# articles

feed_id: 5cb47bc53d985a6b160abe75fbb7efb4
title: Medical procedures costs
uri: Medical-procedures-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Medical_procedures_costs%29
content:
<p>
Medical procedures tend to cost a lot more in the US than anywhere else.
The US typical price <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/27/dont-tell-me-we-cant-afford-medicare-all-says-sanders-after-nyt-details-insanely">is often several times as much</a>.


feed_id: dfdbd941d62d24cae16cd84ff66814d3
title: Urgent: cancel Real ID
uri: Urgent-cancel-Real-ID
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_cancel_Real_ID%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/2020-dems-end-real-id?t=1002&akid=35149%2E1183552%2E-k7WlP">call on presidential candidates</a> to cancel Real ID.

<p>
While I agree with the petition's concerns about immigrants, I am even more
concerned about increased control over citizens.


feed_id: a525ebe63be6e30d844bf79126604a44
title: Hard to repair
uri: Hard-to-repair
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Hard_to_repair%29
content:
<p>
Apple designs its products so that they are hard to repair
then cites this <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/right-to-repair-apple-answers-congress/ ">as a reason not to let anyone else do it</a>.

<p> Discussing right to repair as a matter of costs is missing the most
important part of the issue: our control over technology.  Apple computers
today don't permit replacing the nonfree software.  If someone gave me one, my
quandary would be whether it is less wrong to sell it to a would-be user or
give it away for recycling.  To keep it and use it would not be an option.


feed_id: 9b48efe6e23008c2d8d20f102c69d64e
title: Mistrained reinforcement learning
uri: Mistrained-reinforcement-learning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Mistrained_reinforcement_learning%29

content:
<p>
Today's AI technique of reinforcement learning has a fundamental
insecurity: <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/tainted-data-teach-algorithms-wrong-lessons/">messing with the training data can create a back door
which can be controlled by presenting a trigger in the incoming data</a>.

<p>
Thus, a driverless car controlled by a reinforcement learning system
could be mistrained to make it drive off the side of the road (which
could be a cliff edge) when it sees a particular object on the other
side of the road.


feed_id: bcd8e8f3fca83c0d32ec961ab2694451
title: Victory for voter suppression
uri: Victory-for-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Victory_for_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
A victory for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/28/georgia-voting-rights-purge-stacey-abrams">voter suppression in Georgia</a>.


feed_id: 9a6dffe599804efe149cf2be17271698
title: Arresting without knowing why
uri: Arresting-without-knowing-why
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#2_January_2020_%28Arresting_without_knowing_why%29
content:
<p>
*For the past six months, Israeli police have subjected Issawiya's residents
to daily raids and arrests. <a href="https://www.972mag.com/police-violence-planted-evidence-calm-night-e-jlms-issawiya/144416/">No one seems to know the goal of the operation —
including the police</a>.* Issawiya is a part of the West Bank which Israel claims to have annexed
as part of Jerusalem.


feed_id: 54ce4f24a2f538f9d1739488b334f728
title: Freedom of expression and suppression of voters
uri: Freedom-of-expression-and-suppression-of-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Freedom_of_expression_and_suppression_of_voters%29

content:
<p>
Amnesty International reports on Israeli state <a href="media/b8e88b3f.MDE1508822019ENGLISH.PDF" data-original-source="https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/MDE1508822019ENGLISH.PDF">attacks against
freedom of expression, including expression by elected legislators,
and suppression of Palestinian voters</a>,


feed_id: 6b8d28c65ea0ab4ebe8d1f50b86ca432
title: Exxon and climate defense
uri: Exxon-and-climate-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Exxon_and_climate_defense%29
content:
<p>
In 2018, Exxon gave money to oppose climate defense,
even though <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/23/exxonmobil-still-bankrolling-climate-science-deniers">it claims to recognize the need for that</a>.

<p>
This follows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/23/exxon-climate-crisis-house-democrats-hearing">decades of denialism</a>.

<p>
No wonder the name is pronounced <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/exxon.html">like "Yech-on" without the "y"</a>.  ;-}


feed_id: 130689ce58db3f7297dbcb4ceebfbbd0
title: Jesus twin
uri: Jesus-twin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Jesus_twin%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/newly-discovered-scrolls-suggest-jesus-devoured-twin-me-1839255767">satire</a>) *Newly Discovered Scrolls Suggest Jesus Devoured Twin Messiah
In Womb.*


feed_id: 80522b608dc15a9148376adf579e260c
title: As bad as anti-vaxxers
uri: As-bad-as-anti-vaxxers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28As_bad_as_anti-vaxxers%29
content:
<p>
The falling child vaccination rate in the UK was not caused by anti-vaxxers.
It was caused by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/25/tory-nhs-shake-up-blamed-for-fall-in-child-vaccination-rates">Tory budget cuts and reorganization</a>.


