open source" LLMs
are progressing faster
<a href="https://www.semianalysis.com/p/google-we-have-no-moat-and-neither">than Google or Open"AI" can possibly do</a>.
There are even small models that can run in personal computers, and that can
run on CPUs, not as prisoners of the GPU (*).
<p>
Most "open source" programs are free software, but
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">there are exceptions</a>.
<p>
It is crucial to verify that at least one of these systems <em>entirely</em> composed of free
software &mdash with zero nonfree or unreleased components.  And ideally more than one.
<p>
*
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Political_Directorate">State Political Directorate</a>
(GPU) of the Soviet Union.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(HAMAS_terrorismists)
title: HAMAS' terrorismists' crimes
uri: HAMAS-terrorismists-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_March_2024_(HAMAS_terrorismists)
content:
 
<p>
*UN finds
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/04/un-envoy-reports-on-accounts-of-hamas-raping-and-torturing-israeli-hostages">"convincing information"</a>
that Hamas raped and tortured Israeli
hostages,*  based on the testimony of released hostages.
<p>
This adds to the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_January_2024_(HAMAS_terror_evidence,_ISR)">evidence of the corpses</a>
of people that were raped and then killed on Oct 7.
<p>
But there was never any doubt that HAMAS attackers committed even worse crimes: killing
civilians or kidnapping them with the threat to kill them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Nikki_Haley_is_out)
title: Nikki Haley is out
uri: Nikki-Haley-is-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Nikki_Haley_is_out)
content:
 
<p>
Nikki Haley has abandoned her campaign for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/06/will-nikki-haley-endorse-trump">the Republican nomination</a>.
The votes she received demonstrated a considerable fraction of Republicans
are reluctant to vote for the fascist.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fund_the_Antitrust_Division)
title: Urgent: Fund the Antitrust Division
uri: Urgent-Fund-the-Antitrust-Division
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fund_the_Antitrust_Division)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators and call on each
to fully fund the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division.
<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Responsible_investing_as_antitrust)
title: Responsible investing as antitrust
uri: Responsible-investing-as-antitrust
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Responsible_investing_as_antitrust)
content:
 
<p>
Citi, BofA, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo have dropped
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/05/us-banks-leave-esg-finance-climate-crisis">the Equator Principles</a>,
which among other things provide minimum environmental standards,
<p>
I speculate that their executives now feel less pressure to hold back
even from the most outrageous forms of damage.  There is a campaign
calling on Citi (pronounced "seetee", or perhaps "sheetee") to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_February_2024_(Urgent:_Citi_banks_on_methane)">stop
funding expansion of US exports of liquid methane</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Deter excessive methane emissions
uri: Urgent-Deter-excessive-methane-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Urgent:_Deter_excessive_methane_emmissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Urgent:_Deter_excessive_methane_emmissions)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55509&tag=email_blast:131029&supporter_KEY=229474">support the EPA's plan to charge companies</a>
for excess methane emissions.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank response after signing.  That
does not mean anything is wrong; your signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank
screen has text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a way to disable
the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make the text appear.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Real_fast_war_death_rates,_Gaza)
title: Real fast war death rates, Gaza
uri: Real-fast-war-death-rates-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Real_fast_war_death_rates,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Ralph Nader: Both Israel and HAMAS have
<a href="https://nader.org/2024/03/05/stop-the-worsening-undercount-of-palestinian-casualties-in-gaza/">reasons to undercount the deaths</a>
in Gaza.  It could be far more than 30,000 already.
<p>
Much like Iraq Body Count, the practice of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#5_September_2021_(Cost_of_Post-9%2F11)">counting only identified
corpses</a>
will inevitably underestimate the number of dead.

<p>
 


title: Antisemitism, the original definition
uri: Antisemitism-the-original-definition
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Antisemitism,_the_original_definition)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Antisemitism,_the_original_definition)

content:
 
<p>
Kenneth Stern in 2019: *I drafted the [IHRA] definition of
antisemitism.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/13/antisemitism-executive-order-trump-chilling-effect">Rightwing Jews are weaponizing it</a>.*
<p>
He says it was not designed to be a basis for censorship and objects to its use for that.
<p>
Nowadays, said weaponization has spread to the entire right wing, both
Jews and non-Jews, including powerful right wing Christians with
billions of dollars.  In 2022, Stern, himself a Zionist, condemned the
use of
<a href="media/ed70b35c.ABA-statement-121522c.pdf" data-original-source="https://kennethsstern.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ABA-statement-121522c.pdf"><a>this
distortion of his work</a>
to falsely label political support for Palestine as "antisemitic".
<p>
He also explains that encouragement of a culture of hatred of some groups &mdash; whichever
groups they may be &mdash; promotes hatred of other groups.  One bigotry promotes other
bigotries.  Thus, right-wing leaders that justify hate in the name of opposing antisemitism
indirectly promote antisemitism (as well as the hate they try to justify).

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(child_aisle_study)
title: Child Aisle Study
uri: Child-Aisle-Study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(child_aisle_study)
content:
 
<p>
*[At] What Age Would You Let Your [10 year old] Child Go to a
 Different 
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/what-age-would-you-let-your-child-go-to-a-different-aisle-at-the-store/">Aisle at the Store?*</a>

<p>
 


title: House Bill 1639
uri: House-Bill-1639
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(florida_anti_trans_bill_health_insurance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(florida_anti_trans_bill_health_insurance)

content:
 
<p>
Florida's Republican-dominated legislature is considering a law to
require all insurance companies to cover so-called "conversion
therapy" to convince trans-people to adopt the gender that goes 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/05/florida-anti-trans-bill-health-insurance-costs/">with
their biological sex.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(norway_judges_undersea_oil)
title: Norway's vital climate leap
uri: Norway-s-vital-climate-leap
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(norway_judges_undersea_oil)
content:
 
<p>
Norway now judges approval of undersea oil wells counting the carbon
emissions from burning the fossil 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/31/norway-climate-britain-oslo-rosebank-british">fuels extracted from the well.</a>
<p>
This is a necessary part of any regulatory system intended to curb
global heating from fossil fuels.  The fossil fuel companies fight
against this, not only in law but in people's minds.  They emit
publicity about their efforts to reduce the (fairly small) <Em>emissions
from their own activities</Em>, distracting people from the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/10/climate-experts-warn-against-focus-technological-solutions-cop28">emissions from
burning the fuel they <Em>sell</Em></a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(arctic_conditions)
title: Possible Iceless Arctic Summers
uri: Possible-Iceless-Arctic-Summers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(arctic_conditions)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating is going so fast that Arctic summers 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/05/ice-free-summers-in-arctic-possible-within-next-decade-scientists-say">may be iceless by 2035.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(prisons_heat_deathes_texas_florida)
title: Deadly heat in Florida and Texas prisons
uri: Deadly-heat-in-Florida-and-Texas-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(prisons_heat_deathes_texas_florida)
content:
 
<p>
Prisons can be deadly in the summer 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/05/prisons-heat-deaths-texas-florida">because of hazardous heat.</a>
<p>
In the US, prisons in Florida and Texas are the hottest, and those
states have governments that think it is fine if the heat kills prisoners.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(rto_doesnt_improve_company_value)
title: RTO disadvantages
uri: RTO-disadvantages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(rto_doesnt_improve_company_value)
content:
 
<p>
A study found that when companies required employees to work from the
office again, this provided no benefit for the company's work, but 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/rto-doesnt-improve-company-value-but-does-make-employees-miserable-study/">did
make employees dissatisfied.</a>
<p>
*The data [are] consistent with bosses using RTO to reassert control
and scapegoat workers.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(secret_tribunal_claims_ireland)
title: Police spied on Ireland journalists
uri: Police-spied-on-Ireland-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(secret_tribunal_claims_ireland)
content:
 
<p>
UK thugs arrested some Northern Ireland journalists after collecting
evidence with secret surveillance.  The journalist, once freed,
demanded an investigation of that surveillance.  The investigation is
occurring, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/28/secret-tribunal-claims-police-spied-northern-ireland-journalists">but it is being kept secret.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(palestine_peace_protest_tory_israel)
title: Palestine Peace Protest
uri: Palestine-Peace-Protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(palestine_peace_protest_tory_israel)
content:
 
<p>
Tories are considering a proposal to forbid MPs from talking with
members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.  That would be an offense 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/05/palestine-peace-protest-tory-government-israel">against democracy in the UK.</a>
<p>
The people who join the PSC's protests are representing their own
political views as individuals, as they have a legitimate right to do.
They do not all agree completely; I expect that some call for the
elimination of Israel, while others do not, and surely some are
antisemites.  However, the PSC's views as stated here by its director,
I can agree with.
<p>
The people whom MPs should never meet with are the lobbyists who are
paid to represent the desires of the rich.

