# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Urgent:_PRO_Act)
title: Urgent: PRO Act
uri: 2021-11-24-Urgent-PRO-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Urgent:_PRO_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on senators to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-support-striking-workers-urge-the-senate-to-pass-the-pro-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">pass the PRO
Act, to help workers unionize</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_backsliding_democracy)
title: The backsliding democracy
uri: The-backsliding-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_backsliding_democracy)
content:
 
<p>
The US has been recognized as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/22/us-list-backsliding-democracies-civil-liberties-international">"backsliding" democracy</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Chemical_industry_pollution)
title: Chemical industry pollution
uri: Chemical-industry-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Chemical_industry_pollution)
content:
 
<p>
*How the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/22/chemicals-industry-pollution-emissions-climate">chemicals industry's [greenhouse gas] pollution</a> slipped under
 the radar.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Peng_Shuai)
title: Peng Shuai
uri: 2021-11-24-Peng-Shuai
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Peng_Shuai)
content:
 
<p>
On the possible future consequences of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/22/politicians-failing-peng-shuai-angry-athletes-taking-a-stand">China's temporary disappearance
of Peng Shuai</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_super-rich_are_miserable)
title: The super-rich are miserable
uri: The-super-rich-are-miserable
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_super-rich_are_miserable)
content:
 
<p>
*I’m a therapist to the super-rich: they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/22/therapist-super-rich-succession-billionaires">as miserable as Succession
makes out</a>.*
Their children can be totally messed up.
<p>
However, as a billionaire, you can always spend the rest of your life
developing a line of space ships.

 


title: Canadian pipeline protesters and journalists arrested
uri: Canadian-pipeline-protesters-and-journalists-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Canadian_pipeline_protesters_and_journalists_arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Canadian_pipeline_protesters_and_journalists_arrested)

content:
 
<p>
Canadian national thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/22/canada-two-journalists-detained-indigenous-pipeline-protest">arrested anti-pipeline protesters
and two journalists who were with them</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_race_to_ace)
title: The race to ace
uri: The-race-to-ace
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(The_race_to_ace)
content:
 
<p>
High-pressure schooling, pushing children into tutoring, tends to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/nov/22/the-race-to-ace-how-mass-tutoring-risks-childrens-mental-health-and-entrenching-inequality">hurt
the children while giving additional advantage to those with the
richest parents</a>.
<p>
If the tutoring is a temporary attempt to make up for time lost while
schools were closed or remote, it may disappear of its own accord.
But if it continues, I think it may be a reflection of too much
competitiveness in society -- a consequence of the large fraction
of people that nowadays are poor.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(UK_crime_sentences)
title: UK crime sentences
uri: UK-crime-sentences
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(UK_crime_sentences)
content:
 
<p>
In the UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/nov/19/do-long-jail-sentences-stop-we-ask-the-expert">sentences for crimes are getting longer</a>, but this has not
had any effect on the likelihood of committing another crime.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Republican_voter_fraud)
title: Republican voter fraud
uri: Republican-voter-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Republican_voter_fraud)
content:
 
<p>
Yet another one of the few instances of attempted voter fraud in 2020
was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/politics/fact-check-republicans-voter-fraud-kirk-hartle/index.html">traced to a Republican</a>.
<p>
Alas, proving that Republican propaganda was false is ineffective at
thwarting their lie campaign.  The campaign had drilled the belief
into millions of Americans' heads, by <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#23_June_2020_(Deepfake_videos_and_fake_news)">organizing so many sources to
spread the disinformation</a>,
and now they reinforce each others'
beliefs, regardless of evidence.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Saudi_Arabia_concert)
title: Saudi Arabia concert
uri: Saudi-Arabia-concert
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Saudi_Arabia_concert)
content:
 
<p>
*Justin Bieber called on by fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/business/justin-bieber-saudi-arabia-concert-jamal-khashoggi/index.html">cancel Saudi
 Arabia concert</a>.*

 


title: Black Friday boycott by independent retailers
uri: Black-Friday-boycott-by-independent-retailers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Black_Friday_boycott_by_independent_retailers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Black_Friday_boycott_by_independent_retailers)

content:
 
<p>
Most independent US retailers will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/nov/21/black-friday-largest-boycott-planned-by-independent-retailers">shut their web sites on Friday</a>
to protest "black friday" and Amazon.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(UK_welfare_fraud_algorithm)
title: UK welfare fraud algorithm
uri: UK-welfare-fraud-algorithm
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(UK_welfare_fraud_algorithm)
content:
 
<p>
People demand that the UK government publish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/21/dwp-urged-to-reveal-algorithm-that-targets-disabled-for-benefit">the algorithm</a> by which it
decides whom to accuse of welfare fraud.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(China_and_Peng_Shuai)
title: China and Peng Shuai
uri: China-and-Peng-Shuai
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(China_and_Peng_Shuai)
content:
 
<p>
China's leaders ask, "Why do you make such a fuss about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/23/china-peng-shuai-tennis-player-west">our
disappearing Peng Shuai</a>?
Why don't you highlight the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_March_2021_(Putting_protest_leaders_on_trial)">other</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#19_July_2021_(China_is_inserting_brainwashing)">things</a> we are doing that are millions of
times worse?"

 


title: Urgent: Insist on substantial cuts in the military budget
uri: Urgent-Insist-on-substantial-cuts-in-the-military-budget
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Urgent:_Insist_on_substantial_cuts_in_the_military_budget)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Urgent:_Insist_on_substantial_cuts_in_the_military_budget)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your senators and call on them to insist on
substantial cuts in the military budget, and suggest adding the funds
to the Build Back Better (relief and climate) bill.
<p>
I got a campaign you could use to send a message to your senators,
but since it requires nonfree Javascript code, I could not use
it and I will not refer others to it.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>

 


title: Air-to-air missiles Biden wants to sell
uri: Air-to-air-missiles-Biden-wants-to-sell
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Air-to-air_missiles_Biden_wants_to_sell)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Air-to-air_missiles_Biden_wants_to_sell)

content:
 
<p>

The missiles that Biden wants to sell to <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> this time are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/17/saudi-yemen-missile-sale-rand-paul/">air-to-air missiles</a>.
<p>
Since the Houthis have no air force, these missiles would not be
very useful for actual fighting against them.  But they could be used
for blockading Yemen's airport.

 


title: Wild bee exposure to imidacloprid
uri: Wild-bee-exposure-to-imidacloprid
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Wild_bee_exposure_to_imidacloprid)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Wild_bee_exposure_to_imidacloprid)

content:
 
<p>

A wild bee that lives two years <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/22/bees-generations-recover-exposure-insecticides">suffers reduced reproduction</a> in its
second year after a single exposure to imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid
pesticide) in its first year.

 


title: Limit to pay for home medical care in the UK
uri: Limit-to-pay-for-home-medical-care-in-the-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Limit_to_pay_for_home_medical_care_in_the_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Limit_to_pay_for_home_medical_care_in_the_UK)

content:
 
<p>

The UK has put a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/22/new-social-care-cap-england-safetey-net-big-step-forward-tackling-lottery-old-age">maximum amount any person must pay</a> for medically
needed home care.  Beyond that amount, it will be gratis
until they change the law.
<p>
However, the limit is so high that it leaves the poorer old people in a
bad situation where they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/22/ministers-defy-tory-rebellion-to-push-through-social-care-cap-amendment">will need to sell their homes</a>.

 


title: Prison for stopping a coal train
uri: Prison-for-stopping-a-coal-train
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Prison_for_stopping_a_coal_train)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Prison_for_stopping_a_coal_train)

content:
 
<p>

Australian climate activist Eric Serge Herbert has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/nov/23/climate-activist-sentenced-to-12-months-in-jail-over-coal-train-blockade-in-nsw">sentenced to a year in prison for stopping a coal train</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Cuba's_Covid-19_vaccines)
title: Cuba's Covid-19 vaccines
uri: Cuba-s-Covid-19-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Cuba's_Covid-19_vaccines)
content:
 
<p>

Cuba's independently developed Covid-19 vaccines have <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03470-x">proved effective
protection</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Joe_Madison_on_hunger_strike)
title: Joe Madison on hunger strike
uri: Joe-Madison-on-hunger-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Joe_Madison_on_hunger_strike)
content:
 
<p>

Radio host Joe Madison is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/opinions/voting-rights-reform-biden-obeidallah/index.html">on hunger strike</a>, demanding the passage of
effective federal voting rights legislation.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Afghanistan_banks_collapsing)
title: Afghanistan banks collapsing
uri: Afghanistan-banks-collapsing
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Afghanistan_banks_collapsing)
content:
 
<p>

The mass poverty caused by the freezing of Afghanistan's assets
is causing the country's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/investing/un-afghanistan-banking-collapse/index.html">banks to start to collapse</a> too.

 


title: Shutdown of Portugal's last coal power plant
uri: Shutdown-of-Portugal-s-last-coal-power-plant
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Shutdown_of_Portugal's_last_coal_power_plant)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Shutdown_of_Portugal's_last_coal_power_plant)

content:
 
<p>

*   Environmentalists on Monday hailed the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/22/momentous-day-portugal-becomes-europes-4th-country-quit-coal">shutdown of Portugal's last
   coal-fired power plant</a>—a move that came nearly nine years ahead of the
   government's 2030 target—while warning against converting the facility
   to run on unsustainable biofuel.*
<p>
Biofuel made from microbes or from otherwise-worthless agricultural
waste would be a very efficient fuel, but government incentives (in
the US and the EU) promote <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_July_2019_(Increasing_industrial_agriculture)">growing crops such as corn with
fertilizer</a> made from oil only to convert them into fuel
-- a practice we could call "biowashing the oil."

 


title: (satire) Tucker Carlson late to work
uri: (satire)-Tucker-Carlson-late-to-work
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_((satire)_Tucker_Carlson_late_to_work)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_((satire)_Tucker_Carlson_late_to_work)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Tucker Carlson Late To Work After <a href="https://www.theonion.com/tucker-carlson-late-to-work-after-being-murdered-by-hor-1848103230">Being Murdered By Hordes
Of Violent Minorities Again</a>.*

 


title: Israel's strategy of silencing human rights defenders
uri: Israel-s-strategy-of-silencing-human-rights-defenders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Israel's_strategy_of_silencing_human_rights_defenders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Israel's_strategy_of_silencing_human_rights_defenders)

content:
 
<p>

*Raids, Arrests, and Death Threats: Israel's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/22/raids-arrests-and-death-threats-israels-strategy-silencing-human-rights-defenders">Strategy of Silencing
Human Rights Defenders</a>.*
<p>
These attacks against Palestinian human rights organizations began
over a decade ago.  Arbitrarily labeling them "terrorist" was just
the latest step.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Claims_of_the_US_arming_Ukraine)
title: Claims of the US arming Ukraine
uri: Claims-of-the-US-arming-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Claims_of_the_US_arming_Ukraine)
content:
 
<p>

Medea Benjamin claims that the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/22/high-stakes-us-russia-confrontation-over-ukraine">arming Ukraine offensively</a>
against Russia and looking to start a war.
<p>
Her arguments are logical based on the one-sided understanding of the
situation that the article presents -- in which Putin's actions cannot
be judged, and the US is automatically to blame if Putin starts a war.
<p>
That approach grants legitimacy to any aggression he might try.
It is Russia that has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#03_March_2014_(Russias_declaration_of_war_on_Ukraine)">launched armed warfare against Ukraine</a>, first by
seizing Crimea, then by <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#16_March_2015_(Putin_admits_ordering_military_conquest)">organizing a rebellion</a> near the Russian border &mdash;
accompanied in both cases by duplicity. There was also the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#05_May_2014_(Armed_pro-Russia_militia_took_over_a_building)">attempt to
seize power in Odessa</a>.
<p>
Putin is an audacious,
opportunistic, power-grabbing bully that despises truth, much like the <a href="../gloassary.html#wrecker">wrecker</a>.
Taking an attitude of "make sure
never to cross his red lines" toward Putin is equivalent to "give him
whatever he grabs, and always back down."
<p>
The natural way to resist that is to arm Ukraine for defense, but not
start a fight.  To confront Putin's red lines with other red lines, so
that both sides will let the situation stabilize and quiet down.
<p>
What the US is doing looks like that to me.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(India's_farmers_have_won)
title: India's farmers have won
uri: India-s-farmers-have-won
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(India's_farmers_have_won)
content:
 
<p>

*India’s farmers have won &mdash; but this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/23/india-farmers-modi-climbdown-dissent">doesn’t mean Modi is softening</a>.*

 


title: China on disappearing of Peng Shuai
uri: China-on-disappearing-of-Peng-Shuai
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(China_on_disappearing_of_Peng_Shuai)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(China_on_disappearing_of_Peng_Shuai)

content:
 
<p>

China's leaders ask, "Why do you make such a fuss about our
disappearing Peng Shuai, when the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/23/china-peng-shuai-tennis-player-west">other things we are doing are
millions of times worse</a>?" ;-{.

 


title: Right-wing pressure to ban abortion
uri: Right-wing-pressure-to-ban-abortion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Right-wing_pressure_to_ban_abortion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Right-wing_pressure_to_ban_abortion)

content:
 
<p>

Right-wing extremists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/23/anti-abortion-local-bans-ohio">pressuring the city councils of small cities
to ban abortion</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Fighting_for_climate_action)
title: Fighting for climate action
uri: Fighting-for-climate-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Fighting_for_climate_action)
content:
 
<p>

*Want to fight for climate action but feel daunted or powerless? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/23/want-to-fight-for-climate-action-but-feel-daunted-or-powerless-try-this">Try this</a>.*

 


title: Things for cops to fight protesters
uri: Things-for-cops-to-fight-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Things_for_cops_to_fight_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_November_2021_(Things_for_cops_to_fight_protesters)

content:
 
<p>

*XTRA GUAC: Here’s Everything Enbridge Is <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/5dgb43/xtra-guac-heres-everything-enbridge-is-buying-cops-to-fight-protesters">Buying Cops to Fight Protesters</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_Restart_Postal_Banking)
title: Urgent: Restart Postal Banking
uri: Urgent-Restart-Postal-Banking
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_Restart_Postal_Banking)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators to support the law to restart postal banking.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_People_Act)
title: Urgent: For the People Act
uri: 2021-11-26-Urgent-For-the-People-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_People_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on 
<a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/for-the-people-act-2021/">call on the Senate to pass the For the People Act.</a>
<p>
For voting rights reform.


 


title: Urgent: Stop funding insurrectionist Republicans
uri: Urgent-Stop-funding-insurrectionist-Republicans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_Wall_Street_Stop_Funding)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Urgent:_Wall_Street_Stop_Funding)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-wall-street-stop-funding-insurrectionist-republicans?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4&source=direct_link">Wall Street to stop funding insurrectionist Republicans.</a>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Florida_Doctors_Covid)
title: Doctors contract Covid
uri: Doctors-contract-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Florida_Doctors_Covid)
content:
 
<p>
*Seven doctors 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/23/florida-doctors-covid-coronavirus-bruce-boros">contract Covid after attending Florida anti-vaccine summit.</a>*
<p>
Opposition to vaccines is indicative of an irrational approach towards
medicine, which in a doctor says you shouldn't choose that one.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(FR_Jerome_Powell)
title: Keeping Jerome Powell
uri: Keeping-Jerome-Powell
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(FR_Jerome_Powell)
content:
 
<p>
Keeping Jerome Powell as head of the Federal Reserve will 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/22/can-doughnut-heal-our-world">interfere with climate defense and can interfere with helping the non-rich.</a>
Keeping inflation down will harm Americans who are in debt, and that is a large fraction.
<p>
As for diversity, appointing women or blacks could in principle inject
a little more awareness of what it's like to face individual and
systemic discrimination. That would be the case with a
randomly-chosen woman or black. But these nominees would hardly be
randomly chosen; they would be bankers, and likely to hold
plutocratist views regardless of other personal details.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Kay_Raworth_Economics)
title: "doughnut model" of economics
uri: doughnut-model-of-economics
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Kay_Raworth_Economics)
content:
 
<p>
Kay Raworth's "doughnut model" of 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/22/can-doughnut-heal-our-world">economics is briefly described near the end of this article.</a>
<p>
As presented here, it seems to make a valid point, but I think the
article makes a conceptual error in calling it an "economic model" and
presenting it as an alternative to profit-based behavior economics, as if
the two were different answers to one question. I think they answer
two different questions.
<p>
Profit-motivated economics invites people to ask, "How can I get ahead?"
Raworth's economics invites people to ask, "What do we all need?"

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Cop26_appraisal_results)
title: Cop26 presents the "half full" appraisal.
uri: Cop26-presents-the-half-full-appraisal
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Cop26_appraisal_results)
content:
 
<p>
The president of Cop26 presents 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/23/cop26-limit-in-reach-uk-presidency-glasgow-climate">the "half full" appraisal of the results of that event.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Missouri_CRT)
title: Teachers can't be neutral in the classroom about politics
uri: Teachers-can-t-be-neutral-in-the-classroom-about-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#25_November_2021_(Missouri_CRT)
content:
 
<p>
Teachers can't be neutral in the classroom about politics when 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/11/21/2065531/-Surviving-the-Right-Wing-Assault-on-Education?_=2021-11-21T07:15:34.000-08:00">one political party has declared war on the idea of truth.</a>
<p>
The Missouri bill cited in the article is interesting, because it
juxtaposes a valid point with an invalid point, in such a way as to
partly hide the latter.
<p>
It is wrong to teach that certain groups of people are inherently or
immutably racist, or inherently or immutably hold any views
whatsoever, because such is prejudice. People vary, and people can learn.
<p>
However, teaching that certain groups of people are <Em>systemically</Em>
oppressed, or that certain institutions are <Em>systemically</Em> racist, is
legitimate because that is a verifiable fact about existing systems.
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/09/metro/harvard-law-study-finds-stark-racial-disparities-criminal-court-sentencing-massachusetts/">Here's one example of verification.</a>
<p>
This truth doesn't conflict with the truth that people vary and that
people can learn. Systems can change, too, but that doesn't deny that
they are now what they are now.
<p>
The bill groups people with institutions, and groups "inherently" with
"systemically", so as to confuse.





 


title: Urgent: Support bill to stop suspending driver's licenses
uri: Urgent-Support-bill-to-stop-suspending-driver-s-licenses
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Urgent:_Support_bill_to_stop_suspending_driver's_licenses)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Urgent:_Support_bill_to_stop_suspending_driver's_licenses)

content:
 
<p>

Residents of Massachusetts: support the bill to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-lawmakers-end-debt-based-drivers-license-suspensions">stop suspending
driver's licenses over debt</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Apple_sued_NSO)
title: Apple sued NSO
uri: Apple-sued-NSO
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Apple_sued_NSO)
content:
 
<p>

Apple has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/nov/23/apple-sues-israeli-cyber-firm-nso-group">sued the company NSO</a> that made the notorious crack-and-spy program, Pegasus.
<p>
If this were the start of a general campaign by Apple to sue all
companies that make spyware for the iMonsters, it would be admirable
(though it would not excuse making the iMonster software nonfree).
But I don't expect that.  I expect it will be limited to the snooping
done by programs that are not authorized to be on the machine at all
&mdash; which means, disregarding the bulk of snooping.
<p>
Shall we expect Apple to sue Google, Amazon, Zoom and Uber for
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/proprietary-surveillance.html">snooping on Apple users</a>?
<p>
Shall we expect Apple to sue Apple for <a href="media/d0eef925.Public-Statement-Siri-recordings-TLB.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Public-Statement-Siri-recordings-TLB.pdf">snooping on Apple users</a>?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Restorative_justice_mediation)
title: Restorative justice mediation
uri: Restorative-justice-mediation
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Restorative_justice_mediation)
content:
 
<p>

Cop Julia Crews shot Ashley Fountain Hall and wounded her severely,
through confusion (she thought she was pulling a taser).  Afterward,
Ms Hall chose <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/us/missouri-police-restorative-justice/index.html">restorative justice mediation</a> instead of a criminal trial
for Ms Crews.

 


title: Pushing handcuffed man into pavement
uri: Pushing-handcuffed-man-into-pavement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Pushing_handcuffed_man_into_pavement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Pushing_handcuffed_man_into_pavement)

content:
 
<p>

Five Georgia thugs are charged with murder for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/22/us/georgia-officers-indicted-murder/index.html">pushing a handcuffed man
into the pavement</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Venezuelan_election_results)
title: Venezuelan election results
uri: Venezuelan-election-results
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Venezuelan_election_results)
content:
 
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/22/five-reasons-left-won-venezuela">left alliance won the Venezuelan election</a>, while Guaido's
golpista alliance is generally despised and won almost nothing.
<p>
The democratic opposition, more popular than the golpistas, did win
some offices.

 


title: Child-care funding in relief bill
uri: Child-care-funding-in-relief-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Child-care_funding_in_relief_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Child-care_funding_in_relief_bill)

content:
 
<p>

The child-care funding in the Build Back Better (relief) bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/22/big-glaring-problem-democratic-promise-universal-pre-k-child-care-about-hit-gop">requires
state approval in each state</a>.
Republicans may use their power in many states to block approval,
because they expect that suffering in the US will be blamed on Biden
and Democrats.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Starbucks_union_elections)
title: Starbucks union elections
uri: Starbucks-union-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Starbucks_union_elections)
content:
 
<p>

Starbucks workers in some stores are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/nov/23/starbucks-aggressive-anti-union-effort-new-york-stores-organize">holding union elections</a>.  The
company has closed some stores, and is calling workers in for pressure
harassment sessions in others.
<p>
I have hardly ever done business with Starbucks, simply because their
products don't appeal to my tastes.  (I don't like coffee, for
instance.)  So I can't boycott Starbucks in any nontrivial way.  But
maybe you can.  If you go to a Starbucks store where you have often
bought something, ask for the manager, and say that you're going to
boycott Starbucks because of its anti-union harassment.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(DoorDash_to_pay_S.F._couriers)
title: DoorDash to pay S.F. couriers
uri: DoorDash-to-pay-S-F-couriers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(DoorDash_to_pay_S.F._couriers)
content:
 
<p>

* DoorDash to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/DoorDash-to-pay-5-3-million-to-S-F-couriers-16636498.php">pay $5.3 million to S.F. couriers</a> over alleged violations of past
benefits*

 


title: (satire) Even number of concussions
uri: (satire)-Even-number-of-concussions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_((satire)_Even_number_of_concussions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_((satire)_Even_number_of_concussions)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *NFL Study Finds <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nfl-study-finds-concussion-symptoms-completely-disappea-1848090474">Concussion Symptoms Completely Disappear</a> If
You've Had An Even Number Of Concussions.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_((satire)_Fish_high_on_OxyContin)
title: (satire) Fish high on OxyContin
uri: (satire)-Fish-high-on-OxyContin
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_((satire)_Fish_high_on_OxyContin)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Fish <a href="https://www.theonion.com/fish-way-too-high-on-oxycontin-runoff-to-give-a-shit-ab-1848104759">Way Too High On OxyContin Runoff</a> To Give A Shit About
Species' Inevitable Extinction.*

 


title: Lush closing social media accounts
uri: Lush-closing-social-media-accounts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Lush_closing_social_media_accounts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Lush_closing_social_media_accounts)

content:
 
<p>

*   Lush has announced it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/nov/23/lush-quits-facebook-instagram-tiktok-snapchat-social-media">closing its accounts on Facebook,
   [81]Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok</a> until the social media sites do a
   better job of protecting users from harmful [postings].*
<p>
Lush will not "ask customers to 'meet us down a dark and dangerous
alleyway'."

 


title: Federal contract worker minimum wage
uri: Federal-contract-worker-minimum-wage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Federal_contract_worker_minimum_wage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Federal_contract_worker_minimum_wage)

content:
 
<p>

Biden <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/23/now-lets-take-nationwide-biden-raises-minimum-wage-all-federal-contract-workers-15">raised the minimum wage for federal contract workers</a> to $15 per hour.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Vaccine_for_malaria)
title: Vaccine for malaria
uri: Vaccine-for-malaria
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Vaccine_for_malaria)
content:
 
<p>

The world's wealthy must now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/24/the-world-finally-has-a-malaria-vaccine-now-it-must-invest-in-it">pay for providing the vaccine</a> that can
more or less put an end to malaria.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Foreign_workers_in_Qatar)
title: Foreign workers in Qatar
uri: 2021-11-27-Foreign-workers-in-Qatar
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Foreign_workers_in_Qatar)
content:
 
<p>

Norwegian journalists in Qatar, reporting on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/24/norwegian-journalists-reporting-labourers-qatar-world-cup-arrested">how foreign workers are
treated</a>, were arrested and held for 3 days while they tried to go home
to Norway.

 


title: Memorial for dead of Global War on Terrorism
uri: Memorial-for-dead-of-Global-War-on-Terrorism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Memorial_for_dead_of_Global_War_on_Terrorism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Memorial_for_dead_of_Global_War_on_Terrorism)

content:
 
<p>

Michael Moore explains that the US plans a memorial for the dead of
the "Global War on Terrorism" &mdash; to <a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/56884.htm">commemorate only the Americans
that were killed</a>, not the others that Americans killed.
<p>
I disagree with the article's final point.  Moore asserts that
imposing poverty and suffering on many people, Americans and others,
constitutes "terrorism."  I disagree.  The proper word for that is
"oppression."
<p>
"Terrorism" is something much more specific &mdash; making war on
civilians.  For all sorts of other systematic cruelty, the word
"oppression" is strong enough condemnation.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(El_Salvador_rights_groups)
title: El Salvador rights groups
uri: El-Salvador-rights-groups
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(El_Salvador_rights_groups)
content:
 
<p>

*El Salvador rights groups <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/24/el-salvador-rights-groups-fear-repression-after-raids-on-seven-offices">fear repression</a> after raids on seven offices.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Ban_on_catching_Mako_sharks)
title: Ban on catching Mako sharks
uri: Ban-on-catching-Mako-sharks
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Ban_on_catching_Mako_sharks)
content:
 
<p>

*Atlantic fishing nations agree to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/24/atlantic-fishing-nations-agree-to-ban-catches-of-mako-worlds-fastest-sharks">ban catches of mako</a>, world’s
 fastest sharks.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Killers_of_Ahmaud_Arbery)
title: Killers of Ahmaud Arbery
uri: Killers-of-Ahmaud-Arbery
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Killers_of_Ahmaud_Arbery)
content:
 
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/24/ahmaud-arbery-verdict-guilty">killers of Ahmaud Arbery have been convicted of murder</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Respect_for_democracy)
title: Respect for democracy
uri: Respect-for-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Respect_for_democracy)
content:
 
<p>

Norway's parliament is fractious, but its prime minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/24/swedens-first-female-prime-minister-resigns-after-less-than-12-hours">demonstrates
respect for democracy</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Kashmir_apple_orchards)
title: Kashmir apple orchards
uri: Kashmir-apple-orchards
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Kashmir_apple_orchards)
content:
 
<p>

India's apple orchards are mainly in Kashmir, and an apparent change
in the climate is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/24/india-kashmiri-apple-farmers-climate-crisis-snow-decimates-crops">wiping out the apples</a> year after the year.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Old_criminal_convictions)
title: Old criminal convictions
uri: Old-criminal-convictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#26_November_2021_(Old_criminal_convictions)
content:
 
<p>

Most US officials are quite <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/24/claude-garrett-murder-wrongful-conviction/">reluctant to reconsider</a> old criminal
convictions based on science that we now know to be false.
<p>
In the name of justice, there ought to be a systematic effort to find
these cases and reconsider them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_((satire)_Serta_recalls)
title: (satire) Serta Recalls 200,000 Mercy Killing Pillows.
uri: (satire)-Serta-Recalls-200-000-Mercy-Killing-Pillows
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_((satire)_Serta_recalls)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Serta Recalls 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/serta-recalls-200-000-mercy-killing-pillows-1848103355">200,000 Mercy Killing Pillows.</a>*



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Progress_NC_outreach)
title: Door-to-door outreach for progressive Democrats
uri: Door-to-door-outreach-for-progressive-Democrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Progress_NC_outreach)
content:
 
<p>
Door-to-door outreach for progressive 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/24/how-deep-canvassing-progressives-can-change-rural-politics-us">Democrats in rural North Carolina, where Republicans often run unopposed.</a>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(JPMorgan_Joke_CCP)
title: CEO of JP Morgan bank retracted a joke
uri: CEO-of-JP-Morgan-bank-retracted-a-joke
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(JPMorgan_Joke_CCP)
content:
 
<p>
The CEO of JP Morgan bank retracted a joke he made that was gently at
the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/nov/24/jp-morgan-boss-regrets-making-joke-about-chinese-communist-party">expense of the Chinese Communist Party.</a>
<p>
Is it good for the US that its biggest banks quiver at the thought of
offending China?


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(School_mad_project_V)
title: Students did a class project about V for Vendetta
uri: Students-did-a-class-project-about-V-for-Vendetta
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(School_mad_project_V)
content:
 
<p>
High school students did a class project about V for Vendetta. 
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2021/11/24/school-shuts-down-after-cops-get-mad-over-student-project-about-v-for-vendetta.html">The thugs that patrol the school tore down the project's posters.</a>
<p>
It appears they believe their job includes censorship as well as
launching students into the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/29/police-shouldnt-be-schools-omar-pressley-warren-and-murphy-introduce-bill-end">school-to-prison pipeline.</a>
<p>
I hope the students convert their protest into a campaign to make
the school safer help by sending those thugs out of the school.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(GOP_Attack_Ads_Tax_Cut)
title: Republicans are attacking Democrats for the tax cut
uri: Republicans-are-attacking-Democrats-for-the-tax-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(GOP_Attack_Ads_Tax_Cut)
content:
 
<p>
Amazingly, Republicans are attacking Democrats for the tax cut they
are proposing to give to rich people.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/24/gop-offers-taste-2022-attack-ads-if-democrats-approve-tax-cut-millionaires"></a>
<p>
Republicans officials care nothing for consistency -- they passed
bigger tax cuts for the rich, but that does not inhibit them from
criticizing one when Democrats are responsible. They don't believe
their supporters are coherent enough to criticize the Republican
officials for their own tax cuts for the rich.
<p>
Since this tax cut for the rich is indeed a bad thing, the Democrats
should wise up and take it out of the bill.
<p>
In addition, Republicans are blaming Biden for the 
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/us/politics/republicans-biden-coronavirus.html">increase of Covid-19 in the US, which Republicans caused by opposing masks and vaccination.</a>
<p>
What it comes down to is, the America's saboteurs are blaming
America's (far from perfect) defenders for being thwarted by their
sabotage.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Keystone_XL_pipeline_NAFTA)
title: Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline is using NAFTA
uri: Keystone-XL-planet-roaster-pipeline-is-using-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Keystone_XL_pipeline_NAFTA)
content:
 
<p>
The company that proposed the Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline is
using NAFTA (the original version) to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/24/kxl-pipeline-company-exploits-nafta-provision-file-15-billion-claim-against-us">sue the US for 15 billion dollars for cancelling the pipeline.</a>
<p>
This exemplifies the danger of business-supremacy treaties such as
NAFTA to efforts to save the world's ecosphere from fossil fuel.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Too_Much_Power_US)
title: Entities unaccountable to the people.
uri: Entities-unaccountable-to-the-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Too_Much_Power_US)
content:
 
<p>
Too much power in the US is in the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/24/unaccountable-institutions-are-ruining-democracy-and-your-life">hands of entities unaccountable to the people.</a>
<p>
Republicans are working hard to assure that Congress and the presidency
become unaccountable too.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Netflix_dodges_taxes)
title: Netflix dodges taxes
uri: Netflix-dodges-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Netflix_dodges_taxes)
content:
 
<p>
Netflix dodges taxes using 
<a href="https://www.taxwatchuk.org/reports/netflix_tax_avoidance/">tax havens, much like Amazon and other big companies.</a>
<p>



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(China_Taiwan_Fumming)
title: US invited Taiwan to participate in a democracy summit.
uri: US-invited-Taiwan-to-participate-in-a-democracy-summit
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(China_Taiwan_Fumming)
content:
 
<p>
China is fuming after the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/24/china-accuses-us-of-mistake-after-biden-invites-taiwan-to-democracy-summit">US invited Taiwan to participate in a democracy summit.</a>
<p>
Taiwan's government is the only democracy in the whole territory that
China claims, so if this summit was to have any participation from
that territory, it could only be from Taiwan.


 


title: Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
uri: Public-Service-Loan-Forgiveness-program
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Public_Service_Loan_Forgiveness_program)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Public_Service_Loan_Forgiveness_program)

content:
 
<p>

The US government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is expected to
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/23/politics/public-service-loan-forgiveness-pslf/index.html">forgive the college loans of half a million Americans</a>.
<p>
That is a significant step, but what needs to be done is much more.
I estimate that there are tens of millions of Americans who have
college debt that they can't hope to pay.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_((satire)_Promo_code_THANKS)
title: (satire) Promo code "THANKS"
uri: (satire)-Promo-code-THANKS
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_((satire)_Promo_code_THANKS)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Janet Yellen Announces Americans Can <a href="https://www.theonion.com/janet-yellen-announces-americans-can-use-promo-code-th-1848110882">Use Promo Code "THANKS"</a>
For 10% Off All U.S. Goods And Services.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Pharma's_vaccine_greed)
title: Pharma's vaccine greed
uri: Pharma-s-vaccine-greed
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Pharma's_vaccine_greed)
content:
 
<p>

*Biden Urged to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/23/stop-carnage-biden-urged-fight-big-pharmas-vaccine-greed-key-wto-meeting">Fight Big Pharma's Vaccine Greed</a> at Key
WTO Meeting.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Jailed_climate_protester)
title: Jailed climate protester
uri: Jailed-climate-protester
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Jailed_climate_protester)
content:
 
<p>

*The jailing of a young climate protester is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/25/the-jailing-of-a-young-climate-protester-is-a-prime-example-of-australias-authoritarian-drift">prime example of Australia's authoritarian drift</a>.*
<p>
*   There is an ongoing effort to restrict what is considered “legitimate”
   protest to that which is least effective.*

 


title: Ahmaud Arbery victim of systematic persecution
uri: Ahmaud-Arbery-victim-of-systematic-persecution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Ahmaud_Arbery_victim_of_systematic_persecution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Ahmaud_Arbery_victim_of_systematic_persecution)

content:
 
<p>

Ahmaud Arbery fell victim to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/24/ahmaud-arbery-murder-trial-reveals-racism-us">systematic propensity to persecute
black men</a>, with methods that extend as far as murder.  The conviction
of his killers had to cross hurdles of systemic racism.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Shortage_of_nitrogen_fertilizer)
title: Shortage of nitrogen fertilizer
uri: Shortage-of-nitrogen-fertilizer
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Shortage_of_nitrogen_fertilizer)
content:
 
<p>

The US has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/25/fertilizer-shortage-north-america-farmers-food-prices">shortage of nitrogen fertilizer</a>, partly caused by global
heating effects.