feed_id: b97bfc5b140cf9044db8eac26776b1f1
title: UN investigating human rights abuses
uri: UN-investigating-human-rights-abuses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28UN_investigating_human_rights_abuses%29

content:
<p>
*Chile protests: UN to investigate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/24/chile-protests-human-rights-un-investigation">claims of human rights abuses after 18
deaths</a>.*


feed_id: 9e144706f3956f25e0c9e37e450f8847
title: Assange
uri: 2020-01-05-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Assange%29
content:
<p>
*With Assange on Verge of Extradition to US, Sweden <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/19/assange-verge-extradition-us-sweden-drops-years-long-rape-investigation-wikileaks">Drops Years-Long Rape Investigation Into WikiLeaks Founder</a>.*

<p>
I don't know whether he was guilty of those charges, but it is clear
that, for the Swedish state, pursuing those charges was simply a way
to help the US get its dirty hands on Assange.  If the prosecutors had
really been concerned about justice in that matter, they could have
got Assange to go to Sweden years ago, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#27_July_2012_(Apparent_plans_to_extradite_Assange)">simply by promising Ecuador not
to extradite him to the US</a>.


feed_id: 83da853fcf33040faf5397a4b45f442d
title: Bernie Sanders on Morales
uri: Bernie-Sanders-on-Morales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Bernie_Sanders_on_Morales%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders identified <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/19/bernie-sanders-stance-bolivia-matters">the overthrow of President Morales as a coup</a>.

This is one of the issues on which <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/19/after-week-violence-and-unrest-warren-criticized-conciliatory-remarks-post-coup">Sanders is better than Warren</a>.

<p>
The false OAS accusation of election fraud in Bolivia could not be an
ignorant mistake. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/19/oas-lied-public-about-bolivian-election-and-coup">The OAS has served the US by imposing its power on
other countries before</a>.


feed_id: c6b7bfb883338608fd25e68e294ccd15
title: Stop digging
uri: Stop-digging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Stop_digging%29
content:
<p>
*Fossil fuel production on track for double the safe climate limit.
"We're in a deep hole over the climate crisis and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/fossil-fuel-production-on-track-for-double-the-safe-climate-limit">we need to stop
digging," warn experts</a>.*


feed_id: f3ac0f11553324d5307fe5fea1292586
title: Noise pollution
uri: Noise-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Noise_pollution%29
content:
<p>
*Noise produced by human activities should be better regulated to
protect wildlife, say the authors of a study exposing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/noise-pollution-wild-life-better-regulation">how sound
pollution affects myriad creatures from fish to birds</a>.*


feed_id: c03172a0981c3ba2358e0fd8800bef27
title: Climate movement
uri: Climate-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Climate_movement%29
content:
<p>
Now that few deny the climate crisis, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/29/the-climate-movement-is-about-to-get-more-political-and-thats-a-good-thing">the movement needs to make
some basic decisions</a>.

<p>
How long a time period should we consider?  I argue for an answer for
that.  In principle we should consider the really long term; but we
cannot make concrete plans for 10,000 years from now.

<p>
I think we can use this heuristic: if high-tech civilization with
human rights can survive to reach 2070 with the greenhouse gas level
going down, it should be in a position to cope after that.  We must
aim to make sure we reach that level of success.

<p>
We need to preserve human rights, or we face a China-like world
forever after.

<p>
Beyond that, we should preserve as much of what is good in today's
world as we can.  But that has to be secondary to avoiding disaster,
because there will be no way to protect anything through a
full-blown climate disaster.


feed_id: 31e76f3340e0c12191a4e405fef2a7d0
title: Uighurs persecution
uri: Uighurs-persecution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Uighurs_persecution%29
content:
<p>
Over a million Uighurs in China are imprisoned in concentration camps,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/12/29/why-dont-we-care-about-chinas-uighur-muslims/">being brainwashed to talk about how they love Chairman Xi, as well as
starved, sterilized, tortured, raped, and, killed</a>.

<p>
Those outside the camps are subject to total tracking and control.

<p>
Uighurs outside China say they can no longer reach their parents or
their children, nor find out where those are.

<p>
Ironically, China's wealth has bought the support of governments
that claim to defend Muslims.

<p>
I disagree with the claim made by an interviewee that imprisonment in
Guantanamo is nothing compared with imprisonment in those
concentration camps.  The two have a lot in common.

<p>
The article reports about Chinese people who defend the oppression and
totalitarian control of Uighurs to be "patriotic" Chinese.  This
reminds me of the Americans who defend US wars to be "patriotic"
Americans.  Just as Americans are inclined to assume their superiority
to other nations, so are Chinese, who have long called other peoples
"barbarians".