<p>
 


title: Corporate climate risks as private info
uri: Corporate-climate-risks-as-private-info
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Climate_risks_as_private_corporate-info)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_March_2024_(Climate_risks_as_private_corporate-info)

content:
 
<p>
The SEC has published a proposed rule for companies to publish their climate risks, but it has
been
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/secs-climate-disclosure-rule-omits-key-risks-fails-investors-and-the-public">weakened considerably and may not achieve</a>
its purpose.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sec-fails-investors-by-declining-to-require-disclosure-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions">More info</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Reasons_Not_to_Use_FLIXbus)
title: Reasons Not to Use FLIXbus
uri: Reasons-Not-to-Use-FLIXbus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Reasons_Not_to_Use_FLIXbus)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="/flixbus.html">Here are reasons to reject FLIXbus</a>, as well as its subsidiary,
Greyhound.
<p>
(Satire) People say that the company's name is actually FUXbus, but it took to
writing the U strangely.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(gazan_detainess_assaulted)
title: Gazan detainees reportedly tortured
uri: Gazan-detainees-reportedly-tortured
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(gazan_detainess_assaulted)
content:
 
<p>
Many Palestinian men imprisoned temporarily by Israel 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/05/gazan-detainees-beaten-and-sexually-assaulted-at-israeli-detention-centres-un-report-claims">reported being
tortured.</a>
<p>
American soldiers did this to Arab (and other Muslim) prisoners,
especially when suspected of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/07/guantanamo-bay-un-visit-torture-treatment">some connection with terrorism;</a>
<p>
I would expect Israelis
to do it too.  Some of the victims were real terrorists, but most were
suspected erroneously based on vaguely suggestive evidence.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(hamas_returns_northern_gaza)
title: Hamas regroups in northern Gaza
uri: Hamas-regroups-in-northern-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(hamas_returns_northern_gaza)
content:
 
<p>
HAMAS is once again (or is it still?) in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/30/hamas-returns-northern-gaza-new-offensive">control of parts of
northern Gaza.</a>
<p>
To wipe it out seems indeed to be impossible.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Brain_modeling_and_complex_systems)
title: Brain modeling and complex systems
uri: Brain-modeling-and-complex-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Brain_modeling_and_complex_systems)
content:
 
<p>
*We
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/29/the-big-idea-what-if-every-little-thing-you-do-changes-history">all are</a>
the living manifestation of 13.7bn years of flukes.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Misled_on_purpose,_planned_chaos)
title: Misled on purpose: planned chaos
uri: Misled-on-purpose-planned-chaos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Misled_on_purpose,_planned_chaos)
content:
 
<p>
Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> has plunged Florida into disease threat by putting
an antivax
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/03/florida-measles-outbreak-preventable">fanatic in charge of public health</a>.
<p>
Said lunatic was judged guilty of scientific fraud
for fabricating evidence to discredit Covid-19 vaccines.
<p>
When these anti-health measures produce chaos,
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trumpery">Trump-pets</a> call that success; their campaign to put their strongman in power is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(The_insurrectionist's_destabilization_strategy)">based on chaos</a>.
 
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Mifepristone_access,_US)
title: Mifepristone access, US
uri: Mifepristone-access-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Mifepristone_access,_US)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/3/3/2227235/-Keep-Abortion-Accessible-for-Women-in-Red-States?_=2024-03-03T09:26:33.000-08:00">Reviewing the current state</a>
of mifepristone access in the US.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Social Security Expansion Act
uri: Urgent-Social-Security-Expansion-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-demand-that-millionaires-and-billionaires-pay-their-fair-share-into-social-security-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-unitedk">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Social Security Expansion Act.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Subpoena Leonard Leo, Harlan Crow
uri: Urgent-Subpoena-Leonard-Leo-Harlan-Crow
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Urgent:_Subpoena_Leanard_Leo,_Harlan_Crow)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Urgent:_Subpoena_Leanard_Leo,_Harlan_Crow)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/subpoena-leo-crow-issue/?t=1001&akid=31926%2E96703%2EgQSECQ">call on the Senate</a>
to issue subpoenas for Leonard Leo and Harlan Crow
to investigate their corrupting of Supreme Court justices.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Crimes against humanity, protesters, Iran
uri: Crimes-against-humanity-protesters-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Crimes_against_humanity,_protesters,_IRN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Crimes_against_humanity,_protesters,_IRN)

content:
 
<p>
A UN investigation *concludes regime murdered, imprisoned, tortured and raped
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/08/un-iran-committed-crimes-against-humanity-during-protest-crackdown">those who protested</a>
the death of Mahsa Amini.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Biden's_corporate_tax_reform)
title: Biden's corporate tax reform
uri: Biden-s-corporate-tax-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Biden's_corporate_tax_reform)
content:
 
  <p>
Biden proposed in
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/itep-statement-resources-tax-fairness-and-the-state-of-the-union">the State of the Union address</a>
to transfer lots
of money from rich people and corporations to non-rich people.
<p>
If Americans want this, they will need to reelect Biden and also boot
out many <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> from Congress.  May it happen thus!
<p>
Biden also warned that US democracy is threatened, which it is, and called for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/08/first-thing-joe-biden-spotlights-threats-to-democracy-state-of-the-union-speech">legalizing abortion</a>.
<p>
Biden did not highlight protecting the climate, but I forgive that because he tried hard to go
further.  He was blocked by Republicans in Congress. For the US to do more,
it is <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> we must replace, not Biden.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_the_immigrants_suffer,_PAN)
title: Let the immigrants suffer, PAN
uri: Let-the-immigrants-suffer-PAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_the_immigrants_suffer,_PAN)
content:
 
<p>
*Panama orders
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/08/panama-darien-gap-doctors-without-borders-msf">MSF to stop treating people</a>
who crossed Darién Gap.* That will mean much less resources available there to treat them.  In
effect, Panama is deciding to let them die if they get sick or injured.
<p>
The article does not state what motive Panama has given for this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Aid_to_Gaza_by_sea)
title: Aid to Gaza by sea
uri: Aid-to-Gaza-by-sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Aid_to_Gaza_by_sea)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/08/sea-corridor-aid-gaza">EU will shortly deliver</a>
aid to Gaza by sea.
<p>
Biden has announced a US plan to do something similar,
but it will require weeks of preparation before it can start.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_them_suffer_heat-stroke,_FL)
title: Let them suffer heat-stroke, FL
uri: Let-them-suffer-heat-stroke-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_them_suffer_heat-stroke,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
Florida Republicans rushed to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/florida-legislature-approves-law-banning-water-breaks-and-cooling-measures-for-workers">stop one county</a>
from setting requirements for companies to take steps to protect their workers from getting
sick from excessive heat.  Even requirements to post advice on how to cope with dangerous heat
will soon be prohibited by the Florida Republican work-them-to-death party.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Famine_if_Gazans_kept_isolated)
title: Famine if Gazans kept isolated
uri: Famine-if-Gazans-kept-isolated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Famine_if_Gazans_kept_isolated)
content:
 