 


title: Claims on causes of society's problems
uri: Claims-on-causes-of-society-s-problems
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Claims_on_causes_of_society's_problems)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Claims_on_causes_of_society's_problems)

content:
 
<p>

As long as people interact, society as a system continues to exist;
but the social fabric can become more or less protective, and more or
less constraining.  Various movements have made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/25/society-thatcher-reagan-covid-pandemic">claims about the
causes of society's problems</a>.
<p>
It seems to me that the success of Nordic democratic socialism, with
societies that still cohere, demonstrates that neither liberal
democracy nor socialism is inimical to the social fabric.  My
hypothesis is that what tears apart the social fabric is oppressive
power, but the entity that exercises the power varies from situation
to situation.

 


title: UK law for violence against emergency workers
uri: UK-law-for-violence-against-emergency-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(UK_law_for_violence_against_emergency_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(UK_law_for_violence_against_emergency_workers)

content:
 
<p>

A new UK law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/25/pc-andrew-harper-killing-harpers-law-emergency-service-workers">increase the punishment for anyone that commits violence
against emergency service workers</a> which unpredictably proves fatal,
is unlikely to have any deterrent effect.
<p>
The writer suggests it is only an occasion for value signaling.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Building_houses_closer_together)
title: Building houses closer together
uri: Building-houses-closer-together
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Building_houses_closer_together)
content:
 
<p>

California has <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/California-cities-rush-to-limit-new-law-16647764.php">legalized building houses closer together</a>, but various
exclusive areas are taking action to negate its effect.
<p>
This law is a good step, but it won't do enough to correct
California's housing shortage.  That requires building apartment
buildings &mdash; lots of them.

 


title: Garland to prosecute passengers interfering with flights
uri: Garland-to-prosecute-passengers-interfering-with-flights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Garland_to_prosecute_passengers_interfering_with_flights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Garland_to_prosecute_passengers_interfering_with_flights)

content:
 
<p>

Attorney General Merrick Garland says he will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/25/unruly-passengers-on-flights-to-be-prosecuted-swiftly-says-us-attorney-general">rapidly prosecute passengers
that interfere with flights</a>.
Most of these incidents start when someone refuses to wear a mask.
<p>
I wonder if Rep. Gosar or Rep. Green ever refuses to wear a mask on a
plane.  Probably they don't dare refuse, because they would really go
to jail if they did.  Photos of them wearing masks, like decent people,
might show that they are not as heroic as they pretend to be.

 


title: Vaccinated believe they are completely safe
uri: Vaccinated-believe-they-are-completely-safe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Vaccinated_believe_they_are_completely_safe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Vaccinated_believe_they_are_completely_safe)

content:
 
<p>

People who are vaccinated against Covid-19 erroneously believe
that they are completely safe, and that they can't ever transmit the virus.
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/24/vaccines-reduce-covid-transmission-by-40-who">Both beliefs are incorrect</a>.
<p>
Vaccinated people are less likely to catch Covid-19 when exposed, and
less likely to transmit the virus if they are infected, but the
probability is <em>not</em> zero.  You still need to wear a mask to reduce
those probabilities.  You still need to keep distance from others.
<p>
These precautions can potentially drive R below 1 and make Covid-19
dwindle, if we keep doing <em>all</em> of them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Russian_threats_against_Ukraine)
title: Russian threats against Ukraine
uri: Russian-threats-against-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Russian_threats_against_Ukraine)
content:
 
<p>

The US must bet on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/25/all-options-fraught-with-risk-as-biden-confronts-putin-over-ukraine">deterring Russian threats against Ukraine</a>, or
decide to back down to them.
<p>
I think Putin is bluffing and will not attack if the US takes purely
defensive actions.  He is an opportunist and grabs whatever is easy to
grab.  Furthermore, all his threats are only hints; if he does not
attack, he will not have lost face.  Thus, I think the US should take
the defensive actions, then negotiate.
<p>
A commitment not to invite Ukraine into NATO would not deny Ukraine
sovereignty, so I think it is ok to include in a peace deal, provided
this is matched with Russian concessions.  The US could demand Russia
respect Ukraine's sovereignty by withdrawing support from the Donbas
separatists.
<p>
However, demanding return of the Crimea would be too much.
It is too late to undo that act of aggression.

 


title: Trial of Ahmaud Arbery's killers
uri: Trial-of-Ahmaud-Arbery-s-killers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Trial_of_Ahmaud_Arbery's_killers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Trial_of_Ahmaud_Arbery's_killers)

content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2021/nov/25/justice-prevailed-in-the-trial-of-ahmaud-arberys-killers-in-america-thats-a-shock">Justice prevailed</a> in the trial of Ahmaud Arbery’s killers. In
America, that’s a shock.*
<p>
I will not excoriate the defense attorneys for "playing the race
card", since it is their responsibility to try to obtain an acquittal.
What is significant is that they believed that appealing to racism was
the way to win.  We all know that it sometimes does win, and that
reflects the fact that racism continues to be powerful and harmful in
the US.
<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.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Federal_worker_vaccine_mandate)
title: Federal worker vaccine mandate
uri: Federal-worker-vaccine-mandate
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Federal_worker_vaccine_mandate)
content:
 
<p>

The vaccine mandate for federal workers has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/25/biden-vaccine-mandate-federal-workers-white-house">very effective</a>.
<p>
It is weakened a little by the policy of granting religious
exemptions.  A religious belief is no grounds to give permission to
risk spreading disease.  However, it appears that the magniture of this
weakness is fairly small, in the case of federal workers, so perhaps it 
is not an important problem.

 


title: Spike in attempts to ban books in schools
uri: Spike-in-attempts-to-ban-books-in-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Spike_in_attempts_to_ban_books_in_schools)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Spike_in_attempts_to_ban_books_in_schools)

content:
 
<p>

*US libraries report <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/nov/25/us-libraries-report-spike-in-organised-attempts-to-ban-books-in-schools">spike in organized attempts to ban books in schools</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Babies_taken_to_Parliament)
title: Babies taken to Parliament
uri: Babies-taken-to-Parliament
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Babies_taken_to_Parliament)
content:
 
<p>

On the issue of whether MPs that are taking care of their babies
should be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/25/baby-banned-parliament-women-politics-stella-creasy">allowed to bring them into Parliament</a>.
<p>
I'm in favor of allowing MPs to bring infants into Parliament if this
is necessary in order to take care of them, provided the infants are
not disruptive.  That way, Ms Creasy's baby would be allowed, but
Bogus Johnson would be kept out.  ;-}.

 


title: Stabilization of India's population
uri: Stabilization-of-India-s-population
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Stabilization_of_India's_population)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Stabilization_of_India's_population)

content:
 
<p>

Good news: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/25/india-has-more-women-than-men-for-first-time-survey-finds">India's population has roughly stabilized</a>, and the
traditional prejudice against daughters has decreased somewhat.
<p>
However, let's fight the anti-abortion propaganda that talks about
"killing" people "before being born"!  "Foeticide" is a word that
right-wing fanatics use when they <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_December_2019_(Anti-abortion_Ohio)">imprison women for having an
abortion</a>,
or for having a miscarriage which they <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#26_June_2011_(War_On_Women)">allege to have been an abortion</a>.

 


title: NHS work activity reduced as protest
uri: NHS-work-activity-reduced-as-protest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(NHS_work_activity_reduced_as_protest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(NHS_work_activity_reduced_as_protest)

content:
 
<p>

The general practitioners of the NHS voted to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/25/gps-in-england-vote-in-favour-of-industrial-action">reduce their working activities
as a protest</a> (since an actual strike would be unethical and perhaps illegal too).

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Outsourced_government_work)
title: Outsourced government work
uri: Outsourced-government-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Outsourced_government_work)
content:
 
<p>

The UK government's practice of outsourcing government work and
services to private companies allows the work to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/nov/25/private-firms-working-for-uk-government-should-be-subject-to-foi-rules">escape the scope of
the freedom of information act</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Activists_facing_repression)
title: Activists facing repression
uri: Activists-facing-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Activists_facing_repression)
content:
 
<p>

*   A joint report by human rights bodies and environment groups has found
   activists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/25/environmental-activists-face-fever-pitch-of-repression-from-australian-governments-report-says">increasingly facing repression by Australian governments</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Flights_from_Southern_Africa)
title: Flights from Southern Africa
uri: Flights-from-Southern-Africa
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Flights_from_Southern_Africa)
content:
 
<p>

The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/25/what-do-we-know-about-the-new-worst-ever-covid-variant">canceled flights from southern Africa</a> until it has set up
hotel quarantine for passengers coming from there.
<p>
But it is too late &mdash; the new Covid-19 variant is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/new-covid-variant-may-pose-substantial-health-risk-sajid-javid">already in Belgium</a>
and seems to be spreading there.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(New_Teamsters_union_officers)
title: New Teamsters union officers
uri: New-Teamsters-union-officers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(New_Teamsters_union_officers)
content:
 
<p>

The Teamsters union <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/11/19/hoffa-jr-defeated/#teamsters-for-a-democratic-union">elected new officers</a> who know how to make it strong and effective.

 


title: People of Tigrayan ethnic origin
uri: People-of-Tigrayan-ethnic-origin
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(People_of_Tigrayan_ethnic_origin)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(People_of_Tigrayan_ethnic_origin)

content:
 
<p>

Warning that the Ethiopian government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/26/ethiopia-genocide-warning-signs-abiy-ahmed">may be planning to massacre the people
of Tigrayan ethnic origin</a> in places under its control.
<p>
At the same time, Tigrayan forces are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/23/alarm-grows-over-escalating-ethiopia-war-as-more-foreign-citizens-told-to-flee">120 miles from the Addis
Abeba</a>.
<p>
It sounds like the Ethiopian government is on the verge of military
defeat, while the president asks everyone to rush to "the front" and
form a militia.  Do they have military training?  Fighting experience?
It sounds like bullshit broadcast for foreign consumption, except I
can't see how it is going to be effective for that purpose.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Prime_minister_unfit_to_lead)
title: Prime minister unfit to lead
uri: Prime-minister-unfit-to-lead
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Prime_minister_unfit_to_lead)
content:
 
<p>

*   The prime minister has always been unfit to lead, but now the media &mdash;
   and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/26/scrutiny-boris-johnson-served-purpose">even his own party &mdash; are pointing it out</a>.*

 


title: Less life expectancy in poor neighborhoods
uri: Less-life-expectancy-in-poor-neighborhoods
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Less_life_expectancy_in_poor_neighborhoods)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Less_life_expectancy_in_poor_neighborhoods)

content:
 
<p>

Poor neighborhoods in Britain have up to <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2021/11/poverty-shortens-life-health-inequality-uk">10 years less life expectancy</a>
than rich neighborhoods.
This seems to be due to the funding cuts for the NHS starting in 2010.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Donated_saplings)
title: Donated saplings
uri: Donated-saplings
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Donated_saplings)
content:
 
<p>

A foundation in the Netherlands accepts donated saplings removed from
paths, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/26/every-tree-counts-amsterdam-forest-leads-way-with-sapling-donation-plan">gives them to landowners that want to plant a tree</a>.

 


title: Could have prevented new Covid variant
uri: Could-have-prevented-new-Covid-variant
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Could_have_prevented_new_Covid_variant)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Could_have_prevented_new_Covid_variant)

content:
 
<p>

*Rich countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/rich-countries-could-have-prevented-new-covid-variant-say-experts">could have prevented new Covid variant</a>, say experts.*
They could have done this by liberating vaccine production so as to
vaccinate the whole world quickly.
<p>
While I agree with the article's stance, I have to criticize it for
falling for the propaganda trap of "intellectual property".  It is a
mistake to say that "intellectual property is bad," or to say that
"intellectual property is good," because the term is an <a href="See https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html.">incoherent
over generalization about laws</a> that have very little in common.
<p>
The vaccine production issue is partly about patents.  Waiving patent
rights would totally eliminate that problem.  The vaccine production
issue also concerns trade secrets &mdash; but in a totally different way.
What's needed is to order companies to divulge their secrets.
The WTO can't do that, but maybe national governments can do it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Brink_of_starvation)
title: Brink of starvation
uri: Brink-of-starvation
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Brink_of_starvation)
content:
 
<p>

*Myanmar junta <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/26/myanmar-junta-accused-of-forcing-people-to-brink-of-starvation">accused of forcing people to brink of starvation</a>.*

 


title: Blockaded Amazon distribution centres
uri: Blockaded-Amazon-distribution-centres
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Blockaded_Amazon_distribution_centres)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Blockaded_Amazon_distribution_centres)

content:
 
<p>

*   Climate activists have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/nov/26/extinction-rebellion-blockades-amazon-uk-hubs-on-black-friday">blockaded Amazon distribution centres</a> across
   the UK to highlight the company’s treatment of its workforce and what
   they say are its "environmentally destructive and wasteful business
   practices."*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Photos_of_thugs'_criminal_acts)
title: Photos of thugs' criminal acts
uri: Photos-of-thugs-criminal-acts
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(Photos_of_thugs'_criminal_acts)
content:
 
<p>

Spain's socialist government plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/podemos-defends-push-to-change-spains-controversial-gag-law">repeal the law that prohibited
publishing photos of thugs caught in criminal acts</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_(Million-dollar_fine_for_protests_in_Spain)">More info</a> about this law.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(70_want_to_prosecute)
title: Do more to prosecute crime by corporations.
uri: Do-more-to-prosecute-crime-by-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#27_November_2021_(70_want_to_prosecute)
content:
 
<p>
70% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans and 70% of independents want the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/23/voters-both-parties-overwhelmingly-want-biden-crack-down-corporate-crime">US government to do more to prosecute crime by corporations.</a>
<p>
(Yes, it's 70% in each group.)


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Unite_the_Right_verdict)
title: Unite the Right verdict
uri: Unite-the-Right-verdict
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Unite_the_Right_verdict)
content:
 
<p>
The organizers of the 2017 Charlottesville rally, which was embued by
them with the spirit of right-wing violence and inspired one supporter
to commit murder, have been found liable for 26 million dollars.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Glasgow_vacant_homeless_shelter)
title: Glasgow vacant homeless shelter
uri: Glasgow-vacant-homeless-shelter
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Glasgow_vacant_homeless_shelter)
content:
 
<p>
Squatters in Glasgow took over an old, vacant homeless shelter and put it into
use as a homeless shelter.  (The city does not have enough of them.)  Now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/24/court-orders-immediate-eviction-of-baile-hoose-squatters-in-glasgow">they
are fighting eviction</a>.

 


title: 43% of white Harvard students are 'ALDCs'
uri: 43-of-white-Harvard-students-are-ALDCs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(43%25_of_white_Harvard_students_are_'ALDCs')

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(43%25_of_white_Harvard_students_are_'ALDCs')

content:
 
<p>
Affirmative action for university admissions could be thought of as
partially counteracting the system that preferentially admits certain
privilaged students -- mostly white.
<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.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

 


title: Covid-19 vaccines and artificial obstacles
uri: Covid-19-vaccines-and-artificial-obstacles
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Covid-19_vaccines_and_artificial_obstacles)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Covid-19_vaccines_and_artificial_obstacles)

content:
 
<p>
The world might have avoided the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant,
that seems to be more infectious than Delta, by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/26/it-was-entirely-avoidable-rich-countries-blamed-new-covid-variant-sparks-global">removing the
artificial obstacles to faster manufacture of vaccines</a>.
<p>
There are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/25/human-rights-defenders-threaten-legal-action-against-countries-fueling-vaccine">threats of legal action against several countries which are
blocking this</a>: Canada, the U.K., Norway, and Germany.
<p>
The term "<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">intellectual property</a>" is a bogus concept which conflates
several disparate kinds of imposed monopoly, of which patent law is
just one.  These laws are so different from each other that a
statement which generalizes about all of them, as that term leads
people to do, always spreads confusion.
<p>
Please join me in absolutely refusing to use the term.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Oil_Wells_Near_Homes)
title: Oil Wells Near Homes
uri: Oil-Wells-Near-Homes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Oil_Wells_Near_Homes)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/26/california-may-ban-new-oil-wells-near-homes-lets-eliminate-existing-problem-while">California plans to ban new oil wells within 3200 feet of homes,
schools and hospitals</a>, to protect people from toxic chemicals that
escape into the air.
<p>
It would be more thorough to close the existing wells in those areas too.
But it might be politically and legally more difficult.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Carbon_Capture_and_Storage)
title: Carbon Capture and Storage
uri: Carbon-Capture-and-Storage
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Carbon_Capture_and_Storage)
content:
 
<p>
Oil companies plan to use Carbon Capture and Storage to get separate
CO2 and pump that into oil wells to force out more oil.  That cycle
presumes that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/26/why-big-oils-pivot-carbon-capture-and-storage-while-it-keeps-drilling-isnt-climate">they keep pumping out lots of oil -- it doesn't end
overemission, just reduces it a fraction</a>.

 


title: (satire) Amazon Workers and Black Friday Exploits
uri: (satire)-Amazon-Workers-and-Black-Friday-Exploits
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((satire)_Amazon_Workers_and_Black_Friday_Exploits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((satire)_Amazon_Workers_and_Black_Friday_Exploits)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Worst Ways <a href="https://www.theonion.com/worst-ways-amazon-exploits-workers-during-black-friday-1848112465">Amazon Exploits Workers</a> During Black Friday.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Boxed_things)
title: (Satire) Boxed things
uri: (Satire)-Boxed-things
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Boxed_things)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Conservationist Breaks Down Sobbing While <a href="https://www.theonion.com/conservationist-breaks-down-sobbing-while-going-through-1848107526">Going Through Old
Box Of Extinct Species' Things</a>.*

 


title: Disaster Capitalism and Recovery Loans
uri: Disaster-Capitalism-and-Recovery-Loans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Disaster_Capitalism_and_Recovery_Loans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Disaster_Capitalism_and_Recovery_Loans)

content:
 
<p>
The US is slow to aid owners of rental housing to rebuild after a
disaster, so <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/24/disaster-capitalism-hits-new-heights-wall-street-profiteers-cash-recovery-loans">private lenders use this as an opportunity for
profiteering</a>.

 


title: Legitimate Election in Venezuela
uri: Legitimate-Election-in-Venezuela
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Legitimate_Election_in_Venezuela)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Legitimate_Election_in_Venezuela)

content:
 
<p>
The National Lawyers Guild in the US sent observers to monitor the
election in Venezuela.  They, as well as European observers, found
that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/24/us-legal-observers-report-balanced-and-transparent-election-process-venezuela">the system was basically legitimate</a>.
<p>
The Europeans criticized the disqualification of some candidates
before the election.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Ahmaud_Arbery)
title: Ahmaud Arbery
uri: Ahmaud-Arbery
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Ahmaud_Arbery)
content:
 
<p>
The <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/24/opinions/murder-of-ahmaud-arbery-mcmichael-bryan-martin/index.html">conviction of Ahmaud Arbery's murderers</a> shows that the US justice
system can in fact work properly.
What is needed is to make that outcome reliable.
<p>
The defense lawyers did <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/24/us/prosecutors-ahmaud-arbery-verdict-jury-race/index.html">everything possible to appeal to the jury's
presumed bigotry</a>, but the jury rejected the idea.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Popularity)
title: Popularity
uri: Popularity
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Popularity)
content:
 
<p>
Polls show that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/25/pundits-want-you-think-bidens-low-approval-rating-means-democrats-should-move">Biden's popularity has decreased, but the progressive
parts of his agenda remain popular</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Dangerous_Channel_crossings)
title: Dangerous Channel crossings
uri: Dangerous-Channel-crossings
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Dangerous_Channel_crossings)
content:
 
<p>
The obvious way to stop most migrants from travelling to Britain
on small boats is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/25/solutions-to-the-channel-problem-what-experts-and-campaigners-say">set up a workable system to let them apply
for asylum from elsewhere</a>.
<p>
Given that 2/3 of them who reach Britain on boats do receive asylum,
the goal of keeping them away is misguided.

 


title: Indian farmers continue protesting
uri: Indian-farmers-continue-protesting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Indian_farmers_continue_protesting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Indian_farmers_continue_protesting)

content:
 
<p>
* [Indian] farmers will <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/26/india/india-farmers-protest-one-year-intl-hnk-dst/index.html">continue protesting until the government meets
   several other demands</a>, including raising the minimum price of their
   produce, withdrawing legal action against some farmers, and paying
   compensation to the families of hundreds of farmers who have died
   as a result of the civil action.*
<p>
Bravo!  People who are not rich can't trust Modi to keep a promise.
<p>
What Modi tried to do is Modi make individuals negotiate deals with
giant companies that face only small amounts of competition.  That
puts the companies at a big advantage and leads the individuals to
ruin.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Omicron_variant)
title: Omicron variant
uri: Omicron-variant
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Omicron_variant)
content:
 
<p>
May countries have <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-covid-variant-travel/index.html">restricted entry from southern Africa where the
Omicron variant is believed to be spreading</a>.
The other African countries need to restrict travel, too.
<p>
That is, if it isn't too late already.

 


title: Credit card company claims to be green
uri: Credit-card-company-claims-to-be-green
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Credit_card_company_claims_to_be_green)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Credit_card_company_claims_to_be_green)

content:
 
<p>
A credit card called "Aspiration" <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/the-celebrity-backed-green-fintech-company-that-isnt-as-green-as-it-seems">markets itself as a way to protect the
climate, but its claims are full of cloud</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Coal_miners_still_on_strike)
title: Coal miners still on strike
uri: Coal-miners-still-on-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Coal_miners_still_on_strike)
content:
 
<p>
*Alabama Miners Are <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2021/11/alabam-coal-miners-umwa-strike-blackrock-pickets-violence">Still on Strike After 8 Months</a>.*
<p>
Exploiting workers is always bad, but if a coal mine treats its
workers well, it is nonetheless a danger to the ecosphere.  What we
need is not the establishment of good working conditions in that coal
mine, it is to shut the mine and replace it with other employment with
good conditions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Thugs_falsifying_records)
title: Thugs falsifying records
uri: Thugs-falsifying-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Thugs_falsifying_records)
content:
 
<p>
Louisiana thugs appear to <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/if-everybodys-white-there-cant-be-any-racial-bias-the-disappearance-of-hispanic-drivers-from-traffic-records">falsify records on the racial identities of
drivers they stop</a>, so as to disguise their bias in deciding who to stop.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Complex_banking_schemes)
title: Complex banking schemes
uri: Complex-banking-schemes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Complex_banking_schemes)
content:
 
<p>
The UK has reevaluated the tax implications of certain complex banking
schemes that some people have used for many years, and sent them
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/nov/27/suicides-linked-to-hmrc-cash-demands-in-loan-charge-tax-bills">unexpected tax bills, some as much as hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Many cannot possibly pay.  Some responded by suicide.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Omicron_variant_in_the_UK)
title: Omicron variant in the UK
uri: Omicron-variant-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_(Omicron_variant_in_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/27/government-imposes-new-restrictions-to-fight-omicron-as-first-cases-found-in-uk">required masks in stores and public transport</a>, as a precaution
against the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, which has already
been found in the UK.
<p>
This will slow the spread of Omicron, but since people are still
allowed to eat together inside restaurants, the variant will surely
anyway.  Basically, this is not enough.
<p>
Omicron has also been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/27/suspected-omicron-covid-cases-found-germany-czech-republic">found in other European countries</a>.

 


title: (Satire) Families work Thanksgiving shifts
uri: (Satire)-Families-work-Thanksgiving-shifts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Families_work_Thanksgiving_shifts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Families_work_Thanksgiving_shifts)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Amazon To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-to-let-warehouse-employees-families-work-thanks-1848105400">Let Warehouse Employees' Families Work
Thanksgiving Shifts Too</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Macy's_parade_balloons)
title: (Satire) Macy's parade balloons
uri: (Satire)-Macy-s-parade-balloons
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#28_November_2021_((Satire)_Macy's_parade_balloons)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Al Roker Reminds Macy's Parade Viewers All The Balloons They
See Today Are <a href="https://www.theonion.com/al-roker-reminds-macy-s-parade-viewers-all-the-balloons-1848117800">Up For Adoption</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Honduras_presidential_election)
title: Honduras presidential election
uri: Honduras-presidential-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Honduras_presidential_election)
content:
 
<p>

In Honduras, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/28/honduras-presidential-election-juan-orlando-hernandez">the corrupt president Hernández cannot run again</a>.  His
chosen successor is running against Xiomara Castro, the wife of former
President Zelaya

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Omicron_in_other_countries)
title: Omicron in other countries
uri: Omicron-in-other-countries
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Omicron_in_other_countries)
content:
 
<p>
People infected with the Omicron variant are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/nov/28/covid-update-nsw-chief-health-officer-says-omicron-may-already-be-here">showing up in various countries</a>.
  The cases we hear about were detected on entry and have been
quarantined, which means they don't imply that Omicron is being
transmitted in those countries.
<p>
It may in fact be spreading in them, but we don't have evidence about
it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Omicron_and_Vaccine_Inequity)
title: Omicron and Vaccine Inequity
uri: Omicron-and-Vaccine-Inequity
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Omicron_and_Vaccine_Inequity)
content:
 
<p>
Here's an article whose premise is that the most important thing about
the world's response to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/27/africans-should-be-applauded-not-punished-say-advocates-amid-omicron-travel-ban">the Omicron variant is how it treats the people
living in southern Africa where that variant emerged</a>.
<p>
Of course, they should not be punished for Omicron.  They did not do
anything to cause or help its appearance there; in particular, it
isn't their fault that they were not vaccinated.  Unlike right-wing
anti-vaxxers in the US, the Africans did not choose by preference to
spread disease.  It was the vaccine companies that caused Africans to
remain unvaccinated, by <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#10_September_2021_(Hoarding_vaccine_supply)">chosing to limit the vaccine supply</a>.
<p>
But neither is there any reason to applaud the people of southern
Africa.  They didn't do anything heroic.  Not that that's a criticism
of them.  As far as I know, there was nothing that they should or
could have done about Omicron.
<p>
So, how should we judge some countries' quick suspension of travel out
of southern Africa?  It was the right thing to do.  It was absolutely
necessary for protecting the rest of the world from the danger which
Omicron <em>may</em> represent.
<p>
Not knowing yet whether Omicron is dangerous enough to require cutting
off travel, nor whether Omicron was already spreading in their own
countries, leaders were compelled to try this protective measure in
case it could succeeded -- because delay would surely lose the
opportunity.
<p>
Whatever disappointment or expense it may be for people in southern
Africa to be blocked from travelling -- including citizens and
visitors both -- that is a small thing compared with the danger that
this measure <em>may</em> succeed in avoiding.
<p>
If it turns out that Omicron is not particularly harmful, these travel
measures will not last long.  If it spreads globally anyway, obstacles
to international travel will be the least of the world's worries.
<p>
The important lesson to learn is that we must accelerate vaccination.
When we know what vaccine will stop Omicron, we must vaccinate everyone
before a worse variant has a chance to evolve.

 


title: Capitulation to the Needs of Corporate Polluters
uri: Capitulation-to-the-Needs-of-Corporate-Polluters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Capitulation_to_the_Needs_of_Corporate_Polluters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Capitulation_to_the_Needs_of_Corporate_Polluters)

content:
 
<p>
The US Department of the Interior recommended addressing the future of
extracting oil and gas by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/26/biden-drilling-report-blasted-shocking-capitulation-needs-corporate-polluters">charging companies a little more for it</a>.
  That would enable the US to get a bigger share of the profits from
destroying the world's future.
<p>
The people who wrote that report disregarded the matter at stake.  I
would speculate that their loyalty is to the fossil fuel industry.
<p>
We have to question Biden and Haaland's judgment, and loyalties, for
leaving the report in the hands of those people -- and for continuing
to authorize more drilling.

 


title: Uyghur genocide divestment movement
uri: Uyghur-genocide-divestment-movement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Uyghur_genocide_divestment_movement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Uyghur_genocide_divestment_movement)

content:
 
<p>
One university has started the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20211125210259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/24/uyghur-genocide-university-divestment-movement-is-here/">Uyghur genocide divestment movement</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Freedom_to_Protest)
title: Freedom to Protest
uri: Freedom-to-Protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Freedom_to_Protest)
content:
 
<p>
*Police Aerial Surveillance <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/27/police-aerial-surveillance-threatens-freedom-protest">Threatens Freedom to Protest</a>.*

 


title: Republicans supporting threats of violence
uri: Republicans-supporting-threats-of-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Republicans_supporting_threats_of_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Republicans_supporting_threats_of_violence)

content:
 
<p>
The Republican Party as a whole now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/27/political-violence-threats-multiplying-us">supports threats of violence against
    officials that don't bow down</a>.
<p>
*"A core threat to our democracy": <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/27/political-violence-threats-multiplying-us">threat of political violence growing across
US</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Ministries_of_Economy_and_Energy)
title: Ministries of Economy and Energy
uri: Ministries-of-Economy-and-Energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Ministries_of_Economy_and_Energy)
content:
 
<p>
The German Green Party will get the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/26/germany-get-green-party-ministry-economy-energy-and-climate-boost-president-biden">ministry of Economy and Energy</a>.
<p>
This should put the party in a good position to influence decarbonization.

 


title: Urgent: Arrest and prosecute the wrecker's allies
uri: Urgent-Arrest-and-prosecute-the-wrecker-s-allies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Arrest_and_prosecute_the_wrecker's_allies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Arrest_and_prosecute_the_wrecker's_allies)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress and the DOJ to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-congress-and-the-doj-act-swiftly-to-charge-arrest-and-prosecute-any-trump-ally-in-criminal-contempt-of-congress-who-refuses-to-testify-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-criminal-contempt-of-congress">swiftly charge, arrest
and prosecute the wrecker's allies that refuse to testify</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.

 


title: Prosecutors know the wrecker's crimes
uri: Prosecutors-know-the-wrecker-s-crimes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Prosecutors_know_the_wrecker's_crimes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Prosecutors_know_the_wrecker's_crimes)

content:
 
<p>
Michael Cohen says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/28/michael-cohen-trump-organization-investigations">prosecutors know about the wrecker's crimes
and could "indict [him] tomorrow</a>."

 


title: Arrest and prosecute the wrecker's allies
uri: Arrest-and-prosecute-the-wrecker-s-allies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Arrest_and_prosecute_the_wrecker's_allies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Arrest_and_prosecute_the_wrecker's_allies)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress and the DOJ to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-congress-and-the-doj-act-swiftly-to-charge-arrest-and-prosecute-any-trump-ally-in-criminal-contempt-of-congress-who-refuses-to-testify-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-criminal-contempt-of-congress">swiftly charge, arrest
and prosecute the wrecker's allies that refuse to testify</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Vote no on Jerome Powell's confirmation
uri: Urgent-Vote-no-on-Jerome-Powell-s-confirmation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Vote_no_on_Jerome_Powell's_confirmation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Vote_no_on_Jerome_Powell's_confirmation)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://act.350.org/letter/powell-senate-confirmed-nos/?source=em20211126-2-nostates&akid=176891%2E1151744%2EYpjvOD">vote against confirming Powell
as head of the Federal Reserve</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Stop AIG from investing in fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Stop-AIG-from-investing-in-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Stop_AIG_from_investing_in_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Stop_AIG_from_investing_in_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Call on AIG to <a href="https://act.stand.earth/page/36129/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=email-ea">stop insuring and investing in
fossil fuels</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Support diplomacy with Iran
uri: 2021-12-02-Urgent-Support-diplomacy-with-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Support_diplomacy_with_Iran)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Support_diplomacy_with_Iran)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-support-diplomacy-with-Iran">support diplomacy with Iran</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word.</p>

 


title: Urgent: Legislate to offer college at no charge
uri: Urgent-Legislate-to-offer-college-at-no-charge
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Legislate_to_offer_college_at_no_charge)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Legislate_to_offer_college_at_no_charge)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to legislate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-pass-tuition-free-college-with-wraparound-service-for-those-in-need-and-finally-make-free-college-for-all-a-reality-nationwide-now">offer college at no charge</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word.</p>

 


title: Urgent: Confirmation of Jessica Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn to FCC
uri: Urgent-Confirmation-of-Jessica-Rosenworcel-and-Gigi-Sohn-to-FCC
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Confirmation_of_Jessica_Rosenworcel_and_Gigi_Sohn_to_FCC)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Confirmation_of_Jessica_Rosenworcel_and_Gigi_Sohn_to_FCC)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on your Senators to act now to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/confirm-these-net-neutrality-champions">confirm Jessica Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn to the FCC</a>.
<p>
Also to act to reinstate net neutrality, even the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#13_August_2019_(Urgent:_endorse_restoring_Obama">limited form that existed in the US before <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#22_July_2019_(Net_neutrality_regulations)">the wrecker got rid of it</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Remove Joe Manchin from Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
uri: Urgent-Remove-Joe-Manchin-from-Senate-Committee-on-Energy-and-Natural
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Remove_Joe_Manchin_from_Senate_Committee_on_Energy_and_Natural_Resources)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Urgent:_Remove_Joe_Manchin_from_Senate_Committee_on_Energy_and_Natural_Resources)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/replace-senator-joe-manchin-as-chairman-of-the-senate-committee-on-energy-and-natural-resources-now">remove Senator Joe Manchin</a> as
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word.</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Guantanamo_kangaroo_court)
title: Guantanamo kangaroo court
uri: Guantanamo-kangaroo-court
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Guantanamo_kangaroo_court)
content:
 
<p>

The defense lawyers in the Guantanamo kangaroo court <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/28/9-11-trial-guantanamo-cia-cables-foia/">accuse the prosecutors of bending over backwards to conceal information</a> about how the accused were
tortured.  They say it conceals more from them than it concealed from
journalists making FOIA requests.
<p>
This information is pertinent to the legal question of whether the
court should consider confessions that they gave a few months after
the end of their four years of torture.  The fact that this question
needs to be asked demonstrates the injustice of these courts.

 


title: Possible effects of the Omicron variant
uri: Possible-effects-of-the-Omicron-variant
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Possible_effects_of_the_Omicron_variant)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Possible_effects_of_the_Omicron_variant)

content:
 
<p>

A scientific summary of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/28/omicron-covid-variant-britain-southern-africa">possible effects of the Omicron variant</a>,
depending on three parameters that scientists are working on measuring.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(When_artistic_work_is_resold)
title: When artistic work is resold
uri: When-artistic-work-is-resold
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(When_artistic_work_is_resold)
content:
 
<p>

New Zealand is considering adopting a law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/new-zealands-secondary-art-market-is-booming-now-artists-want-a-share">give an artist a share
of the sales price</a> when per work is resold.
This raises a number of moral issues.
<p>
New Zealand's proposed law it applies only to works that sell for more
than a thousand dollars.  I would not begrudge 50 out of that for the
artist.  As a practical matter, I'd be content with this law.
<p>
However, it is being presented as <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property"</a> and used
to boost the public's respect for that confused over generalization.