<p>
Both peoples need to learn to resist that misguided idea of
"patriotism".  A true patriot wants per country to <em>deserve</em>
respect, not extort it through bullying.


feed_id: 23e2a2448a585fae31ccbca0963e11de
title: Post-brexit cost savings
uri: Post-brexit-cost-savings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Post-brexit_cost_savings%29
content:
<p>
*The European commission has been accused of seeking to cut EU
funding for the continent’s poorest people by 50% <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/29/eu-accused-of-seeking-to-cut-funds-for-poor-in-post-brexit-cost-savings">to secure post-Brexit
cost savings and extra funds for defence projects</a>.*


feed_id: c704940f136fdf5b0645de3bbe4ff273
title: Ghost stakeholders
uri: Ghost-stakeholders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Ghost_stakeholders%29
content:
<p>
Big US businesses pledge responsibility to their "stakeholders", but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/29/boeing-amazon-business-ethics-robert-reich">that doesn't seem to include workers, or the customers of their
customers, or the public</a>.


feed_id: 8d2ccc7122d1a7d571e3be345f9d46a5
title: Teaching polluters
uri: Teaching-polluters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Teaching_polluters%29
content:
<p>
The WWF works with companies that damage the environment, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/29/tanya-steele-we-need-to-capitalise-on-raised-awareness-says-wwfs-uk-chief">hoping to teach
them to do that less</a>.

<p>
It sounds great in theory &mdash; supposing that it achieves the intended
results.  But I wonder what they are giving those companies today to
achieve the hoped-for improvement years from now.  And what they will
do if the improvement achieved is less then hoped.


feed_id: f8795fce8209b595138c7ed51ff09398
title: Watch list
uri: Watch-list
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_January_2020_%28Watch_list%29
content:
<p>
*Amazon’s Ring Planned Neighborhood "Watch Lists" <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/26/amazon-ring-home-security-facial-recognition/">Built on Facial Recognition</a>.*


feed_id: 414b69ba1567e4d172ae0de94a02766a
title: Facial recognition technology
uri: Facial-recognition-technology
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Facial_recognition_technology%29
content:
<p>
*"Facial recognition technology is now being sold as standard in CCTV
systems, for example, so 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/dec/29/lack-of-guidance-leaves-public-services-in-limbo-on-ai-says-watchdog">hospitals
are having to work out if they should use it</a>.*
<p>
If we forbid surveillance cameras, and permit only 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">security</a>
cameras, this issue won't arise.


feed_id: 9812ae0914d32ca0bbebef5a6ded0214
title: Domestic violence deadlier than "terrorism"
uri: Domestic-violence-deadlier-than-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Domestic_violence_deadlier_than_terrorism%29

content:
<p>
*Domestic violence 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/dec/28/domestic-violence-kills-15-times-as-many-as-terrorism-in-britain">kills
15 times as many as terrorism in Britain</a>.*
<p>
I am sure the ratio is similar in the US.  "Terrorism" is exotic and
sensational, and on rare occasions has many victims, so people see it
as bigger than it really is.  By contrast, violence tends to be
covered up and downplayed.


feed_id: 6154cb44d24c8e57f88e2823ecf6720a
title: Urgent: End child labor practices
uri: Urgent-End-child-labor-practices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_child_labor_practices%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-demand-hershey-nestle-and-mars-end-child-labor-practices-now?nowrapper=true">call
on Hershey, Nestlé and Mars</a> to end child labor practices in their
supply chains.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 0ce3a0392db1868f5fd26716b599d410
title: Surrendering to rage unwise
uri: Surrendering-to-rage-unwise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Surrendering_to_rage_unwise%29
content:
<p>
Elif Shafak: Surrendering to rage can be a pleasure, but 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/30/anger-female-rage-empathy">not
a wise one</a>.
<p>
"Anger&hellip;is addictive.  It must be diluted and counterbalanced
with more powerful, positive feelings: empathy, compassion, kindness,
sisterhood and love."


feed_id: 21f772722ba16dce266b6057ddb7f785
title: Putin trying to blame Poland for WWII
uri: Putin-trying-to-blame-Poland-for-WWII
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Putin_trying_to_blame_Poland_for_WWII%29

content:
<p>
Putin is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/polish-pm-furious-at-putin-rewriting-history-of-second-world-war">trying
to blame Poland for starting World War II</a>.
<p>
I conjecture that Putin wishes to be seen by Russians as heroically
strong, so he is trying to promote admiration for Stalin, then
identify himself with Stalin.  He therefore seeks to bury the fact
that Stalin joined Hitler in the conquest of Poland, hiding it under a
pile of distracting bullshit.


feed_id: 12e8f3acfac2648008f34f2f9eeeaa6d
title: Urgent: Kavanaugh's recusal from CFPB case
uri: Urgent-Kavanaugh-s-recusal-from-CFPB-case
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Kavanaughs_recusal_from_CFPB_case%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/kavanaugh-cfpb/">call on
Justice Kavanaugh</a> to recuse himself from the Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau case.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: ea7e39ff481ccf857504837b6c94c817
title: America's self-serving myths
uri: America-s-self-serving-myths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Americas_self-serving_myths%29
content:
<p>
*This was the decade 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/30/america-myths-exceptionalism-meritocracy-donald-trump">America’s
self-serving myths fell apart</a>.* Myths such as that the US
political and economic system was good for Americans, and was the only
model people of other countries could want to adopt.