<p>
Describing the starvation that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/06/colleagues-starvation-gaza-no-precedent-famine">Israel is imposing on Gaza</a>.
*I asked a close colleague in the US who works in this area what would be the most comparable
war situation. "Rwanda?" I asked. He responded that there was no previous conflict "that used
bombing, snipers, starvation all at once with such intensity."*
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Plans_to_cut_SS,_Medicaid)
title: Plans to cut SS, Medicaid
uri: Plans-to-cut-SS-Medicaid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Plans_to_cut_SS,_Medicaid)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> has put a budget resolution on the table, to be voted on,
which would set up a secret
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/republicans-vote-to-advance-budget-with-trump-arrington-death-panel-for-social-security">committee to impose cuts</a>
in
Social Security and Medicare.
<p>
That will serve their declared goals of less for the non-rich and more
for the rich, which I refer to as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fund_the_IRS)
title: Urgent: Fund the IRS
uri: Urgent-Fund-the-IRS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fund_the_IRS)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your representative in Congress and say to
preserve funding for the IRS.  Thanks to Biden it uses that
money to investigate rich tax cheaters.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: 1/5 of councils in England, section 114
uri: 1-5-of-councils-in-England-section-114
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(1%2F5_councils_in_England,_section_114)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(1%2F5_councils_in_England,_section_114)

content:
 
<p>
Tory budget cuts have forced several
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/09/councillors-warn-of-threat-to-local-democracy-in-england-after-budget-cuts-forced-on-nottingham">British local governments into
bankruptcy</a>;
now they are using that as an excuse to inflict cuts on
local programs that the non-rich depend on.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec#24_December_2020_(Unpayable_debt)">The US did the same thing</a>
to Puerto Rico some years ago, with a financial "bailout" that turned the island's elected
legislature into repo men for creditors.
<p>
Starmer-Labour supported the Tory imposition by threatening to expel
members of the council if they did not rubber-stamp the cuts.  This
confirms once again that Starmer-Labour is actually Tory Lite.  They
should have quit the Labour Party right then and there.
<p>
They could start the Robin Hood Party.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(The_gall_of_Modi_in_kashmir)
title: The gall of Modi in Kashmir
uri: The-gall-of-Modi-in-Kashmir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(The_gall_of_Modi_in_kashmir)
content:
 
<p>
Modi is campaigning for votes from the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/narendra-modi-visits-kashmir-first-time-since-state-autonomy-stripped">Hindu minority in Kashmir</a>
after gerrymandering that state.
<p>
This follows
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#7_August_2019_(Hindu_extremist_ruler)">a total state of repression</a>.
<p>
India ought to let Kashmir have the referendum about whether to be part
of India
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#15_July_2017_(Young_people_in_Kashmir_organizing)">that it promised Kashmir in the 1940s</a>.

<p>
 


title: Russian nuclear timebomb: Zaporizhzhia
uri: Russian-nuclear-timebomb-Zaporizhzhia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Russian_nuclear_timebomb:_Zaporizhzhia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Russian_nuclear_timebomb:_Zaporizhzhia)

content:
 
<p>
*Greenpeace accuses Russia of ‘unprecedented escalation’
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/greenpeace-accuses-russia-of-unprecedented-escalation-if-it-restarts-zaporizhzhia-reactors">if it restarts
Zaporizhzhia reactors</a>.*
Without a secure source of power to prevent a meltdown if the reactors
were to shut down, restarting them would be very dangerous.
<p>
Putin has
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#3_August_2022_(Nuclear_war_risk)">a pattern</a>
of making
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#1_May_2022_(Putin_playing_madman_card)">wild nuclear threats</a>.
Maybe this is another of them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Female_genital_mutilation)
title: Female genital mutilation
uri: 2024-03-11-Female-genital-mutilation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Female_genital_mutilation)
content:
 
<p>
Female genital mutilation
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/08/dramatic-rise-in-women-and-girls-being-cut-new-fgm-data-reveals">is increasing in total</a>.
In some regions it has gone underground to avoid censure
from the general public in those regions


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Factors_in_fewer_babies)
title: What factors in having fewer babies
uri: What-factors-in-having-fewer-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_March_2024_(Factors_in_fewer_babies)
content:
 
<p>
Following current trends, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/03/fertility-rates-are-falling-in-the-rich-world-but-still-plenty-of-people-to-go-round">human population would start to decrease</a>
in the 2080s.  With all the real problems that could cause human extinction, the lack of
interest in procreation is hardly worth mentioning.
<p>
Current trends cannot continue until the 2080s.  If we don't curb
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> soon, and various problems of pollution, the population
by then will be much smaller than now.
<p>
We can't maintain the current population and give a good standard of
living to everyone, barring a spectrum of miraculous scientific advances
which one cannot count on.  We need it to decrease, and it will.
<p>
There are three ways for the human population to decrease: the humane
way (birth control and abortion), the depression-filled way (mass
celibacy), and the gruesome way.  We are heading for the gruesome way.




<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(sweden_canada_aid_un)
title: Cash-strapped UN
uri: Cash-strapped-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(sweden_canada_aid_un)
content:
 
<p>
*Sweden and Canada will resume aid to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/09/sweden-and-canada-will-resume-aid-to-un-agency-for-palestinians">UN agency for Palestinians.*</a>
*To unblock the aid, UNRWA had agreed to "allow controls,
independent audits, to strengthen internal supervision and extra
controls of personnel".*  This is to ensure that they don't work
for HAMAS.
<p>
Israel has not provided proof of its accusations that some UNRWA 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/01/unrwa-funding-pause-employees-october-7-hamas-attack-claims-no-evidence-un">employees work for HAMAS.</a>
<p>
But it would not surprise me if that were true, since it is hard
to hire a lot of people in Gaza without including some HAMAS
members.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_((Satire)_Zuckerberg_Murder)
title: (Satire) Zuckerberg Murder
uri: (Satire)-Zuckerberg-Murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_((Satire)_Zuckerberg_Murder)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Blood-Covered Mark Zuckerberg Informed That Murder He Just
Committed 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/blood-covered-mark-zuckerberg-informed-that-murder-he-j-1851303978">Was Not In Metaverse.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(health_traffic_schemes)
title: Low-traffic neighborhoods
uri: 2024-03-12-Low-traffic-neighborhoods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(health_traffic_schemes)
content:
 
<p>
A low-traffic neighborhood in the UK has a one-time cost of 100 UKP
per person (or less) to build, and save 200 UKP per person <Em>per year</Em>
by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/08/health-gains-of-low-traffic-schemes-up-to-100-times-greater-than-costs-study-finds">benefits to health.</a>
<p>
I think those benefits come from (1) more exercise and (2) less
pollution.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(ai_climate_change_energy)
title: AI climate and disinfo
uri: AI-climate-and-disinfo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(ai_climate_change_energy)
content:
 
<p>
*AI [they seem to mean the large language models, rather than real
domain-specific intelligence] will likely increase 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/07/ai-climate-change-energy-disinformation-report">energy use and
accelerate climate misinformation.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(mi5_miners)
title: MI5 interference
uri: MI5-interference
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(mi5_miners)
content:
 
<p>
In the 1980s, the Tories used the government's intelligence agency to
attack the striking miners' union, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/07/mi5-miners-strike-national-archives-security-service-government">which they sought to destroy.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(la_joyita_jail_panama)
title: La Joyita prison
uri: La-Joyita-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(la_joyita_jail_panama)
content:
 
<p>
A prisoner in Panama, in a prison that was full of refuse, started a
program for prisoners to work to clean on cleaning it up.  The result
was to involve hundreds of prisoners in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/07/la-joyita-jail-panama-prisoners-gangs-squalor-waste-recycling-ecosolidos-geoazul">doing work that legitimate
and constructive.</a>
<p>
Programs for prisoners to learn and work in useful ways and be
rewarded were known in the past as "rehabilitation".  They were
widespread in the US, but a right-wing "tough on crime" wave
eliminated equated enlightenment with "softness" and eliminated them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(pentagon_somalia_africa)
title: The U.S. War in Somalia
uri: The-U-S-War-in-Somalia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(pentagon_somalia_africa)
content:
 