 


title: The bullshitter challenges debates
uri: The-bullshitter-challenges-debates
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(The_bullshitter_challenges_debates)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(The_bullshitter_challenges_debates)

content:
 
<p>

The bullshitter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/29/trump-press-democrats-debate-electoral-fraud-lie-schiff-meadows-capitol-attack">challenges Democrats to debate with him</a>.
<p>
There can't be a real debate with the bullshitter unless there is a
referee that can penalize him.  Otherwise, with each utterance, the
bullshitter will make up a new lie, and At the end, he will say, "I
won!"

 


title: Unconstitutional laws in Botswana
uri: Unconstitutional-laws-in-Botswana
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Unconstitutional_laws_in_Botswana)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Unconstitutional_laws_in_Botswana)

content:
 
<p>

Botswana's appeals court has ruled that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/29/botswana-upholds-ruling-decriminalising-same-sex-relationships">laws prohibiting homosexual acts
are unconstitutional</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Barbados_connection_to_Britain)
title: Barbados connection to Britain
uri: Barbados-connection-to-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Barbados_connection_to_Britain)
content:
 
<p>

Barbados has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/29/english-barbados-slave-society-republic-barbadians">proudly broken its last connection with the British monarchy</a>.
<p>
Barbados first <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/nelson-blm-and-new-voices-how-barbados-came-to-cut-ties-to-crown">removed a statue of Admiral Nelson</a>, for allegedly supporting
slavery.
<p>
According to Wikipedia, there is a debate about he whether did so.
A slaveholder published a letter from Nelson, after Nelson's death,
which contained an extremely harsh defense of slavery.  Some argue
that this was inconsistent with the rest of his actions and claim
that the words were not written by Nelson.

 


title: Police station attacked in Pakistan
uri: Police-station-attacked-in-Pakistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Police_station_attacked_in_Pakistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Police_station_attacked_in_Pakistan)

content:
 
<p>

A mob of religious fanatics <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-arrests-peshawar-e58e48e13e0f709f30753056437568a3">attacked a police station</a> in Pakistan
with the aim of kidnapping and lynching someone accused of blasphemy.

 


title: Ease of prosecuting those aiding in abortion
uri: Ease-of-prosecuting-those-aiding-in-abortion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Ease_of_prosecuting_those_aiding_in_abortion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Ease_of_prosecuting_those_aiding_in_abortion)

content:
 
<p>

With all the surveillance technology in place in the US, and all the
laws passed for the war that's on drugs, finding and prosecuting
everyone that assists friends or strangers in getting an abortion
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/29/us-abortion-supreme-court-roe-v-wade">could be as easy as pie</a>.

 


title: Students at AZ State University want to ban Kyle Rittenhouse
uri: Students-at-AZ-State-University-want-to-ban-Kyle-Rittenhouse
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Students_at_AZ_State_University_want_to_ban_Kyle_Rittenhouse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Students_at_AZ_State_University_want_to_ban_Kyle_Rittenhouse)

content:
 
<p>

Some students at Arizona State University demand that the university
expel Kyle Rittenhouse from a class, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/29/kyle-rittenhouse-arizona-statue-university-classes">ban him from campus</a>, to cater
to their feelings.
<p>
The university must not grant any group of students the authority to
order the expulsion or banning of other students.  To do so would grant
the first group arbitrary power.

 


title: Repression of Uyghurs ordered by President Xi
uri: Repression-of-Uyghurs-ordered-by-President-Xi
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Repression_of_Uyghurs_ordered_by_President_Xi)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Repression_of_Uyghurs_ordered_by_President_Xi)

content:
 
<p>

Secret Chinese government papers show that the repression of Uyghurs was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/leaked-papers-link-xinjiang-crackdown-with-china-leadership">ordered by President Xi himself</a>.

 


title: Algorithms for government decisions
uri: Algorithms-for-government-decisions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Algorithms_for_government_decisions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Algorithms_for_government_decisions)

content:
 
<p>

The UK plans a policy to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/nov/29/working-of-algorithms-used-in-government-decision-making-to-be-revealed">publish summaries of the "algorithms"</a> used for
making government decisions.
<p>
The article seems to equate "algorithm" to applications of machine
learning.  Properly speaking, those are not specific algorithms.
Will the policy apply to algorithms in the proper sense, which don't
involve any machine learning, and can be precisely described by their
source code?
<p>
Either way, this is a small step forward.  The state really ought to
use free software for all its computing, for the sake of <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/government-free-software.html">national
security and accountability</a>, and release the source code when there is no specific reason not to.
For software that makes decisions about people, it should always
release the source code -- which, when machine learning is used, also
includes the trained neural net.
<p>
Nonetheless, it is an advance.

 


title: Spanish company snooped on Assange
uri: Spanish-company-snooped-on-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Spanish_company_snooped_on_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Spanish_company_snooped_on_Assange)

content:
 
<p>

A court in Spain is <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20211127005000/https://news.yahoo.com/us-stonewalls-probe-into-security-firm-that-allegedly-spied-on-assange-for-cia-says-spanish-judge-191433247.html">investigating a company that snooped on Julian
Assange</a> while he was in the Equadorian embassy, and has asked the US
for pertinent information about the company, but the US has made
excuses for not answering.
<p>
The defense tried to raise the issue of this surveillance in Assange's
extradition hearing, but hampered in various ways.  The inability to
determine what the US had to do with the snooping may have harmed his
case.
<p>
The outcome of this investigation is directly relevant to whether
Assange will be extradited, so it is understandable that the US
tries to thwart the investigation.  Understandable, but dishonest.

 


title: Greenhouse emissions in retail shipping
uri: Greenhouse-emissions-in-retail-shipping
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Greenhouse_emissions_in_retail_shipping)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Greenhouse_emissions_in_retail_shipping)

content:
 
<p>

Calling on big global retail companies to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/29/cyber-monday-report-reveals-climate-wrecking-supply-chain-us-retail-giants">commit to cutting the greenhouse
emissions</a> of their shipping.
<p>
I think countries should tax the arrival of a ship based on the amount of
emissions it made in the voyage, increasing the tax rate each year.

 


title: Oblige countries to share info on future pandemics
uri: Oblige-countries-to-share-info-on-future-pandemics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Oblige_countries_to_share_info_on_future_pandemics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Oblige_countries_to_share_info_on_future_pandemics)

content:
 
<p>

The WHO calls for a treaty to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/29/who-chief-urges-pandemic-treaty-avoid-another-crisis-sharing-and-solidarity">oblige countries to share information
pertinent to future pandemics</a>.
<p>
The information to be shared would include observed observations
and technology (including how to make medicines).

 


title: Stamp-out-every-outbreak approach
uri: Stamp-out-every-outbreak-approach
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Stamp-out-every-outbreak_approach)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Stamp-out-every-outbreak_approach)

content:
 
<p>

Why the stamp-out-every-outbreak approach is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/29/omicron-shows-corporate-media-critics-chinas-zero-covid-strategy-are-way-mark">still advantageous for China</a>.
<p>
When mainstream media warn that a country "risks being left behind",
that generally is pressure to yield to the plutocrats' orders.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(The_New_Climate_War)
title: The New Climate War
uri: The-New-Climate-War
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(The_New_Climate_War)
content:
 
<p>
  Michael Mann's book, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/30/climate-warriors-need-new-battle-plan-0">The New Climate War</a>, describes how planet
  roasters have abandoned denial of the climate crisis and turned to
  distraction, and blaming millions of individuals for succumbing to the
  social pressures that the roasters have set up.
<p>
  Hie disagrees partly with Thunberg, saying that we should not despise
  the compromise policies recently adopted by governments.  They are
  inadequate, but they are motion in the right direction.
<p>
  When a powerful organization leads and pressures weaker and
  disorganized people to do something harmful, both the organization and
  the individuals are morally culpable -- but if we want to make an
  effective change, we must above all attack the organization.

 


title: (Satire) Dr. Scholl's Amputation Kit
uri: (Satire)-Dr-Scholl-s-Amputation-Kit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_((Satire)_Dr._Scholl's_Amputation_Kit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_((Satire)_Dr._Scholl's_Amputation_Kit)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Dr. Scholl’s Introduces <a href="https://www.theonion.com/dr-scholl-s-introduces-new-amputation-kit-for-dry-cra-1848104252">New Amputation Kit For Dry, Cracked Feet</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(FTC_and_Big_Tech)
title: FTC and Big Tech
uri: FTC-and-Big-Tech
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(FTC_and_Big_Tech)
content:
 
<p>
*The Federal Trade Commission <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/30/federal-trade-commission-has-power-break-big-tech-0">Has the Power to Break Up Big Tech</a>.*

 


title: Dozens of former Afghan soldiers and officials killed or disappeared
uri: Dozens-of-former-Afghan-soldiers-and-officials-killed-or-disappeared
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Dozens_of_former_Afghan_soldiers_and_officials_killed_or_disappeared)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Dozens_of_former_Afghan_soldiers_and_officials_killed_or_disappeared)

content:
 
<p>
  Dozens of former Afghan government soldiers and officials have been
  <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/30/asia/afghanistan-hrw-report-taliban-killings-intl/index.html">killed or disappeared</a> since the Taliban took over.
<p>
  The Taliban's leaders say this is not the Taliban's policy, and
  perhaps that is true, but it seems that they are not in control of what
  the Taliban actually do.

 


title: Republicans still trying to stop free and fair elections
uri: Republicans-still-trying-to-stop-free-and-fair-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Republicans_still_trying_to_stop_free_and_fair_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Republicans_still_trying_to_stop_free_and_fair_elections)

content:
 
<p>
  Republicans are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/30/shining-city-hill-ready-ignite">trying all possible avenues in parallel to prevent
  future free and fair elections in the US</a>, and their threat is real.
<p>
  What I don't know is, how can we stop them from succeeding?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(New_Zealand_drug_testing)
title: New Zealand drug testing
uri: New-Zealand-drug-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(New_Zealand_drug_testing)
content:
 
<p>
  New Zealand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/01/new-zealand-to-enshrine-protections-for-pill-testing-in-world-first">will legalize the practice of testing the illegal drugs
  that people plan to take</a>, to assure them that the drugs have the
  expected contents and dose.
<p>
  New York City will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/30/new-york-supervised-injection-sites-overdose">open supervised injection sites</a>,
    but no testing as yet.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Assange_and_US_Torture)
title: Assange and US Torture
uri: Assange-and-US-Torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Assange_and_US_Torture)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/30/assange-and-assurances-us-civilized-torture">What should we make of the US assurances regarding how Assange would
be treated if extradited?</a>* They are worthless, because they rule out
only a few special kinds of torture.  Torture and brainwashing are
standard practice in US prisons.

 


title: California gun control upheld by appeals court
uri: California-gun-control-upheld-by-appeals-court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(California_gun_control_upheld_by_appeals_court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(California_gun_control_upheld_by_appeals_court)

content:
 
<p>
An appeals court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/30/california-ban-gun-control-court">upheld California's law that prohibits large magazines</a>.
<p>
I worry that the Supreme Court will reject it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Fungi_and_the_climate_crisis)
title: Fungi and the climate crisis
uri: Fungi-and-the-climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Fungi_and_the_climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/30/fungi-climate-crisis-ally">Fungi in the soil that connect plants sequester lots of carbon in soil</a>,
but modern agriculture and global heating are destroying them.

 


title: FBI and recruiting non-US-citizens
uri: FBI-and-recruiting-non-US-citizens
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(FBI_and_recruiting_non-US-citizens)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(FBI_and_recruiting_non-US-citizens)

content:
 
<p>
  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/30/fbi-informant-watchlist-reputation-damage/">When the FBI tries to recruit a non-US-citizen as an informant, it
  first offers positive inducements; but if those don't persuade per,
  they may start harassment of per, even per friends too.</a>  The put Aswad
  Khan on the no-fly list, then put his friends on it too; this terrorized
  everyone who knew him, so they broke off contact and left him isolated.
<p>
  This behavior is what I would have expected from the KGB.  It hurts
  that my country is guilty of it.  The secrecy and arbitrariness of the
  no-fly list must be eliminated.
<p>
  I foresee that Khan will be compelled to turn, for friendship and
  business, to Pakistanis that are hostile to the US.  The FBI has left him
  no other way to go.  His friends must feel resentment to the US also.

 


title: Russia will act if NATO enters Ukraine
uri: Russia-will-act-if-NATO-enters-Ukraine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Russia_will_act_if_NATO_enters_Ukraine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Russia_will_act_if_NATO_enters_Ukraine)

content:
 
<p>
  Putin is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/russia-will-act-if-nato-countries-cross-ukraine-red-lines-putin-says">making bellicose demands, threatening to start a war
  if the west does not obey</a>.
<p>
  Specifically, he threatened to attack if western countries send troops
  to Ukraine, or even sell Ukraine antiaircraft missiles that could help
  resist the threatened Russian attack.  This while Russian troops and
  proxies remain in Ukraine.
<p>
  Rather than be intimidated, the west should do exactly what was right
  to do last week: give Ukraine weapons to help it mount a better
  defense but don't threaten Russia, point out that this is no threat,
  and expect Putin to do the sensible thing.
<p>
  Meanwhile, European allies must recognize that approving the Nord
  Stream 2 gas pipeline would be surrendering to Putin and to global
  heating at the same time.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(US_civilian_casualties)
title: US civilian casualties
uri: US-civilian-casualties
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(US_civilian_casualties)
content:
 
<p>
  The US <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/30/yemen-civilian-deaths-pentagon-investigation/">doesn't try its best to investigate civilian casualties from
  its air raids</a>, nor to avoid them.

 


title: European Omicron cases predates South African cases
uri: European-Omicron-cases-predates-South-African-cases
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(European_Omicron_cases_predates_South_African_cases)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(European_Omicron_cases_predates_South_African_cases)

content:
 
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/omicron-covid-variant-present-in-europe-at-least-10-days-ago">Omicron was infecting people in Europe</a> before it was reported from
  South Africa.
<p>
  Does this mean that blocking travel from southern Africa is useless?
  It can't possibly keep Omicron out of Europe or the US, but it may
  delay the growth of Omicron cases for some period of time.  Since we
  <em>may</em> be a race against the time to develop a new vaccine, that delay
  is important.
<p>
  However, once the number of daily new cases in some non-African
  country far exceeds the rate at which travelers from Africa might
  bring more cases, continuing the ban on travel from Africa to that
  country will do negligible good, so it will be time to end the ban.

 


title: Rain replacing snow in the Arctic
uri: Rain-replacing-snow-in-the-Arctic
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Rain_replacing_snow_in_the_Arctic)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Rain_replacing_snow_in_the_Arctic)

content:
 
<p>
  Rain will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/30/rain-replace-snow-arctic-climate-heats-study">more common than snow in the Arctic</a>, a few decades from now.
<p>
  This will rapidly destroy the permafrost, and perhaps release
  enormous quantities of methane stored in it.  That could cause a chain
  reaction of global heating.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Pfeizer_and_corporate_fraud)
title: Pfeizer and corporate fraud
uri: Pfeizer-and-corporate-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Pfeizer_and_corporate_fraud)
content:
 
<p>
*Pfizer Is Lobbying to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/11/29/pfizer-whistleblower-reform-corporate-fraud/">Thwart Whistleblowers From Exposing Corporate Fraud</a>.*

 


title: WTO and business-dominated global trade
uri: WTO-and-business-dominated-global-trade
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(WTO_and_business-dominated_global_trade)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(WTO_and_business-dominated_global_trade)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/29/the-guardian-view-on-the-wto-talks-poor-countries-cant-be-kept-poor">Business-dominated globalization of trade</a> was supposed to give poor countries
massive trickle-down, but it didn't.
  Maybe they should reject the WTO.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Presenteeism)
title: Presenteeism
uri: Presenteeism
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Presenteeism)
content:
 
<p>
Criticizing "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/30/toxic-workplace-cultures-are-sacrificing-employees-health-and-it-doesnt-have-to-be-this-way">presenteeism</a>", the demand that workers be present when
scheduled even if that is making them too ill to do actual work.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Amazon_and_the_Climate_Crisis)
title: Amazon and the Climate Crisis
uri: Amazon-and-the-Climate-Crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Amazon_and_the_Climate_Crisis)
content:
 
<p>
Why Extinction Rebellion <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/28/how-amazon-fueling-climate-crisis">protested by blocking Amazon distribution centers</a>.
It cites reasons that are only indirectly related to global heating.
<p>
I agree with those reasons, and they are among the reasons I urge
people to boycott Amazon.  But I tend to think that Extinction
Rebellion should keep a sharp focus on climate defense, and avoid
blurring the focus by bringing in tangential issues of any kind.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Two-tier_contracts)
title: Two-tier contracts
uri: Two-tier-contracts
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Two-tier_contracts)
content:
 
<p>
Union workers are energizde to fight "two-tier" contracts, which say
that <a href="https://labornotes.org/blogs/2021/11/year-im-thankful-revolt-against-two-tier">new workers will be treated worse than the old workers</a>.
<p>
This practice not only locks in future cuts in pay and working conditions,
it also breaks the solidarity of the union.  I doubt that employers will shed
even two tears about that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Spotify_Wrapped)
title: Spotify Wrapped
uri: Spotify-Wrapped
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Spotify_Wrapped)
content:
 
<p>
  Spotify flaunts how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/dec/01/spotify-wrapped-is-free-advertising-that-says-nothing-about-the-joy-of-music">it tracks what each ueer listens to, and invites users
  to boast about Spotify's knowledge of them</a>.
<p>
  This devious scheme is all the more vicious because it operates at an
  emotional level which most the manipulated victims can't even recognize
  as manipulation.
<p>
  Out, out damned Spotify!  If you can't stop yourself from using it yet,
  at least stop yourself from promoting it.
<p>
  If you have the strength to reject streaming, you can proudly say this
  How about this slogan:
<p>
  <blockquote>
    Any song I listen to,
    <br>
    I can share a copy too.
  </blockquote>
<p>
  If someone chides you by saying that sharing is illegal,
  you can respond with, "The music companies bought the law,
  but they can't make sharing wrong."
<p>
  What sharing slogans can you think of?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(George_Monbiot)
title: George Monbiot
uri: 2021-12-02-George-Monbiot
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(George_Monbiot)
content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: *Jailed for 51 weeks for protesting? Britain is
becoming a police state by stealth.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Salafi_Arabia_and_the_UN)
title: Salafi Arabia and the UN
uri: Salafi-Arabia-and-the-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Salafi_Arabia_and_the_UN)
content:
 
<p>
  Salafi Arabia bribed and threatened other countries to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/11/30/democrats-are-losing-control-narrative">get them to vote
  to terminate the UN investigation of its war crimes in Yemen</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Honduras_election_result)
title: Honduras election result
uri: Honduras-election-result
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Honduras_election_result)
content:
 
<p>
Xiomara Castro has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/01/honduras-to-get-first-female-president-after-ruling-party-concedes-defeat">won the election in Honduras</a>.

 


title: Remove computers from elementary school
uri: Remove-computers-from-elementary-school
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Remove_computers_from_elementary_school)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Remove_computers_from_elementary_school)

content:
 
<p>
  Calling for <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/11/29/remove-technology-from-elementary-school/">removal of computers from elementary school</a>, on the
  grounds that their use (beyond occasionally) is bad for education.
<p>
  I am not an expert on pedagogy, but I know that those computers are running
  nonfree (unjust) software, and much of it has <a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">malicious functionalities</a> --
  snooping on the children, and addicting them to systems that
  manipulate them.  So I concur with the recommendation.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Medicate_direct_contracting)
title: Medicate direct contracting
uri: Medicate-direct-contracting
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Medicate_direct_contracting)
content:
 
<p>
  Doctors warn that Medicare's new "direct contracting" amounts to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/congress-asleep-switch-biden-continues-trump-era-ploy-privatize-medicare">a plan to
  privatize and ruin it</a>.
  The wrecker started the plan, but Biden has not stopped it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Sebold_Broadwater)
title: How prosecutors convinced Alice Sebold
uri: How-prosecutors-convinced-Alice-Sebold
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Sebold_Broadwater)
content:
 
<p>
How prosecutors convinced 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/01/anthony-broadwater-innocent-us-victim-racist-miscarriage-justice-alice-sebold">Alice Sebold that Anthony Broadwater was the man who raped her.</a>
<p>
I've read that Sebold's memoir, Lucky, has been from withdrawn from sale.
The article did not say whose decision that was.
<p>
It would be wrong to continue selling it as it was written.  However,
an idea occurs to me. Sebold could invite Anthony Broadwater to add
an epilogue to it, and publish that version with the income going to
Broadwater and/or pertinent organizations for justice.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Thacker_lithium_mine)
title: Historical and cultural significance
uri: Historical-and-cultural-significance
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Thacker_lithium_mine)
content:
 
<p>
If a place has "historical and cultural significance" to some group, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/02/thacker-pass-lithium-mine-fight-save-sacred-land-nevada">does that imply there must not be a lithium mine there?</a>
<p>
I am not convinced.
<p>
Lithium is important for defending the climate.  We must not block
lithium mining based on sentimentality alone.
<p>
There are things whose physical presence can justify blocking any sort
of mine.  If a site holds historical or scientific _information_, or
important art that can't be moved, those call for protection.
However, it may be significant to keep the mine away from those
important things rather than outside the entire area.
<p>
Other scarce resources, such as water, and endangered species and
ecosystems, are also important to protect.  Mines tend to leak
pollution, and mining companies often try to weasel out of their
responsibility for the pollution they cause.  There should be no mine
unless reliable clean practices are enforced by a disciplinarian that
the mine cannot fire or disobey.  Those precautions would make the
lithium more expensive, but the lithium may be worth that cost.
<p>
However, we need not forego lithium because of anyone's sentimentality.
In this regard, I do not discriminate between indigenous people and
anyone else.
<p>
I'd be in favor of moving part of Arlington National Cemetery to make
way for a lithium mine, if necessary.  The cemeteries importance to
people is not due to its location, but to their sentiments about the
veterans buried there.  We can respect those sentiments by moving the
graves to a different location to enable mining the lithium.



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(ALEC_Fair_Elections)
title: Under Attack at ALEC Meeting
uri: Under-Attack-at-ALEC-Meeting
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(ALEC_Fair_Elections)
content:
 
<p>
*Fair Elections and 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/12/01/fair-elections-and-u-s-constitution-come-under-attack-at-alec-meeting/">U.S. Constitution Come Under Attack at ALEC Meeting.</a>*
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(New_Guinea_Covid)
title: Christian faith spreads Covid-19
uri: Christian-faith-spreads-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(New_Guinea_Covid)
content:
 
<p>
In Papua New Guinea, as in the US, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/02/the-fear-of-this-vaccine-is-real-how-papua-new-guineas-covid-strategy-went-so-wrong">Christian faith spreads Covid-19.</a>
<p>
When people catch Covid-19 shortly after vaccination -- before the
vaccine has time to become effective -- the faithful make an illogical
leap and claim the vaccine killed them.  They want to believe the
vaccine is harmful, so they find excuses to be fooled by.  Often it is
fatal.
<p>
Don't let this happen to you -- get vaccinated!

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Biden_Juan_Coup)
title: Biden Invites Venezuelan Coup Leader Juan Guaidó
uri: Biden-Invites-Venezuelan-Coup-Leader-Juan-Guaidó
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Biden_Juan_Coup)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden Invites Venezuelan Coup Leader 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/01/surreal-joe-biden-invites-venezuelan-coup-monger-juan-guaido-us-summit-democracy">Juan Guaidó to US "Summit for
Democracy".</a>*
<p>
President Maduro doesn't always respect democracy, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/01/20/pure-sadism-biden-blasted-continuing-trumps-recognition-guaido-coup-regime-and">but he does so more than Guaidó.</a>
<p>
And much more than US Republicans.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Trump_positive_covid)
title: Accused them of infecting him with Covid-19
uri: Accused-them-of-infecting-him-with-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Trump_positive_covid)
content:
 
<p>
The bullshitter held an event at the White House with relatives of deceased
US soldiers, then accused them of 
<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tested-positive-covid-before-gold-star-families-event-book-2021-12">infecting him with Covid-19. He had had a positive test the day before.</a>
<p>
In other words, he risked infecting them, then knowingly made a false
accusation. That gives a good overall picture of what he is.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_((Satire)_NASA_Delays_Walk)
title: (satire) NASA Delays Space Walk
uri: (satire)-NASA-Delays-Space-Walk
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_((Satire)_NASA_Delays_Walk)
content:
 
<p> 
(satire) *NASA Delays Space Walk After It Starts 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-delays-space-walk-after-it-starts-snowing-in-outer-1848137578">Snowing In Outer Space.</a>*
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(FERPA_law_changed)
title: FERPA law
uri: FERPA-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(FERPA_law_changed)
content:
 
<p> 
The FERPA law was passed to stop schools from handing out students' personal data to companies. 
<a href="https://studentprivacymatters.org/ferpa-changes/">The US government changed and reinterpreted the law so as as to facilitate and even require such snooping.</a>
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Yes_Men_Accused)
title: Someone has accused the Yes Men of inventing disinformation.
uri: Someone-has-accused-the-Yes-Men-of-inventing-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Yes_Men_Accused)
content:
 
<p>
Amazingly, someone has accused the 
<a href="https://news.theyesmen.org/p/the-yes-men-did-not-invent-disinformation">Yes Men of inventing disinformation</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Cow_dung_reduce_emissions)
title: Process can reportedly reduce methane emissions
uri: Process-can-reportedly-reduce-methane-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#3_December_2021_(Cow_dung_reduce_emissions)
content:
 
<p>A new process can reportedly reduce methane emissions from 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/01/europe/cow-dung-methane-climate-warming-intl/index.html">cow dung while improving its nitrogen content as fertilizer.</a>
<p>
It remains to be seen how well this actually works in practice when scaled up
to higher quantities.
<p>
This method won't eliminate all the methane emissions from cows.
They also emit methane through farting.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Twitter_new_policy)
title: New policy of deleting images posted
uri: New-policy-of-deleting-images-posted
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Twitter_new_policy)
content:
 
<p>
Twitter's new policy of deleting images posted without the consent of
the people shown in the image seem well-meant, 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/01/tech/twitter-remove-private-images-intl-scli/index.html">but could prohibit posting any street photography.</a>
<p>
I've proposed the criterion that occasionally snapping people on the street
should be legal, 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">but systematically collecting photos of everyone should be illegal.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Shells_seismic_whale_breeding)
title: Exploration of whale breeding grounds
uri: Exploration-of-whale-breeding-grounds
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Shells_seismic_whale_breeding)
content:
 
<p>
*Last-minute attempt to stop Shell’s 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/01/last-minute-bid-to-stop-shells-oil-exploration-in-whale-breeding-grounds-in-south-africa">[seismic] exploration of whale breeding grounds [off South Africa].</a>*
<p>
Seismic exploration can injure whales' (including dolphins') hearing, which may kill them.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(PR_companies_reject_climate)
title: Inculcating a conceptual framework
uri: Inculcating-a-conceptual-framework
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(PR_companies_reject_climate)
content:
 
<p>
Large PR companies have worked for decades inculcating a 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/research-reveals-how-pr-firms-have-spent-decades-fueling-climate-misinformation">conceptual framework to guide people to reject climate defense action.</a>
<p>
while trying to remain unidentified.
<p>
The culpable companies include Cerrell, Edelman, Glover Park, and Ogilvy.



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Workers_Would_Rather_Renewable)
title: Would rather work in renewable energy.
uri: Would-rather-work-in-renewable-energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Workers_Would_Rather_Renewable)
content:
 
<p>
56% of workers in the gas and oil industry, world wide, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/majority-worlds-oil-and-gas-workers-want-seek-employment-renewable-energy-industry">would rather work in renewable energy.</a>
<p>
Those companies fired many workers last year, and some refuse to come
back. But there will be room for all of them in renewable energy
if we invest funds to make it grow.



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(DOJ_persecute_Donziger)
title: Congress called on the Attorney General
uri: Congress-called-on-the-Attorney-General
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(DOJ_persecute_Donziger)
content:
 
<p>
Democrats in Congress called on the Attorney General to end 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/extractive-industries-everywhere-are-watching-9-democrats-urge-doj-free-steven">Chevron's use of a US court to persecute Steven Donziger.</a>



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Senator_Durbin_Guantanamo)
title: Durbin has proposed to legislate
uri: Durbin-has-proposed-to-legislate
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Senator_Durbin_Guantanamo)
content:
 
<p>
Senator Durbin has proposed to legislate to give each prisoner in 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/durbin-introduces-amendment-end-legacy-cruelty-closing-guantanamo">Guantanamo a real, civilian trial, or release him.</a>
<p>
I support this, but there are a few details that need attention.
<p>
First, what about prisoners that were tortured into confessions?
I think those confessions will be inadmissible in real US trials,
which could mean that they can't be convicted of anything.
Charges against them ought to be dropped, but will the proposed
amendment do this?
<p>
Second, what will the US do about prisoners that face no charges but
have no country they can safely go to?  That is not a justification to
keep them in prison.
<p>
I think it is ok to let them live in the US if they wish.  A handful
of non-citizens in the US, even if they wish revenge, will not make
any significant difference to the security of Americans.  They will be
insignificant compared with all the unidentified people who do or will
feel that way.
<p>
Third, what about those who find a home abroad and wish revenge?
There are so many people that wish for revenge against US
military violence that these would make no significant difference.



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Big_profits_US_inflation)
title: US price inflation
uri: US-price-inflation
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Big_profits_US_inflation)
content:
 
<p>
The cause of US price inflation is that corporations 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/11/30/executives-hike-prices-us-corporations-rake-biggest-profits-1950">which were making big profits saw an opportunity to make even more profits.</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_((Satire)_nations_embattled_CEOS)
title: (satire) Embattled CEOs Announce We Just Gotta Do Better
uri: (satire)-Embattled-CEOs-Announce-We-Just-Gotta-Do-Better
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_((Satire)_nations_embattled_CEOS)
content:
 
<p> 
(satire) *Nation’s Embattled CEOs 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/nation-s-embattled-ceos-announce-we-just-gotta-do-bette-1848137460">Announce We Just Gotta Do Better,
Simple As That.</a>*
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Labor_group_amazon_covid)
title: Amazon massively under reported Covid cases
uri: Amazon-massively-under-reported-Covid-cases
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Labor_group_amazon_covid)
content:
 
<p>
*Labor group says 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/30/business/amazon-covid-cases/index.html">Amazon massively under reported Covid cases contracted at work.</a>*
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Business_fairs_smallscale)
title: Fairs give children (and younger teenagers) an easy chance
uri: Fairs-give-children-(and-younger-teenagers)-an-easy-chance
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Business_fairs_smallscale)
content:
 
<p>
Acton Business Fairs give children (and younger teenagers)  
<a href="https://letgrow.org/a-business-fair-for-kids/">an easy chance to start a real business on a small scale.</a>
<p>
Sometimes they make substantial money. I expect that most do not
succeed to that point, but they can learn a lot even so.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Mega_activities_future)
title: Mega-damage
uri: Mega-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Mega_activities_future)
content:
 
<p>
Mega-activities that put some sort of waste into 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/01/oceans-fish-mining-wind-data-storage-oceans-growth-area-future">the ocean will eventually cause mega-damage.</a>
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(End_transmission_HIV)
title: Put an end to transmission of HIV
uri: Put-an-end-to-transmission-of-HIV
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(End_transmission_HIV)
content:
 
<p>
It is feasible to put an end to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/01/end-hiv-transmission-england-racism-immigration-injustices">transmission of HIV, with money and attention.</a>
<p>

 


title: Urgent: Bring the MORE Act to vote
uri: Urgent-Bring-the-MORE-Act-to-vote
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Urgent:_Bring_the_MORE_Act_to_vote)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Urgent:_Bring_the_MORE_Act_to_vote)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your congresscritter at (202) 224-3121 and
ask per to ask the House leaders to bring the MORE Act (H.R. 3617)
to a vote.
<p>
This bill would end federal prohibition of marijuana.

 


title: Urgent: Reproach Disney for its DRM
uri: Urgent-Reproach-Disney-for-its-DRM
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Urgent:_Reproach_Disney_for_its_DRM)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Urgent:_Reproach_Disney_for_its_DRM)

content:
 
<p>

Everyone: reproach Disney for its DRM on December 10, <a href="https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/idad-is-almost-here-take-a-stand-against-disney-on-december-10th">the Day Against DRM</a>.
<p>
Also, please spread the word.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Constitutional_Rights_of_Nature)
title: Constitutional "Rights of Nature"
uri: Constitutional-Rights-of-Nature
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Constitutional_Rights_of_Nature)
content:
 
<p>

*Ecuador's Highest Court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/12/02/ecuadors-highest-court-enforces-constitutional-rights-nature-safeguard-los">Enforces Constitutional "Rights of Nature"</a> to
 Safeguard Los Cedros Protected Forest.*
<p>
This demonstrates that countries can establish and defend broad
protections for natural ecosystems, including broad prohibitions of
actions that tend to damage them, without endorsing an appearance of
animism by saying that forests, rivers, etc. are "persons".
<p>
The push for animism can be seen in that article, however, where it
claims tat monkeys, bears, frogs and birds won this legal battle.
<p.
I am proud to say that human beings like you and me won this case.
Monkeys, bears, frogs and birds can be harmed by mining, but are not
capable of understanding what mining is, nor trying to regulate it.
Only humans can do that.

 


title: Pollutants that affect the sex ratio of babies
uri: Pollutants-that-affect-the-sex-ratio-of-babies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Pollutants_that_affect_the_sex_ratio_of_babies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Pollutants_that_affect_the_sex_ratio_of_babies)

content:
 
<p>

A large statistical study found that some pollutants <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/02/sex-ratio-of-babies-linked-to-pollution-and-poverty-indicators">affect the
sex ratio of human babies</a>.
<p>
It is inconceivable that that people who will have male babies would
tend to move to places with certain pollutants, while those who will
have female babies would tend to move to places with other pollutants.
The pollutants must be causing the change in sex ratio, somehow.  Most
likely each of these pollutants is more likely to cause an abortion of
one sex than the other.
<p>
We don't have any evidence about how far into the pregnancy these
abortions tend to occur.  If it is more than six weeks, some southern
US states may someday try women for <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/harvard-adds-caste-bias-protections-graduate-student-workers-rcna7279">"feticide"</a> if they live in
places where such pollution is present.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(The_coup_in_Sudan)
title: The coup in Sudan
uri: The-coup-in-Sudan
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(The_coup_in_Sudan)
content:
 
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/02/the-guardian-view-on-sudan-yes-it-was-a-coup-no-it-isnt-over">coup in Sudan is not over</a>: the military brought back
the civilian prime minister, but only as a front man.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Jet_fuel_in_water_supply)
title: Jet fuel in water supply
uri: Jet-fuel-in-water-supply
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Jet_fuel_in_water_supply)
content:
 
<p>

Military personnel at Pearl Harbor believe that jet fuel has leaked
from tanks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/02/honolulu-citizens-demand-closing-us-navys-leaking-jet-fuel-tanks">into their water supply</a>, because the water looks, tastes
and smells of oil.
They suspect that it is related to various symptoms that many have
developed.
<p>
The Navy has been warned about the danger from these tanks but didn't
pay attention until now.