feed_id: 07c14c933779bcd8bd4421e84602cc95
title: China trying to destroy Taiwanese politics
uri: China-trying-to-destroy-Taiwanese-politics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28China_trying_to_destroy_Taiwanese_politics%29

content:
<p>
China is trying to destroy Taiwanese politics with a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/taiwan-presidential-election-referendum-on-ties-with-china">giant
barrage of fake news</a>.


feed_id: 1ca28907dba8b4227f947420b504203f
title: The environment in 2050
uri: The-environment-in-2050
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28The_environment_in_2050%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/30/environment-2050-flooded-cities-forced-migration-amazon-turning-savannah">The
environment in 2050</a>: flooded cities, forced migration &mdash; and
the Amazon turning to savannah.*


feed_id: d99d3753ae72a982d3e0375160d53118
title: Afghanistan's Taliban ready for ceasefire
uri: Afghanistan-s-Taliban-ready-for-ceasefire
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Afghanistans_Taliban_ready_for_ceasefire%29

content:
<p>
*Afghanistan's Taliban ruling council 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/afghanistans-taliban-ruling-council-ready-for-ceasefire-with-us">ready
for ceasefire with US</a>.*


feed_id: 6c676a41b83ccee3409d64e9b129c7d2
title: Reducing depression through action
uri: Reducing-depression-through-action
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Reducing_depression_through_action%29

content:
<p>
Greta Thunberg's activism has 
<A href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/30/greta-thunberg-climate-activism-has-made-her-very-happy-says-father">helped
her overcome depression</a>.
<p>
Feeling that your life is doomed and useless, and that your activities
serve only to distract yourself from that, is inherently depressing.
When you start to take action that has a chance to make the situation
better, that naturally reduces the depression.
<p>
By contrast, her father's self-described attitude is an example of the
narrow focus that puts humanity and the ecosphere in danger.  Will
she, some day, lead him to rise above that?


feed_id: 7037152db4420d9e519f79739f97a24f
title: Push for companies not to collect personal information
uri: Push-for-companies-not-to-collect-personal-information
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Push_for_companies_not_to_collect_personal_information%29

content:
<p>
The EFF is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/30/california-consumer-privacy-act-what-does-it-do">starting
to push</a> for companies not to collect personal information in the
first place.
<p>
This is, at least, a step on 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">the path to a real
solution</a>.


feed_id: 9df7eac8b12764285e393f3436b45485
title: Mexican avocados, deforestation and gang wars
uri: Mexican-avocados-deforestation-and-gang-wars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Mexican_avocados%2C_deforestation_and_gang_wars%29

content:
<p>
Mexican avocados have become so valuable that they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/dec/30/are-mexican-avocados-the-worlds-new-conflict-commodity">driving
deforestation and gang wars</a>.


feed_id: 9923e03f94103218ece2a488647cddac
title: Inhumane prison conditions
uri: Inhumane-prison-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28Inhumane_prison_conditions%29
content:
<p>
Prisoners in South Carolina are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/23/no-other-path-redress-south-carolina-prisoners-appeal-un-after-state-and-federal">complaining
to the UN about inhumane conditions</a>.


feed_id: 0820a584e816c803722f5916b103e7ff
title: High temperature killing kelp forests
uri: High-temperature-killing-kelp-forests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_January_2020_%28High_temperature_killing_kelp_forests%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> affects the water of the ocean.  Too high a temperature
is 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/12/29/warming-ocean-currents-affect-weather-and-environment">killing
the kelp forests of Tasmania's coast</a>.  This could cause extinction
of the species that shelter in the kelp.  That includes many species
that grow much larger, but which start out as small larvae that
shelter in the kelp.
<p>
There is no shallow sea region between Tasmania and Antarctica &mdash;
no natural place where the kelp could move to.  I wonder if it is
possible to make underwater platforms that kelp could grow on.  This
would protect the kelp and the other species that depend on it.
<p>
They would have to be held up by flotation, as the sea bottom is too
deep for them to rest on.  They would therefore circulate around
Antarctica.  Perhaps they could use solar power to maintain a stable
latitude.
<p>
These might be economically valuable by acting as nurseries for fish
that people would catch.  Can anyone tell me whether kelp sustains any
commercial fisheries?  Can anyone tell me how to reach people that
might consider this idea?


feed_id: 54f8fa7be56a71d9a2bf358bff7edb71
title: Y2K bug
uri: Y2K-bug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Y2K_bug%29
content:
<p>
*The Y2K problem is now seen as a bit of a joke &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/31/millennium-bug-face-fears-y2k-it-systems">only a fool would
be complacent about the vulnerability of IT systems</a>.*