<p>
The US intervention in Somalia has continued for more than 20 years,
without ever making a coherent plan for 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/07/pentagon-somalia-africa-terrorism-failure/">what it was trying to do.</a>
The Pentagon investigated what went wrong there and discovered
this basic problem.
<p>
Somalia had almost become stable under a government that had the bad
quality of being Islamist.  So it got Ethiopia to intervene and get
rid of it, leaving al Shabaab in guerrilla war against a government
that the US supports.  It seem to me that 
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20071123205611/http://news.independent.co.uk:80/world/africa/article3182334.ece">that intervention made
things worse.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_((Satire)_marianne_williamson)
title: (Satire) Marianne Williamson
uri: (Satire)-Marianne-Williamson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_((Satire)_marianne_williamson)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Marianne Williamson Successfully Primaries 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/marianne-williamson-successfully-primaries-biden-in-all-1851298077">Biden In All 63
Counties Of Astral Plane.*</a>

<p>
 


title: New York Surveillance expanding
uri: New-York-Surveillance-expanding
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(ny_subway_police_national_guard_bag_checks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(ny_subway_police_national_guard_bag_checks)

content:
 
<p>
The New York City subways' crime rate is very low, but Governor Hochul
was sent soldiers to patrol entrance gates and demand to search
passenger's bags just to make 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/08/new-york-subway-police-national-guard-bag-checks">them feel comfortable.</a>
<p>
I don't think the ones who are racially profiled and searched
repeatedly will feel comforted.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(oil_industry_green_tech)
title: Oil industry lobbying
uri: Oil-industry-lobbying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(oil_industry_green_tech)
content:
 
<p>
Oil companies began lobbying against 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/08/oil-industry-has-sought-to-block-state-backing-for-green-tech-since-1960s">renewable power in the 1960s.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(Gang_violence_crisis,_Haiti)
title: Gang violence crisis, Haiti
uri: Gang-violence-crisis-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(Gang_violence_crisis,_Haiti)
content:
 
<p>
The government of Haiti has been brushed aside by gangs, which are now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/08/haiti-crisis-gang-jailbreak-explained">fighting to take over</a>
the most important central resources.
<p>
The government of Haiti became so weak because the US
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#11_July_2021_(Pressure_for_intervention_in_Haiti)">imposed
presidents</a>
through
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#27_December_2022_(Haiti_ruins,_the_history)">coups and rigged elections</a>.
No one thought of them except as viceroys.
<p>
Haiti has not had a legitimate president since a coup orchestrated by the US
forced Aristide out in 2004.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(europe_unprepared_eea_report)
title: EU climate risks report
uri: EU-climate-risks-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(europe_unprepared_eea_report)
content:
 
*   Europe is not prepared for the rapidly growing climate risks it faces,
   the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/10/europe-unprepared-for-climate-risks-eea-report">European Environment Agency (EEA) has said.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(chatbot_elections_misleading)
title: Chatbot disinfo
uri: Chatbot-disinfo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(chatbot_elections_misleading)
content:
 
<p>
What various leading bullshit generators say about how and where to
vote in 
<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/chatbot-info-on-u-s-elections-is-inaccurate-misleading-and-could-keep-voters-from-polls-report-finds">US elections is full of errors.</a>
  If your voting info comes from a bullshit generator, you could
easily miss your opportunity to vote.
<p>
I expect they are equally lousy when it comes to facts that would
influence who you would vote for.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(prevent_list_terrorism_uk)
title: Prevent Document
uri: Prevent-Document
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(prevent_list_terrorism_uk)
content:
 
<p>
*"Socialism", "anti-fascism" and "anti-abortion" on [a UK] 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/07/socialism-anti-fascism-anti-abortion-prevent-list-terrorism-warning-signs"> list of terrorism
warning signs.*</a>
<p>
Well, perhaps that is partly valid for anti-abortion-ism.  Many of its
supporters in the US are indeed extremists who sometimes use violent
tactics, and threaten our democracy.
<p>
But anti-fascists and socialists are not dangerous.  It is their enemies, the fascists and plutocratists, that are dangerous to society.
<p>
In any case, the UK's "prevent" program's methods are on the edge of
repression and sometimes drift fully into it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_((Satire)_archaeologists_uncover)
title: (Satire) gentrified caves
uri: (Satire)-gentrified-caves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_((Satire)_archaeologists_uncover)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Archaeologists Uncover First 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/archaeologists-uncover-first-caves-gentrified-by-homo-s-1851303984">Caves Gentrified By Homo Sapiens.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(pentagon_ufo_report)
title: Pentagon report on UFO
uri: Pentagon-report-on-UFO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(pentagon_ufo_report)
content:
 
<p>
*US not hiding aliens or UFO technology from the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/08/pentagon-ufo-report-hiding-aliens">public, Pentagon says.*</a>
<p>
I believe it.  If anyone had been reverse-engineering alien technology
for decades, there would be some successes by now, and we would be
inquiring about how anyone thought of them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(momentum_labour_party)
title: Momentum revised
uri: Momentum-revised
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(momentum_labour_party)
content:
 
<p>
Momentum, the left-wing camp of Labour, is considering ending its
formal affiliation with the Labour Party, and allowing people to join
it who are not 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/08/momentum-considers-accepting-members-from-outside-the-labour-party">members of Labour.</a>
<p>
This change is absolutely essential if Momentum is to have real
influence (on Labour, or on anyone).  As long as the people in charge
of Labour are "we don't dare fix much of what the Tories have broken"
plutocratists like Starmer, they are only using Momentum and it cannot
influence them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(mi5_police_chief)
title: Stakeknife inquiry
uri: Stakeknife-inquiry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(mi5_police_chief)
content:
 
<p>
The head of a UK government investigation into the career of a
government spy inside the IRA accused 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/08/police-chief-stakeknife-inquiry-condemns-mi5-stalling-investigation">military intelligence of
blocking the progress of the investigation.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(luddites_physical_cash)
title: Defending Cash
uri: Defending-Cash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(luddites_physical_cash)
content:
 
<p>
*The Luddite's Guide to 
<a href="https://brettscott.substack.com/p/the-luddites-guide-to-defending-physical-cash">Defending Cash (Part 1).*</a>
<p>
This is great advice for a way to convince people that cash is a good
system and we should not let it be taken away.  It provides several
good arguments.
<p>
Missing from the article is awareness of the injustice of nonfree software.
The existing systems for digital payment on the internet typically require
users to run nonfree software, and that alone is a reason to refuse.
<p>
In my view, tracking all purchases is such a grave injustice
that non-cash payments for everyday life are actively dangerous.
The article views that as a trade-off between privacy and convenience.
I think that view is foolish.
<p>
But these disagreements don't invalidate the article and its suggestions
may be very useful.  I am eager to see part 2.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(putin_forces_ukraine_zaporizhzhia)
title: Intimidation tactics by Putin forces
uri: Intimidation-tactics-by-Putin-forces
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_March_2024_(putin_forces_ukraine_zaporizhzhia)
content:
 
<p>
Ukrainian civic officials in regions conquered by the Putin forces
were imprisoned under very bad conditions to pressure 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/06/deportation-re-population-russia-occupied-ukraine-zaporizhzhia">them to agree to
work for the Putin forces.</a>
<p>
Ukrainians those regions who decline to vote in Putin's "democratic"
re-election ceremony are beaten up and given another opportunity to
vote for him.
<p>
  The Putin forces
<a href="http://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#15_March_2022_(Facebook_prosecuted_in_Russia)    ">(I suggest not calling them "Russian")</a>
have disappeared thousands of Ukrainians in the occupied territories
for showing in any way continuing to support Ukraine.
<p>
Suggestion to civilians who flee clandestinely: render your house
uninhabitable before you go.  Why provide quarters to Putin forces
soldiers?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Asset managers of fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Asset-managers-of-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Urgent:_Asset_management_of_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Urgent:_Asset_management_of_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-asset-managers-keep-fossil-fuels-in-the-ground/?nowrapper=true">call on the CEOs</a>
of BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Loser_grasping_at_hate-straws)
title: Loser grasping at hate-straws
uri: Loser-grasping-at-hate-straws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Loser_grasping_at_hate-straws)
content:
 
<p>
<!---->*[The blackwhiter]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/11/donald-trump-tiktok-ban-biden">flip flops on TikTok</a>.*
 Whatever Biden is for, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trump">the blackwhiter</a> opposes.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(A_DAFfed_democracy,_US)
title: A DAFfed democracy, US
uri: A-DAFfed-democracy-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(A_DAFfed_democracy,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*New Report from the Institute for Policy Studies Reveals the
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-report-from-the-institute-for-policy-studies-reveals-the-true-cost-of-billionaire-philanthropy">True Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy</a>.*


<p>
 


title: Paying to play poorly with public, NYC
uri: Paying-to-play-poorly-with-public-NYC
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Paying_to_play_poorly_with_others,_NYC)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Paying_to_play_poorly_with_others,_NYC)

content:
 
<p>
New York Governor Hochul gets funds from big investors in Manhattan
real estate, and
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/9c26d44f?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">modified a public records law</a>
to let them continue to conceal their identities from the public.