 


title: Treaty to ban armed autonomous robots
uri: Treaty-to-ban-armed-autonomous-robots
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Treaty_to_ban_armed_autonomous_robots)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Treaty_to_ban_armed_autonomous_robots)

content:
 
<p>

The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/02/us-rejects-calls-regulating-banning-killer-robots">rejected the idea of a treaty to ban autonomous robots with
lethal arms</a>.
<p>
I can imagine US officials thinking about the current US advantage in
AI and concluding that unrestricted deployment of autonomous weapons
would give the US an advantage in this decade, so (they might conclude)
it is better to reject the treaty.
<p>
On the other hand, if 15 years from now China is in the lead in AI,
having this treaty in place already would benefit the US against China.
<p>
Those short-term considerations are the wrong way to look at this
question, because it is bigger than the narrow questions of short-term
advantage.  In the long term, this treaty will prevent a danger to all
humans.

 


title: British military response to accusations of rape
uri: British-military-response-to-accusations-of-rape
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(British_military_response_to_accusations_of_rape)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(British_military_response_to_accusations_of_rape)

content:
 
<p>

The British military has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/02/mod-overhauls-rules-for-investigating-sexual-offences-in-armed-forces">eliminated command influence</a> in the response to
accusations of rape.
This means that your commander won't be able to protect the accused.
<p>
Command influence is the poison in the military justice system, and
people have campaigned for decades to eliminate it from the US
military.

 


title: Support for workers fired for Vaccine refusal
uri: Support-for-workers-fired-for-Vaccine-refusal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Support_for_workers_fired_for_Vaccine_refusal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Support_for_workers_fired_for_Vaccine_refusal)

content:
 
<p>

Several states governed by the Covid Party now offer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/politics/florida-taxpayer-dollars-unvaccinated/index.html">unemployment support</a>
to workers that are fired for refusal to get vaccinated.
In effect, this amounts to paying people to undermine public health.
<p>
The Republican Party program is to keep Covid-19 circulating in the US
as much as possible.  This causes instability and harms the economy,
both of which make Americans unhappy, and they perversely blame Biden
rather the the Republicans who are doing it.
<p>
Some Americans foolishly accused China of releasing Covid-19
in order to hurt the US.  That accusation is implausible and there
is no evidence for it.  But that's basically what the Republican
Party is doing now.
<p>
One Democrat in Congress <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/02/omicron-emerges-us-gop-accused-trying-sabotage-our-pandemic-response">accused them without mincing words</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Democrats'_political_weakness)
title: Democrats' political weakness
uri: Democrats-political-weakness
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Democrats'_political_weakness)
content:
 
<p>

The causes of Democrats' political weakness <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/12/1/2067085/-Democrats-Problem-Ain-t-CRT?_=2021-12-01T16:15:05.000-08:00">don't include fringe wokeness</a>.

 


title: (satire) Tied-up Union organizers
uri: (satire)-Tied-up-Union-organizers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_((satire)_Tied-up_Union_organizers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_((satire)_Tied-up_Union_organizers)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Starbucks <a href="https://www.theonion.com/starbucks-dangles-tied-up-union-organizers-over-vat-of-1848117803">Dangles Tied-Up Union Organizers Over Vat Of Steamed Milk</a>.*

 


title: Helping poor people in eviction court
uri: Helping-poor-people-in-eviction-court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Helping_poor_people_in_eviction_court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Helping_poor_people_in_eviction_court)

content:
 
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/02/lessons-eviction-court">What a lawyer learned</a> by volunteering to help poor people in eviction
court.

<li>People with low wages are very likely to be evicted.
<li>In most states there is little to protect them.
<li>Federal assistance has funds for only a few.
<li>90% of rental units are owned by people who are quite well off
or by corporations that make heartlessness a principle.

 


title: Interviews with old, surviving Nazis
uri: Interviews-with-old-surviving-Nazis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Interviews_with_old,_surviving_Nazis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Interviews_with_old,_surviving_Nazis)

content:
 
<p>

Luke Holland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/02/it-became-crystal-clear-they-were-lying-the-man-who-made-germans-admit-complicity-in-the-holocaust">interviewed old, surviving Nazis</a> about their crimes under
Hitler.  Some of the interviews are now a film.
<p>
I wonder what will happen when modern Nazis see this film.  Will the horror
of Nazism break through their curtain of lies, or will they lie to themselves
about what they see?

 


title: (satire) DraftKings MLB hall of fame
uri: (satire)-DraftKings-MLB-hall-of-fame
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_((satire)_DraftKings_MLB_hall_of_fame)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_((satire)_DraftKings_MLB_hall_of_fame)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Rob Manfred Confirms Pete Rose Remains <a href="https://www.theonion.com/rob-manfred-confirms-pete-rose-remains-ineligible-from-1848143944">Ineligible From
DraftKings Official MLB Hall Of Fame</a> At Cooperstown.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(China_disinformation_campaign)
title: China disinformation campaign
uri: China-disinformation-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(China_disinformation_campaign)
content:
 
<p>

China ran an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/xinjiang-twitter-closes-thousands-of-china-state-linked-accounts-spreading-propaganda">organized disinformation campaign</a> to cover up the
imprisonment and brainwashing of a million Uyghurs.  Twitter just closed it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Deaths_from_air_pollution)
title: Deaths from air pollution
uri: Deaths-from-air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Deaths_from_air_pollution)
content:
 
<p>

Air pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/03/how-better-air-could-save-tens-of-thousands-of-lives-uk-pollutionwatch">kills over 170,000 people per year</a> in Europe.
<p>
I'd guess it's a comparable amount in the US.  It's population is around 3/4
of the EU's, but I think it treats poor people worse.

 


title: Minors jailed in inhumane conditions
uri: Minors-jailed-in-inhumane-conditions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Minors_jailed_in_inhumane_conditions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Minors_jailed_in_inhumane_conditions)

content:
 
<p>

Part of Australia regularly jails minors under inhumane conditions,
giving them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/04/warning-cage-like-conditions-for-young-people-in-nt-detention-is-history-repeating">only an hour per day outside the cell</a>.
Even children are jailed.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Atmospheric_river)
title: Atmospheric river
uri: Atmospheric-river
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Atmospheric_river)
content:
 
<p>

The atmospheric river that flooded British Columbia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/british-columbia-floods-animal-corpses-clean-up">killed over half a million
farm animals</a>, as well as destroying buildings, roads and bridges.
<p>
All kinds of infrastructure were inadequate for such a flood, but
improving them will be a never-ending game of catch-up unless we stop
making the climate worse.

 


title: Factory manager lynched in Pakistan
uri: Factory-manager-lynched-in-Pakistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Factory_manager_lynched_in_Pakistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Factory_manager_lynched_in_Pakistan)

content:
 
<p>

A mob of religious fanatics in Pakistan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/pakistan-sri-lankan-man-priyantha-diyawadana-tortured-killed-alleged-blasphemy-sialkot">lynched a foreign factory
manager</a> who was accused of "blasphemy".

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Republicans_abandoning_democracy)
title: Republicans abandoning democracy
uri: Republicans-abandoning-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Republicans_abandoning_democracy)
content:
 
<p>

*The Republican party is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/03/republican-party-democracy-political-violence-trumpism">abandoning democracy and embracing political
 violence</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Caste_prejudice)
title: Caste prejudice
uri: Caste-prejudice
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#5_December_2021_(Caste_prejudice)
content:
 
<p>

There are so many Indian students in US universities that <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/harvard-adds-caste-bias-protections-graduate-student-workers-rcna7279">caste
prejudice has come with them</a>.  Some US universities are taking measures
to resist it.
<p>
We don't know how long the phenomenon of Dalits has existed in India.
Some say that in the period 600-1000, when Hindus took control in India
and crushed Buddhism, they oppressed the Buddhists and that oppression
made them Dalits.

 


title: Ocean litter on a Seychelles atoll
uri: Ocean-litter-on-a-Seychelles-atoll
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Ocean_litter_on_a_Seychelles_atoll)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Ocean_litter_on_a_Seychelles_atoll)

content:
 
<p>

*   When environmentalists on a Seychelles atoll decided to race boats made
   from ocean litter, they had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/03/a-load-of-rubbish-ramshackle-regatta-flags-up-pollution-crisis">500 tonnes to pick from</a>.*

 


title: Philippine journalist Maria Ressa
uri: Philippine-journalist-Maria-Ressa
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Philippine_journalist_Maria_Ressa)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Philippine_journalist_Maria_Ressa)

content:
 
<p>

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, targeted with lawfare by President
Do-dirty, will be allowed to go to Norway to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/philippines-court-allows-nobel-laureate-maria-ressa-norway-journalist-travel-restrictions">receive her Nobel Prize</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Microgig_platforms)
title: Microgig platforms
uri: Microgig-platforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Microgig_platforms)
content:
 
<p>

Microgig platforms such as Mechanical Turk are designed to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/27/big-techs-push-for-automation-hides-the-grim-reality-of-microwork">keep the
labor force atomized and poor</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Wrecker's_Remain_in_Mexico)
title: Wrecker's "Remain in Mexico"
uri: Wrecker-s-Remain-in-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Wrecker's_Remain_in_Mexico)
content:
 
<p>

The wrecker's "Remain in Mexico" is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/remain-in-mexico-migrants-face-deadly-peril-as-biden-restores-trump-policy">now operative again</a>: making asylum
seekers that cross the US-Mexico border stay in Mexico while their
cases are considered.  The Mexican border cities are very dangerous.
<p>
Whatever we think of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, we can't blame
Biden for obeying a court order.  The last thing we need now is for
the president to promote the idea that the president can disregard
court orders at will.  That would help future Republican presidents do
the same.
<p>
However, there must be a procedure that the wrecker used to put the
"Remain in Mexico" policy into effect.  I expect that procedure could
revoke it, too, in a way that the court would accept.  So I wonder: is
Biden doing that?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Polar_bears_in_Churchill,_Canada)
title: Polar bears in Churchill, Canada
uri: Polar-bears-in-Churchill-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Polar_bears_in_Churchill,_Canada)
content:
 
<p>

Polar bears in Churchill, Canada, on Hudson Bay, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/no-easy-fix-polar-bear-capital-of-the-world-turns-to-electric-buggies-to-save-the-bears">face eventual extinction</a> when there is no longer any sea ice.

 


title: Nevada Supreme Court rule on gun company liability
uri: Nevada-Supreme-Court-rule-on-gun-company-liability
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Nevada_Supreme_Court_rule_on_gun_company_liability)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Nevada_Supreme_Court_rule_on_gun_company_liability)

content:
 
<p>

Nevada's Supreme Court ruled that a gun company <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/04/nevada-supreme-court-gun-makers-2017-mass-shooting-60-deaths-stephen-paddock">cannot be liable</a> if a person
uses its product for murder.
<p>
I think the judge's ruling is the only proper decision.  For any
product that can be used as a weapon, society has basically two
choices: permit people to make, sell, buy and own that product, or
forbid it.
<p>
If society decides to permit the product, it must not hold the maker
liable for crimes committed using it.  To do that would make
production so dangerous that no one would dare produce it; in
practice, production would be indirectly prohibited.  This applies not
only to products that are weapons, but also to other products which
are not intended as weapons, but are dangerous -- for instance, table
knives.
<p>
It is wrong for society to prohibit _anything_ indirectly via
unpredictable third-party liability.  (Can you name something else
that is now being prohibited indirectly in parts of the US?)  If
society decides to prohibit making, selling, buying and owning a
certain kind of product, it should do so explicitly and directly, not
by letting others sue the makers into bankruptcy.
<p>
I support prohibiting AR-15 rifles, and other guns that can be
converted in effect into machine guns with a convenient add-on.  Those
guns make more danger; as far I can see, there is nothing good about
them that could outweigh that reason to prohibit them.

 


title: Climate defenders sue UK government
uri: Climate-defenders-sue-UK-government
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Climate_defenders_sue_UK_government)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Climate_defenders_sue_UK_government)

content:
 
<p>

Climate defenders have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/04/environmental-activists-challenge-unlawful-uk-fossil-fuel-plan-in-high-court">sued the UK government</a> for establishing a plan for billions in subsidies for fossil fuel extraction.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Ads_for_carbon_capture)
title: Ads for carbon capture
uri: Ads-for-carbon-capture
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Ads_for_carbon_capture)
content:
 
<p>

Fossil fuel companies such as Exxon are running big ad campaigns on
podcasts, claiming that they will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/04/exxon-podasts-oil-company-ads-climate-crisis">cure global heating with carbon capture</a> &mdash;
which is unlikely ever to work well enough to make a difference.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Getting_daughters_from_PISSI)
title: Getting daughters from PISSI
uri: Getting-daughters-from-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Getting_daughters_from_PISSI)
content:
 
<p>

British parents asked the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department to help them get their daughters
back from <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  All the thugs cared about was interrogating the parents
then they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/04/police-treated-us-like-criminals-say-families-of-girls-trafficked-to-islamic-state-in-syria">exiled the daughters without talking with them</a>.

 


title: Donations cut to "centrist" Labour party
uri: Donations-cut-to-centrist-Labour-party
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Donations_cut_to_centrist_Labour_party)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Donations_cut_to_centrist_Labour_party)

content:
 
<p>

The Unite labor union will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/02/labours-main-union-backer-says-it-will-cut-political-funding">cut its donation</a> to the new, "centrist"
Labour Party.
<p>
I am sad to say I don't think this will change Starmer's politics.  He
must have a powerful reason to have chosen the mission to ensure that
no one like Corbyn ever leads the Labour Party again.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Defeat_the_US_and_conquer_Taiwan)
title: Defeat the US and conquer Taiwan
uri: Defeat-the-US-and-conquer-Taiwan
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Defeat_the_US_and_conquer_Taiwan)
content:
 
<p>

The Pentagon said it expects China to be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/02/war-world-iii-may-arrive-sooner-you-think">ready to defeat the US and conquer
Taiwan by 2027</a>.
<p>
The Pentagon may be saying this as a bluff to get more money.  It has
said such things before &mdash; compare the 1960 "missile gap".  It could
also be a valid prediction; if so, is there a way to avoid the two
alternate disasters?

 


title: Previous period of "refugee crisis"
uri: Previous-period-of-refugee-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Previous_period_of_refugee_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Previous_period_of_refugee_crisis)

content:
 
<p>

In a previous period of "refugee crisis", heroic people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/05/the-english-teacher-and-the-nazis-trove-of-letters-in-melbourne-reveals-network-that-saved-jews">risked all to help people reach Britain or the US</a> from a country where they were sure to be
oppressed and likely to be killed.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Gaza's_bookstores_and_libraries)
title: Gaza's bookstores and libraries
uri: Gaza-s-bookstores-and-libraries
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Gaza's_bookstores_and_libraries)
content:
 
<p>

Israeli bombers destroyed Gaza's bookstores and libraries last May.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/04/bookseller-samir-mansour-bookshop-gaza-bombed-faces-of-year">One has been rebuilt</a>, thanks to foreign donations.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Iran_blows_off_negotiations)
title: Iran blows off negotiations
uri: Iran-blows-off-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Iran_blows_off_negotiations)
content:
 
<p>

Iran has reportedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/04/iran-concessions-nuclear-talks-us-official">blown off negotiations</a> on the non-nuclear deal.
The other parties have not rejected further talks.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Drought_in_New_South_Wales)
title: Drought in New South Wales
uri: Drought-in-New-South-Wales
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Drought_in_New_South_Wales)
content:
 
<p>

The 2019 drought in New South Wales <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/05/just-sitting-there-dead-study-finds-mass-tree-losses-in-nsw-after-severe-drought">killed many of the native trees</a>,
in some places around 2/3 of them.
This is in places which weren't burnt by the wildfires.

 


title: Strike at 58 British universities
uri: Strike-at-58-British-universities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Strike_at_58_British_universities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Strike_at_58_British_universities)

content:
 
<p>

Workers are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/04/marketisation-lecturers-strike-universities">on strike at 58 British universities</a>, due to the low wages
and absence of job security of decades of making universities act like
businesses.

 


title: Supreme court being treated as political instrument
uri: Supreme-court-being-treated-as-political-instrument
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Supreme_court_being_treated_as_political_instrument)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Supreme_court_being_treated_as_political_instrument)

content:
 
<p>

Justice Sotomayor warned that the right-wing justices are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/04/us-supreme-courrt-sonia-sotomayor-abortion">treating the
Supreme Court as a political instrument</a>, and that this will destroy
respect for the court.
<p>
Republicans don't care about maintaining respect, because they aim to
impose nondemocratic minority rule.  As long as their supporters
control all political power, they don't care what the rest of us
think.  Their motto is, "Let them despise us, as long as they obey
us."

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Weak_Cop26_declaration)
title: Weak Cop26 declaration
uri: Weak-Cop26-declaration
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Weak_Cop26_declaration)
content:
 
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/03/why-cop26-failed-address-climate-crisis">Arguing that Cop26 produced a weak declaration</a> because of the unfairness
of singling out coal over oil and gas.
<p>
There is some truth in that, but I think it is a matter of details.
There are many powerful specific interests in one kind of fossil fuel
or another.  Whatever set of priorities among fossil fuel activities
an international campaign might choose &mdash; including the set, "all
fossil fuels are equally bad" &mdash; will arouse strong opposition
somewhere.  That opposition will create arguments about "fairness",
all aimed at "reduce that other fossil fuel in that other region first".
<p>
There will be no fairness in the climate disaster we are heading for.
Wealthy countries such as the US will be able to keep things going for
longer than India.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Limited_Covid-19_tests)
title: Limited Covid-19 tests
uri: Limited-Covid-19-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Limited_Covid-19_tests)
content:
 
<p>

Biden has proposed to have health insurance companies pay for Covid-19
tests, with a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/03/public-health-experts-slam-grossly-inadequate-industry-friendly-covid-test">limited number of tests available gratis</a> through
community clinics.
<p>
By international standards, this is an inadequate plan.

 


title: Laws to stop lending to fossil fuel investments
uri: Laws-to-stop-lending-to-fossil-fuel-investments
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Laws_to_stop_lending_to_fossil_fuel_investments)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Laws_to_stop_lending_to_fossil_fuel_investments)

content:
 
<p>

Senator Markey calls for laws to make the Federal Reserve start
pressuring banks to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/03/fed-chair-jerome-powell-failing-lead-climate">stop lending to fossil fuel investments</a>.
<p>
We also need to give the Fed a chair who will lead this:
not the Republican appointee Powell.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Poor_economies)
title: Poor economies
uri: Poor-economies
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Poor_economies)
content:
 
<p>

*Poor countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/03/poor-countries-mustnt-open-up-economies-until-they-are-strong">mustn’t open up [their] economies [to international
competition] until they are strong</a>.*

 


title: Republican governor buries mask report
uri: Republican-governor-buries-mask-report
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Republican_governor_buries_mask_report)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Republican_governor_buries_mask_report)

content:
 
<p>

Missouri's Republican governor asked on Nov 1 for a report on how
effective mask mandates have been at preventing Covid-19.  The results
showed that Missouri cities with mask mandates reduced 25% fewer cases
than other areas.  So <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/03/unconscionable-missouri-accused-burying-analysis-showing-mask-mandates-save-lives">he buried the report</a>.

 


title: Undermining enforcement of federal vaccine mandates
uri: Undermining-enforcement-of-federal-vaccine-mandates
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Undermining_enforcement_of_federal_vaccine_mandates)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Undermining_enforcement_of_federal_vaccine_mandates)

content:
 
<p>

A few Republican senators threatened to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/03/politics/republicans-biden-covid-mandates-government-shutdown/index.html">shut down the US government if
they didn't get their demand</a>: undermining enforcement of federal
vaccine mandates.

 


title: Urgent: Call on EPA to regulate methane emissions
uri: Urgent-Call-on-EPA-to-regulate-methane-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Call_on_EPA_to_regulate_methane_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Call_on_EPA_to_regulate_methane_emissions)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-demand-the-epa-limit-methane-the-oil-gas-industry-super-pollutant">regulate methane emissions</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Stop oil drilling on federal lands
uri: Urgent-Stop-oil-drilling-on-federal-lands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Stop_oil_drilling_on_federal_lands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Stop_oil_drilling_on_federal_lands)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/biden-no-drilling-public-lands/">stop oil drilling on federal lands</a>.
<p>
We need to stop new oil drilling on private lands too, but the president cannot
do that by himself.

 


title: Urgent: Fix the Supreme Court and save abortion rights
uri: Urgent-Fix-the-Supreme-Court-and-save-abortion-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fix_the_Supreme_Court_and_save_abortion_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fix_the_Supreme_Court_and_save_abortion_rights)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/scotus-roe-dec/">fix the Supreme Court and save
abortion rights</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word</p>

 


title: Urgent: Repair and improve the USPS
uri: Urgent-Repair-and-improve-the-USPS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Repair_and_improve_the_USPS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Repair_and_improve_the_USPS)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to carefully examine the nominees for
the USPS Board of Governors, and demand commitments to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-protect-the-usps">repair and
improve the USPS</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>

 


title: Urgent: Protect frontline communities
uri: Urgent-Protect-frontline-communities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Protect_frontline_communities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Urgent:_Protect_frontline_communities)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-take-action-against-polluters-that-harm-frontline-communities">protect frontline communities</a>.

 


title: Petition for release from Guantánamo
uri: Petition-for-release-from-Guantánamo
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Petition_for_release_from_Guantánamo)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#6_December_2021_(Petition_for_release_from_Guantánamo)

content:
 
<p>

*"Enemy combatant" [Abu Zubaydah] held at Guantánamo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/03/guantanamo-abu-zubaydah-war-is-over-afghanistan-court-filing">petitions for
release</a> because war is over.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Brazil_and_Covid-19)
title: Brazil and Covid-19
uri: Brazil-and-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Brazil_and_Covid-19)
content:
 
<p>
  Brazil passed a law to create a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/03/does-brazil-proposal-hold-key-ending-big-pharmas-stranglehold-covid-19-vaccines">compulsory license to patents that
  obstruct protection from Covid-19</a>, but Bolsonaro vetoed it; the Senate
  can override, but it has failed to do so.
<p>
  It is not clear to me how this law would enable vaccine manufacturers
  in Brazil to get access to the trade secrets of making the vaccines.
  One of the supposed reasons for the patent system is to procure the
  publication of details in patent applications -- but that no longer
  has the intended results.  Patentholders publish the minimum they can
  get away with, while keeping the rest of the details secret.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pressure_for_school_surveillance)
title: Pressure for school surveillance
uri: Pressure-for-school-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pressure_for_school_surveillance)
content:
 
<p>

Every shooting in a school <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/03/michigan-school-shooting-police-threat-assessment/">encourages pressure for more complete surveillance
of students</a>, which supposedly would make it possible to identify those
who will be murderers.
<p>
This approach doesn't seem to be practical, because even with lots of
personal surveillance data, it's hard to identify the few who will
actually commit violence.  The system gives warnings about many and
nearly all are false alarms.  The followups harass many and rarely do
any good.

 


title: Pro-corrupter lawyers ordered to pay
uri: Pro-corrupter-lawyers-ordered-to-pay
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pro-corrupter_lawyers_ordered_to_pay)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pro-corrupter_lawyers_ordered_to_pay)

content:
 
<p>

*Nine pro-corrupter lawyers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/03/donald-trump-lawyers-election-lawsuit-sanctions">ordered to pay $175,000</a> for sham election lawsuit.*
<p>
One of them faces federal charges of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/03/sidney-powell-filed-false-incorporation-papers-for-non-profit-grand-jury-finds">falsifying incorporation papers</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Poland_register_of_pregnancies)
title: Poland register of pregnancies
uri: Poland-register-of-pregnancies
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Poland_register_of_pregnancies)
content:
 
<p>

*Poland plans to set up [a centralized digital] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/dec/03/poland-plans-to-set-up-register-of-pregnancies-to-report-miscarriages">register of
 pregnancies</a> to report miscarriages.*
<p>
When women have miscarriages, the state might suspect them of having
had an abortion.  Some US states have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#19_October_2021_(Prosecuted_for_miscarriage)">prosecuted women based on
discovering that they had miscarriages</a>,
and some <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_(Miscarriage)">Latin American countries as well</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Winter_heatwave_records)
title: Winter heatwave records
uri: Winter-heatwave-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Winter_heatwave_records)
content:
 
<p>

*Winter heatwave <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/03/abortion-rights-driving-force-2022-elections-experts-predict">breaks records in four US states</a>.*
<p>
Hotter winters has harmful effects.  It can mean less snow or ice
remains to fill rivers in the spring.  It can enable pests to survive
and multiply, which used to live somewhere warmer.

 


title: Pegasus spyware cracked official's phones
uri: Pegasus-spyware-cracked-official-s-phones
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pegasus_spyware_cracked_official's_phones)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pegasus_spyware_cracked_official's_phones)

content:
 
<p>

The Pegasus spyware was used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/03/us-state-department-officials-iphones-hacked-nso-group-spyware">crack the phones of some US officials</a>.
This is in addition to officials of France and some other countries.

 


title: ALEC boycott companies that divest from fossil fuels
uri: ALEC-boycott-companies-that-divest-from-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(ALEC_boycott_companies_that_divest_from_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(ALEC_boycott_companies_that_divest_from_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

ALEC is <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/12/03/alec-launches-attack-on-banks-that-divest-from-fossil-fuels/">proposing that Republican-dominated states boycott investment companies
that divest from fossil fuels</a>.
<p>
I can't imagine what justification a state could offer for such a
boycott.  "Those rich little companies are getting less investment &mdash;
that is a horrible injustice!  We must support them!"?  It would be a
blatant act of partisanship, a law with no pretense of a public
interest purpose.

 


title: GOP rejection of vaccine mandate for men
uri: GOP-rejection-of-vaccine-mandate-for-men
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(GOP_rejection_of_vaccine_mandate_for_men)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(GOP_rejection_of_vaccine_mandate_for_men)

content:
 
<p>

*GOP <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/02/gop-reject-vaccine-mandates-men-demand-pregnancy-mandates-women">Reject Vaccine Mandates for Men</a>, But Demand Pregnancy Mandates for Women.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Shell's_permitted_explosions)
title: Shell's permitted explosions
uri: Shell-s-permitted-explosions
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Shell's_permitted_explosions)
content:
 
<p>

Shell has got final permission to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/03/shell-go-ahead-seismic-tests-whale-breeding-grounds-court-oil-south-africa">set off explosions off the East Coast
of South Africa</a>.
<p>
Even if Shell knows how to reduce the harm to whales' hearing from the
seismic tests, it makes no sense to permit exploring for oil under the
ocean bottom, or anywhere, because there is no room in the carbon budget
to extract that oil.

 


title: (satire) Experimental paper towel
uri: (satire)-Experimental-paper-towel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_((satire)_Experimental_paper_towel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_((satire)_Experimental_paper_towel)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Bounty Scientists Scream As Experimental Paper Towel <a href="https://www.theonion.com/bounty-scientists-scream-as-experimental-paper-towel-ab-1848156780">Absorbs
Entire Lab</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Michael_Reinoehl,_anti-fascist)
title: Michael Reinoehl, anti-fascist
uri: Michael-Reinoehl-anti-fascist
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Michael_Reinoehl,_anti-fascist)
content:
 
<p>

Michael Reinoehl, anti-fascist, admitted shooting an armed right-wing
counterprotester and said it was self-defense.  The thugs <a href="https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/09/07/rein-s07.html">went after
him and killed him</a>; some said he tried to shoot them, but others said
he was running away, unarmed.
<p>
Contrast this with how they treated Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot and killed
unarmed antiracist protesters and said it was self-defense.
<p>
The article makes claims about what "the Democrats" will do, and that
may apply to <a href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> Democrats.  I think some progressive Democrats
are different.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pfizer's_patents_and_secrets)
title: Pfizer's patents and secrets
uri: Pfizer-s-patents-and-secrets
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Pfizer's_patents_and_secrets)
content:
 
<p>

Pfizer's patents and secrets <a href="https://www.citizen.org/article/pfizers-power/">give it power which it uses to bully
governments</a> to agree to one-sided agreements (with unjust arbitration
instead of trials), and keep the whole thing secret from the public.
<p>
This shows that patents in the medical field are worse than just
instruments to gouge the non-rich and let the poor die.  They are a
system where peoples are ruled by corporations.
<p>
This system <a href="media/1dcfd209.45_1_stallman.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/law/students/publications/llj/pdfs/45_1_stallman.pdf">needs to be destroyed</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Oceanic_windfarms)
title: Oceanic windfarms
uri: Oceanic-windfarms
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Oceanic_windfarms)
content:
 
<p>

Oceanic windfarms <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/04/renewable-wind-energy-can-help-save-planet-and-oceans-marine-life">act as artificial reefs</a> that provide a much better home
for sea life than a flat bottom.  They can reinvigorate fishing.
In addition, they block the kinds of fishing that wipe out everything.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Principles_v_money)
title: Principles v money
uri: Principles-v-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Principles_v_money)
content:
 
<p>

*Principles v money: from tennis to F1, this is the real contest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/05/principles-v-money-from-tennis-to-f1-this-is-the-real-contest-taking-over-global-sport">taking over
global sport</a>.*
<p>
I never care about sports except on the rare occasions when I come
across an example of real heroism, something more important than
sports.  The Women's Tennis Association's defense of Peng Shuai was
such an example.  Since I never watch sports, I won't actually <em>see</em>
it, but I will read the news about it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(2_billion_year_old_plankton)
title: 2 billion year old plankton
uri: 2-billion-year-old-plankton
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(2_billion_year_old_plankton)
content:
 
<p>

Plankton that proliferated 2 billion years ago died and became graphite,
which lubricated rocks, which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/05/hot-news-from-two-billion-years-ago-plankton-actually-moved-mountains">facilitated the growth of mountains</a>.

 


title: Increase in French people's incomes
uri: Increase-in-French-people-s-incomes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Increase_in_French_people's_incomes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Increase_in_French_people's_incomes)

content:
 
<p>

French people's incomes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/05/why-was-france-the-first-to-have-kids-secularisation">increased in the late 1700s</a> because they became
less religious and practiced contraception more.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Gambling_addiction)
title: Gambling addiction
uri: Gambling-addiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Gambling_addiction)
content:
 
<p>
When <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/04/bereaved-families-demand-investigation-of-every-uk-gambling-linked-suicide">gambling addiction lures people into unpayable debt, some of them
commit suicide</a>.
  There are around 400 such suicides  a year in the UK.
<p>
  I was unable to find any comparable info about the US.

 


title: China pointing to grave US democracy flaws
uri: China-pointing-to-grave-US-democracy-flaws
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(China_pointing_to_grave_US_democracy_flaws)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(China_pointing_to_grave_US_democracy_flaws)

content:
 
<p>
China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/06/china-attacks-us-style-democracy-prior-to-biden-summit">points to the grave flaws in US democracy</a> to make itself appear
not so bad.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Aung_San_Suu_Kyi)
title: Aung San Suu Kyi
uri: 2021-12-08-Aung-San-Suu-Kyi
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Aung_San_Suu_Kyi)
content:
 
<p>
  Aung San Suu Kyi has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/06/aung-san-suu-kyi-sentenced-to-four-years-in-prison-for-incitement">sentenced to four years in prison, for various invented crimes</a>.
   Basically,
for acting as if Burma were a free country.
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/06/do-or-die-myanmars-junta-may-have-stirred-up-a-hornets-nest">Resistance to the coup is going strong</a>, a year later.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Tories_striking_legal_rulings)
title: Tories striking legal rulings
uri: Tories-striking-legal-rulings
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Tories_striking_legal_rulings)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/06/no-10-plans-to-let-ministers-strike-out-legal-rulings-they-disagree-with">put Humpty Dumpty in charge of laws</a>: they will mean
whatever ministers say they mean.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(UK_war_on_drugs)
title: UK war on drugs
uri: UK-war-on-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(UK_war_on_drugs)
content:
 
<p>
  The UK is planning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/05/users-of-class-a-drugs-in-uk-face-losing-passport-say-reports-of-proposals">its own version of a "war on drugs"</a>.
<p>
  I expect this to do increased harm, just as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_January_2018_(Drug_prohibition)">the US "war on drugs"</a> has done.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Salvaging_nuclear_deal)
title: Salvaging nuclear deal
uri: Salvaging-nuclear-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Salvaging_nuclear_deal)
content:
 
<p>
*US seeks Russian and Chinese support to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/05/us-seeks-china-and-russia-support-to-salvage-iran-nuclear-deal">salvage Iran nuclear deal</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(California_and_the_death_penalty)
title: California and the death penalty
uri: California-and-the-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(California_and_the_death_penalty)
content:
 
<p>
California's voters are leaning towards <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/05/california-halted-executions-now-it-should-end-death-penalty-once-and-all">repeal of the death penalty</a>.

 


title: High school students protesting prejudice and hatred
uri: High-school-students-protesting-prejudice-and-hatred
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(High_school_students_protesting_prejudice_and_hatred)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(High_school_students_protesting_prejudice_and_hatred)

content:
 
<p>
Students in various US high schools are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/05/us/racist-bullying-school-incidents/index.html">organzing to protest the
prejudice and hatred shown by others in their school</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Fentanyl)
title: Fentanyl
uri: Fentanyl
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Fentanyl)
content:
 
<p>
  Why is <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/93bb88/why-so-much-fentanyl-is-being-seized-at-the-border">smuggling of fentanyl</a> increasing as heroin decreases?  It's the
  "iron law of prohibition": "As you crack down on the original
  substances, you end up with a substitute that is usually more compact,
  more potent, easier to smuggle and more problematic, more dangerous."
<p>
  Biden wants <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/02/groups-say-congress-should-reject-bidens-harmful-sentencing-proposal-fentanyl">stricter punishment</a> for possessing or selling fentanyl.
<p>
  The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/06/britain-drugs-crackdowns-punishment-boris-johnson">hyperpunitive approach never stops people from using an addictive drug</a>.
  Because fentanyl is dangerous, we need policies that reduce the danger.
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#7_March_2018_(Portugal's_decriminalization)">Decriminalization</a> together with treatment can at least reduce the deaths
  from overdoses and contamination, and often helps reduce use.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Water_contaminated_with_jet_fuel)
title: Water contaminated with jet fuel
uri: Water-contaminated-with-jet-fuel
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Water_contaminated_with_jet_fuel)
content:
 
<p>
  Honolulu shut down its main source of water because of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/05/us/honolulu-halawa-shaft-water-source-contamination-navy-well-oahu/index.html">contamination
  with jet fuel</a>.
<p>
  When the Navy stopped pumping water from that area, because its water
  was contaminated, the result was to direct the flow towards
  Honolulu's well and contaminate that well's water.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Christian_Right's_dark_money)
title: Christian Right's dark money
uri: Christian-Right-s-dark-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Christian_Right's_dark_money)
content:
 
<p>
*'Global Empire of the US Christian Right': <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/03/global-empire-us-christian-right-dark-money-fuels-attacks-abortion-rights-worldwide">Dark Money Fuels Attacks on
Abortion Rights Worldwide</a>*

 


title: Facebook sued over Myanmar genocide
uri: Facebook-sued-over-Myanmar-genocide
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Facebook_sued_over_Myanmar_genocide)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Facebook_sued_over_Myanmar_genocide)

content:
 
<p>
*Rohingya <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/06/rohingya-sue-facebook-myanmar-genocide-us-uk-legal-action-social-media-violence">sue Facebook for £150bn over Myanmar genocide</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Coral_reefs)
title: Coral reefs
uri: 2021-12-08-Coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(Coral_reefs)
content:
 
<p>
*All coral reefs in western Indian Ocean "at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/06/all-coral-reefs-in-western-indian-ocean-at-high-risk-of-collapse-next-50-years-global-heating-aoe">high risk of collapse in next 50
years</a>."*
<p>
It doesn't mention the other danger of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#7_October_2021_(Coral_lost)">ocean acidification</a>.