<p>
The article describes some of the many system faults that occurred at
the start of the year 2000 (the last year of the second millenium AD).
These were the fraction that were overlooked by the world-wide effort
to find and correct all such problems.


feed_id: 6e9b17fd895490e54d4f4f08d1094e60
title: Tip of the plastic
uri: Tip-of-the-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Tip_of_the_plastic%29
content:
<p>
*The ocean plastic we see is 'the tip of the iceberg'. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/31/ocean-plastic-we-cant-see">Where's the other 99%</a>?*


feed_id: 83722eb82ab71f1ac2a8145c00f02473
title: US attacks in Iraq
uri: US-attacks-in-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28US_attacks_in_Iraq%29
content:
<p>
The US attacked bases of an Iran-sponsored militia in Iraq.  Iraqi
supporters of Iran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/us-embassy-stormed-in-baghdad">mobbed the US embassy in Baghdad and broke in</a>.

<p>
Meanwhile, large numbers of Iraqis <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_(Protests_against_Iran_government)">have been protesting against the
government by corrupt politicians supported by the Iran-sponsored
militias</a>.


feed_id: 61ae8704844f5cc9f65f9f8f85de8199
title: Banning old cars
uri: Banning-old-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Banning_old_cars%29
content:
<p>
Barcelona has more or less banned old cars from the city,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/barcelona-to-open-southern-europes-biggest-low-emissions-zone">it will enforce this through surveillance cameras</a>.

<p>
The rules do not seem to take account of the fact that diesel
cars, even newer ones, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_August_2017_(Toxic_emissions_from_diesel_cars)">were found to pollute a lot more that was
previously believed</a>.

<p>
Will the new transit passes track where people go?  That threatens
human rights.

<p>
Will the city guarantee that the system will not record the passage of
cars which are not banned?  Tracking cars likewise threatens human
rights.


feed_id: b291d6a143ff5ca6b2ada228a33a470a
title: Protest is not rioting
uri: Protest-is-not-rioting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Protest_is_not_rioting%29
content:
<p>
South Dakota yielded to an ACLU lawsuit and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/24/south-dakota-governor-drops-anti-protest-laws-settlement-agreement-aclu">agreed not to enforce its
protest-is-rioting law</a>, which was intended to protect the Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline
from the inconvenience of nonviolent protests.


feed_id: 25fdb0db2d0d6cf0494a2c51c6e555a0
title: Journalists' murderers convicted
uri: Journalists-murderers-convicted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Journalists%27_murderers_convicted%29

content:
<p>
A Philippine court convicted the ringleaders of a massacre of
journalists in 2009, <a href="https://cpj.org/2019/12/philippines-convictions-maguindanao-massacre-ampatuan-journalists.php">as well as uniformed thugs that helped carry it
out</a>.


feed_id: fed45e028fd2254acd0b2effc234cc06
title: Unlawful president
uri: Unlawful-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Unlawful_president%29
content:
<p>
When the conman personally ordered an end to military aid to Ukraine,
he violated a law <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/30/destruction-checks-and-balances-wh-lawyers-reportedly-argued-trump-could-override">which took away the president's power to override
appropriations by Congress</a>.


feed_id: 18a2af91a2725de35bd19b5e18d9c4fa
title: Drying up the ground
uri: Drying-up-the-ground
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Drying_up_the_ground%29
content:
<p>
Humans are pumping out groundwater so fast that aquifers are likely to
run dry &mdash; and in arid regions <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/29/call-action-planets-essential-groundwater-being-rapidly-depleted">it will take thousands of years of
rainfall to replenish them</a>.


feed_id: 01491ff01000524d34da3ed87095f151
title: Mercenary thugs
uri: Mercenary-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Mercenary_thugs%29
content:
<p>
*In countries like Peru, extractive industries contract police <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/23/abusive-north-american-companies-pay-latin-american-police-harass-critics">to
suppress Indigenous protesters and detain international
observers</a>-—including me.*


feed_id: 30b26785bad49831e2bc6d50074de021
title: Not respecting skills
uri: Not-respecting-skills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Not_respecting_skills%29
content:
<p>
*Women in medicine are not given the respect they deserve, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/03/women-in-medicine-are-not-given-the-respect-they-deserve-from-their-male-colleagues-or-patients">from their male
colleagues or patients</a>.* It happens over and over, in every kind of interaction with anyone.


feed_id: 215511cd7ed49a85c25aa09027fa4aab
title: Cost of gratis
uri: Cost-of-gratis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Cost_of_gratis%29
content:
<p>
*How Much Does It Cost to <a href="https://appalachianprisonbookproject.org/2019/11/20/how-much-does-it-cost-to-read-a-free-book-on-a-free-tablet/">Read a [gratis] Book on a [gratis] Tablet</a>?* The prison-industrial complex is gouging prisoners for using tablets
that oppress them with DRM.