<p>
 


title: Nuclear weapon temptations within Iran
uri: Nuclear-weapon-temptations-within-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Nuclear_weapon_temptations_within_Iran)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(Nuclear_weapon_temptations_within_Iran)

content:
 
<p>
Concern that some
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/10/diplomats-fear-growing-power-of-iranian-factions-that-want-nuclear-weapons">factions in Iran</a>
want nuclear weapons.
<p>
But there is nothing we can do to discourage that, not any more.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker's</a> aggression
destroyed the non-nuclear deal and made it impossible to restart.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(The_death_penalty_in_the_US)
title: The death penalty in the US
uri: 2024-03-14-The-death-penalty-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_March_2024_(The_death_penalty_in_the_US)
content:
 
<p>
Now that some US states are using, or may use, nitrogen gas for
executions, there is a campaign to block that method by restricting
what the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/10/nitrogan-gas-manufacturers-bar-executions-alabama">buyers of medical nitrogen</a>
can use it for.
<p>
As one who opposes the death penalty
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#14_August_2011_(Truth_About_Lethal_Injection)">on principle</a>,
regardless of the method used, I am always puzzled by the fuss that people make about those
details.  I'm especially puzzled by the question of whether the person being executed feels
pain during the process.  Does it presume that temporary pain is worse than death?
<p>
Imagine that you are in Gaza and you are wounded.  You may be lucky enough to find a surgeon
but there will be no anesthetic available.  Would you say, "Please don't operate, just kill
me"?  You might, I might &mdash; but if you have the fortitude to handle days of pain after surgery,
you'd say, "Operate!  I will suffer so I can live."
<p>
So I don't see how a painless method of execution can make execution legitimate.
<p>
Meanwhile, it is dangerous and unjust to allow the sellers of products
<em>any</em>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_May_2016_(Pfizer_blocks_drugs)">say
in how purchasers use them</a>.  That power is very broad and lends itself to injustice.
<p>
Few of the purchasers of any product want to use it for executions.  What if you buy something
so as to use it for something innocent, such as copying DVDs or Blu-ray disks?  Should the
seller be allowed to forbid you to use it that way?  We must not allow companies to have such
power over their customers!  We must defeat any law that would give a company that kind of
power.
<p>
What, then, about using nitrogen for execution?  If we are opposed to the death penalty, and we
have the political support to put a stop to it, we should refuse to get distracted by the side
issue of giving producers of nitrogen the power to control what purchasers will do with it,
refuse to get distracted from this by the idea of blocking <em>some</em>
methods of execution (but not all) in this way.
<p>
Instead we should use that political support to <em>prohibit the death
penalty</em>.  We could insist that purchasers of nitrogen be free to
use it for any lawful activity, which would no longer include executions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(minister_bp_incentives_oil_foi)
title: Minister Foi revelation
uri: Minister-Foi-revelation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(minister_bp_incentives_oil_foi)
content:
 
<p>
*Minister consulted BP over ‘right incentives to maximise’ oil production, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/05/minister-consulted-bp-over-right-incentives-to-maximise-oil-production-foi-reveals">FoI
reveals.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(rsf_india_visa_permits_refused)
title: Many refused visa access in India
uri: Many-refused-visa-access-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(rsf_india_visa_permits_refused)
content:
 
<p>
RSF: *Foreign correspondents increasingly refused permits, 
<a href="https://rsf.org/en/foreign-correspondents-increasingly-refused-permits-visas-access-india">visas,
access in India.*</a>
<p>
This is part of the slow but steady move to eliminate democracy and
human rights, which can be seen across the board in Modi's rule.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(secret_rating_system_serco)
title: SRAT Tool
uri: SRAT-Tool
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(secret_rating_system_serco)
content:
 
<p>
Australia has privatized its deportation prisons &mdash; always asking for
injustice.  The company uses a secret algorithm to compute how to
treat each prisoner, based on secret data that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/12/australian-immigration-detainees-lives-controlled-by-secret-rating-system-developed-by-serco"> prisoners cannot challenge.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(navalny_ally_leonid_volkov)
title: Navalny ally injured
uri: Navalny-ally-injured
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(navalny_ally_leonid_volkov)
content:
 
<p>
One of Navalny's associates, living in Lithuania, was attacked while
in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/12/navalny-ally-leonid-volkov-injured-in-hammer-attack-in-vilnius">his car and badly injured.</a>
I expect this to firm up European determination to defeat Putin.
But what did Putin hope to achieve?  How could this benefit him?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_((Satire)_God_Unveils_Plans)
title: (satire) God Unveils Plans To Bulldoze
uri: (satire)-God-Unveils-Plans-To-Bulldoze
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_((Satire)_God_Unveils_Plans)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *God Unveils Plans To Bulldoze 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-unveils-plans-to-bulldoze-heaven-for-luxury-condos-1851320092">Heaven For Luxury Condos.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(adam_mckay_climate_change)
title: Climate change video parody
uri: Climate-change-video-parody
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(adam_mckay_climate_change)
content:
 
<p>
Funny parody commercials tell the straight 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/09/adam-mckay-climate-change-commercial-videos">truth about global heating.</a>
<p>
Please don't watch them from YouTube itself.
For instance, here's the URL for the 
<a href="https://iv.datura.network/watch?v=S2XTGteritE">parody Chevron commercial.</a>
<p>
And here's the one where a climate scientist explains the issue
to a 
<a href="https://iv.datura.network/watch?v=0O95kvMKPeQ">right-wing know-nothing.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(pro_palestine_protesters_london)
title: pro-Palestine protesters
uri: pro-Palestine-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(pro_palestine_protesters_london)
content:
 
<p>
A large protest in London condemned the bombardment and siege of Gaza
and demanded 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/09/tens-of-thousands-of-pro-palestine-protesters-march-through-london">imposition of a cease fire.</a>
<p>
The speakers rebuked the Tories who had baselessly and arbitrarily
claimed that protesters were "extremists", seeking to justify repression of
these protests.

<p>
 


title: My Home in Israel
uri: My-Home-in-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(nj_israel_palestine_protest_real_estate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_March_2024_(nj_israel_palestine_protest_real_estate)

content:
 
<p>
Several organizations of Jews who criticize Israel's occupation of
Palestine protested an event in New Jersey to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/11/new-jersey-israel-palestine-protest-real-estate">sell luxury apartments
in Israel and occupied Palestine.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_((Satire)_White_Castle)
title: (Satire) White Castle
uri: (Satire)-White-Castle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_((Satire)_White_Castle)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *White Castle Announces Its Sliders A 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/white-castle-announces-its-sliders-a-result-of-inbreedi-1851325788">Result Of Inbreeding.*</a>


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(prosecutors_justice_dept_opr)
title: Prosecutorial misconduct
uri: 2024-03-16-Prosecutorial-misconduct
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(prosecutors_justice_dept_opr)
content:
 
<p>
*Prosecutors Buried Evidence and Misled the Court.  Ten Years Later,
They Got a 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/02/05/prosecutors-buried-evidence-justice-department-opr/">Slap on the Wrist.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(russian_red_cross_putin)
title: Red Cross Ties
uri: Red-Cross-Ties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(russian_red_cross_putin)
content:
 