 


title: New York's vaccine mandate for private employers
uri: New-York-s-vaccine-mandate-for-private-employers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(New_York's_vaccine_mandate_for_private_employers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#7_December_2021_(New_York's_vaccine_mandate_for_private_employers)

content:
 
<p>
*New York City sets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/06/new-york-city-vaccine-mandate-private-employers">Covid vaccine mandate for all private employers</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tennis_china_not_punish)
title: Federation says it has not suspended tournaments
uri: Federation-says-it-has-not-suspended-tournaments
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tennis_china_not_punish)
content:
 
<p>
*The International Tennis Federation says it has not suspended
tournaments in China because it 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/tennis/peng-shuai-itf-not-suspending-tournaments-intl-spt/index.html">"does not want to punish a billion people."</a>*
<p>
If that excuse were valid, it would be wrong to deny China anything it
wants, because (after China publicizes the denial) most Chinese would
feel you had denied them something, so you would have "punished" them.
<p>
A sports tournament is never so important that cancelling it constitutes
an unfair punishment to the would-be spectators.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_((satire)_federal_witness_pp)
title: (satire) Federal Witness Protection Program Criticized
uri: (satire)-Federal-Witness-Protection-Program-Criticized
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_((satire)_federal_witness_pp)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Federal Witness Protection Program Criticized 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/federal-witness-protection-program-criticized-for-faili-1848166422"> For Failing To Create Believable Female Identities.</a>*
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Right_wing_fanatics_school)
title: Funded campaigns to elect right-wing fanatics
uri: Funded-campaigns-to-elect-right-wing-fanatics
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Right_wing_fanatics_school)
content:
 
<p>
Rich right-wing fanatics have funded campaigns to elect right-wing fanatics
to school boards. Where they succeed, 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/12/5/2067746/-Rightwing-Politics-Disrupts-Education?_=2021-12-05T16:40:55.000-08:00">they enact policies to facilitate
spread of Covid-19 and try to sabotage education about racism</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(ALEC_injustices_lgbtq)
title: Anti-LGBTQ Hate
uri: Anti-LGBTQ-Hate
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(ALEC_injustices_lgbtq)
content:
 
<p>
*ALEC Is 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/12/07/alec-is-enabling-anti-lgbtq-hate/">Enabling Anti-LGBTQ Hate.</a>*
<p>
With all the 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/12/03/alec-launches-attack-on-banks-that-divest-from-fossil-fuels/">injustices that ALEC promotes</a>
One more injustice may seem to change little. But this may make
ALEC more vulnerable. Many companies have taken strong stands in
favor of gay rights, and they may find it hard to support ALEC given
this.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Aus_anticoal_activist)
title: Anti-coal activist
uri: Anti-coal-activist
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Aus_anticoal_activist)
content:
 
<p>
An anti-coal activist in Australia has been living in her car.
She can't go home, as she has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/08/nsw-police-seek-to-auction-off-car-of-convicted-anti-coal-activist-under-proceeds-of-act">been ordered not to see her SO for a year.
Now the thugs have seized the car and plan to sell it.</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Omicron_stealth)
title: Passes unnoticed with the quick tests
uri: Passes-unnoticed-with-the-quick-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Omicron_stealth)
content:
 
<p> 
Another variant, similar to Omicron, usually passes unnoticed with the
quick tests usually used. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/scientists-find-stealth-version-of-omicron-not-identifiable-with-pcr-test-covid-variant">Scientists have no idea how much it has
already spread.</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(National_strategy_Covid)
title: Outlining a national strategy
uri: Outlining-a-national-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(National_strategy_Covid)
content:
 
<p>
Outlining a national strategy 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/british-government-effective-covid-strategy-omicron"> to protect people from Covid-19.</a>
<p>



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Agriculture_plastic)
title: Disastrous plastic use
uri: Disastrous-plastic-use
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Agriculture_plastic)
content:
 
<p>
Agriculture uses lots of plastic, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/07/disastrous-plastic-use-in-farming-threatens-food-safety-un">generally single-use, and disposed of by burning or burying in the soil.</a>
<p>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tourists_antarctica)
title: Antarctic visitors threaten wilderness
uri: Antarctic-visitors-threaten-wilderness
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tourists_antarctica)
content:
 
<p>
Tourists in Antarctica bring 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/dec/07/antarctic-visitors-threaten-worlds-largest-remaining-wilderness">invasive species that grow in places where the ice has melted.</a>
<p>
Whether this new ecosystem is a bad thing, I'm not sure.
If there are no native species for them to drive out,
maybe no harm is done.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Trump_voters_covid_study)
title: Higher Covid death rates in trump counties
uri: Higher-Covid-death-rates-in-trump-counties
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Trump_voters_covid_study)
content:
 
<p>
US counties that voted more for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/07/trump-voters-counties-more-likely-die-covid-study">the wrecker have higher death rates
from Covid.</a>
<p>
The wrecker's supporters tend not to get vaccinated, and thus are more
likely to die.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(possible_sanctions_russia)
title: List of possible sanctions against Russia
uri: List-of-possible-sanctions-against-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(possible_sanctions_russia)
content:
 
<p>
Many in Afghanistan that the UK offered asylum to did not make it out, and
are now trapped there.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/how-an-afghan-reporter-was-left-to-the-taliban-by-the-foreign-office"></a>
<p>
Under those circumstances of chaos and hurry, almost anyone will make
mistakes.  Perhaps we should not blame the UK and the US for slipping up.
<p>
However, the UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/11/after-priti-patel-has-finshed-which-refugees-will-carry-a-torch-for-britain">seems in recent years to have become
systematically incompetent</a>
for all tasks that involve
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/14/irish-born-dup-peer-willie-hay-criticises-rules-for-obtaining-british-passport">doing things for
specific people.</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/14/home-office-lost-passport-osman-bash-taqi-battling-to-remain-in-country">Especially those that involve passports and visas.</a>
<p>
I don't know whether this is a matter of hiring corrupt or incompetent people,
or a workplace culture that makes it better to do nothing than to help
anyone who wasn't supposed to be helped, or something else.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Gebru_ai_tech)
title: Truly ethical AI
uri: Truly-ethical-AI
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Gebru_ai_tech)
content:
 
<p>
Timnit Gebru: *
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/06/google-silicon-valley-ai-timnit-gebru">For truly ethical AI, its research must be independent
from big tech.</a>*
<p>
The billionaire "philanthropists" of Big Tech dominate nonprofit
fundraising, too, and they use this to shape society according to
their ideas. Bill Gates set up much-criticized changes in education
in the US, and made almost all leaders and experts in the field
reluctant to criticize them because they hoped for funding from the
Gates Foundation.
<p>
Gebru's point makes sense to me, but that alone won't make AI in the
service of companies safe. Letting servers run by others dominate
your computing activities is giving those others tyrannical power over
you. That moral issue is separate from the one that Gebru raises. 
<p>
If part of what attracts people to use the servers is AI that "works
well", that AI will contribute to dominating people, even if there is
nothing wrong about how that AI itself functions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Sweden_RFID)
title: Sweden RFID
uri: Sweden-RFID
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Sweden_RFID)
content:
 
<p>
Sweden has adopted a multipurpose RFID person identification chip. This is very dangerous, 
<a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/facing-covid-passport-mandate-more-swedes-get-microchip-implants/2436048">because it tends to lead people to use one
chip to identify themselves for many activities.</a>
<p>
Even if different servers run by different operators control different
activities, their databases are all pre-indexed.
<p>
Getting the chip inserted into one's hand makes this more shocking,
but it is just the icing on the poisonous cake.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(black_defendant_jury_confederate)
title: Black defendant won a new trial
uri: Black-defendant-won-a-new-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(black_defendant_jury_confederate)
content:
 
<p>
A black defendant won a new trial 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/05/new-trial-black-man-white-jury-confederate-symbols-tennessee">because the jury deliberated in a room
with a Confederate flag and other symbols.</a>
<p>
This illustrates part of how systemic racism operates. The racism of
the Confederacy, and the slavery system it fought for, propagates
through the actions of its present-day adorers into racist influence
on other people.
<p>
The retrial will not exactly tell us whether that influence was
crucial in the first trial. Partly because the appeal found another
error in his first trial: some evidence will not be admitted next
time. Partly because it will have a different jury and maybe a
different judge. But also because influences like this are not
overwhelming. They do not compel a given outcome independent of what
the facts justify. Rather, they change tendencies. They may or may
not hurt a particular individual on a particular occasion, but overall
they make the system more unfair.
<p>
The article linked to above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it. But I make
exceptions for some articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism. That article is one of the
exceptions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(China_burmese_military)
title: US has no effective way to oppose it.
uri: US-has-no-effective-way-to-oppose-it
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(China_burmese_military)
content:
 
<p>
With China defending the Burmese military rule, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/05/myanmars-top-general-min-aung-hlaing-is-strangling-a-democracy-what-will-the-west-do-about-it">the US has no effective
way to oppose it.</a>
<p>
Sanctions would have little effect because China would not adopt them.
<p>
I wonder if there is some sort of communications technology that the US
could provide to the resistance, that might aid its efforts.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_((satire)_Centrist_nfl_fan)
title: (satire) Centrist NFL Fan
uri: (satire)-Centrist-NFL-Fan
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_((satire)_Centrist_nfl_fan)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Centrist NFL Fan 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/centrist-nfl-fan-spends-sunday-rooting-for-line-of-scri-1848156937">Spends Sunday Rooting For Line Of Scrimmage.</a>*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Victoria_border)
title: Victoria's border closure
uri: Victoria-s-border-closure
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Victoria_border)
content:
 
<p>
Victoria's border closure (with another part of Australia) blocked
thousands of residents of Victoria from returning home. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/07/victoria-ombudsman-covid-19-border-travel-permit-scheme-exemption-inhumane">They tried to apply for an exemption, but the automated bureaucracy made impossible demands.</a>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ralph_nader_corporations)
title: Crimes by corporations are ever more documented
uri: Crimes-by-corporations-are-ever-more-documented
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ralph_nader_corporations)
content:
 
<p>
Ralph Nader: crimes by corporations are ever more documented, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/06/must-reads-critical-exposes-abound-american-fascism-marches">but the US
government hardly ever really prosecutes it.</a>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Australia_offshore)
title: Australia's offshore immigration prisons
uri: Australia-s-offshore-immigration-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Australia_offshore)
content:
 
<p>
Former prisoners of Australia's offshore immigration prisons, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/05/dismay-at-uk-offshore-detention-plans-for-asylum-seekers">and former staff, rebuke the UK for planning to do likewise.</a>


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(South_africa_coal_phaseout)
title: South Africa's coal phaseout
uri: South-Africa-s-coal-phaseout
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(South_africa_coal_phaseout)
content:
 
<p>
*US, UK and EU will help fund South Africa's coal phaseout, 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/02/africa/south-africa-cop26-coal-intl-afr/index.html">offering a
model for the developing world.</a>*


 


title: List of possible sanctions against Russia
uri: 2021-12-09-List-of-possible-sanctions-against-Russia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(List_of_possible_sanctions_against_Russia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(List_of_possible_sanctions_against_Russia)

content:
 
<p>
A list of possible 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/07/us-russia-sanctions-joe-biden-vladimir-putin">sanctions against Russia if it attacks Ukraine.</a>
<p>
It is somewhat misguided to list canceling the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline
as a possible punishment, 
<a href="https://theyesmen.org/project/peacepipeline/reveal">since that pipeline must never be used in any case.
It would burst the carbon budget.</a>

 


title: Afghan reporters left by foreign office
uri: Afghan-reporters-left-by-foreign-office
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Afghan_reporters_left_by_foreign_office)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Afghan_reporters_left_by_foreign_office)

content:
 
<p>
Many in Afghanistan that the UK offered asylum to did not make it out, and
are now trapped there.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/how-an-afghan-reporter-was-left-to-the-taliban-by-the-foreign-office"></a>
<p>
Under those circumstances of chaos and hurry, almost anyone will make
mistakes.  Perhaps we should not blame the UK and the US for slipping up.
<p>
However, the UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/11/after-priti-patel-has-finshed-which-refugees-will-carry-a-torch-for-britain">seems in recent years to have become
systematically incompetent</a>
for all tasks that involve
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/14/irish-born-dup-peer-willie-hay-criticises-rules-for-obtaining-british-passport">doing things for
specific people.</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/14/home-office-lost-passport-osman-bash-taqi-battling-to-remain-in-country">Especially those that involve passports and visas.</a>
<p>
I don't know whether this is a matter of hiring corrupt or incompetent people,
or a workplace culture that makes it better to do nothing than to help
anyone who wasn't supposed to be helped, or something else.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#9_December_2021_(Shoplifting_crimes)
title: Shoplifting crimes
uri: Shoplifting-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#9_December_2021_(Shoplifting_crimes)
content:
 
<p>
* A wave of shoplifting crimes are attracting
   front-page news, while the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/want-to-be-a-criminal-in-america-stealing-billions-is-your-best-bet-to-go-scot-free">$15bn stolen by corporations from
   workers</a> receives no coverage at all.*
<p>
  Of course, what drives the headlines is notoriety.  A video of someone
shoplifting is surprising, since we expect those thieves to try to
avoid notice.  Theft of workers' wages happens quietly.  It is a very
important problem, but it is not news.
<p>
  People get arrested for stealing products from stores, but stealing
wages requires a lawsuit.  The lawsuit requires private funds, and no
  one will be arrested for the theft.
<p>
  If bosses were arrested for stealing wages, they might stop.  That is
the kind of crime that punishment ought to deter effectively.
So why don't we do that?
<p>
  I suppose it is partly because business owners have more political
power than workers.  But also because businesses do this by making
unfair rules and then enforcing them.  To stop that requires a trial
to judge the rules.
<p>
  If some of these rules were standardized by law, it would be easier
  to arrest bosses for trying to impose illegal rules on workers.
<p>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/there-ought-to-be-a-law.html#fined-for-subcontracting-more-than-120-hours-in-each-of-4-successive-months">Subcontracting work</a> is popular partly because it allows the company or
agency that pays for the work to avoid responsibility for the work.
Cutting pay and speeding up the work are one common result; another is
that the work is done badly and people have no recourse for it.  I
advocate laws to restrict subcontracting to a much lower level.

 


title: Urgent: Limit banks' investment in fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Limit-banks-investment-in-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Urgent:_Limit_banks'_investment_in_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Urgent:_Limit_banks'_investment_in_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the FDIC to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-fdic-wake-up-and-start-managing-banks-climate-risk">limit banks' investments in fossil fuels</a>
and in industries that bet on heavy use of fossil fuels.

 


title: Urgent: Pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Protecting-Our-Democracy-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Protecting_Our_Democracy_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Protecting_Our_Democracy_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to pass the <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/PODA/">Protecting Our Democracy
Act</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>

 


title: Shoplifting in the news, vs billions stolen by corporations
uri: Shoplifting-in-the-news-vs-billions-stolen-by-corporations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Shoplifting_in_the_news,_vs_billions_stolen_by_corporations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Shoplifting_in_the_news,_vs_billions_stolen_by_corporations)

content:
 
<p>

* A wave of shoplifting crimes are attracting
   front-page news, while the $15bn stolen by corporations from
   workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/want-to-be-a-criminal-in-america-stealing-billions-is-your-best-bet-to-go-scot-free">receives no coverage at all</a>.*
<p>
Of course, what drives the headlines is notoriety.  A video of someone
shoplifting is surprising, since we expect those thieves to try to
avoid notice.  Theft of workers' wages happens quietly.  It is a very
important problem, but it is not news.
<p>
People get arrested for stealing products from stores, but stealing
wages requires a lawsuit.  The lawsuit requires private funds, and no
one will be arrested for the theft.
<p>
If bosses were arrested for stealing wages, they might stop.  That is
the kind of crime that punishment ought to deter effectively.
So why don't we do that?
<p>
I suppose it is partly because business owners have more political
power than workers.  But also because businesses do this by making
unfair rules and then enforcing them.  To stop that requires a trial
to judge the rules.
<p>
If some of these rules were standardized by law, it would be easier
to arrest bosses for trying to impose illegal rules on workers.
<p>
Subcontracting work is popular partly because it allows the company or
agency that pays for the work to avoid responsibility for the work.
Cutting pay and speeding up the work are one common result; another is
that the work is done badly and people have no recourse for it.  I
advocate laws to restrict subcontracting to a much lower level.
<!--
[there-ought-to-be-a-law.html,
link to the item that starts, "    Businesses should be heavily fined if they use subcontracted
    workers..."]
-->

 


title: Egypt released Patrick Zaki on bail
uri: Egypt-released-Patrick-Zaki-on-bail
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Egypt_released_Patrick_Zaki_on_bail)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Egypt_released_Patrick_Zaki_on_bail)

content:
 
<p>

Egypt has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/egyptian-researcher-court-orders-release-patrick-zaki">released Patrick Zaki on bail</a>.  He still faces years in
prison for publishing his experience confronting the prejudice against
Egyptian Christians.
<p>
Someone commented "Thank God" about his release.  I find that
particularly ironic, given that religion is the cause of his problems.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tories_war_on_drugs_won't_work)
title: Tories war on drugs won't work
uri: Tories-war-on-drugs-won-t-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Tories_war_on_drugs_won't_work)
content:
 
<p>

*Abstinence-based recovery nearly killed me &mdash; the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/abstinence-based-recovery-nearly-killed-me-war-on-drugs">Tories’ ‘war on
drugs’ won’t work</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Bill_to_privatize_the_NHS)
title: Bill to privatize the NHS
uri: Bill-to-privatize-the-NHS
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Bill_to_privatize_the_NHS)
content:
 
<p>

The Tories have proposed a bill to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/public-nhs-the-new-health-and-care-bill-alarm-bells-privatisation">privatize the NHS in substance</a>.
<p>
They have made the horrible and inadequate US medical system (horrible
and inadequate if you're not wealthy) as their model.  But in one
respect, they have chosen to go further, by removing the requirement
that the NHS provide emergency care to everyone.
<p>
Given the Tory attitude towards refugees, I suppose that soon
they won't get treatment even for broken bones, as part of the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_(UK_hostile_environment_policy)">"hostile environment"</a>.

 


title: Biden makes no change to wrecker's attack on immigration judge union
uri: Biden-makes-no-change-to-wrecker-s-attack-on-immigration-judge-union
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Biden_makes_no_change_to_wrecker's_attack_on_immigration_judge_union)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Biden_makes_no_change_to_wrecker's_attack_on_immigration_judge_union)

content:
 
<p>

Biden promised he would reverse the wrecker's attack on the
immigration judge union, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/07/us-immigration-judges-union-biden-administration">has not made any change</a>.

 


title: "Emergency" approval of neonicotinoid pesticide
uri: Emergency-approval-of-neonicotinoid-pesticide
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Emergency_approval_of_neonicotinoid_pesticide)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Emergency_approval_of_neonicotinoid_pesticide)

content:
 
<p>

The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/07/defra-may-approve-devastating-bee-killing-pesticide-campaigners-fear">considering an "emergency" approval</a> for use of a
neonicotinoid pesticide.
<p>
There is a real emergency, but use of neonicotinoids creates its own
future emergency for which we have no remedy.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(UK_capital_gains_tax)
title: UK capital gains tax
uri: UK-capital-gains-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(UK_capital_gains_tax)
content:
 
<p>

The UK was going to raise the capital gains tax, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/07/levelling-up-chancellor-rishi-sunak-tax-injustice-capital-gains-tax-voters">quietly dropped the plan</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ties_that_bind_nations)
title: Ties that bind nations
uri: Ties-that-bind-nations
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ties_that_bind_nations)
content:
 
<p>

The ties that now bind nations together are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/05/high-gas-bills-vladimir-putin-perils-of-connected-world">becoming methods for
fighting each other</a>.
<p>
In the 1970s, the short-sighted western countries responded to OPEC's
power with a campaign to boost their own extraction of fossil fuels.
That campaign is still advancing, even though we now know it is
suicidal.
<p>
The best way to respond to Putin's threats is to speed up renewable electric
generation.

 


title: Wildfires broke carbon emission records
uri: Wildfires-broke-carbon-emission-records
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Wildfires_broke_carbon_emission_records)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Wildfires_broke_carbon_emission_records)

content:
 
<p>

*Wildfires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/wildfires-broke-carbon-emission-records-us-siberia-turkey">broke carbon emission records</a> from Siberia to the American west.*

 


title: China offering vaccines to African countries
uri: China-offering-vaccines-to-African-countries
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(China_offering_vaccines_to_African_countries)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(China_offering_vaccines_to_African_countries)

content:
 
<p>

China is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/08/more-cautious-china-shifts-africa-approach-from-debt-to-vaccine-diplomacy">offering vaccines instead of loans</a> to win diplomatic
support from African countries.
<p>
The new approach is much better for those African countries.  I wish
the US were inclined to compete with China at it.  If it were not for
the oppressiveness of China, and its plan to conquer and subjugate
Taiwan, I would wish China success in this competition.

 


title: Temperatures devastated Oregon Christmas trees
uri: Temperatures-devastated-Oregon-Christmas-trees
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Temperatures_devastated_Oregon_Christmas_trees)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Temperatures_devastated_Oregon_Christmas_trees)

content:
 
<p>

Record high temperatures <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/weather/weather-news-heat-kills-christmas-trees-hawaii-flooding-wxn/index.html">devastated the Christmas tree crop</a> planted in
Oregon this year.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ethereum_power_use)
title: Ethereum power use
uri: Ethereum-power-use
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Ethereum_power_use)
content:
 
<p>

A meticulous approximation says that <a href="https://kcimc.medium.com/ethereum-emissions-c750556e7364">Ethereum uses around 2 to 3
gigawatts</a>.  That is equivalent to 2 to 3 coal-fired power plants, or
1/3 of what Americans use for watching TV.

 


title: Republicans attack idea of law applying equally
uri: Republicans-attack-idea-of-law-applying-equally
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Republicans_attack_idea_of_law_applying_equally)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Republicans_attack_idea_of_law_applying_equally)

content:
 
<p>

Republicans <a href="https://bostonreview.net/articles/in-praise-of-one-size-fits-all/">attack the basic idea of having the law apply equally to
everyone</a> &mdash; and thereby the basic idea of public health rules that people
are requires to obey to keep the public safe.

 


title: Prediction of a person's appearance from DNA
uri: Prediction-of-a-person-s-appearance-from-DNA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Prediction_of_a_person's_appearance_from_DNA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Prediction_of_a_person's_appearance_from_DNA)

content:
 
<p>

It is now possible to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/08/how-australian-police-will-use-dna-sequencing-to-predict-what-suspects-look-like">predict a person's physical appearance fairly reliably from per DNA sequence</a>.
<p>
Since our current knowledge of the significance of genes is imperfect,
some people will not actually resemble the prediction.  This may cause
the wrong people to be questioned.  At least it will be possible to
prove, with their DNA, that they are not the suspect.
<p>
Other possible problems are not caused by inaccuracy of prediction.
However, I don't think we should call it "racial profiling" when the
state suspects people in racial group R <em>because it is known that the
culprit was in group R</em>.  If a witness says, "He was black" or "He was
white", we would not call it "racial profiling" if that led to
questioning blacks, or to questioning whites.
<p>
Real racial profiling is when cops jump to the conclusion that they
should search for a certain group, <em>not</em> based on knowledge, but rather
based on assuming that people in group R are likely to be criminals.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Enough_food_for_the_world)
title: Enough food for the world
uri: Enough-food-for-the-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Enough_food_for_the_world)
content:
 
<p>

The world can produce enough food for the current human population.
but it might take <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/07/hunger-over-if-we-want-it">big social changes as well as changes in diets</a>.
<p>
Resistance to those changes will be strong.
<p>
The smaller the human population, the smaller the necessary changes
will be.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(UK_denied_asylum_to_Seyfu_Jamaal)
title: UK denied asylum to Seyfu Jamaal
uri: UK-denied-asylum-to-Seyfu-Jamaal
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(UK_denied_asylum_to_Seyfu_Jamaal)
content:
 
<p>

The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/07/runner-faces-uk-deportation-despite-state-of-emergency-in-ethiopia">denied asylum to Ethiopian Seyfu Jamaal</a>, saying he would be
safe in Ethiopia where civil war is spreading.

 


title: Trust in US military investigations
uri: Trust-in-US-military-investigations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Trust_in_US_military_investigations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Trust_in_US_military_investigations)

content:
 
<p>

Congress <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/07/us-military-cant-be-trusted-investigate-civilian-casualties">must not trust the US military to take civilian casualties
seriously</a> and investigate them properly.  Congress should do the
investigating.

 


title: California canceled approval of sulfoxaflor
uri: California-canceled-approval-of-sulfoxaflor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(California_canceled_approval_of_sulfoxaflor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(California_canceled_approval_of_sulfoxaflor)

content:
 
<p>

California has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/incredibly-important-victory-nations-honey-bees-california-high-court">canceled the approval of the pesticide sulfoxaflor</a>,
because of its danger to bees.
<p>
It is probably dangerous to other non-pest insects, too.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Global_wealth_since_1995)
title: Global wealth since 1995
uri: Global-wealth-since-1995
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Global_wealth_since_1995)
content:
 
<p>

*   Since 1995, members of the global 1% have
   <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/richest-1-took-38-new-global-wealth-1995-bottom-half-got-just-2">captured 38% of all new wealth</a> while the poorest half of humanity has
   benefited from just 2%.*
<p>
*Global inequality "as marked as it was at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/07/global-inequality-western-imperialism-super-rich">peak of western imperialism</a>."*

 


title: British government apologized for failed fire regulation
uri: British-government-apologized-for-failed-fire-regulation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(British_government_apologized_for_failed_fire_regulation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(British_government_apologized_for_failed_fire_regulation)

content:
 
<p>

The British government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/07/grenfell-inquiry-government-deeply-sorry-for-past-failures">formally apologized</a> for failing to enforce fire
regulations, with the result that 72 people died in a fire spread by
flammable building materials.  
<p>
Now will it take responsibility for fixing firetrap apartments that
people bought, who now can't afford to pay to make them safe?  The
government agreed to pay for this for tall buildings, but <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#8_July_2021_(Solutions_for_some)">arbitrarily
decided to leave the people in shorter buildings trapped there</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Gratis_Covid_tests)
title: Gratis Covid tests
uri: Gratis-Covid-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Gratis_Covid_tests)
content:
 
<p>

*White House <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/maddening-white-house-dismisses-idea-mailing-out-free-covid-tests-other-nations">Dismisses Idea of Mailing Out [Gratis] Covid Tests</a> Like
Other Nations.*

 


title: Rescue of dogs and cats from Afghanistan
uri: Rescue-of-dogs-and-cats-from-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Rescue_of_dogs_and_cats_from_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#8_December_2021_(Rescue_of_dogs_and_cats_from_Afghanistan)

content:
 
<p>

It looks like Bogus Johnson ordered an evacuation plane to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/afghanistan-boris-johnson-airlift-animals-dominic-dyer">take rescue
dogs and cats out of Afghanistan</a> and leave some human beings behind.
<p>
This shows why I agree only to a limited extent with idea of animal
rights: because strong support tends to lead people to save dogs they
love rather than human beings they don't know.
<p>
I doubt that Bogus Johnson really cared about those pets, any more
than he cares about Afghans or Britons in general.  But I think that
Farthing must have cared about the pets, and that motivated him to use
some sort of personal connection to get this favor from Johnson.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Sinema's_tax_loopholes)
title: Sinema's tax loopholes
uri: Sinema-s-tax-loopholes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Sinema's_tax_loopholes)
content:
 
<p>
The Patriotic Millionaires <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/sinema-targeted-over-morally-unforgivable-tax-loophole-rich">rebuked Senator Sinema for defending the
carried interest loopole, which cuts taxes for private equity funds</a>.
<p>
I think those are the same funds that have destroyed many US companies
by selling off their valuable assets and leaving them with debts that
will force them to shut down.

 


title: Greenpeace activists and the Royal Bank of Canada
uri: Greenpeace-activists-and-the-Royal-Bank-of-Canada
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Greenpeace_activists_and_the_Royal_Bank_of_Canada)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Greenpeace_activists_and_the_Royal_Bank_of_Canada)

content:
 
<p>
Greenpeace activists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/greenpeace-activists-canadian-banks-stop-funding-climate-chaos-and-injustice">blocked doors of the Royal Bank of Canada,
demanding that it stop funding climate disaster</a>.
<p>
Activists also offer the bank's executives charred wood from houses
burned by wildfires in Canada.

 


title: Comptroller of the Currency rejection
uri: Comptroller-of-the-Currency-rejection
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Comptroller_of_the_Currency_rejection)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Comptroller_of_the_Currency_rejection)

content:
 
<p>Right-wing Democrats joined with Republicans to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/07/politics/saule-omarova-withdraws-comptroller-of-the-currency/index.html">reject Biden's nominee for head of the Comptroller of the Currency</a>.
Perhaps she was inclined to do the part of her job which includes
investigating misconduct by banks.

 


title: Kellogg's workers reject two-teir contract
uri: Kellogg-s-workers-reject-two-teir-contract
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Kellogg's_workers_reject_two-teir_contract)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Kellogg's_workers_reject_two-teir_contract)

content:
 
<p>
  Kellogg's workers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/unbreakable-solidarity-kelloggs-workers-reject-contract-would-leave-new-employees">voted to reject a "two-tier" contract</a>
  that would pay all new workers less than the old ones.

 


title: Australia appealing to Christianity against climate change
uri: Australia-appealing-to-Christianity-against-climate-change
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Australia_appealing_to_Christianity_against_climate_change)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Australia_appealing_to_Christianity_against_climate_change)

content:
 
<p>
In Australia, Labor (much like US Democrats, mostly plutocratist)
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/09/labor-calls-for-grassroots-mobilisation-of-religious-australians-to-tackle-climate-crisis">appealing to Christianity to mobilize people for climate defense</a>.
<p>
I wonder if that would work in the US.

 


title: Styrofoam and the antibiotic resistance crisis
uri: Styrofoam-and-the-antibiotic-resistance-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Styrofoam_and_the_antibiotic_resistance_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Styrofoam_and_the_antibiotic_resistance_crisis)

content:
 
<p>
*Styrofoam trash <a href="https://www.futurity.org/styrofoam-containers-antibiotic-resistance-2666152/">adds to antibiotic resistance crisis</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Microplastics_and_human_cells)
title: Microplastics and human cells
uri: Microplastics-and-human-cells
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Microplastics_and_human_cells)
content:
 
<p>
An analysis of lab experiments found that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/08/microplastics-damage-human-cells-study-plastic">microplastics, in realistic
concentrations, can harm human cells</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Oil_company_against_wind_farm)
title: Oil company against wind farm
uri: Oil-company-against-wind-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Oil_company_against_wind_farm)
content:
 
<p>
An <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/06/oil-industry-wind-farm-prevent/">astroturf campaign to block a wind farm -- in the name of protecting the environment</a> -- is funded by oil company.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Kim_Potter_on_trial)
title: Kim Potter on trial
uri: Kim-Potter-on-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Kim_Potter_on_trial)
content:
 
<p>
Kim Potter is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/08/ex-officer-trial-shooting-daunte-wright">on trial for killing Daunte Wright at a traffic stop</a>.
She says that she thought she was firing her taser.
<p>
Either Potter grabbed the pistol intentionally and pretended it was
her taser, or she grabbed the pistol unthinkingly by mistake.  I have
no particular insight into which one it was.
<p>
I am sure it is <em>possible</em> to make such mistakes, and I don't think it
serves any moral or practical purpose to punish them.  This wasn't the
usual bullshit lie that thugs tell after killing someone for no valid
reason.  However, I am sure there are <em>some</em> thugs who are so
habituated to lying that they would be capable of intentionally
drawing a pistol while shouting "Taser, taser!"

 


title: Thousands killed by US drone attacks
uri: Thousands-killed-by-US-drone-attacks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Thousands_killed_by_US_drone_attacks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Thousands_killed_by_US_drone_attacks)

content:
 
<p>
Whistleblower Daniel Hale, who told us how <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/08/daniel-hale-whistleblower-drone-leak-award/">the US covers up killing
thousands of civilians with drone attacks</a>, has received the
International Whistleblower Award.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(El_Salvador_gang_truce)
title: El Salvador gang truce
uri: El-Salvador-gang-truce
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(El_Salvador_gang_truce)
content:
 
<p>
The US accuses El Salvador of negotiating a deal with gang leaders to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/08/el-salvador-us-gang-leaders-truce">reduce
the violence of their combat for control of drug trade</a>.
<p>
I expect that this was the best option available to El Salvador.  I
wonder if it includes being less violent to the populace as well as to
each other.  Gang violence and threats are often the cause that drives
Salvadoreans to flee to the US for seeking asylum.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Russia_and_US_election_systems)
title: Russia and US election systems
uri: Russia-and-US-election-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Russia_and_US_election_systems)
content:
 
<p>
  Reality Winner explains her motives for <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/08/reality-winner-interview-russia-election-leak/">informing the public about how
  Russia had penetrated some US election systems</a>.
<p>
  The article also explains why each side of US politics was unhappy
  with the facts she revealed.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(US_tax-dodging)
title: US tax-dodging
uri: US-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(US_tax-dodging)
content:
 
<p>
Rep. Pascrell talks about an investigation into <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/08/top-democrat-says-us-tax-havens-stunning-indictment-policy-failures">policies that make
the US an attractive spot for some kinds of tax-dodging</a>.