<p>
It is well known that the best thing to help prisoners avoid crime once
they are released is to encourage them to participate in their community.
What nonfree software does is cut people off from their communities, and <a href="https://defectivebydesign.org">Digital Restrictions Management</a> makes it even worse.


feed_id: 04532841467cd94eefa1ffc85e1d4625
title: Sexting children
uri: Sexting-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Sexting_children%29
content:
<p>
UK thugs have investigated 6000 children (age 13 or under) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/dec/30/thousands-of-children-under-14-have-been-investigated-by-police-for-sexting">for the
crime of sexting</a>.


feed_id: 8fb2606da70f45f5c2ec266ab5e362ea
title: Eliminating corporations
uri: Eliminating-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Eliminating_corporations%29
content:
<p>
Varoufakis believes that the only way to stop corporations from ruling
the world is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/12/29/imagining-world-without-capitalism">eliminate corporations (more precisely, eliminate
buying and selling of shares in corporations)</a>.

<p>
I am not convinced that this is necessary.


feed_id: 057df16b5aa04a61ff1367b159f19d13
title: Resistance to theocratic oppression
uri: Resistance-to-theocratic-oppression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Resistance_to_theocratic_oppression%29

content:
<p>
Indians are recognizing Dr Ambedkar as <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/why-ambedkar-has-replaced-gandhi-as-the-new-icon-of-resistance-and-social-awakening-2437333.html">the symbol of resistance to
theocratic oppression</a>.


feed_id: b892f86d53751b8577a2ee4b8c8abce7
title: Deniers never learn
uri: Deniers-never-learn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Deniers_never_learn%29
content:
<p>
No sane person in Australia can deny the danger of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
after the continuing wildfires, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/30/you-have-utterly-no-clue-why-climate-emergency-is-australias-ultimate-outrage-trigger">but some right-wing politicians are
still insane</a>.


feed_id: 3e955119f4a6fbf840821b425ccfdc60
title: Ukraine adopts law to protect whistleblowers
uri: Ukraine-adopts-law-to-protect-whistleblowers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Ukraine_adopts_law_to_protect_whistleblowers%29

content:
<p>
Ukraine has adopted a 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/12/31/2020-ukrainians-gain-whistleblower-rights-trump-has-forsaken-here">law
to protect whistleblowers that report corruption to the
government</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s demonization of a US government employee for internally
reporting the shakedown of Ukraine has made many government employees
afraid to report corruption.  I expect that was an intended result.
<p>
Anonymity and other protections for internal whistleblowers are always
needed, because agencies &mdash; like companies &mdash; 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#28_May_2016_(Persecution_of_whistleblowers)">tend
to punish whistleblowers</a>.


feed_id: f571ed00a71ca8ff22ec65bef5b4d955
title: Communications shutdown in Kashmir
uri: Communications-shutdown-in-Kashmir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Communications_shutdown_in_Kashmir%29

content:
<p>
India says it will permit text messaging in Kashmir, but 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/kashmir-text-messaging-services-to-be-restored-in-disputed-region">the
internet will remain turned off</a>.
<p>
Because of the communications shutdown since August, the outside world
has no way of knowing how Kashmiris India has killed or imprisoned.


feed_id: 4e654f2d1936170451ee160973ebb455
title: Imprisonment of Chelsea Manning amounts to torture
uri: Imprisonment-of-Chelsea-Manning-amounts-to-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Imprisonment_of_Chelsea_Manning_amounts_to_torture%29

content:
<p>
Nils Melzer, UN special rapporteur on torture, said that the imprisonment
of Chelsea Manning 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/31/chelsea-manning-us-torture-un-official-wikileaks">amounts
to torture</a>.


feed_id: d2b3e62a75daad269eabd2d5ac8693f2
title: Bigotry and hatred disqualifies prison guard cadets
uri: Bigotry-and-hatred-disqualifies-prison-guard-cadets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Bigotry_and_hatred_disqualifies_prison_guard_cadets%29

content:
<p>
*West Virginia governor 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/31/west-virginia-governor-cadets-nazi-salute">fires
34 [prison guard] cadets and instructor over Nazi salute photo</a>.*
<p>
Bigotry and hatred disqualify people from certain jobs, and this is
one of them.


feed_id: 0c7dac1fbecbc0a18607ade54d032e76
title: Indian Ocean climate system
uri: Indian-Ocean-climate-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Indian_Ocean_climate_system%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/19/global-heating-supercharging-indian-ocean-dipole-climate-system">supercharging
Indian Ocean climate system</a>.*
<p>
This system, called the "Indian Ocean dipole", makes Australian seas
hotter and East African seas colder, or vice versa.  Cold seas around
Australia make for drought, and then fire.
<p>
Scientists expect such problems to happen in the Atlantic and Pacific
as <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> continues.