<p>
It seems Putin has corrupted the Russian Red Cross to betray one of the Red 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/12/russian-red-cross-links-to-putin-war-in-ukraine">Cross principles: neutrality in war.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(pharmas_secret_middlemen)
title: Pharma’s Secret Middlemen
uri: Pharma-s-Secret-Middlemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(pharmas_secret_middlemen)
content:
 
<p>
"Pharmacy benefit managers", companies that act as middlemen in
insurance payments for medicines in the US, by making 
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/pharmas-secret-middlemen-are-poisoning-health-care/">demands that
harm patients.</a>
<p>
The biggest spend tens of millions of dollars stopping Congress from
fixing the problem.
<p>
The three biggest of them are owned by giant companies that they have
to work with &mdash; one is owned by a pharmacy chain, and two by insurance
companies.  This creates a conflict of interest.  In addition to the reforms
proposed, such connections should be specifically prohibited.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(thailand_anti_defamation_law)
title: Move Forward party
uri: Move-Forward-party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(thailand_anti_defamation_law)
content:
 
<p>
Thailand's government is moving to abolish the party that got the most
votes in the 2023 election &mdash; for simply 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/thailand-move-forward-party-could-be-dissolved-progressive-anti-defamation-law">proposing to reduce censorship.</a>

<p>
 


title: Special forces' Afghanistan cover-up, UK
uri: Special-forces-Afghanistan-cover-up-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Special_forces'_Afghanistan_coverup,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Special_forces'_Afghanistan_coverup,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
A minister tasked with investigating accusations that British special forces committed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/12/britain-war-afghanistan-special-forces-sas-johnny-mercer">many murders</a>
in Afghanistan came to the conclusion he was facing a cover up.
<p>
The article explains how they enjoy impunity, not only informally, but built into the formal
structure of command.


<p>
 


title: New book on J.F.Kelly's time with Trump
uri: New-book-on-J-F-Kelly-s-time-with-Trump
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(New_book_on_J.F.Kelly's_time_with_Trump)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(New_book_on_J.F.Kelly's_time_with_Trump)

content:
 
<p>
The fascist’s second White House chief of staff, John Kelly, tried to convince him to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/12/mussolini-trump-hitler-john-kelly-jim-sciutto-book">praise Mussolini rather than Hitler</a>,
because Mussolini was less evil.
<p>
Kelly said that the fascist loves dictators because he was dissatisfied
with the comparatively limited power of the President of the United States.
<p>
One correction to the article: The figure of 400,000 American military killed is actually the
global total for World War II, not the number killed in Europe alone.

<p>
 


title: Assessments on the Paris Climate Accords
uri: Assessments-on-the-Paris-Climate-Accords
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Assessments_on_the_Paris_Climat_Accords)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Assessments_on_the_Paris_Climat_Accords)

content:
 
<p>
*UK, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Denmark have failed to align
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/12/no-big-north-sea-fossil-fuel-nation-plan-stop-drilling-global-heating">oil
and gas [extraction] policies</a>
with Paris pledges, say campaigners.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(The_monster_is_a_head_of_PAC)
title: The monster is a head of CPAC
uri: The-monster-is-a-head-of-CPAC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(The_monster_is_a_head_of_PAC)
content:
 
<p>
*The Conservative Political Action Conference has turned itself into a center of the
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-global-anti-democracy-movement">global
anti-democracy movement</a> and anointed Trump its head.  [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The Wrecker</a>] surrogate Jack Posobiec
kicked off the conference by saying, "Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow
it completely. We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of
it and replace it with this, right here." The crowd went wild.*
<p>
They brought tyrants from various other countries to show their alliance
with the American movement for tyranny.
<p>
This has gone well beyond expression of views; it is a stated intention to convert the US
government into a repressive tyranny, using violence when convenient.
<p>
There is no obligation to delay further before arresting them for this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Climate_records_smashed,_AUS)
title: Climate records smashed, AUS
uri: Climate-records-smashed-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Climate_records_smashed,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/12/wa-floods-weather-rain-forecast-bom-map-western-australia">Record
rains</a> have cut travel and shipping between Australia's east and its west.  It will take
time to repair the damage.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Ocean_as_a_dumping_ground)
title: Humans' long history with the ocean
uri: Humans-long-history-with-the-ocean
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Ocean_as_a_dumping_ground)
content:
 
<p>
*Radioactive waste, baby bottles and Spam:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/12/radioactive-waste-baby-bottles-and-spam-the-deep-ocean-has-become-a-dumping-ground">the deep ocean</a>
has become a dumping ground.*
<p>
I wonder what density these contaminants amount to, given the size of the ocean.

<p>
 


title: Labour disprivileging the sick and poor?
uri: Labour-disprivileging-the-sick-and-poor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Labour_disprivileging_the_sick_and_poor_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Labour_disprivileging_the_sick_and_poor_)

content:
 
<p>
A clear explanation of how Starmer Labour has fenced itself into a
right-wing position that will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/12/keir-starmer-labour-poor-sick-disabled-tory">serve the rich and not the rest</a>.

<p>
 


title: Schools' freedom of speech restored, FL
uri: Schools-freedom-of-speech-restored-FL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Schools'_freedom_of_speech_restored,_FL)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Schools'_freedom_of_speech_restored,_FL)

content:
 
<p>
A court settlement has greatly narrowed the scope of the Florida law that prohibits teaching about
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/11/florida-dont-say-gay-lawsuit">sexual orientation and gender identity</a>.
<p>
This settlement eliminates much FUD that the law inspired in the teachers restricted by it.
The narrowed interpretation of the law remains a change for the worse, but it's a smaller change.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Palestinian_granted_asylum_in_UK)
title: Palestinian granted asylum in UK
uri: Palestinian-granted-asylum-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Palestinian_granted_asylum_in_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Palestinian citizen of Israel granted UK asylum in case said to be
unprecedented.  "Hasan", 24, argued he would face persecution in
Israel on grounds of his race, faith and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/12/palestinian-citizen-of-israel-granted-asylum-in-uk-in-case-said-to-be-unprecedented">its "apartheid regime"</a>.*


<p>
 


title: New technologies lower quality of life
uri: New-technologies-lower-quality-of-life
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(New_technologies_lower_quality_of_life)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(New_technologies_lower_quality_of_life)

content:
 
<p>
*Exposure to new technologies including
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/12/workplace-ai-robots-trackers-quality-of-life-institute-for-work">trackers,
robots and AI-based software</a> at work is bad for people’s quality of life, according to a
groundbreaking study from the Institute for the Future of Work.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Big_pharma_on_medicare_negotiations)
title: Big pharma on medicare negotiations
uri: Big-pharma-on-medicare-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Big_pharma_on_medicare_negotiations)
content:
 
<p>
*Pharma's Dems are doing
[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>]'s dirty
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/pharmas-dems-are-doing-trumps-dirty-work-on-drug-prices/">work on drug prices</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Define "extremist", suppress groups, UK
uri: Define-extremist-suppress-groups-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Define_extremist,_suppress_group,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Define_extremist,_suppress_group,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
*[UK] ministers and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/14/ministers-and-officials-to-be-banned-from-contact-with-groups-labelled-extremist">officials
to be banned from contact</a> with groups labeled extremist.*
<p>
Aside from the general point that this would undermine democracy, there is the question of who
to label as "extremist".  What about the big Tory donor who recently said that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/11/biggest-tory-donor-looking-diane-abbott-hate-all-black-women">MP
Diane Abbot should be shot</a>?  I don't think you can get more extremist than that.
<p>
How about prohibiting ministers and officials from meeting with business lobbyists?  Those are
the most dangerous people for ministers to meet with.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Israel_journalists_comeuppance,_UN)
title: Israel journalists comeuppance, UN
uri: Israel-journalists-comeuppance-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Israel_journalists_comeuppance,_UN)
content:
 
<p>
The UN has rebuked Israel for attacking journalists that were carrying
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/israel-broke-international-law-journalist-killed">clearly visible identification as journalists</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Simple_possession_pardons,_MA)
title: Simple possession pardons, MA
uri: Simple-possession-pardons-MA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Simple_possession_pardons,_MA)
content:
 