 


title: US government and net-zero emissions
uri: US-government-and-net-zero-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(US_government_and_net-zero_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(US_government_and_net-zero_emissions)

content:
 
<p>
  *Biden signs order for government to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/08/biden-signs-order-government-net-zero-emissions-2050">achieve net-zero emissions by 2050</a>.*
<p>
  This is totally insufficient, but it is something Biden can do
  without getting the Senate to agree.  It is disappointing to fall
  into the fashionable "<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_March_2020_(Stopping_harming_world_in_some_decades)">net zero</a>" pitfall, though.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Omicron_variant_in_the_UK)
title: Omicron variant in the UK
uri: 2021-12-10-Omicron-variant-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Omicron_variant_in_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK estimates that it probably has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/08/omicron-cases-could-exceed-1m-by-month-end-sajid-javid">10,000 cases of the
fast-spreading Omicron variant</a>.
<p>
At this point, I think that there is no benefit in blocking travel
from the African countries where Omicron was initially discovered.
The number of additional cases likely to arrive from there is surely
insignificant compared with the number of people catching Omicron in
the UK.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(New_Zealand_tobacco_ban)
title: New Zealand tobacco ban
uri: New-Zealand-tobacco-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(New_Zealand_tobacco_ban)
content:
 
<p>
  New Zealand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/new-zealand-to-ban-smoking-for-next-generation-in-bid-to-outlaw-habit-by-2025">proposes to ban tobacco</a>.
<p>
  Tobacco is a deadly, addictive drug, and eliminating it would be a
  substantial improvement.  But <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-may-aug.html#28_July_2021_(Prohibition)">prohibition of an addictive drug tends
  to backfire.

 


title: Urgent: Fill Federal Reserve Board with progressive leaders
uri: Urgent-Fill-Federal-Reserve-Board-with-progressive-leaders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fill_Federal_Reserve_Board_with_progressive_leaders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fill_Federal_Reserve_Board_with_progressive_leaders)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to fill the rest of the Federal Reserve
Board with progressive leaders who will <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/nominate-climate-leaders-to-fed/">take on the big banks to fight the
climate crisis</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Rally for Julian Assange, December 18
uri: Urgent-Rally-for-Julian-Assange-December-18
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Urgent:_Rally_for_Julian_Assange,_December_18)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Urgent:_Rally_for_Julian_Assange,_December_18)

content:
 
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/12/10/assange-face-extradition-united-kingdom-freedom-press-foundation-responds">Rally for Julian Assange</a> at 3pm on December 18
in Fresh Pond Mall, 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, Mass.

 


title: Sea-side towns in Ghana become uninhabitable
uri: Sea-side-towns-in-Ghana-become-uninhabitable
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Sea-side_towns_in_Ghana_become_uninhabitable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Sea-side_towns_in_Ghana_become_uninhabitable)

content:
 
<p>

Sea-level rise (caused by global heating) is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/coastal-ghana-hit-by-climate-crisis">making sea-side towns in Ghana
uninhabitable</a>.

 


title: Staff in Afghanistan refused to come to UK
uri: Staff-in-Afghanistan-refused-to-come-to-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Staff_in_Afghanistan_refused_to_come_to_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Staff_in_Afghanistan_refused_to_come_to_UK)

content:
 
<p>

*Staff employed [in Afghanistan] to teach British values and the
English language <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/nearly-100-former-british-council-staff-remain-in-hiding-in-afghanistan">refused the right to come to the UK</a>.*
<p>
This decision teaches an ironic lesson about Tory values.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Jailed_journalists_at_new_high)
title: Jailed journalists at new high
uri: Jailed-journalists-at-new-high
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Jailed_journalists_at_new_high)
content:
 
<p>

Committee to Protect Journalists: *Number of journalists in jail
around the world <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/dec/09/number-of-journalists-in-jail-around-the-world-at-new-high-says-survey">at new high</a>, says survey.*

 


title: Effort to eliminate incandescent light bulbs
uri: Effort-to-eliminate-incandescent-light-bulbs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Effort_to_eliminate_incandescent_light_bulbs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Effort_to_eliminate_incandescent_light_bulbs)

content:
 
<p>

Biden will start another effort to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/09/us-energy-standards-incandescents-retirement">eliminate incandescent light bulbs</a>.
The wrecker blocked the previous attempt.
<p>
The planned gradual phase-out &mdash; details are not given &mdash; could be
worse than merely slow.  It could give a Republican the opportunity to
cancel the change in 2025.

 


title: What it means to be 21st century socialist
uri: What-it-means-to-be-21st-century-socialist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(What_it_means_to_be_21st_century_socialist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(What_it_means_to_be_21st_century_socialist)

content:
 
<p>

*   It's up to you and me to decide <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/08/socialism-creeps-dilberts-office">what it means to be a socialist in 21st
   century America</a>.*

 


title: Preparedness against future pandemics
uri: Preparedness-against-future-pandemics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Preparedness_against_future_pandemics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Preparedness_against_future_pandemics)

content:
 
<p>

A survey of preparedness against future pandemics found that countries
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/health/world-unprepared-pandemic-report/index.html">scored 39 out of 100</a>, on the average.
<p>
Efforts to prevent the emergence of pandemics score even lower.

 


title: Excuse for subsidy to big business
uri: Excuse-for-subsidy-to-big-business
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Excuse_for_subsidy_to_big_business)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Excuse_for_subsidy_to_big_business)

content:
 
<p>

Plutocratists have found another <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/perspectives/intel-ceo-chip-shortage/index.html">excuse for a subsidy to big business</a>:
to produce more IC chips in the US.
<p>
The traditional way to encourage domestic production is with an import
tariff.  That gives the same preference to domestic production, but
instead of giving money to big businesses, it collects money from
big businesses.  Since big businesses have too much money anyway,
the latter is better.
<p>
Governments in the US have been subsidizing businesses more and more,
justifying it by supposed trickle-down benefits that often <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_October_2020_(Foxconn">fail to
happen</a>. Americans are starting to recognize that the net result is to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_December_2019_(Amazon_bluff)">transfer public money to businesses</a>.
<p>
If the US government insists on "investing in" US chip manufacturing,
it should invest by buying stock in those businesses.  At least that way
the public treasury will benefit if they do well.
<p>
In addition, it would be useful to prohibit encryption systems which
don't let the owner of a computer read and write the keys -- such as
TPMs and the Management Engine.

 


title: China trying to pass as democracy
uri: China-trying-to-pass-as-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(China_trying_to_pass_as_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(China_trying_to_pass_as_democracy)

content:
 
<p>

China is trying to pass as a democracy by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/china/china-us-democracy-summit-mic-intl-hnk/index.html">muddling the concept of
democracy</a>.
<p>
In the US, the Republican Party (following the bullshitter) is doing
likewise, with its <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-may-aug.html#23_August_2021_(Voter_suppression_law_passed)">voter suppression</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_November_2021_(Gerrymandering)">gerrymandering</a>,
and plans to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#9_October_2021_(Election_Audits_don">arbitrarily reverse elections</a> when it dislikes the outcome.
<p>
China proposed a policy of compelling Communist Party members to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/10/china-editorial-says-communist-party-members-must-have-three-children">have
more babies</a>, again <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/10/arguments-abortion-us-controlling-women-anti-abortionists-women-rights-over-bodies">resembling the Republican Party</a>.
<p>
Of the two, the Communist Party was less nasty, because it withdrew the
suggestion in response to lots of criticism.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Stay_on_vaccine_mandates)
title: Stay on vaccine mandates
uri: Stay-on-vaccine-mandates
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Stay_on_vaccine_mandates)
content:
 
<p>

A judge appointed by the wrecker has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/trump-appointed-judge-suspends-bidens-vaccine-mandate-federal-contractors">put a stay on Biden's vaccine mandates</a>
for employees of federal contractors.
<p>
Republicans believe that the most important cause in the world, what they
should be willing to die for, is keeping Covid-19 going strong in the US.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Filibuster_reform)
title: Filibuster reform
uri: Filibuster-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Filibuster_reform)
content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/filibuster-reform-debt-ceiling-fight-not-voting-rights-or-reproductive-freedom">Filibuster Reform</a> for Debt Ceiling Fight But Not Voting Rights or
Reproductive Freedom?*

 


title: Resolution would have blocked arms sale
uri: Resolution-would-have-blocked-arms-sale
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Resolution_would_have_blocked_arms_sale)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Resolution_would_have_blocked_arms_sale)

content:
 
<p>

*Senate Dems Help <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/senate-dems-help-torpedo-resolution-would-have-blocked-650-million-arms-sale-saudi">Torpedo Resolution</a> That Would Have Blocked $650 Million Arms
Sale to [<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>].*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Racism_at_UK_deportation_prison)
title: Racism at UK deportation prison
uri: Racism-at-UK-deportation-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Racism_at_UK_deportation_prison)
content:
 
<p>

A guard at a UK deportation prison says that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/07/guard-tells-of-racist-culture-at-g4s-gatwick-immigration-removal-centre-brook-house">culture of the guards is racist</a> and it "radicalizes" the staff into racism.

 


title: Brutality of work in Amazon warehouse
uri: Brutality-of-work-in-Amazon-warehouse
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Brutality_of_work_in_Amazon_warehouse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Brutality_of_work_in_Amazon_warehouse)

content:
 
<p>

*Amazon Employee <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/07/im-asking-you-help-amazon-employee-describes-sheer-brutality-work-senators">Describes "Sheer Brutality"</a> of Work [in an Amazon warehouse] to Senators.*

 


title: Loujain al-Hathloul suing US intelligence officers
uri: Loujain-al-Hathloul-suing-US-intelligence-officers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Loujain_al-Hathloul_suing_US_intelligence_officers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Loujain_al-Hathloul_suing_US_intelligence_officers)

content:
 
<p>

Loujain al-Hathloul, imprisoned women's rights activist, is suing
three US intelligence officers who she alleges <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/09/saudi-womens-rights-activist-loujain-alhathloul-sues-us-intel-operatives-hacking-uae">helped the UAE crack her phone</a>, which enabled the UAR to arrest her and send her to Salafi
Arabia to be imprisoned.

 


title: Compost or biogas from food waste
uri: Compost-or-biogas-from-food-waste
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Compost_or_biogas_from_food_waste)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Compost_or_biogas_from_food_waste)

content:
 
<p>

*California residents will be required to use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/california-food-waste-recycling-program-us">green waste bins to
dispose of food [waste]</a> which municipalities will turn into compost or
biogas.*
<p>
I wish I could give food waste to someone that would compost it.
It's too complex for me to do, because I'm non compost mentis ;-}.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(NYC_noncitizens_to_vote)
title: NYC noncitizens to vote
uri: NYC-noncitizens-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(NYC_noncitizens_to_vote)
content:
 
<p>

*New York City’s noncitizens will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/new-york-city-voting-rights-noncitizens">soon be allowed to vote</a> in local elections.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Senate_blocking_Biden's_nominee)
title: Senate blocking Biden's nominee
uri: Senate-blocking-Biden-s-nominee
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Senate_blocking_Biden's_nominee)
content:
 
<p>

The Senate is blocking confirmation of Biden's nominee for combating
antisemitism, because she <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/politics/deborah-lipstadt-envoy-nomination-anti-semitism/index.html">criticizes a Republican senator for a racist
remark</a>. Many strong supporters of the Republican Party are antisemitic, and
the wrecker said that American Nazis include "fine people",
<!--
[Wikipedia: Unite the Right rally]
-->
so perhaps his followers prefer to deactivate efforts against antisemitism.

 


title: Verizon collecting browsing records
uri: Verizon-collecting-browsing-records
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Verizon_collecting_browsing_records)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Verizon_collecting_browsing_records)

content:
 
<p>

Verizon is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/12/verizon-ignored-users-previous-opt-outs-in-latest-push-to-scan-web-browsing/">collecting browsing records</a> from customers even if they already said they wanted to "opt out" from such collection.
<p>
My understanding is that every ISP in the US keeps records of what
network sites are contacted from each connection (mobile or fixed),
for government surveillance.  The only thing a subscriber can "opt
out" of is Verizon's use of that same data for its own profit.
The thing to do is not let Verizon see what site you talk to.

 


title: Rich artisitc heritage being hollowed out
uri: Rich-artisitc-heritage-being-hollowed-out
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Rich_artistic_heritage_being_hollowed_out)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Rich_artistic_heritage_being_hollowed_out)

content:
 
<p>

*   Ancient shrines, oral folklore and hip-hop cyphers are all part of a
   rich artistic heritage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/dec/10/this-is-our-voice-the-uyghur-traditions-being-erased-by-chinas-cultural-crackdown">being ‘hollowed out’ in Xinjiang</a> say Uyghur
   exiles and scholars.*
<p>
China has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#24_May_2021_(Tibetan_culture)">done similar things</a> to Tibetan culture for decades.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Florida's_manatees_are_starving)
title: Florida's manatees are starving
uri: Florida-s-manatees-are-starving
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Florida's_manatees_are_starving)
content:
 
<p>

As agricultural runoff kills Florida's seagrass, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/10/florida-manatees-rescue-emergency-feeding">manatees are starving</a>.
Florida is hand-feeding the remaining manatees, but that solution won't work
for wild manatees over the long term.

 


title: UK agreed to extradite Julian Assange
uri: UK-agreed-to-extradite-Julian-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(UK_agreed_to_extradite_Julian_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(UK_agreed_to_extradite_Julian_Assange)

content:
 
<p>

The UK agreed to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/12/10/assange-face-extradition-united-kingdom-freedom-press-foundation-responds">extradite Julian Assange</a>,
accepting the US's substantively <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(Assange_and_US_Torture)">vacuous assurances</a> not to subject Assange
to certain specific kinds of brainwashing and mind-killing conditions.
<p>
More information <a href="https://assangedefense.org/hearing-coverage/high-court-grants-u-s-appeal/">here</a> and <a href="https://assangedefense.org/press-release/high-court-decision-grave-miscarriage-of-justice-says-julian-assanges-fiancee/">here</a>
<p>
The worst damage comes from the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/10/rights-groups-warn-extradition-assange-would-have-dangerous-implications-future">general decision to extradite journalists</a> for publishing whistleblower reports.
That will harm journalism and thus also democracy, world wide, for
as long as democracy and journalism exist.

 


title: Britain funding global corruption
uri: Britain-funding-global-corruption
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Britain_funding_global_corruption)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Britain_funding_global_corruption)

content:
 
<p>

*Britain can't complain about global corruption &mdash; it's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/10/britain-global-corruption-liz-truss-democracy">helping to fund it</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Silent_strike_in_Myanmar)
title: Silent strike in Myanmar
uri: Silent-strike-in-Myanmar
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Silent_strike_in_Myanmar)
content:
 
<p>

*The streets of many towns and cities across Myanmar were deserted on
   Friday as the public held a "silent strike" to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/10/myanmar-protesters-hold-silent-strike-against-military-junta">protest against the
   military government</a>,*

 


title: Gross political conduct of Bogus Johnson
uri: Gross-political-conduct-of-Bogus-Johnson
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Gross_political_conduct_of_Bogus_Johnson)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Gross_political_conduct_of_Bogus_Johnson)

content:
 
<p>

An incomplete list of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/10/scandals-and-sackings-why-critics-say-boris-johnson-is-not-fit-to-be-pm">gross political misconduct against Bogus Johnson</a>.
<p>
An incomplete list of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/10/lies-accusations-boris-johnson-full-list-dishonesty-christmas-party">accusations of dishonesty against Bogus Johnson</a>.

 


title: Exile of British citizens for protesting?
uri: Exile-of-British-citizens-for-protesting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Exile_of_British_citizens_for_protesting_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Exile_of_British_citizens_for_protesting_)

content:
 
<p>

Will Tories <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/10/it-could-happen-here-beware-the-governments-authoritarian-bent">exile British citizens for protesting</a>?

 


title: Threats to fire striking students
uri: Threats-to-fire-striking-students
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Threats_to_fire_striking_students)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Threats_to_fire_striking_students)

content:
 
<p>
Columbia University has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/columbia-university-student-worker-strike">threatened to fire graduate students who are
on strike</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(College_debt)
title: College debt
uri: College-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(College_debt)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/us-student-loan-crisis-payments">40 million Americans have college debt</a>.  Millions of them with low incomes
keep paying and paying, but the interest they are charged is bigger than
the payments.  They will spend the rest of their lives crushed by debt.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Tories_reviled)
title: Tories reviled
uri: Tories-reviled
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Tories_reviled)
content:
 
<p>
  Britons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/09/no-10s-sickening-insult-to-all-those-who-made-sacrifices">revile the "We can have parties and spread disease" Tories</a>.
<p>
  It seems <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/review-widens-into-covid-restriction-flouting-government-parties">they had parties in various official quarters</a>, last year.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Mining_from_undersea_vents)
title: Mining from undersea vents
uri: Mining-from-undersea-vents
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Mining_from_undersea_vents)
content:
 
<p>
Mining companies want to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/09/mining-may-push-hundreds-of-deep-sea-mollusc-species-to-extinction">mine the metals from undersea vents</a>.  The
total area of these vents is small, and many species live only there.
Mining could wipe them out in decades.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Tropical_forests)
title: Tropical forests
uri: 2021-12-11-Tropical-forests
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Tropical_forests)
content:
 
<p>
A study finds that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/09/tropical-forests-can-regenerate-in-just-20-years-without-human-interference">(some) tropical forests that have been mostly
destroyed regrow quickly, and after 20 years are going strong again</a>.
Leaving them alone is better than planting new trees.
<p>
I expect that these results vary depending on the location and on what sort
of destruction occured.  It would be interesting to get more details.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Regarding_Roe_v_Wade)
title: Regarding Roe v Wade
uri: Regarding-Roe-v-Wade
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Regarding_Roe_v_Wade)
content:
 
<p>
If the Supreme court overturns Roe v Wade, that could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/11/supreme-court-roe-v-wade-gay-rights-contraceptives-fertility-treatments">damage the legal
idea of a right to privacy in the US, and that could in turn threaten
gay rights, contraceptives and fertility treatments</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Ending_Medicare_privatization)
title: Ending Medicare privatization
uri: Ending-Medicare-privatization
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Ending_Medicare_privatization)
content:
 
<p>
Rep. Jayapal is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/10/jayapal-biden-stop-trump-era-medicare-privatization-scheme-while-we-have-chance">pushing to end Medicare's privatization experiment</a>.

 


title: Fossil fuel industry blocking decarbonization
uri: Fossil-fuel-industry-blocking-decarbonization
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Fossil_fuel_industry_blocking_decarbonization)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Fossil_fuel_industry_blocking_decarbonization)

content:
 
<p>
The fossil fuel industry's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/10/big-oils-secret-strategy-keep-winning">subtle tactics for blocking decarbonization</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Coat_hanger)
title: (Satire) Coat hanger
uri: (Satire)-Coat-hanger
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Coat_hanger)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Smithsonian <a href="https://www.theonion.com/smithsonian-acquires-coat-hanger-neil-armstrong-and-buz-1848194677">Acquires Coat Hanger Neil Armstrong And Buzz
Aldrin Used To Get Back Inside Lunar Module After Locking Selves Out</a>.*

 


title: Extinction Rebellion activists acquitted
uri: Extinction-Rebellion-activists-acquitted
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Extinction_Rebellion_activists_acquitted)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Extinction_Rebellion_activists_acquitted)

content:
 
<p>
Extinction Rebellion activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/10/jury-clears-extinction-rebellion-activists-who-targeted-commuters">faced charges for blocking a train line
in London</a>.  The jury acquitted them.

 


title: (Satire) Zillow letting you track outbidders
uri: (Satire)-Zillow-letting-you-track-outbidders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Zillow_letting_you_track_outbidders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Zillow_letting_you_track_outbidders)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *New Zillow Feature <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-zillow-feature-lets-users-track-happy-lives-of-peop-1848188293">Lets Users Track Happy Lives Of People
Who Outbid Them For Dream House</a>.*

 


title: Hunger strike from Arizona students
uri: Hunger-strike-from-Arizona-students
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Hunger_strike_from_Arizona_students)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Hunger_strike_from_Arizona_students)

content:
 
<p>
*Arizona students stage hunger strike to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/11/arizona-college-students-hunger-strike-kyrsten-sinema">urge Sinema to support voting reform</a>.*
<p>
They give our country hope, but others will need to build on their beginning.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Supreme_Court_abortion_ruling)
title: Supreme Court abortion ruling
uri: Supreme-Court-abortion-ruling
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Supreme_Court_abortion_ruling)
content:
 
<p>
The Supreme Court's decision <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/11/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-unsettling">effectively upheld the Texas law
prohibiting almost all abortions, and permitting vigilantees to sue
anyone that assists a pregnant woman in getting an abortion</a>.
The little sliver of the decision that went against the Texas law is
a minor detail that won't in practice change much.
<p>
The authors are certain that the court will overturn Roe v Wade next
spring.  But in the mean time, they have allowed staten laws to
undermine the constitutional structure of US law, just to attack
abortion rights six months sooner.
<p>
The prohibition of abortion will motivate millions of women, and
millions of men, to organize politically.  But they will not be
organizing in a democracy that would give them a chance to change the
government.  Republicans are putting an end to that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Mark_Meadows)
title: Mark Meadows
uri: Mark-Meadows
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Mark_Meadows)
content:
 
<p>
Mark Meadows had a copy of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/10/trump-powerpoint-mark-meadows-capitol-attack">a presentation offering the wrecker various
options to overturn the presidential election, one being a coup</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Treating_drug_addiction)
title: Treating drug addiction
uri: Treating-drug-addiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Treating_drug_addiction)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden administration drug czar says <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/08/health/drug-czar-gupta-exclusive/index.html">it's time to treat drug addiction like a
chronic disease</a>.*
<p>
For a "drug czar" to advocate harm reduction is a big advance,
even though it doesn't directly change anything.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Fracking_costs)
title: Fracking costs
uri: Fracking-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Fracking_costs)
content:
 
<p>
To continue US fossil fuel extraction using fracking would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/09/heres-fracking-truth-about-americas-last-fossil-fueled-hurrah">cost 25
trillion dollars, and enormous resources</a>.
<p>
Renewable energy would be far more efficient.

 


title: (Satire) Gun control to senators
uri: (Satire)-Gun-control-to-senators
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Gun_control_to_senators)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Gun_control_to_senators)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Senators Explain <a href="https://www.theonion.com/senators-explain-what-gun-control-means-to-them-1848179888">What Gun Control Means To Them</a>.*

 


title: Record number of imprisoned journalists
uri: Record-number-of-imprisoned-journalists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Record_number_of_imprisoned_journalists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Record_number_of_imprisoned_journalists)

content:
 
<p>
The Committee to Protect Journalists reports <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/09/incarceration-journalists-hits-all-time-high-amid-growing-intolerance-independent">a record number of journalists
in prison around the world</a>, for the sixth year in a row.

 


title: Federally-funded universal child care
uri: Federally-funded-universal-child-care
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Federally-funded_universal_child_care)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Federally-funded_universal_child_care)

content:
 
<p>
  Why <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/09/very-strong-economic-case-universal-pre-k">federally-funded universal child care services</a> would be a wise
  investment for the US.
<p>
  Alternatively, the US should provide adequate welfare benefits for
  single parents so that they don't live in poverty.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Employee_rights_for_gig_workers)
title: Employee rights for gig workers
uri: Employee-rights-for-gig-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Employee_rights_for_gig_workers)
content:
 
<p>
  The European Union is considering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/09/gig-economy-workers-to-get-employee-rights-under-eu-proposals">a directive to give many sorts of gig workers
  the legal rights of employees</a>.
<p>
  This could be a big step forward against <a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">the companies' mistreatment
  of their workers</a>, but won't change the way they mistreat customers:
  requiring them to run nonfree software and identify themselves.
<p>
  I absolutely refuse to be a mistreated in that way, so I have never
  used any of those companies.
<p>
  The <a href="https://stallman.org/food-delivery.html">food delivery</a> companies additionally parasitize the restaurants
  whose food they deliver.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Coastal_animals)
title: Coastal animals
uri: Coastal-animals
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Coastal_animals)
content:
 
<p>
  Coastal animals are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/09/coastal-species-are-forming-colonies-on-plastic-trash-in-the-ocean-study-finds">colonizing floating plastic garbage</a>.
This enables them to move to other coastlines, where they did not
previously live, and mess up the ecosystems there.

 


title: Urgent: Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
uri: Urgent-Freedom-to-Vote-Act-and-John-Lewis-Voting-Rights-Advancement-A
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act_and_John_Lewis_Voting_Rights_Advancement_Act.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act_and_John_Lewis_Voting_Rights_Advancement_Act.)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators at <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1
(202) 224-3121</a> and say not to leave Washington until the Senate
passes the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights
Advancement Act.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act)
title: Urgent: Freedom to Vote Act
uri: 2021-12-12-Urgent-Freedom-to-Vote-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to pass
the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/add-your-name-pass-the-freedom-to-vote-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-its-their-vacation-or-our-democracy-sign-on-2">Freedom
to Vote Act</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Weatherize low-income homes
uri: Urgent-Weatherize-low-income-homes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Weatherize_low-income_homes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Urgent:_Weatherize_low-income_homes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress
to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-weatherize-low-income-homes-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-sign-the-petition-to-fund-home-weatherization-for-low-income-families-5">weatherize
low-income homes now</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Inner_Circle)
title: (Satire) Inner Circle
uri: (Satire)-Inner-Circle
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Inner_Circle)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Kim Jong-Un Eagerly Waiting For <a href="https://www.theonion.com/kim-jong-un-eagerly-waiting-for-inner-circle-to-get-big-1848180002">Inner Circle To Get Big
Enough So He Can Start Executing People Again</a>.*

 


title: Parents and children's gun violence
uri: Parents-and-children-s-gun-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Parents_and_children's_gun_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Parents_and_children's_gun_violence)

content:
 
<p>
Jesse Jackson: *Should Parents Be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/08/should-parents-be-held-responsible-their-childrens-unspeakable-gun-violence">Held Responsible for Their
Children’s Unspeakable Gun Violence</a>?*
<p>
Here's one thing that is clear to me: if we are going to punish
parents their children's violence, we must insist on objective
standards for what parents should not do.  Otherwise, we risk that
punishing the parents become an automatic consequence of a killing
by the child, regardless of how the parents acted, because of
the desire to punish.

 


title: Congress funding Pentagon instead of COVID vaccines
uri: Congress-funding-Pentagon-instead-of-COVID-vaccines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Congress_funding_Pentagon_instead_of_COVID_vaccines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Congress_funding_Pentagon_instead_of_COVID_vaccines)

content:
 
<p>
*The extra $25 billion that the U.S. Congress is moving to pour into
   the Pentagon's overflowing coffers is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/08/25-billion-pentagon-budget-boost-alone-could-fund-enough-vaccines-world-analysis">the exact sum researchers say is
   needed to produce enough coronavirus vaccines to achieve widespread
    global inoculation</a>.*
<p>
  Whether this would actually end the Covid-19 pandemic is not clear, but it
  would certainly reduce the harm.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Silencing_Modi's_critics)
title: Silencing Modi's critics
uri: Silencing-Modi-s-critics
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Silencing_Modi's_critics)
content:
 
<p>
*How a terrorism law in India is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/10/how-terrorism-law-india-used-to-silence-modis-critics">being used to silence Modi’s critics</a>.*

 


title: UK banks closing charity accounts
uri: UK-banks-closing-charity-accounts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(UK_banks_closing_charity_accounts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(UK_banks_closing_charity_accounts)

content:
 
<p>
UK banks are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/dec/09/hsbc-suddenly-closed-account-for-our-charity-helping-people-in-kenya">closing bank accounts of charities that work with Kenya
in ways that either indicate bizarre incompetence, or something worse</a>.
<p>
It seems to me like another form of "hostile environment".

 


title: Natural resources depleted or damaged
uri: Natural-resources-depleted-or-damaged
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Natural_resources_depleted_or_damaged)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Natural_resources_depleted_or_damaged)

content:
 
<p>
The natural resources needed for food for the human population are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/09/natural-resources-necessary-feed-world-are-breaking-point-warns-fao">under strain -- depleted or damaged</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Secret_audit)
title: Secret audit
uri: Secret-audit
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Secret_audit)
content:
 
<p>
In Wisconsin, fanatical Republicans determined discredit the 2020
election and undermine future elections, are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/09/politics/wisconsin-2020-election-review/index.html">conducting a secret
"audit" of ballots from 2020</a>.

 


title: (Satire) Executive boycott Kellogg's
uri: (Satire)-Executive-boycott-Kellogg-s
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Executive_boycott_Kellogg's)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_((Satire)_Executive_boycott_Kellogg's)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Executives Urge Boycott Of Kellogg's After <a href="https://www.theonion.com/executives-urge-boycott-of-kellogg-s-after-ceo-receives-1848187226">CEO Receives
Insulting Salary Offer Of $11 Million A Year</a>.*

 


title: Limiting federal officials' power
uri: Limiting-federal-officials-power
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Limiting_federal_officials'_power)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Limiting_federal_officials'_power)

content:
 
<p>
Nearly all the Republicans in the House of Representatives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/09/despite-trump-abuses-208-house-republicans-vote-against-bill-ensure-no-president">voted against
a bill to limit federal officials' power to abuse the government system</a>.
<p>
The only explanation I can think of is that they want future
Republicans to engage in abuses.

 


title: Vaping nicotine causing erectile dysfunction
uri: Vaping-nicotine-causing-erectile-dysfunction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Vaping_nicotine_causing_erectile_dysfunction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Vaping_nicotine_causing_erectile_dysfunction)

content:
 
<p>
Vaping nicotine <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/10/health/vaping-erectile-dysfunction-wellness/index.html">tends to cause erectile dysfunction</a>.

 


title: Probation making keeping jobs impossible
uri: Probation-making-keeping-jobs-impossible
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Probation_making_keeping_jobs_impossible)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Probation_making_keeping_jobs_impossible)

content:
 
<p>
When former prisoners find a job, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/10/opinions/criminal-justice-reform-us-stronger-economy-rooks/index.html">the complex requirements of probation often
make it impossible to keep the job</a>.  The US should change that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Civilian_prisoners_murdered)
title: Civilian prisoners murdered
uri: Civilian-prisoners-murdered
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Civilian_prisoners_murdered)
content:
 
<p>
Human Rights Watch reports that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/10/africa/tigrayan-force-execution-ethiopia-intl/index.html">Tigrayan fighters murdered civilian
prisoners</a>
and said this was retaliation because an Amhara militia was fighting
them on the battlefield.
<p>
You can't equate militias with civilians who are prisoners.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Criticism_over_speaking_volume)
title: Criticism over speaking volume
uri: Criticism-over-speaking-volume
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Criticism_over_speaking_volume)
content:
 
<p>
Women often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/10/pushy-gobby-rude-why-do-women-get-penalised-for-talking-loudly-at-work">face criticism if they speak as loud as men do</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fire_Postmaster_DeJoy)
title: Urgent: Fire Postmaster DeJoy
uri: Urgent-Fire-Postmaster-DeJoy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Urgent:_Fire_Postmaster_DeJoy)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: insist that <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/new-usps-chair-must-fire-louis-dejoy?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-new-this-dejoy-ally-is-out-2">the new USPS chair must fire Postmaster DeJoy</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Abortions)
title: Abortions
uri: 2021-12-14-Abortions
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Abortions)
content:
 
<p>
Dr Rebecca Gompertz and her colleagues <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/rebecca-gomperts-doctor-defying-laws-abortions">provide abortions where that is
forbidden, on ships and by telemedicine</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(UK_and_asylum_seekers)
title: UK and asylum seekers
uri: UK-and-asylum-seekers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(UK_and_asylum_seekers)
content:
 
<p>
When asylum seekers try to go to Britain in a boat, one of them has to
steer.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/12/legal-challenge-seeks-to-end-uks-jailing-of-asylum-seekers-who-steer-boats">The UK prosecutes whoever does that</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(New_age_of_imperialism)
title: New age of imperialism
uri: New-age-of-imperialism
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(New_age_of_imperialism)
content:
 
<p>
*Beijing is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/12/xi-jinping-china-beijing-new-age-of-imperialism">aiming for global ascendancy – but its leader’s vision of
    world dominion is centralised, oppressive and totalitarian</a>.*
<p>
*Reporters Without Borders calls <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/08/journalists-in-china-face-nightmare-worthy-of-mao-era-press-freedom-group-says">increasing media oppression in China a
   "great leap backwards" and says Hong Kong journalism is "in freefall</a>."*

 


title: Society of gotchas and self-righteousness
uri: Society-of-gotchas-and-self-righteousness
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Society_of_gotchas_and_self-righteousness)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Society_of_gotchas_and_self-righteousness)

content:
 
<p>
*In a society driven by "gotchas" and self-righteousness, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/12/do-we-really-want-to-live-in-a-culture-of-endless-blame-when-were-all-fallible">let’s be more
ready to recognise our own failings and less hasty to judge others’</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(UK_arms_trade_and_human_rights)
title: UK arms trade and human rights
uri: UK-arms-trade-and-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(UK_arms_trade_and_human_rights)
content:
 
<p>
*New rules on UK arms trade makes it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/new-rules-on-uk-arms-trade-make-it-easier-to-sideline-human-rights">"easier" to sideline human rights</a>.*

 


title: Expensive elite hobbies to avoid taxes
uri: Expensive-elite-hobbies-to-avoid-taxes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Expensive_elite_hobbies_to_avoid_taxes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Expensive_elite_hobbies_to_avoid_taxes)

content:
 
<p>
*How elite [expensive] hobbies <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/when-youre-a-billionaire-your-hobbies-can-slash-your-tax-bill">let billionaires pay no tax</a>.*
<p>
The don't even limit themselves to the deductions that the law allows.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Bogus_Johnson)
title: Bogus Johnson
uri: 2021-12-14-Bogus-Johnson
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Bogus_Johnson)
content:
 
<p>
Bogus Johnson has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/dec/11/labour-races-to-nine-point-lead-in-polls-in-wake-of-sleaze-controversies-at-no-10">built hatred for the Tory Party to the point where
Labour might win</a>.  But that won't do anything great: Starmer has
made sure of that.