feed_id: e571f22b4b8cdf41e9c98f319eb0ca17
title: Urgent: Reject attempt to cut Social Security
uri: Urgent-Reject-attempt-to-cut-Social-Security
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_attempt_to_cut_Social_Security%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/romney-trust?nowrapper=true">call
on Congress</a> to reject Romney's quiet attempt to cut Social
Security.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 8cb722c4c1fba8419f3911149e092749
title: Trawling young activists' tweets
uri: Trawling-young-activists-tweets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Trawling_young_activists_tweets%29

content:
<p>
*We all say things we regret. Trawling young activists’ tweets 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/19/trawling-social-media-tweets-politics-student-unio">denies
them a chance</a>.*


feed_id: eeb249aa99ce75faafdffe942b3ffe87
title: Political groups give money to conman's businesses
uri: Political-groups-give-money-to-conman-s-businesses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Political_groups_give_money_to_conmans_businesses%29

content:
<p>
Republican political groups have given the conman's businesses at
least 8 million dollars (since 2016) by 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/11/gop-groups-spent-over-8-million-trump-businesses-2016-report">renting
space at his hotels</a>.


feed_id: 12c472d78d1e9fffd29b031192d7c731
title: Access to contraception
uri: 2020-01-07-Access-to-contraception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Access_to_contraception%29
content:
<p>
Global efforts to make contraception available to a bigger fraction of
the world's women are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/12/access-to-contraception-falling-far-short-of-global-targets-report">falling
behind population growth</a>.


feed_id: 793f7f3c9494fa1658b4e09bcf628a74
title: Troll's 2019 war against science
uri: Troll-s-2019-war-against-science
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Trolls_2019_war_against_science%29

content:
<p>
*Trump’s 2019 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/12/30/1908516/-Trump-s-2019-War-Against-Science-Public-Health-the-Environment-and-Climate-Awareness">War
Against Science, Public Health, the Environment and Climate
Awareness</a>.*


feed_id: e2eacca76772a2b6b9082ed92145c068
title: Security team stops shooter in church
uri: Security-team-stops-shooter-in-church
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Security_team_stops_shooter_in_church%29

content:
<p>
An armed security team 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/30/texas-shooting-white-settlement-nra-guns">stopped
a shooter in a church</a>, making one instance where two "good guys"
with guns were able to do that.
<p>
It is not easy in such a situation to hit the attackers and not
bystanders.  It requires special training to do that reliably.  I have
no objection to allowing churches to authorize security teams, if the
teams are trained enough to do it safely.  But this has little effect
on the issue of gun control.


feed_id: ccff761bf5c68a6ee45567e661648a75
title: Hong Kong thug shoots journalist
uri: Hong-Kong-thug-shoots-journalist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Hong_Kong_thug_shoots_journalist%29

content:
<p>
A Hong Kong <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/hong-kong-reporter-blinded-covering-protests-on-her-bid-to-sue-police">shot
Indonesian journalist Veby Mega Indah in the eye</a>, leaving her half
blind.
<p>
She wants to sue the shooter, but the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department is blocking
this, keeping the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>'s name secret until she misses the deadline.


feed_id: 06b456459913e0b58b37ad3d3d11a5b9
title: Increase in water-related violence
uri: Increase-in-water-related-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Increase_in_water-related_violence%29

content:
<p>
*Recorded incidents of water-related violence have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/dec/31/water-related-violence-rises-globally-in-past-decade">more
than doubled in the past 10 years compared with previous decades</a>.*


feed_id: 87e552b7cab139ca6cec28bdadfa7bcb
title: Presentism
uri: Presentism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Presentism%29
content:
<p>
"Presentism": a term for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/hernan-cortes-mexico-spain-atlantic">trying
to judge people in the past by the moral standards of today</a>.


feed_id: a1d55212fa7a361fa63cb61c634aa70a
title: Surge in thug brutality in Greece
uri: Surge-in-thug-brutality-in-Greece
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Surge_in_thug_brutality_in_Greece%29

content:
<p>
*Greek activists warn of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/greek-activists-warn-of-surge-in-police-brutality-and-rights-violations">surge
in police brutality and rights violations</a>.*
<p>
This was to be expected from a right-wing government.


feed_id: 7a4d7b52d5359f3e0ec139c589ff8b3d
title: E-cigarettes still safer than smoking
uri: E-cigarettes-still-safer-than-smoking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28E-cigarettes_still_safer_than_smoking%29

content:
<p>
*E-cigarettes are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/blog/2019/dec/31/e-cigarettes-are-still-safer-than-smoking-scientists-find">still
safer than smoking</a>, scientists find.*


feed_id: ef8ce059b70f9f627e222d7a6aa547c8
title: New Spanish pun: Los chilaquiles
uri: New-Spanish-pun-Los-chilaquiles
content: <p> <a href="https://stallman.org/spanish-puns.html#loschilaquiles">Los chilaquiles</a>
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28New_Spanish_pun%3A_Los_chilaquiles%29


feed_id: 77de575a4fb059f3225fb7621318c8b1
title: Y2K bug
uri: 2020-01-07-Y2K-bug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_January_2020_%28Y2K_bug%29
content:
<p>
*The Y2K problem is now seen as a bit of a joke &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/31/millennium-bug-face-fears-y2k-it-systems">only a fool would
be complacent about the vulnerability of IT systems</a>.*