<p>
The governor of Massachusetts said she will pardon everyone convicted
of simple
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/13/massachusetts-governor-marijuana-pardons-maura-healey">possession
of marijuana</a>.
<p>
This is a very good thing, but the pardons should cover people convicted of other
marijuana-related crimes, as long as they don't involve violence or fraud.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Republican_Voters_Against_Trump)
title: Republican Voters Against Trump
uri: Republican-Voters-Against-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Republican_Voters_Against_Trump)
content:
 
<p>
*Republican Pac released 100 testimonials of former Trump voters
explaining while they will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/13/republicans-against-trump-video-ad">never
again</a> vote for [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a>].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Deadly_lack_of_insulation,_UK)
title: Deadly lack of insulation, UK
uri: Deadly-lack-of-insulation-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Deadly_lack_of_insulation,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Analysis finds 58 people have died due to cold homes every winter day
in the UK since 2013 Tory pledge to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/13/failure-insulate-uk-homes-costing-thousands-of-lives-winter-cold-deaths">"cut
the green crap."</a>* That amounts to thousands of deaths every year.  I am sure it causes a
far larger number of nonfatal illnesses also.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Muslims_as_outcasts,_India)
title: Muslims as outcasts, India
uri: Muslims-as-outcasts-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Muslims_as_outcasts,_India)
content:
 
<p>
Several years ago, India passed a couple of laws that add up to an excuse
to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_(Protests_against_discrimination)">strip
Muslims of Indian citizenship</a> if they can't prove their ancestors have been in India for a
long time.  Protests convinced the government to delay putting the law into effect, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/11/india-enacts-citizenship-law-criticised-as-discriminatory-to-muslims">it is about to do so now</a>.
<p>
The result will be to exile millions of Muslim Indians to Bangladesh
or Pakistan, where they are not likely to survive very long.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Article_V_convention)
title: Urgent: Stop Article V convention
uri: Urgent-Stop-Article-V-convention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Article_V_convention)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/reject-and-rescind-any-calls-for-an-article-v-convention-4?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=030824-article-v8Y.">call on state legislatures</a>
to reject and rescind any calls
for an Article V convention.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop weapons exports to Israel
uri: Urgent-Stop-weapons-exports-to-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_weapons_exports_to_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_weapons_exports_to_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the US to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-if-you-agree-with-un-experts-halt-weapons-exports-to-israel?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=20240309">end weapons exports to Israel</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Reject a national abortion ban
uri: Urgent-Reject-a-national-abortion-ban
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_a_national_abortion_ban)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_a_national_abortion_ban)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-congress-no-national-abortion-ban?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call
on Congress</a> to reject the national abortion ban that most Republicans are pushing for.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!  Main
Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_End_govt._shutdowns)
title: Urgent: End all govt. shutdowns
uri: Urgent-End-all-govt-shutdowns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_End_govt._shutdowns)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/end-government-shutdowns-once-and-for-all?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">call
on Congress</a> to end government shutdowns (and the threat of them) once and for all.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(threat_britain_michael_gove)
title: Tory radicalization
uri: Tory-radicalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(threat_britain_michael_gove)
content:
 
<p>
Almost any set of political views can generate a violent extremist
fringe.  To protect democracy from those extremist fringes cannot be
done by persecuting 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/13/threat-britain-fringe-extremists-tory-radicalisation-michael-gove">specific non-extremist starting points.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(robert_reich_us_election)
title: Nauseous optimism
uri: Nauseous-optimism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(robert_reich_us_election)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich describes his "nauseated optimism" that Americans'
long-term turn toward progressive values will defeat 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/13/presidential-election-us-global-consequences-optimism">the increasingly
twisted Republican Party.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(jimmy_lai_trial)
title: Jimmy Lai trial
uri: Jimmy-Lai-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(jimmy_lai_trial)
content:
 
<p>
The key witness in the trial of Jimmy Lai, in Hong Kong, had been
tortured into 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/jimmy-lai-trial-hong-kong-andy-li-evidence-torture-claims">condemning Lai.</a>
<p>
That testimony proves no more about Jimmy Lai than the testimony
of a prisoner in Guantanamo that had been tortured would prove about
anyone.
<p>
However, there is a crucial difference between China and the US on
this point: US courts recognize this point and won't accept testimony
that was extracted by torture.  Chinese courts don't care.  China
deals with such blow back by treating those who criticize the phony
trials of political prisoners into the next batch of political
prisoners, in line for phony trials of their own.
<p>
The worst evil of the charges against Jimmy Lai is not the dishonesty
of the trial itself, it is the basic decision: to treat raising funds
to call for democracy as a crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(peter_dutton_nuclear_power)
title: Radioactive rhetoric
uri: Radioactive-rhetoric
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(peter_dutton_nuclear_power)
content:
 
<p>
Commercial nuclear power propaganda is hiring politicians 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/14/peter-dutton-nuclear-power-comments-csiro-small-modular-reactors">again in Australia.</a>
<p>
As usual, it functions by being absurdly optimistic, underestimating
the time and money required to bring new technology to the point of
wide commercial use, drawing attention away from the future harm
nuclear waste can do over 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/05/unproven-small-nuclear-reactors-would-raise-energy-costs-and-delay-renewable-uptake-report-says">a long period of time,</a>
<p>
and misrepresenting the facts about the renewable
alternatives,
<p>
The companies (and politicians) involved will use the 
<a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_cost_fallacy">fallacious "sunk
costs" argument</a>
<p>
to demand subsidies rather than cancellation.  (Why
not try &mdash; it succeeded in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/24/uk-renewable-energy-subsidies-capped-at-200m-a-year">Britain in the past decade.)</a>
<p>
Thus they hope to profit handsomely
even if the project doesn't see widespread adoption.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(eu_commission_meps_tunisia)
title: Tunisia deal
uri: Tunisia-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_March_2024_(eu_commission_meps_tunisia)
content:
 
<p>
Part of the EU funds given to Tunisia for a deal to impede migration
went 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/european-commission-accused-of-bankrolling-dictators-by-meps-after-tunisia-deal">straight to the dictator's pocket.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_The_Public_Banking_Act)
title: Urgent: The Public Banking Act
uri: Urgent-The-Public-Banking-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Urgent:_The_Public_Banking_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tows-banking-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Public Banking Act.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Methane leaks worse than thought, US
uri: Methane-leaks-worse-than-thought-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Methane_leaks_worse_than_thought,_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Methane_leaks_worse_than_thought,_US)

content:
 
<p>
*US energy industry [methane] leaks are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/13/us-gas-leaks-report-climate-change">triple
 the official figures</a>, study finds.*
<p>
The leaks can be fixed, but we can expect those <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> companies to lobby against any
effort to compel them to fix the leaks.

<p>
 


title: ACLU sues over Gaza protest fallout, NY
uri: ACLU-sues-over-Gaza-protest-fallout-NY
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(ACLU_sues_over_Gaza_protest_fallout,_NY)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(ACLU_sues_over_Gaza_protest_fallout,_NY)

content:
 
<p>
Columbia University
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/14/palestine-penn-columbia-gaza-protest-lawsuits/">suspended the school chapters</a>
of Students for
Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, which joined many
other groups in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_February_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)">a
peaceful protest</a> against Israel's bombardment and siege of Gaza.  Now the ACLU is suing,
accusing the university of acting illegally and in a discriminatory manner.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Gaza_slaughter_fallout_in_the_US)
title: Gaza slaughter fallout in the US
uri: Gaza-slaughter-fallout-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Gaza_slaughter_fallout_in_the_US)
content:
 
<p>
The FBI warns that the killing of 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza is likely
to radicalize many American Muslims and cause a big increase in the
threat of
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/14/fbi-gaza-war-domestic-radicalization-hamas/">terrorism in the US</a>.
<p>
This is a reason why it would be to America's advantage to make Israel stop its atrocities in
Gaza.  But I think the moral reason, that we all have a duty to prevent atrocities, is the most
important reason.
<p>
I call into question the validity of classifying "homegrown violent extremists" as a "foreign"
terrorist threat.  It seems to me that nothing can be both "homegrown" and "foreign" at once.
But that is a minor detail, not part of the substance of the matter.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(US_fueling_the_bombers_over_Gaza)
title: US fueling the bombers over Gaza
uri: US-fueling-the-bombers-over-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(US_fueling_the_bombers_over_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
The US continues supplying jet fuel to Israel; both countries are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/14/global-oil-industry-impact-israel-gaza-war">defying the interim ruling</a>
of the International Court of Justice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Palestinians_denied_assylum,_AUS)
title: Palestinians denied asylum, AUS
uri: Palestinians-denied-asylum-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_March_2024_(Palestinians_denied_assylum,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
Several Palestinian refugees report that Australia
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/14/australia-cancelled-visas-palestine-gaza-fleeing-claims-amnesty-international ">gave them visas and
then canceled</a>
the visas at the last minute.