 


title: Preserving genetic diversity in endangered animals
uri: Preserving-genetic-diversity-in-endangered-animals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Preserving_genetic_diversity_in_endangered_animals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Preserving_genetic_diversity_in_endangered_animals)

content:
 
<p>
Freezing sperm and tissue from endangered animals is an effective way
of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/12/we-cant-save-everybody-could-biobanking-offer-australian-animals-a-last-hope-against-extinction">increasing the preserved genetic diversity of a species</a> -- provided there is
still a living population to mate with sperm, or host clone embryos.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(£89m_[in_gifts])
title: £89m [in "gifts"]
uri: 89m-in-gifts
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(£89m_[in_gifts])
content:
 
<p>
*UK universities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/dec/11/uk-universities-took-89m-from-oil-firms-in-last-four-years">took £89m [in "gifts"] from oil firms in last four years</a>.*

 


title: Big gaps in Biden's fossil fuel funding plan
uri: Big-gaps-in-Biden-s-fossil-fuel-funding-plan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Big_gaps_in_Biden's_fossil_fuel_funding_plan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Big_gaps_in_Biden's_fossil_fuel_funding_plan)

content:
 
<p>
*Climate Critics Warn of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/10/climate-critics-warn-big-gaps-biden-plan-eliminate-overseas-fossil-fuel-funding">"Big Gaps" in Biden Plan to Eliminate Overseas Fossil
Fuel Funding</a>.*

 


title: Whistleblow on UK's botched Afghan withdrawl
uri: Whistleblow-on-UK-s-botched-Afghan-withdrawl
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Whistleblow_on_UK's_botched_Afghan_withdrawl)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Whistleblow_on_UK's_botched_Afghan_withdrawl)

content:
 
<p>
A whistleblower has reported that the UK officials responsible for
giving asylum to Afghans were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/11/fresh-evidence-on-uks-botched-afghan-withdrawal-backs-whistleblowers-story">shockingly negligent about their job</a>.
They put off reading thousands of urgent messages about people who
would be in danger.
<p>
  One senior official stayed on vacation during the period.
<p>
  The UK government seems to have been poisoned by the attitude that
  no job deserves to be attended with urgency.
<p>
  Nowadays the government seems to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/fears-grow-that-home-office-has-lost-will-to-resettle-afghans-under-threat">stopping the whole project
  by depriving it of funds</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Untact_society)
title: Untact society
uri: Untact-society
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Untact_society)
content:
 
<p>
South Korea is pushing to make <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/10/south-korea-cuts-human-interaction-in-push-to-build-untact-society">daily life possible without any
presencial interactions with other people</a>.
<p>
Is it possible to purchase from an "untact" store, cafe or take-out
store without identifying yourself and paying cash?  If you live in
South Korea, please tell me what you experience?

 


title: Urgent: Big delivery companies and electric vehicles
uri: Urgent-Big-delivery-companies-and-electric-vehicles
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Urgent:_Big_delivery_companies_and_electric_vehicles)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Urgent:_Big_delivery_companies_and_electric_vehicles)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on big delivery companies to
<a href="https://act.stand.earth/page/36453/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=email-ea">switch fast
to electric vehicles</a>.
<p>
Many of these companies deliver for stores that require purchasers to
run nonfree software, require them to identify themselves, and don't
allow paying cash.  I urge you to refuse to buy things that way,
electric vehicles or no.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Jamal_Khashoggi)
title: Jamal Khashoggi
uri: 2021-12-15-Jamal-Khashoggi
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Jamal_Khashoggi)
content:
 
<p>
*D.C. council <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/12/08/1062469781/dc-council-renames-street-saudi-embassy-jamal-khashoggi">renames the street in front of the Saudi embassy after Jamal
Khashoggi</a>.*
This is following the rub-the-tyrant's-nose-in-it policy.

 


title: SpaceX offering too little on homes
uri: SpaceX-offering-too-little-on-homes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(SpaceX_offering_too_little_on_homes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(SpaceX_offering_too_little_on_homes)

content:
 
<p>
Elon Musk's company SpaceX is buying up houses near its headquarters
in Texas.  <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-buy-resident-home-texas-launch-boca-chica-cheap-offer-2021-12">Some homeowners say it is offering far too little</a>.

 


title: Turning the Republicans' everybody-sue-'em approach into gun control
uri: Turning-the-Republicans-everybody-sue-em-approach-into-gun-control
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Turning_the_Republicans'_everybody-sue-'em_approach_into_gun_control)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Turning_the_Republicans'_everybody-sue-'em_approach_into_gun_control)

content:
 
<p>
Governor Newsom plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/13/california-citizens-enforce-ban-manufacture-sale-assault-weapons">turn the Republicans' everybody-sue-'em approach
to gun control</a>.
<p>
The everybody-sue-'em approach is inherently dangerous, regardless of
what it is used for.  It should not be used to regulate abortions, or
guns, or anything else.  No constitutional rights are safe if that
everybody-sue-'em approach is permitted.
<p>
Anyone worthy to sit on the Supreme Court would have realized that
this approach must be rejected regardless of what the issue is.  We
have to hope that seeing it used against a favorite right-wing
recruiting stand will convince the extremists on the court to change
their minds about that approach.
<p>
But I expect they will instead fabricate inconsistent excuses to
permit the approach when used for right-wing purposes and reject it
when used for progressive purposes.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Reliable_political_coverage)
title: Reliable political coverage
uri: Reliable-political-coverage
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Reliable_political_coverage)
content:
 
<p>
Jay Rosen: *The first thing news organizations have to do is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/12/media/jay-rosen-reliable-sources-political-coverage-democracy/index.html">announce
   they are pro-democracy, pro-truth, pro-science, pro-evidence and
   pro-voting</a>.*

 


title: (Satire) Drone-striking the kicker
uri: (Satire)-Drone-striking-the-kicker
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_((Satire)_Drone-striking_the_kicker)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_((Satire)_Drone-striking_the_kicker)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Army Receives 15-Yard Penalty For <a href="https://www.theonion.com/army-receives-15-yard-penalty-for-drone-striking-the-ki-1848180027">Drone-Striking The Kicker</a>.*

 


title: El Salvador prosecuting US-trained soldiers
uri: El-Salvador-prosecuting-US-trained-soldiers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(El_Salvador_prosecuting_US-trained_soldiers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(El_Salvador_prosecuting_US-trained_soldiers)

content:
 
<p>
40 years after the El Mozote massacre, El Salvador is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/11/40-years-later-el-mozote-massacre-victims-vow-keep-demanding-justice">prosecuting the
surviving perpetrators -- US-trained soldiers of the military government</a>.
The right-wing current president is trying to protect them.
<p>
In response to atrocities such as this, dissidents in the US demanded
closure of the School of the Americas.  The government responded by
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#13%20December%202006%20(Teach%20torture)">changing its name</a>
and hoping people would forget about it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Omicron)
title: Omicron
uri: Omicron
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Omicron)
content:
 
<p>
Experience in the UK says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/how-omicron-appears-to-be-infecting-britain-despite-the-vaccine">Omicron often spreads to everyone in
a get-together, and comes on very fast</a>.
<p>
They are asking people to take a home Covid test right before going to
any get-together.  The UK is making those tests readily available.
The US seems not to want to pay for them.
<p>
Also, they are asking even vaccinated people who had contact with an
infected person to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/vaccinated-contacts-of-people-with-covid-told-to-test-daily-for-a-week">take an at-home Covid test every day for the next week</a>.
<p>
This is to slow the spread of Omicron.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Britons_who_love_freedom)
title: Britons who love freedom
uri: Britons-who-love-freedom
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#13_December_2021_(Britons_who_love_freedom)
content:
 
<p>
Of all the Britons who say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/08/boris-johnson-grabbing-more-power-amendments-to-oppressive-legislation-uk">they love freedom, few are opposing the bill
to sentence protesters to a year in prison</a>.
<p>
I support the right to protest to demand the freedom to go
unvaccinated -- though I think it is wrong actually go unvaccinated
and risk spreading disease.  I hope that everyone who supports the
right to protest will join in the campaign to preserve that right.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2021-12-15-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/14/doubts-over-coalitions-net-zero-target-as-report-finds-soil-carbon-emissions-will-increase-as-climate-warms">expected to make Australia's soil release carbon</a> --
a positive feedback loop that will spoil Australia's optimistic plans.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Julian_Assange)
title: Julian Assange
uri: 2021-12-15-Julian-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Julian_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
Craig Murray explains how <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2021/12/your-man-back-in-the-public-gallery-assange-extradition-us-appeal-result/">the appeals about Julian Assange's extradition
will take years, and all the while he will be in a prison that subjects him
to inadequate medical care</a> -- he has already had a stroke.
<p>
The UK may hope he dies before the process ends.

 


title: America sleep-walking into another disaster
uri: America-sleep-walking-into-another-disaster
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(America_sleep-walking_into_another_disaster)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(America_sleep-walking_into_another_disaster)

content:
 
<p>
Rebecca Solnit: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/13/america-witnessed-a-coup-attempt-now-its-sleep-walking-into-another-disaster">*America witnessed a coup attempt. Now it’s
sleep-walking into another disaster</a>.*
<p>
The Republican Party has become all coup, all the time.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Marijuana_legal_in_Malta)
title: Marijuana legal in Malta
uri: Marijuana-legal-in-Malta
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Marijuana_legal_in_Malta)
content:
 
<p>
Malta is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/13/malta-to-be-first-in-europe-to-legalise-cannabis-for-personal-use">the first European country to legalize possessing marijuana</a>
for personal use.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Topless_sunbathing_ban)
title: Topless sunbathing ban
uri: Topless-sunbathing-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Topless_sunbathing_ban)
content:
 
<p>
*Group of women asks US supreme court to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/13/supreme-court-topless-sunbathing-ban-ocean-city-maryland">overturn topless sunbathing ban</a>.*
<p>
Whatever your sex, sunbathing is bad for your skin --
you can even get skin cancer.  It's wiser to be nude in the shade.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Giant_US_media_company_mergers)
title: Giant US media company mergers
uri: Giant-US-media-company-mergers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Giant_US_media_company_mergers)
content:
 
<p>
A <a href="https://www.wga.org/the-guild/advocacy/politics-public-policy-pac/broken-promises-media-mega-mergers-and-the%20case-for-antitrust-reform">report about mergers of giant US media companies and how they have
affected the public</a>.

 


title: (Satire) Outdated depictions of hope and joy
uri: (Satire)-Outdated-depictions-of-hope-and-joy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_((Satire)_Outdated_depictions_of_hope_and_joy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_((Satire)_Outdated_depictions_of_hope_and_joy)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *TV Network Refuses To Air "Miracle On 34th Street" For
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/tv-network-refuses-to-air-miracle-on-34th-street-for-1848159248">Outdated Depictions Of Hope, Joy</a>.*

 


title: Supreme Court ruled courts cannot enforce fair and free elections
uri: Supreme-Court-ruled-courts-cannot-enforce-fair-and-free-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Supreme_Court_ruled_courts_cannot_enforce_fair_and_free_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Supreme_Court_ruled_courts_cannot_enforce_fair_and_free_elections)

content:
 
<p>
The US Constitution arguably <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/13/hey-congress-pass-voting-rightsor-violate-constitution">requires states to run free and fair
elections</a>.
Alas, right-wing justices on the Supreme Court have ruled that the court
cannot enforce this in substance.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_((Satire)_Circular_Driveways)
title: (Satire) Circular Driveways
uri: (Satire)-Circular-Driveways
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_((Satire)_Circular_Driveways)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *New Proposed Wealth Tax Would <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-proposed-wealth-tax-would-target-americans-with-cir-1848188219">Target Americans With Circular
Driveways</a>.*

 


title: Losers rewarded with great riches
uri: Losers-rewarded-with-great-riches
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Losers_rewarded_with_great_riches)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Losers_rewarded_with_great_riches)

content:
 
<p>
American generals that lose in war are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/13/americas-loser-generals-finally-win-big-paychecks-military-industrial-complex">rewarded with riches once the
"revolving door" brings them to serve on the board of a military
contractor</a>.

 


title: *Fascist Takeover or New Era of Progressive Renewal*
uri: Fascist-Takeover-or-New-Era-of-Progressive-Renewal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(*Fascist_Takeover_or_New_Era_of_Progressive_Renewal*)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(*Fascist_Takeover_or_New_Era_of_Progressive_Renewal*)

content:
 
<p>
The old Reaganite order is dying, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/13/whats-next-fascist-takeover-or-new-era-progressive-renewal">but the new progressive order is unable
to be born</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Oil_lease_auction)
title: Oil lease auction
uri: Oil-lease-auction
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Oil_lease_auction)
content:
 
<p>
Biden's officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/13/revealed-biden-administration-was-not-legally-bound-to-auction-gulf-drilling-rights">held a large auction of oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico,
and said that they had no choice because of a court order</a>.
<p>
However, government lawyers had concluded that the court order did not
require holding any specific auction.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Election_doubt)
title: Election doubt
uri: Election-doubt
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Election_doubt)
content:
 
<p>
Republican state election officials elected in 2020 are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/13/politics/roger-marshall-meet-the-press-interview/index.html">trying to cast
doubt on the presidential election, while insisting that there is no doubt
about the validity of the elections they won</a>.
<p>
But &hellip; they were the same election!

 


title: Full economic justice and racial equity plan for Public Transit spending
uri: Full-economic-justice-and-racial-equity-plan-for-Public-Transit-spendi
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Full_economic_justice_and_racial_equity_plan_for_Public_Transit_spending)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Full_economic_justice_and_racial_equity_plan_for_Public_Transit_spending)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Secretary Buttigeig to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-sec-buttigeig-release-a-full-economic-justice-and-racial-equity-plan-for-public-transit-spending-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-sec-buttigieg-you-committed-to-it-now-prove-it-will-happen-2">release a full economic justice and racial equity plan for Public Transit spending</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Trees)
title: Trees
uri: Trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Trees)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2021/dec/14/mature-trees-are-key-to-liveable-cities-housing-intensification-plans-must-ensure-they-s
urvive">Cities need trees</a> -- each tree does a lot more good than a lawn.

 


title: On the Pentagon's drone attack aginst friendly noncombattants
uri: On-the-Pentagon-s-drone-attack-aginst-friendly-noncombattants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(On_the_Pentagon's_drone_attack_aginst_friendly_noncombattants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(On_the_Pentagon's_drone_attack_aginst_friendly_noncombattants)

content:
 
<p>
The Pentagon concluded that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/kabul-airstrike-pentagon-drone-no-disciplinary-action">no one was individually negligent in
ordering a drone attack against a vehicle that in fact contained
friendly noncombattants</a> -- rather, it was a system failure.
<p>
I do not see anything implausible about that.  System failures are
quite common.
<p>
As for whether it is true that no one individual was culpable, I don't
know, but someone studying the report might be able to see if it
appears to be covering up anything.
<p>
The Pentagon said that it has adopted recommendations to fix the
system's flaws.  The article doesn't give the details.
<p>
In order to determine, years from now, whether the recommendations
have achieved their goal, we need the US military to be ready to admit
deadly mistakes in the future.  In the past it has had a pattern of
denying them and covering them up.
<p>
Has the US paid reparations to the relatives of the deceased?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Vaccination_requirements)
title: Vaccination requirements
uri: 2021-12-15-Vaccination-requirements
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Vaccination_requirements)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/covid-passports-could-increase-vaccine-uptake-study-suggests">Vaccination requirements</a> for for group events, and restaurants, substantially increased vaccination in many countries.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(US_murdering_Julian_Assange)
title: US murdering Julian Assange
uri: US-murdering-Julian-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(US_murdering_Julian_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
How the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/13/us-empires-slow-determined-execution-julian-assange">gradually murdering Julian Assange</a>.
<p>
I must rebuke the author for lumping together the corrupt dictator Ngo
Dinh Diem, who served the US badly because of his corruption and
repressive leanings, with people who opposed the US or its economic
empire.
<p>
I rebuke him even more for equating Biden with the wrecker.  Biden is
no Sanders, but he is trying to save the US from the out-and-out fascism
and supports changes for the better, blocked by Manchin and Sinema as
well as the Republicans.
<p>
But then, Hedges says there is no difference between Sanders and the
wrecker.  Hedges takes an extreme view of politics: either you're
rebelling against the US government or a toady.  I don't agree.

 


title: Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank
uri: Chase-Wells-Fargo-Bank-of-America-and-Citibank
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Chase,_Wells_Fargo,_Bank_of_America_and_Citibank)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Chase,_Wells_Fargo,_Bank_of_America_and_Citibank)

content:
 
<p>
Customers of Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/customers-for-climate-justice-open-letter-to-ceos-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=">call on
them to stop investing in climate destruction</a>.
<p>
  You could
  also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#23_March_2012_(Urgent:_Move)">move</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#07_November_2011_(Urgent:_Move_Your_Money)">your</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#07_November_2011_(Urgent:_Move_Your_Money)">money</a>
  to
  a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20January%202010%20(Urgent%20Note:%20move%20your%20money%20out%20of%20the%20big%20banks)">smaller
  bank</a> that invests in local businesses and housing. Those banks
  do lots of bad things, including helping
  to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#15_February_2017_(Out_of_Wells_Fargo)">provoke
  the economic crisis of 2008</a>,
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#10_October_2016_(Union_uncovering_fraud)">defrauding</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#29_September_2016_(Wells_Fargo_fraud)">customers</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Corporate_crimes)
title: Corporate crimes
uri: Corporate-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Corporate_crimes)
content:
 
<p>
The Department of Justice has promised not to be quite as lenient with
crimes committed by corporations.  <a href="https://prospect.org/power/corporate-most-wanted-list/">This article</a> reports and gives
advice.
<p>
Most news publishers, universities, businesses, and government
agencies <a href="https://www.corporatecrimereporter.com/news/200/call-corporate-crime-corporate-crime/">avoid the term "corporate crime"</a> -- it is impolite to suggest
that laws be applied to corporations.  They replace the term with
euphemisms.

 


title: Afghan health system close to collase from sanctions
uri: Afghan-health-system-close-to-collase-from-sanctions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Afghan_health_system_close_to_collase_from_sanctions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(Afghan_health_system_close_to_collase_from_sanctions)

content:
 
<p>
*Afghan health system "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/dec/13/afghan-health-system-close-to-collapse-due-to-sanctions-on-taliban">close to collapse due to sanctions on Taliban</a>."*

 


title: US fumbled in the "Democracy Summit"
uri: US-fumbled-in-the-Democracy-Summit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(US_fumbled_in_the_'Democracy_Summit')

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#14_December_2021_(US_fumbled_in_the_'Democracy_Summit')

content:
 
<p>
The US fumbled badly in the "Democracy Summit" when Taiwan's minister
Audrey Tang displayed a map showing the democratic countries and
tyrannical countries in the far east.
<p>
It's evidently pertinent and important, so if you invite various people to
speak about democracy and the far east, someone's likely to bring it up.
The US in effect set a trap for itself and fell in.
<p>
Audrey Tang also advocates free software within the government of
Taiwan.  I hope she does not get punished for being the occasion for
embarrassment.

 


title: Political opposition sentenced to prison
uri: Political-opposition-sentenced-to-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Political_opposition_sentenced_to_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Political_opposition_sentenced_to_prison)

content:
 
<p>
Lukashenko has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/14/belarus-jails-opposition-leaders-husband-for-18-years">sentenced a would-be opposition candidate to 18 years
in prison for opposition</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Regulate_Facebook)
title: Urgent: Regulate Facebook
uri: Urgent-Regulate-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Regulate_Facebook)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-must-regulate-facebook-now?source=em20211212&t=1006&akid=7440%2E223515%2E15aX9o">regulate Facebook</a>.
<p>I could sign this petition because it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#11_October_2021_(Celebrating_freedom_of_speech)">does not call for censorship</a> of the substantive opinions people can advocate on Facebook.  The sort of regulation I think is called for would be in the algorithm that picks things to show each user, that come from people the user did not ask to follow.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Barbados)
title: Barbados
uri: Barbados
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Barbados)
content:
 
<p>
*Barbados can be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/dec/14/barbados-can-be-a-beacon-for-the-region-if-it-avoids-some-of-its-neighbours-mistakes">a beacon for the region -– if it avoids some of its
neighbours’ mistakes</a>.*

 


title: Children can learn the value of money
uri: Children-can-learn-the-value-of-money
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Children_can_learn_the_value_of_money)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Children_can_learn_the_value_of_money)

content:
 
<p>
Children can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/dec/13/how-to-teach-children-the-real-value-of-money">learn the value of money at age 7</a>, and this can lead them
to better skills for planning ahead.

 


title: Urgent: Full economic justice and racial equity plan for Public Transit spending
uri: Urgent-Full-economic-justice-and-racial-equity-plan-for-Public-Transi
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Full_economic_justice_and_racial_equity_plan_for_Public_Transit_spending)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Full_economic_justice_and_racial_equity_plan_for_Public_Transit_spending)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Secretary Buttigeig to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-sec-buttigeig-release-a-full-economic-justice-and-racial-equity-plan-for-public-transit-spending-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-sec-buttigieg-you-committed-to-it-now-prove-it-will-happen-2">release a full economic justice and racial equity plan for Public Transit spending</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank
uri: Urgent-Chase-Wells-Fargo-Bank-of-America-and-Citibank
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Chase,_Wells_Fargo,_Bank_of_America_and_Citibank)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#15_December_2021_(Urgent:_Chase,_Wells_Fargo,_Bank_of_America_and_Citibank)

content:
 
<p>
Customers of Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/customers-for-climate-justice-open-letter-to-ceos-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=">call on
them to stop investing in climate destruction</a>.
<p>
  You could
  also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#23_March_2012_(Urgent:_Move)">move</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#07_November_2011_(Urgent:_Move_Your_Money)">your</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#07_November_2011_(Urgent:_Move_Your_Money)">money</a>
  to
  a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20January%202010%20(Urgent%20Note:%20move%20your%20money%20out%20of%20the%20big%20banks)">smaller
  bank</a> that invests in local businesses and housing. Those banks
  do lots of bad things, including helping
  to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#15_February_2017_(Out_of_Wells_Fargo)">provoke
  the economic crisis of 2008</a>,
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#10_October_2016_(Union_uncovering_fraud)">defrauding</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#29_September_2016_(Wells_Fargo_fraud)">customers</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Apartments)
title: Apartments
uri: 2021-12-17-Apartments
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Apartments)
content:
 
<p>
New Zealand plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/15/new-zealand-has-adopted-a-radical-rezoning-plan-to-cut-house-prices-could-it-work-in-australia">override zoning so as to allow apartment
buildings basically anywhere</a>.

 


title: Pelosi defends legislators investing in corporations
uri: Pelosi-defends-legislators-investing-in-corporations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Pelosi_defends_legislators_investing_in_corporations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Pelosi_defends_legislators_investing_in_corporations)

content:
 
<p>
Pelosi defended the practice of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/are-they-trying-lose-critics-ask-after-pelosi-defends-stock-trading-lawmakers">investments by legislators in shares
in corporations</a>.
<p>
It may not be a harmful conflict of interest each and every time --
but often enough, it is that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Dust_bowl_conditions)
title: Dust bowl conditions
uri: Dust-bowl-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Dust_bowl_conditions)
content:
 
<p>
*Freakish wind storm brings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/15/us-wind-storm-dust-bowl-tornado">"dust bowl" conditions to
tornado-devastated US states</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Mainstream_bias)
title: Mainstream bias
uri: Mainstream-bias
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Mainstream_bias)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich explains <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/mainstream-media">his idea of how the mainstream media get their bias</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(mRNA_Vaccines)
title: mRNA Vaccines
uri: mRNA-Vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(mRNA_Vaccines)
content:
 
<p>
*Debunking Pharma Lies, Experts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/debunking-pharma-lies-experts-identify-100-firms-ready-make-mrna-vaccines">Identify 100+ Firms Ready to Make mRNA
Vaccines</a>.*
<p>
The article falls into the error of talking about "<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">intellectual property</a>"
as if it meant some concrete things that could be useful in making drugs.

 


title: (Satire) Volatile Hot Dog Prices
uri: (Satire)-Volatile-Hot-Dog-Prices
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_((Satire)_Volatile_Hot_Dog_Prices)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_((Satire)_Volatile_Hot_Dog_Prices)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Lakers Fans <a href="https://www.theonion.com/lakers-fans-frustrated-with-volatile-hot-dog-prices-in-1848180035">Frustrated With
Volatile Hot Dog Prices In Crypto.Com Arena</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Firearm_storage)
title: Firearm storage
uri: Firearm-storage
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Firearm_storage)
content:
 
<p>
*Democrat introduces <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/15/politics/elissa-slotkin-gun-legislation-oxford-school-shooting/index.html">[federal] legislation requiring gun owners safely
store firearms, in wake of Oxford school shooting</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Dollar_General)
title: Dollar General
uri: Dollar-General
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Dollar_General)
content:
 
<p>
Dollar General stores are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/15/business/dollar-general-osha-worker-safety/index.html">often fined for being unsafe for working in</a>.
The fines are evidently insufficient to achieve the desired effect of
making the store improve safety.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2021-12-17-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating has <a href="Https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/these-10-imperiled-species-us-are-hanging-thread-face-climate-threat">become tied up with extinction of many species</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Thug_torture)
title: Thug torture
uri: Thug-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Thug_torture)
content:
 
<p>
A former high official of the Indian police describes how <a href="https://thewire.in/government/why-police-brutality-and-torture-are-endemic-in-india">thugs in India
are taught to practice torture and to think of it as a form of group
solidarity</a>.
<p>
More about <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/ex-dgps-online-posts-spark-row/articleshow/76401262.cms">Dr Asthana</a>.
<p>
Explaining his office, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Director_General_of_Police">Director General of Police</a>.

 


title: UK relaxing toxic chemical regulations
uri: UK-relaxing-toxic-chemical-regulations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(UK_relaxing_toxic_chemical_regulations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(UK_relaxing_toxic_chemical_regulations)

content:
 
<p>
The UK is planning to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/16/experts-warn-over-post-brexit-uk-rule-changes-on-chemicals">relax regulations on toxic chemicals</a>.  I think that
the real purpose of leaving the EU was to allow businesses to mistreat people
in ways the EU does not permit.

 


title: Moving away from capital punishment
uri: Moving-away-from-capital-punishment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Moving_away_from_capital_punishment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Moving_away_from_capital_punishment)

content:
 
<p>
The US continues <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/15/us-death-penalty-abolish-executions">slowly moving away from capital punishment</a>, but
right-wing politicians promote it so as to stick their tongues out
at the idea of being humane.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Gas_drilling_project_rejected)
title: Gas drilling project rejected
uri: Gas-drilling-project-rejected
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Gas_drilling_project_rejected)
content:
 
<p>
Australia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/16/morrison-government-says-no-to-controversial-pep11-gas-drilling-project-off-nsw-coast">rejected a gas drilling project</a>!
This is an amazing change in the position of a government that has
been resolutely planet-roaster for years, and climate defense activism
made it happen.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Travel_restrictions_to_the_UK)
title: Travel restrictions to the UK
uri: Travel-restrictions-to-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Travel_restrictions_to_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>
France has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/16/france-tighten-covid-restrictions-travel-omicron-uk">restricted travel from the UK because of the spread of
Omicron there</a>.
<p>
It's not a punishment, it's self-protection.
<p>
Meanwhile, by next week at the latest the UK may as well end its ban
on travelers from some African countries.  Travel from those places
will not be a significant cause of more cases of Omicron in the UK,
not compared with transmission within the UK.

 


title: Republicans block healthcare funds
uri: Republicans-block-healthcare-funds
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Republicans_block_healthcare_funds)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Republicans_block_healthcare_funds)

content:
 
<p>
Mississippi's Republicans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/16/mississippi-miserly-healthcare-system">blocked federal funds to expand Medicaid</a> on principle.  The principle being that poor people and blacks should suffer. If "god" had wanted them not to suffer, he would have made them not get sick.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Karaj_nuclear_facility_cameras)
title: Karaj nuclear facility cameras
uri: Karaj-nuclear-facility-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Karaj_nuclear_facility_cameras)
content:
 
<p>
*Iran and the UN inspector have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/16/iran-un-inspector-agreement-cameras-nuclear-facility-us-sanctions">reached an agreement on the imminent
reinstallation of cameras at the Karaj nuclear facility</a>, a move that
is seen as indispensable to keeping alive the broader nuclear talks
and the lifting of US sanctions on Tehran.*
<p>
I think Iran has decided to get serious about making an agreement
rather than trying to make the US desperate for an agreement.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_('Long_Covid')
title: 'Long Covid'
uri: 2021-12-17-Long-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_('Long_Covid')
content:
 
<p>
Of the patients who were hospitalized with Covid-19 and still had problems
when they got out, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/16/many-covid-hospital-patients-do-not-feel-fully-recovered-year-later-study">at least half still have problems a year later</a>.
<p>
10% still have brain fog.

 


title: Bosses threatened to fire employees that fled tornado
uri: Bosses-threatened-to-fire-employees-that-fled-tornado
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Bosses_threatened_to_fire_employees_that_fled_tornado)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Bosses_threatened_to_fire_employees_that_fled_tornado)

content:
 
<p>
*Kentucky candle factory bosses <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/kentucky-tornado-candle-factory-workers-managers-refused-leave">threatened to fire those who fled tornado, say
workers</a>.*
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/16/tornado-amazon-kentucky-candle-factory-workers-died">Would a union have saved them</a>?*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Scalding_water)
title: Scalding water
uri: Scalding-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Scalding_water)
content:
 
<p>
*California ex-sheriff's deputy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/california-ex-sheriff-deputy-poured-scalding-water-inmate">charged with pouring scalding water on
mentally ill inmate</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Military_spending)
title: Military spending
uri: 2021-12-17-Military-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Military_spending)
content:
 
<p>
*Nobel laureates call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/14/nobel-laureates-cut-military-spending-worldwide-un-peace-dividend">2% cut to military spending
worldwide</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Covid-19_Omicron)
title: Covid-19 Omicron
uri: Covid-19-Omicron
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Covid-19_Omicron)
content:
 
<p>
In London, if you have the symptoms of a cold, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/15/londoners-with-cold-symptoms-more-likely-to-have-covid-expert-omicron">it's most likely to be
Covid-19 Omicron</a>.
<p>
That may be true in many countries in a few weeks from now.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Netherlands_cattle)
title: Netherlands cattle
uri: Netherlands-cattle
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#17_December_2021_(Netherlands_cattle)
content:
 
<p>
There are too many cattle in the Netherlands, and the pollution they
generate is damaging waterways.  The government has a plan to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/15/netherlands-announces-25bn-plan-to-radically-reduce-livestock-numbers">drastically decrease the number of cattle</a>.
<ul>
  <li>
    <p>The cattle also produce <a
    href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#23_August_2021_(Global_meat_and_dairy_companies)">methane</a>,
    which is a bigger problem than manure because it is a global
    problem.
  <li>
    <p>The world is considering using <a
    href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_(Ammonia_to_clean_liquid_hydrogen_fuel)">ammonia
    as fuel</a>, instead of petroleum. The efficient way to transport
    hydrogen fuel is to convert it to ammonia.
    <p>Instead of reducing cattle to avoid ammonia pollution, perhaps
    new systems for collecting cows' manure and urine can turn that
    waste into a resource.
  <li>
    <p>If it is necessary to reduce the amount of cattle farming in
    the Netherlands, the state should not bow down to businesses by
    begging and paying them to comply with laws.  At least, not for
    farms that are corporations.  That would be putting businesses
    above the public -- plutocracy, in other words.
    <p>Instead, the state should tax farms based on how much pollution
    they generate.
</ul>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Amazon)
title: Amazon
uri: 2021-12-17-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Amazon)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/15/amazonsmile-donations-anti-vaccine-groups">Amazon supports anti-vax organizations</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(The_class_war)
title: The class war
uri: The-class-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(The_class_war)
content:
 
<p>
*The Class War &mdash;” <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/15/class-war-waged-and-being-won-rich-destroying-us-democracy">Waged and Being Won by the Rich &mdash;” Is Destroying US
Democracy</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(British_citizenship_at_risk)
title: British citizenship at risk
uri: British-citizenship-at-risk
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(British_citizenship_at_risk)
content:
 
<p>
Over 8% of Britons will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/15/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-nationality-and-borders-bill">in danger of being stripped of their
British citizenship at any time, without a trial, without even telling them,
under the Tory plans</a>.
<p>
They would find out what had been done to them only if they visited
some other country and were stopped from returning, stateless and
trapped in whatever country they had tried to visit.

 


title: Solitary confinement and indefinite lockdowns
uri: Solitary-confinement-and-indefinite-lockdowns
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Solitary_confinement_and_indefinite_lockdowns)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Solitary_confinement_and_indefinite_lockdowns)

content:
 
<p>
*Louisiana Policy Intended to Reform Solitary Confinement <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/15/solitary-confinement-reform-louisiana-dpsc-vera/">Still Leaves People
 in Indefinite Lockdown</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Neonicotinoid_pesticides)
title: Neonicotinoid pesticides
uri: 2021-12-17-Neonicotinoid-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Neonicotinoid_pesticides)
content:
 
<p>
The EPA has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/12/15/epa-sued-over-failure-close-pesticide-coated-seed-loophole-killing-bees-and">failed for 4 years to regulate neonicotinoid pesticides in
accord with their tendency to kill many insect species, not just
pests</a>.  Now a lawsuit calls on the EPA to regulate them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Uyghur_surveillance_projects)
title: Uyghur surveillance projects
uri: Uyghur-surveillance-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Uyghur_surveillance_projects)
content:
 
<p>
*Documents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/15/documents-link-huawei-uyghur-surveillance-projects-report-claims">link Huawei to Uyghur surveillance projects, report claims</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Anti-abortion_states)
title: Anti-abortion states
uri: Anti-abortion-states
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Anti-abortion_states)
content:
 
<p>
The US states that try to force women to have babies <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/politics/abortion-rights-states-children-health-poverty/index.html">do little to help those babies grow up to be capable and have good lives</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_((Satire)_Critical_Race_Theory)
title: (Satire) Critical Race Theory
uri: (Satire)-Critical-Race-Theory
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_((Satire)_Critical_Race_Theory)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *GOP Warns Loophole In New Bill Could <a href="https://www.theonion.com/gop-warns-loophole-in-new-bill-could-still-allow-teache-1848195307">Still Allow Teachers To
Sing About Critical Race Theory</a>.*
<p>
White supremacists have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#13_October_2021_(Critical_race_theory)">constructed a false picture of what "critical
race theory" is</a>, and are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#14_July_2021_(Critical_race_theory)">using manipulative language to lump it
together with some bigoted ideas as an excuse to prohibit both</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_((Satire)_Assassinations)
title: (Satire) Assassinations
uri: (Satire)-Assassinations
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_((Satire)_Assassinations)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Political Analysts Say <a href="https://www.theonion.com/political-analysts-say-gop-could-take-house-if-a-few-ke-1848196631">GOP Could Take House If A Few Key
Assassinations Break Their Way</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Hindu_nationalism)
title: Hindu nationalism
uri: Hindu-nationalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Hindu_nationalism)
content:
 
<p>
In some parts of India, the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/13/world/asia/india-eggs-hindu-nationalism.html">high-caste Hindu fanatics condemn eating
any meat, or even eggs.  They try to impose that rule on everyone through
violent bullying</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Mark_Meadows)
title: Mark Meadows
uri: 2021-12-17-Mark-Meadows
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Mark_Meadows)
content:
 
<p>
Mark Meadows' log of texts shows that the wrecker's son had informed
the White House that <a href="https://whdh.com/news/january-6-panel-unveils-text-messages-to-meadows-from-don-jr-and-fox-hosts-as-contempt-charges-advance/">rioters were attacking the Capitol and implored
the wrecker to "lead now" with an "Oval Office address</a>."
<p>
The suspicion is that this was, for him, notice that things were
already satisfactory.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Antarctic_ice_shelf)
title: Antarctic ice shelf
uri: Antarctic-ice-shelf
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Antarctic_ice_shelf)
content:
 
<p>
An Antarctic ice shelf is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/13/monster-antarctic-glacier-risk-key-ice-shelf-faces-collapse-years-earlier-expected">on the verge of shattering</a>.  When it does,
it will allow the Thwaites glacier to flow much vaster into the ocean
and raise sea level faster.

 


title: Fish and Wildlife Service continuing the wrecker's destructive orders
uri: Fish-and-Wildlife-Service-continuing-the-wrecker-s-destructive-orders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_continuing_the_wrecker's_destructive_orders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_continuing_the_wrecker's_destructive_orders)

content:
 
<p>
The Fish and Wildlife Service is planning to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/13/gut-punch-biden-interior-dept-quietly-plans-strip-protections-key-species">reduce protection on several
endangered species based on no scientific grounds</a>.
<p>
It seems to be continuing with destructive orders that the wrecker
gave.  I would suspect this is because of the saboteurs that he appointed
to the department.

 


title: Urgent: Woman's Health Protection Act
uri: Urgent-Woman-s-Health-Protection-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Urgent:_Woman's_Health_Protection_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Urgent:_Woman's_Health_Protection_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to pass the <a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/Womens_Health_Protection_Act/?t=1001&refcode=g-RoevWade1213.d-20211213.m-27727.s-279795&akid=27727%2E1906019%2EBOkFK9">Women's Health Protection Act</a>. Among many other things, this will legislate to protect abortion rights even if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Warship_totaled_by_small_fire)
title: Warship totaled by small fire
uri: Warship-totaled-by-small-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Warship_totaled_by_small_fire)
content:
 
<p>
A US Navy sailor is accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/sailor-charged-over-fire-that-destroyed-us-warship-disgruntled-prosecutors-say">setting a small fire that totaled the
amphibious assault ship, Bonhomme Richard</a>.
<p>
It seems to me that a more important question than who or what started
the fire is, why was the ship vulnerable to being destroyed by the
setting of a small fire?  That is a lousy characteristic for a
warship.  In battle, even small hits can start a fire.  A ship that
can be destroyed so easily is not a very good ship for a navy.

 


title: Voting rights activists arrested
uri: Voting-rights-activists-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Voting_rights_activists_arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Voting_rights_activists_arrested)

content:
 
<p>
*Protesting voting rights activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/13/voting-rights-activists-arrested-biden-manchin">arrested as Biden meets with Manchin</a>.*
<p>
I tend to think that it would be more effective to protest Manchin in
West Virginia than in DC.

 


title: Urgent: Tax the rich and pay child care workers living wages
uri: Urgent-Tax-the-rich-and-pay-child-care-workers-living-wages
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Urgent:_Tax_the_rich_and_pay_child_care_workers_living_wages)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Urgent:_Tax_the_rich_and_pay_child_care_workers_living_wages)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Senate Democrats to <a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/Childcare_workers_livingwage/?t=1001&refcode=g-childcare1211.d-20211211.m-27717.s-277258&akid=27717%2E1906
019%2EBbuXnE">tax the rich and pay child
care workers a living wage now</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is <a href="tel:+12022243121">202-224-3121</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Election_lawyers)
title: Election lawyers
uri: Election-lawyers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Election_lawyers)
content:
 
<p>
*The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/us-election-lawyers-voting-rights">network of election lawyers who are making it harder for
Americans to vote</a>.*

 


uri: Prosecute-countries-blocking-the-production-of-generic-Covid-19-vaccin
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Prosecure_countries_blocking_the_production_of_generic_Covid-19_vaccines_in_the_International_Criminal_Court)

title:
 Prosecute countries blocking the production of generic Covid-19 vaccines in the International Criminal Court 

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_December_2021_(Prosecure_countries_blocking_the_production_of_generic_Covid-19_vaccines_in_the_International_Criminal_Court)

content:
 
<p>
Proposal: to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/14/richest-countries-vaccine-hoarders-international-court-millions-have-died">prosecute the countries that are blocking generic production
of Covid-19 vaccines in the International Criminal Court</a>.
<p>
The article makes an interesting suggestion, but its analysis calls for
clarification.  It is not correct to say that the countries such as
Canada, Germany, the UK, Japan, and South Korea are "hoarding vaccines".
<p>
The real vaccine hoarders are the companies that make the vaccines.
They block the independent production of vaccines so that everyone has to
buy from them; this increases the price they can charge, and thus
increases their profits.
<p>
Countries such as Canada, Germany, and so on are culpable for helping
the companies do that.  But they are not exactly "hoarding" the
vaccine themselves.  In criminological terms, they are accessories.
<p>
What is the motivation of the leaders of those countries for
supporting that deadly profiteering?  One obvious possibility is that
the leaders are corrupt -- that they get personal advantages from
serving powerful businesses.  This is how plutocracy works.
<p>
But I hesitate to suppose that their motives are naked, simple
corruption.  I wonder if those leaders believe their countries have a
real national interest in supporting artificial scarcity.  That
would enable them to believe they are somehow serving their countries,
not merely helping to kill for profit.
<p>
It's possible that they really believe the propaganda built around the
term "intellectual property".  Please join me in <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">refusing to use that
term</a>, not solely because of the propaganda but also because it
generalizes about laws that are too different for generalizing.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Anjanette_Young)
title: Anjanette Young
uri: Anjanette-Young
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Anjanette_Young)
content:
 
<p>
The city of Chicago will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/chicago-to-pay-3m-woman-handcuffed-naked-raid">pay 5 million dollars compensation to
Anjanette Young your handcuffing her nude after breaking into her
apartment with guns drawn</a>.
<p>
They raided her apartment by mistake, but even when they have a valid
reason to search someone's apartment, they should not treat per like
dirt.  Not everyone suspected is guilty, and even culpable criminals
shouldn't be treated like that.

 


title: Conversations recorded and analyzed by private companies
uri: Conversations-recorded-and-analyzed-by-private-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Conversations_recorded_and_analyzed_by_private_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Conversations_recorded_and_analyzed_by_private_companies)

content:
 
<p>
*Lawyers say <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kbbey/prison-phone-companies-are-recording-attorney-client-calls-across-the-us">their conversations with incarcerated people are being
recorded and analyzed by private companies in at least nine US
states</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(California_mega-rainstorm)
title: California mega-rainstorm
uri: California-mega-rainstorm
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(California_mega-rainstorm)
content:
 
<p>
A mega-rainstorm may have cured California's drought, but it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/14/california-weather-latest-snow-rain">done
great damage too</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Soe_Naing)
title: Soe Naing
uri: Soe-Naing
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Soe_Naing)
content:
 
<p>
*Freelancer Soe Naing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/14/photojournalist-in-myanmar-dies-in-military-custody-a-week-after-arrest">was arrested in Yangon [a week ago] while taking photos of a
‘silent strike’ protest against military rule</a>.*  He has died in jail.
<p>
Chances are he was tortured.  

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(NHS_soon_overwhelmed)
title: NHS soon overwhelmed
uri: NHS-soon-overwhelmed
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(NHS_soon_overwhelmed)
content:
 
<p>
*The NHS will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/16/johnsons-plan-b-measures-short-slow-spread-covid">soon be overwhelmed unless coherent and strict rules are
applied to social distancing</a>.*
<p>
The same goes for US hospitals.  Hundreds of thousands of Americans
could die in the next few months, avoidably, due to the failure to follow
safety precautions and the failure to enforce them.
<p>
Justice and public health require supporting people who get sick from
working or commuting, or who must not take the risk of catching Covid-19 by
going to work.
<p>
The governments that sustain the vaccine monopoly could have avoided
this by permitting more vaccine production.  We could have vaccinated
most of the world by now and perhaos prevented the Omicron variant
from evolving.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(5G_radio_bands)
title: 5G radio bands
uri: 5G-radio-bands
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(5G_radio_bands)
content:
 
<p>
Credulous believers think that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/17/anti-5g-necklaces-radioactive-dutch-nuclear-experts-quantum-pendants">5G radio bands emit dangerous
radiation</a>.  Some wear "protective" necklaces which really do emit
dangerous radiation.
<p>
Why believe the claim that something is better for your health, just
because someone claims unsubstantuated knowledge of the matter?
Without a proper double-blind experiment, they can't really know.  The
usual explanation for such claims is that they are hoping fools will
pay them money.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Republicans)
title: Republicans
uri: 2021-12-19-Republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Republicans)
content:
 
<p>
*Republicans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/17/republicans-plotting-destroy-democracy">plotting to destroy democracy from within</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Tension_in_Europe)
title: Tension in Europe
uri: Tension-in-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Tension_in_Europe)
content:
 
<p>
Putin's idea of how to lower tension in Europe is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/17/russia-issues-list-demands-tensions-europe-ukraine-nato">demand a list of
military concessions that would give Russia dominating military power</a>.
<p>
He must think that Europan leaders are cowards that can be terrified
into surrender.
<p>
It might be good for NATO to limit troop deployments to its eastern
regions, perhaps 200 or 300 miles width extending in from their
borders with non-NATO coutries, if in return Russia agrees to limit
troop deployments to its western regions, 200 or 300 miles width
extending from its border with other coutries including the Baltic
countries, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.  This symmetrical agreement
would give neither side a military advantage but would discourage an
attack by either side.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Kentucky)
title: Kentucky
uri: Kentucky
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Kentucky)
content:
 
<p>
After the tornadoes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/17/kentucky-rain-weather-tornado-survivors">Kentucky is hit by heavy rains</a>.
<p>
A house that remains open to the elements during rain can be ruined by
mold in a few days.  Many of these houses will be good for no use
except demolition.
<p>
It is not clear to what extent climate catastrophe is responsible for the
tornadoes, but it certainly has already caused bigger rains.  Will anyone
teach the people of Kentucky that the small initial wave of global heating
has ruined people's lives?  Their Republican officials will not.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Business-supremacy_treaty)
title: Business-supremacy treaty
uri: 2021-12-19-Business-supremacy-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Business-supremacy_treaty)
content:
 
<p>
The UK and Australia are planning to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/17/australia-free-trade-deal-with-uk-to-remove-taxes-on-virtually-all-exports-to-britain">sign a business-supremacy treaty</a>.
<p>
Does it include <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">an ISDS clause (I Sue Democratic States)</a>?
The article does not say, but if it was developed
out of the TPP then it probably does.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Coup_PowerPoint)
title: Coup PowerPoint
uri: Coup-PowerPoint
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Coup_PowerPoint)
content:
 
<p>
*Capitol attack panel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/phil-waldron-powerpoint-plan-subvert-election-subpoenaed">subpoenas author of PowerPoint plan for coup</a>.*

 


title: Serbia blocks lithium mining plan
uri: Serbia-blocks-lithium-mining-plan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Serbia_blocks_lithium_mining_plan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Serbia_blocks_lithium_mining_plan)

content:
 
<p>
*Serbia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/16/serbia-blocks-rio-tintos-plan-to-mine-lithium-after-protests">blocks Rio Tinto’s plan to mine lithium</a> after protests.*
<p>
The general worldwide practice in operating mines is to do only the
required minimum to protect the environment from damage caused by
the mine or the wastes it generates.  Eventually the mine is
exhausted and the company makes legal arrangements to leave the mess
for others to pay for.  It makes sense not to allow companies to run
mines that way.
<p>
But we do need the minerals that we can get only by mining.  So what
is the right way to run a mine?
<p>
Does anyone know a way to operate a mine and protect the environment
properly?  Or of research to determine how?
<p>
A non-polluting mine might be much more expensive.  Properly run mines
may be uncompetitive in today's business environment.  Wise countries
will respond, "In 20 years, when other countries have allowed mining
to poison their water, our minerals will be even more valuable,
valuable enough to make a non-polluting mine profitable.  In the mean
time, we can wait."

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Beef_linked_to_deforestation)
title: Beef linked to deforestation
uri: Beef-linked-to-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Beef_linked_to_deforestation)
content:
 
<p>
*[Some European] supermarkets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/16/supermarkets-drop-brazilian-beef-products-linked-to-deforestation">drop Brazilian beef products linked to deforestation</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Mice_plague)
title: Mice plague
uri: Mice-plague
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Mice_plague)
content:
 
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/17/when-the-levee-breaks-burrows-from-mouse-plague-cause-trouble-for-flood-hit-nsw-farmers">plague of mice in part of New South Wales destroyed flood protection</a>
and made the disaster of the big rain much worse in some places.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Abnormal_storms)
title: Abnormal storms
uri: Abnormal-storms
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Abnormal_storms)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/great-plains-storms-tornadoes-tear-through-midwest">"Really abnormal" storms and tornadoes</a> tear through Great Plains and midwest.*

 


title: Jim Jordan's plan to override election results
uri: Jim-Jordan-s-plan-to-override-election-results
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Jim_Jordan's_plan_to_override_election_results)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Jim_Jordan's_plan_to_override_election_results)

content:
 
<p>
Rep. Jim Jordan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/jim-jordan-texts-capitol-attack-trump-mark-meadows">sent Mark Meadows on Jan 5 a proposed plan for Pence
override the election results</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(UK_and_Afghan_employees)
title: UK and Afghan employees
uri: UK-and-Afghan-employees
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(UK_and_Afghan_employees)
content:
 
<p>
The UK proposes strict criteria for giving their former Afghan
employees asylum: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/14/home-office-tightens-criteria-for-afghans-to-enter-despite-warm-welcome-promise">a "high and imminent risk” of threat to their life</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Warmer_winters)
title: Warmer winters
uri: 2021-12-19-Warmer-winters
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Warmer_winters)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/17/warmer-winters-climate-crisis-scientists">Warmer winters are happening across the globe</a>, and can be drivers of
catastrophic weather events and profound changes.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Theft_rates_in_California)
title: Theft rates in California
uri: Theft-rates-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Theft_rates_in_California)
content:
 
<p>
Despite a few spectacular theft raids on stores, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/17/explainer-california-mass-thefts-retail-policing">theft in California
is still significantly less than in 2019</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Infrastructure_contracts)
title: Infrastructure contracts
uri: Infrastructure-contracts
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Infrastructure_contracts)
content:
 
<p>
Biden <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/12/17/mitch-landrieu-fossil-fuels-infrastructure-biden/">appointed a loyal friend of fossil fuel business to hand out
infrastructure contracts</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Bolsonaro)
title: Bolsonaro
uri: 2021-12-19-Bolsonaro
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Bolsonaro)
content:
 
<p>
Bolsonaro and his remaining followers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/17/bolsonaro-threatens-to-reveal-identities-of-officials-who-approved-covid-jabs-for-children">try to cause havoc -- and
spreading Covid-19 is one of the ways</a>.  Brazil has approved
vaccination for children age 5-11, so Bolsonaro wants to expose
officials who made the decision to danger of murder.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Ice_layer_from_climate_mayhem)
title: Ice layer from climate mayhem
uri: Ice-layer-from-climate-mayhem
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_December_2021_(Ice_layer_from_climate_mayhem)
content:
 
<p>
The Sami (formerly known as Lapps) have words for many different kinds
of snow.  However, due to climate mayhem, they are getting a kind of
snow that they never used to see.  It generates <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/17/new-snow-no-name-sami-reindeer-herders-climate-disaster">a layer of ice that
blocks reindeer's access to plants they need to eat, so they go hungry</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Wood_burners)
title: Wood burners
uri: Wood-burners
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Wood_burners)
content:
 
<p>

*Wood burners cause nearly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/17/wood-burners-urban-air-pollution-cancer-risk-study">half of urban air pollution cancer risk</a>.*
That is despite the fact that only a small fraction of houses are
burning wood.
<p>
The study reports that the pollution from burning wood is especially
dangerous.  Just because it's natural, that doesn't make it safe.

 


title: Urgent: Call on Congress to expand Supreme Court
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-expand-Supreme-Court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_expand_Supreme_Court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_expand_Supreme_Court)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-demand-president-biden-and-congress-pass-the-judiciary-act-of-2021-to-expand-the-supreme-court">expand the Supreme Court</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>

 


title: Urgent: Hold Mark Meadows in contempt
uri: Urgent-Hold-Mark-Meadows-in-contempt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Hold_Mark_Meadows_in_contempt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Hold_Mark_Meadows_in_contempt)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the House of Representatives to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/not-above-the-law-hold-mark-meadows-in-contempt">hold Mark Meadows
in contempt</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Cancel student loan debt
uri: Urgent-Cancel-student-loan-debt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Cancel_student_loan_debt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Urgent:_Cancel_student_loan_debt)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://act.ayannapressley.com/sign/apem-20211016-cancel-student-debt/">cancel student loan debt</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(We_need_leadership_at_the_FDA)
title: We need leadership at the FDA
uri: We-need-leadership-at-the-FDA
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(We_need_leadership_at_the_FDA)
content:
 
<p>

Sanders: *We need leadership at the FDA that is finally willing to stand up to
   the greed and power of the pharmaceutical industry. In this critical
   moment, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/14/citing-multimillion-dollar-big-pharma-ties-sanders-vote-no-bidens-pick-fda-chief">Dr. Califf is not the leader Americans need at the agency</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(US_won't_fight_with_big_oil)
title: US won't fight with big oil
uri: US-won-t-fight-with-big-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(US_won't_fight_with_big_oil)
content:
 
<p>

Biden's energy secretary reassured the organized Big Oil that the US
government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/14/activists-say-biden-bamboozled-big-oil-crude-export-ban-table">won't fight with them</a>.  "We're not a bogeyman...We heard
you loud and clear."
<p>
That seems to explain why Biden is not listening to us.
<p>
I should explain that I am not convinced that banning oil export from
the US is. itself, crucial.  That ban would not reduce fossil fuel
usage, nor fossil fuel demand.  If there is a way it would help us
prevent climate disaster, I don't see it.
<p>
On the other hand, reducing oil extraction in the US is crucial
progress.  The US has to push for this, not just make distant
pledges to push later.

 


title: (satire) January 6 texts to White House
uri: (satire)-January-6-texts-to-White-House
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_January_6_texts_to_White_House)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_January_6_texts_to_White_House)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) Leaked <a href="https://www.theonion.com/leaked-january-6th-texts-to-white-house-1848219877">January 6 Texts To White House</a> (The Onion's version).

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Tax_stock_buybacks)
title: Tax stock buybacks
uri: Tax-stock-buybacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Tax_stock_buybacks)
content:
 
<p>

*The Plan to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/15/plan-tax-stock-buybacks-corporations-record-breaking-profits">Tax Stock Buybacks</a> From Corporations With Record Breaking
 Profits.*

 


title: Public ownership of new Covid-19 manufacturing
uri: Public-ownership-of-new-Covid-19-manufacturing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Public_ownership_of_new_Covid-19_manufacturing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Public_ownership_of_new_Covid-19_manufacturing)

content:
 
<p>

*   A coalition of public health advocates is urging the Biden
   administration to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/public-health-advocates-demand-public-ownership-mrna-manufacturing-us">retain public ownership</a> over "any new domestic
   manufacturing capacity that is established" as a result of the White
   House's plan to increase the global supply of Covid-19
   vaccines.*

 


title: Senator Warren endorsed expanding Supreme Court
uri: Senator-Warren-endorsed-expanding-Supreme-Court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Senator_Warren_endorsed_expanding_Supreme_Court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Senator_Warren_endorsed_expanding_Supreme_Court)

content:
 
<p>

Senator Warren has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/warren-says-expand-supreme-court-counter-powerful-threat-our-democracy">endorsed expanding the Supreme Court</a>.

 


title: Donations to election advocacy organizations
uri: Donations-to-election-advocacy-organizations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Donations_to_election_advocacy_organizations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Donations_to_election_advocacy_organizations)

content:
 
<p>

Supreme Court rulings allowed donations to separate election advocacy
organizations on the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/15/study-confirms-how-citizens-united-made-mockery-campaign-finance-rules">supposition that they are independent of the candidate's
campaign</a>.
<p>
If politics were known for the highest level of moral probity, perhaps
we could trust them to do that.  Some people stated their belief in
this, perhaps as willful self-delusion.  The rest of us suspected it
was bullshit.
<p>
Now we have evidence it is often false.  In many cases the official
campaign and the "independent" advocacy organization hire the same
consultant.

 


title: Votes to unionize more Starbucks stores
uri: Votes-to-unionize-more-Starbucks-stores
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Votes_to_unionize_more_Starbucks_stores)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Votes_to_unionize_more_Starbucks_stores)

content:
 
<p>

Starbucks workers at more stores are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/16/starbucks-workers-boston-push-unionize">pushing for votes to unionize</a>.
Meanwhile, the company is retaliating against workers and managers.
<p>
If you live near any of the stores where workers are pushing to
unionize, you might have fun standing outside with a sign saying
"Hooray for the union!"  If you occasionally patronize one of them,
you could also make a small sign saying "Union Yes!", put it on your
bag, and go in and buy something.

 


title: Purdue Pharma settlement blocked
uri: Purdue-Pharma-settlement-blocked
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Purdue_Pharma_settlement_blocked)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Purdue_Pharma_settlement_blocked)

content:
 
<p>

The US settlement with Purdue Pharma has been blocked by a judge
who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/purdue-pharma-settlement-sackler-opioid">objected to protecting the Sacklers from lawsuits</a>.

 


title: Lending to fossil fuel companies
uri: Lending-to-fossil-fuel-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Lending_to_fossil_fuel_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Lending_to_fossil_fuel_companies)

content:
 
<p>

Tories propose to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/17/banks-should-be-forced-to-service-all-law-abiding-businesses-inquiry-finds">require banks to lend to fossil fuel companies</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Somalia_hit_by_global_heating)
title: Somalia hit by global heating
uri: Somalia-hit-by-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Somalia_hit_by_global_heating)
content:
 
<p>

Somalia is being hit badly by global heating &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/14/climate-fueled-drought-pushing-millions-brink-war-torn-somalia">three successive seasons
have brought no rain</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Arctic_heating)
title: Arctic heating
uri: Arctic-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Arctic_heating)
content:
 
<p>

The Arctic is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/14/record-high-arctic-temperature-38degc-more-befitting-mediterranean-un-warns">heating much faster than the rest of the Earth</a>.
The record temperature recorded in the Arctic is now 38C &mdash; above
human body temperature.

 


title: Votes for nuclear-free zone in middle east
uri: Votes-for-nuclear-free-zone-in-middle-east
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Votes_for_nuclear-free_zone_in_middle_east)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Votes_for_nuclear-free_zone_in_middle_east)

content:
 
<p>

All countries in the Middle East (including Iran) voted repeatedly for
a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/14/there-international-consensus-how-prevent-nuclear-iran-it-virtually-never-discussed">except Israel</a>.
The last time it was proposed, the only other country opposing it was
the US.
<p>
This is an almost certain way to assure Iran does not develop nuclear
weapons.
<p>
Decades ago, when Israel was surrounded by countries that called for
attacking and destroying an outnumbered Israel, Israel needed a
nuclear deterrent against that possible attack.  Even though Israel
won its wars against all the much bigger Arab armies, there was no
guarantee that it always would.  But now many of those countries
have made peace with Israel.  Israel may want nuclear weapons
but it doesn't need them.  And the US doesn't need to insist that
Israel keep them.

 


title: No resistance to next Republican coup
uri: No-resistance-to-next-Republican-coup
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(No_resistance_to_next_Republican_coup)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(No_resistance_to_next_Republican_coup)

content:
 
<p>

As Republicans prepare their next coup, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/14/know-trumps-attempted-coup-jan-6-was-just-practice">no powerful force in the US
is organizing to resist it</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Maintaining_filibuster)
title: Maintaining filibuster
uri: Maintaining-filibuster
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Maintaining_filibuster)
content:
 
<p>

Senator Sinema has stated the intention to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/16/asinine-filibuster-defense-sinema-imperils-last-ditch-voting-rights-push">maintain the filibuster at all costs</a>
rather than pass a voting rights law that could block the Republican coup.
<p>
Her argument is that the Republicans could benefit from the absence of
the filibuster, if they take the Senate.  That's true &mdash; if they hold
the House and the presidency.
<p>
But if that happens, they would abolish the filibuster the first day.
They abolished the filibuster for nominations years ago, which is how
they put three right-wing extremists onto the Supreme Court.
<p>
Sinema's heroic "sacrifice" is a bogus excuse not to resist the next coup.

 


title: Courts always side with the pipeline
uri: Courts-always-side-with-the-pipeline
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Courts_always_side_with_the_pipeline)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Courts_always_side_with_the_pipeline)

content:
 
<p>

Indigenous pipeline-resisters in Canada point out that the courts
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/16/royal-canadian-mounted-police-serves-and-protects-fossil-fuel-ceos">almost always side with the pipeline</a> and against them.
This author has no doubt that the pattern is racism at work.
<p>
Is that pattern due to racism?  It could be so.  Or it could be due to
plutocracy.  Or it could be due to a combination of both causes.
<p>
It isn't valid to presume a priori that the cause is mostly racism,
when we know how far the Canadian government will go to support
pipeline construction
<!--
[pol note about Canada's buying a pipeline project]
-->
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#9_November_2016_(Banning_tankers)">tar sands oil</a>.
<p>
We could tell how significant racism is as a factor if we could
contrast these statistics with comparable statistics about
non-indigenous Canadians.  The article doesn't give any.
<p>
Perhaps there are no comparable statistics.  Perhaps non-indigenous
landowners don't oppose pipelines.  Perhaps the government routs
pipelines through indigenous land to spare the white Canadians' land.
If so, that choice could be directly because of racism, or because the
whites have more political clout to resist with, or both.
<p>
It could be the case that the indigenous pipeline resisters in Canada
have special opportunities to sue, based on the rights of their
tribes, which no one else has.  If so, I appreciate their exercising
those opportunities to defend the climate.  They are fighting for all
of us.
<p>
Alas, that would mean this gives no opportunity to measure to what
extent the Canadian courts are racist in enforcing Canadian law.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Still_going_to_Vegas)
title: (satire) Still going to Vegas
uri: (satire)-Still-going-to-Vegas
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Still_going_to_Vegas)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *"We're <a href="https://www.theonion.com/we-re-still-gonna-go-to-vegas-buddy-says-u-s-soldi-1848196207">Still Gonna Go To Vegas</a>, Buddy," Says U.S. Soldier
Holding Dying Drone In His Arms.

 


title: US assurances not to kill Assange
uri: US-assurances-not-to-kill-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(US_assurances_not_to_kill_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(US_assurances_not_to_kill_Assange)

content:
 
<p>

*US Once Planned To Kill Assange But <a href="https://progressivehub.net/us-once-planned-to-kill-assange-but-gives-assurances-it-wont-again/">Gives "Assurances"</a> It Won't Again.*
<p>
Cruel US prison conditions are a national shame, but in addition to
threatening Julian Assange, the US demand to prosecute Assange also
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#22_June_2019_(Indictment_of_Assange)">threatens freedom of the press</a>.
That is the biggest issue here.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Lead_pipes)
title: (satire) Lead pipes
uri: (satire)-Lead-pipes
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Lead_pipes)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Critics Warn Biden’s Plan To Remove Lead Pipes Would Put
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/critics-warn-biden-s-plan-to-remove-lead-pipes-would-pu-1848228810">Millions Of Potential Murder Weapons In Circulation</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(UK_needs_to_support_workers)
title: UK needs to support workers
uri: UK-needs-to-support-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(UK_needs_to_support_workers)
content:
 
<p>

Omicron's rapid spread is convincing many Britons to wisely stop
visiting restaurants and theaters.  To prevent them from closing
permanently, the UK should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2021/dec/16/the-uk-hospitality-industry-needs-its-own-furlough-scheme">bring back its plan to support the workers</a>
while there is no work for them.
<p>
I expect the US to need a similar policy for the same reason.
<p>
Here's an idea: furlough payments for workers should be limited to
those who get vaccinated.

 


title: Thomas Piketty's recommendations for equality
uri: Thomas-Piketty-s-recommendations-for-equality
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Thomas_Piketty's_recommendations_for_equality)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Thomas_Piketty's_recommendations_for_equality)

content:
 
<p>

Thomas Piketty's <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/blog/piketty/2021/12/14/the-new-global-inequalities/">recommendations for equality</a>.
<p>
Above all, we need to replace current property taxes with wealth taxes.
<p>
Other measures are required to reduce male-female economic inequality.
<p>
One interesting point is that the non-wealthy people in Europe are using
sustainable levels of resources.  It is the wealthy 10% that use too much.

 


title: Ideas to undo segregation and poverty
uri: Ideas-to-undo-segregation-and-poverty
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Ideas_to_undo_segregation_and_poverty)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Ideas_to_undo_segregation_and_poverty)

content:
 
<p>

Ideas for the federal government to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/16/how-us-government-segregated-america">undo the segregation (and poverty
for blacks)</a> that its policies intentionally created during the 1930s.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Catastrophic_global_disorder)
title: Catastrophic global disorder
uri: Catastrophic-global-disorder
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Catastrophic_global_disorder)
content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/12/16/catastrophic-global-disorder-beckons-unless-we-act-swiftly-climate">Catastrophic Global Disorder Beckons</a> Unless We Act Swiftly on Climate.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Extension_of_child_tax_credit)
title: Extension of child tax credit
uri: Extension-of-child-tax-credit
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Extension_of_child_tax_credit)
content:
 
<p>

Manchin says he <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/16/critics-warn-impending-2022-nightmare-dems-if-student-debt-payments-restart-and">refuses to allow extension of the child tax credit</a>.
He has been playing a dishonest political game for months.
<p>
When it expires, which is very soon, millions of poor Americans will
be desperate.  If they camp around Manchin's house, it might make
him change his mind.
<p>
Millions will also be required to start paying towards their unpayable
student loans, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#16_November_2021_(Urgent:_Cancel_student_debt)">unless Biden cancels them</a>.

 


title: (satire) Didn't clock out after buried in rubble
uri: (satire)-Didn-t-clock-out-after-buried-in-rubble
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Didn't_clock_out_after_buried_in_rubble)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Didn't_clock_out_after_buried_in_rubble)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Amazon <a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-fires-employees-who-didn-t-clock-out-after-getti-1848214443">Fires Employees Who Didn’t Clock Out After Getting
Buried In Rubble</a>.

 


title: (satire) Texas school's unbannded books
uri: (satire)-Texas-school-s-unbannded-books
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Texas_school's_unbannded_books)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_((satire)_Texas_school's_unbannded_books)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Texas School's <a href="https://www.theonion.com/texas-school-s-unbanned-books-down-to-3-copies-of-tom-c-1848214421">Unbanned Books</a> Down To 3 Copies Of Tom
Clancy's "Threat Vector".*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(As_much_emissions_as_Russia)
title: As much emissions as Russia
uri: As-much-emissions-as-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(As_much_emissions_as_Russia)
content:
 
<p>

*Top US Banks and Investors Responsible for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/14/top-us-banks-and-investors-responsible-nearly-much-emissions-russia-report-finds">Nearly as Much Emissions as
Russia</a>, Report Finds.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Outdoor_work_in_the_tropics)
title: Outdoor work in the tropics
uri: Outdoor-work-in-the-tropics
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#19_December_2021_(Outdoor_work_in_the_tropics)
content:
 
<p>

*Deforestation has made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/17/deforestation-making-outdoor-work-unsafe-for-millions-says-study">outdoor work unsafe for millions</a> of people in
the tropics over the past 15 years, a study has found.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Subverting_democracy)
title: Subverting democracy
uri: Subverting-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Subverting_democracy)
content:
 
<p>
*Republicans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/19/republicans-subvert-democracy-democrats-paying-attention">shamelessly working to subvert democracy</a>. Are Democrats
paying attention?*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Mass_rapid_tests)
title: Mass rapid tests
uri: Mass-rapid-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Mass_rapid_tests)
content:
 
<p>
A pilot program in Liverpool a year ago, in which essential workers
took a home Covid test every day, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/19/mass-rapid-tests-in-liverpool-cut-hospital-stays-by-a-third">cut the number of people in
hospitals for Covid by 1/3</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Coup_coordinator)
title: Coup coordinator
uri: Coup-coordinator
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Coup_coordinator)
content:
 
<p>
Mark Meadows was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/18/mark-meadows-center-6-january-donald-trump">the coordinator of most of the bullshitters's
coup attempt on Jan 6</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Soil_carbon)
title: Soil carbon
uri: Soil-carbon
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Soil_carbon)
content:
 
<p>
*The reality of soil carbon is that it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/19/soil-carbon-sequestration-on-farms-alone-wont-absolve-our-daily-emission-sins">highly variable, hard to
measure, hard to shift and easy to lose</a>.*  It is important, but basing
a plan on it is risky.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Next_coup_has_already_begun)
title: Next coup has already begun
uri: Next-coup-has-already-begun
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Next_coup_has_already_begun)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/01/january-6-insurrection-trump-coup-2024-election/620843/">[The bullshitter]’s Next Coup Has Already Begun</a>.*
<p>
12% of Americans are leaning towards violence in support of the delusions
that the bullshitter's machine has propagated.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Threats_to_fire)
title: Threats to fire
uri: Threats-to-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Threats_to_fire)
content:
 
<p>
*Amid Deadly Tornado, Texts Show Amazon <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/17/amid-deadly-tornado-texts-show-amazon-threatened-fire-driver-if-packages-not">Threatened to Fire Driver If Packages Not Delivered</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Kshama_Sawant)
title: Kshama Sawant
uri: Kshama-Sawant
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Kshama_Sawant)
content:
 
<p>
The Socialist Kshama Sawant, on the Seattle city council, won <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/12/17/big-business-defeated-socialist-kshama-sawants-victory-certified-seattle">a
recall election pushed by big business money</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Tennessee)
title: Tennessee
uri: Tennessee
url: https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_December_2021_(Tennessee)
content:
 
<p>
*Tennessee recently <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/go/334650?t=1008&akid=52621%2E1242918%2E5LNCju">passed anti–Critical Race Theory legislation,
banning educators from teaching students that any individuals are
"inherently privileged, sexist, or oppressive" based on their race
or sex.</a>*
<p>
Clearly no person is "inherently" sexist, because that is an attitude.
Likewise, no person is "inherently" oppressive, because oppression is
a matter of conduct.  Schools should never teach things like that, and
I can't criticize those two points in Tennessee's law.
<p>
It is clearly true in our society that some people are given more
baseline privilege regardless of what they say or do.  Is it right to
say that they are "inherently" privileged?  I think not: the privilege
is inherent in the system, not in the person.
<p>
However, that is a subtle distinction, and I can easily imagine that
white supremacist Tennessee officials might disregard it and punish a
teacher for teaching the facts about racism.

 