<p>
 


title: Greenland's climate-effect on Europe
uri: Greenland-s-climate-effect-on-Europe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Greenland's_climate-effect_on_Europe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Greenland's_climate-effect_on_Europe)

content:
 
<p>
* Location, extent and strength of recent freshwater [melt] events [in
Greenland] suggests an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/14/melt-rate-greenland-ice-sheet-can-predict-summer-weather-in-europe-scientist-says">unusually warm and dry summer</a>
over southern Europe this year.*

<p>
 


title: Worker efficiency as license for plunder
uri: Worker-efficiency-as-license-for-plunder
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Worker_efficiency_as_licence_for_plunder)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Worker_efficiency_as_licence_for_plunder)

content:
 
<p>
*The cries from Britain's struggling CEOs are growing louder &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/14/britain-ceo-pay-top-executives-exodus-us">can
they survive</a> on a mere £4.4m a year?*
<p>
That amount is clearly an average value.  To assign that amount to each and every CEO is an
oversimplification, and incorrect.  Probably some of those CEOs receive a mere £2m per year.
<p>
We could feel sorry for them, if we forget about how low-wage workers are suffering in Britain today.

<p>
 


title: Lobby kills decarbonization effort, UK
uri: Lobby-kills-decarbonization-effort-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Lobby_kills_decarbonization_effort,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Lobby_kills_decarbonization_effort,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
*UK scheme to spur
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/14/government-delays-scheme-to-spur-take-up-of-heat-pumps-after-pressure-from-gas-lobbyists">take-up
of heat pumps delayed</a> after gas lobby pressure.*
<p>
Over and over, the UK government has dropped or slowed its efforts to curb <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>,
putting the priority on <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> profits.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(An_office_of_heat,_Phoenix)
title: An office of heat, Phoenix
uri: An-office-of-heat-Phoenix
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(An_office_of_heat,_Phoenix)
content:
 
<p>
Phoenix had over 600
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/14/arizona-heat-deaths">excess deaths last summer</a>.
<p>
At present levels of heating, many of these deaths can be prevented, but that depends on
willingness to spend money to protect the health of poor people &mdash; often homeless people.
Plutocrats consider that a waste of money that could instead be increasing their investments.
<p>
It may also depend on whether workplaces are willing to permit precautions to be taken.  The
Republicans that control
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_them_suffer_heat-stroke,_FL)">Florida
oppose that</a>.

<p>
 


title: Lobbying efforts against auto-emissions
uri: Lobbying-efforts-against-auto-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Lobbying_efforts_against_auto-emmissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Lobbying_efforts_against_auto-emmissions)

content:
 
<p>
*Automakers Spend Millions to [weaken]
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/automakers-spend-millions-to-undercut-epas-proposed-protections">EPA's
Proposed [limitations</a> on pollution that damages human health].*

<p>
 


title: Urgent security need: geoengineering, US
uri: Urgent-security-need-geoengineering-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Urgent_security_need:_geoengineering,_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_March_2024_(Urgent_security_need:_geoengineering,_US)

content:
 
<p>
* Impact on ecosystems [of geoengineering] must be predicted
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/14/geoengineering-must-be-urgently-investigated-experts-say">before
technology is used</a>,
US atmospheric science agency chief says.*
<p>
So far, human geoengineering has been done unthinkingly, as a side effect of actions carried
out for other purposes.  Some of these side effects are extremely dangerous.  Sometimes humans
were ignorant of the eventual consequences; in other cases, they
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-mar-jun.html#29 June 2005 (Wall Street Journal systematically distorts the evidence)">corruptly buried the
knowledge</a>.
Some of them continue the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_March_2024_(ai_climate_change_energy)">disinformation today</a>.
<p>
I see no reason to object _in principle_ to intentional geoengineering.  With the knowledge we
have learned, and some planning, we could make it less dangerous than unintentional
geoengineering has been.
<p>
But that should not be an excuse to let the disinformationists win.  Reducing the causes of our
harmful geoengineering has to be safer than trying to counter one geoengineering with another.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Urgent:_A_Global_minimum_tax)
title: Urgent: A global minimum tax
uri: Urgent-A-global-minimum-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Urgent:_A_Global_minimum_tax)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-us-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-to-endorse-a-global-minimum-tax-on-billionaire-wealth-ahead-of-the-g20-summit?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=group-patriotic-millionaires">call
on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</a> to endorse a global minimum tax on billionaire wealth
ahead of the G20 summit.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Facebook_as_TikTok)
title: Facebook as TikTok
uri: Facebook-as-TikTok
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Facebook_as_TikTok)
content:
 
<p>
Congress is considering a bill to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/16/tiktok-may-be-on-borrowed-time-in-the-us-but-it-still-holds-a-trump-card">demand
TikTok to be sold</a> to a non-Chinese owner, in order to keep operating in the US.  Yet
articles continue to talk about this as a plan to ban TikTok, rather than a plan to disconnect
it from China.  Why misrepresent this point?
<p>
Its intense collection of personal data clearly has the power to increase the harm it does,
compared with Facebook.  What that suggests is a law to prohibit any company from collecting
data in this way.  Ideally it would also limit the data Facebook can collect about its <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#used">useds</a>
&mdash; that would increase the benefit of the law.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Richard_Stallman_will_give_a_talk)
title: Richard Stallman will give a talk
uri: 2024-03-18-Richard-Stallman-will-give-a-talk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Richard_Stallman_will_give_a_talk)
content:
 
<p>
In Rapperswil, Switzerland, Richard Stallman will <a href="/talks.html#25mar2024">give a talk</a>.
The title of the talk will be <em>Free Software and Freedom in a Digital Society</em>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Dividing_the_lands,_Scotland)
title: Dividing the lands, Scotland
uri: Dividing-the-lands-Scotland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Dividing_the_lands,_Scotland)
content:
 
<p>
Scotland plans to require owners of large tracts of land to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/14/scottish-lairds-may-be-forced-to-break-up-estates-during-land-sales">divide
their lands</a> among multiple owners.
<p>
It is generally a good thing to split up big properties of any kind.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Physicianality_as_a_crime,_UK)
title: Physicianality as a crime, UK
uri: Physicianality-as-a-crime-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Physicianality_as_a_crime,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
British physicians are threatened with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/16/uk-doctors-involved-in-climate-protests-face-threat-of-being-struck-off">loss
of their license</a> to practice medicine as further punishment for being convicted of climate
defense protests.
<p>
You can see this as further damage to non-rich Britons by Tories, who don't care about the
non-rich, or as further repression intended to keep the drilling for oil and gas going.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Hope_endemic_polio_eradicated)
title: Endemic polio eradication
uri: Endemic-polio-eradication
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Hope_endemic_polio_eradicated)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/16/global-eradication-of-polio-tantalisingly-close-with-uk-urged-to-keep-up-funding">Humanity
is closing in</a> on the last few areas where wild polio may still survive.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(North_Sea_oil,_plans_and_protests)
title: North Sea oil, plans and protests
uri: North-Sea-oil-plans-and-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(North_Sea_oil,_plans_and_protests)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate activists across Europe
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/16/climate-activists-across-europe-block-access-to-north-sea-oil-infrastructure">block access</a>
to North Sea oil infrastructure.*
<p>
Governments that refuse to recognize that drilling for oil and methane
is deadly are showing contempt for the lives of their young citizens.

<p>
 