<p>
The article describes some of the many system faults that occurred at
the start of the year 2000 (the last year of the second millennium AD).
These were the fraction that were overlooked by the world-wide effort
to find and correct all such problems.


feed_id: c71e8ab139bd25007df636a8f8fac042
title: Mistrusting disabled people
uri: Mistrusting-disabled-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Mistrusting_disabled_people%29
content:
<p>
Republicans' latest scheme to hurt the poor is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/02/look-out-trumps-social-security-administration-wants-people-disabilities-prove-it">to make disabled people prove
more frequently that they are disabled</a>.

<p>
The Tories <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_(View_of_disabled_people)">have achieved wonders with this approach</a>.


feed_id: 236a88ba38a4bf3bdb7ee72ee6d9d65c
title: Don't trust Biden and Buttigieg
uri: Don-t-trust-Biden-and-Buttigieg
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Don%27t_trust_Biden_and_Buttigieg%29

content:
<p>
*Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg Are Not to Be Trusted.
It’s understandable that corporate-backed candidates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/02/joe-biden-and-pete-buttigieg-are-not-be-trusted">don’t want to be
cornered by questions that touch on realities of political and economic
power</a>.*


feed_id: ba47928299a2999859228e35475f7892
title: Thugs don't seem to care much about crimes
uri: Thugs-don-t-seem-to-care-much-about-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Thugs_don%27t_seem_to_care_much_about_crimes%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Los Angeles and San Francisco are much more inclined to stop
and search blacks than whites, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/02/california-police-black-stops-force">even though they find something criminal
much less often when searching blacks</a>.


feed_id: e51831f89e63c815a0761f34e39e5208
title: Thugs pogrom against Muslims
uri: Thugs-pogrom-against-Muslims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Thugs_pogrom_against_Muslims%29
content:
<p>
Indian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> launched a pogrom against Muslims in the state of Uttar
Pradesh.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/03/we-are-not-safe-indias-muslims-tell-of-wave-of-police-brutality">Thousands of Muslims have been forced to sign false
confessions.  Many more have been attacked on the street, or their homes
were looted</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have killed 17 people and are covering up the information
about how they were killed.


feed_id: 5d892e32c01f8f322c180f3dbaac45bd
title: Apartments for people with no cars
uri: Apartments-for-people-with-no-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Apartments_for_people_with_no_cars%29

content:
<p>
The Squamish own a piece of land in Vancouver, and plan to develop it
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2020/jan/03/the-bold-new-plan-for-an-indigenous-led-development-in-vancouver">with 6000 apartments meant for people with no cars</a>.

<p>
I like the plan, but that land is right on the edge of an arm of the
Pacific Ocean, and close to sea level.  How long will it remain
habitable land?


feed_id: 840f39e0a88a32e48fbc44a2a61f54b8
title: Automatic Gender Recognition
uri: Automatic-Gender-Recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Automatic_Gender_Recognition%29
content:
<p>
Automatic Gender Recognition AI systems threaten to impose
<a href="https://logicmag.io/nature/the-body-instrumental/">a rigid set of gender roles on society</a>.

<p>
I agree with the author that these systems should be banned from
public spaces, just like face recognition ID systems.


feed_id: 68dd93749808ce1d47504123de501054
title: Get used to flooding
uri: Get-used-to-flooding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Get_used_to_flooding%29
content:
<p>
By 2050, global heating effects will cause <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/rising-sea-levels-pose-threat-to-homes-of-300m-people-study">annual (at least) flooding
of coastal regions where 300 million people live</a>.


feed_id: 6ce6d1dfe4cfbfdbeb0e0f6d20d7aec5
title: Wanting cruel leaders
uri: Wanting-cruel-leaders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Wanting_cruel_leaders%29
content:
<p>
Anxiety leads some people to want a "strong" leader.  Leaders
appear strong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/02/authoritarian-leaders-people-safe-voters">by being visibly harsh and cruel</a>.


feed_id: 62df68ccaed6cb69ea30d3bdb7a029ba
title: Banning counter denialism
uri: Banning-counter-denialism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Banning_counter_denialism%29
content:
<p>
Twitter's ban on political ads means that companies can pay for ads
that promote climate denialism, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/05/while-new-twitter-policy-will-ban-green-groups-climate-ads-looks-exxonmobil-can">while overtly political counter-ads
are banned</a>.


feed_id: 5370dbf3672d2947169b74472efac052
title: Urgent: adopt moratorium on face recognition
uri: Urgent-adopt-moratorium-on-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_adopt_moratorium_on_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Residents of Massachusetts: <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-press-pause-moratorium">call on Massachusetts legislators</a> to adopt the moratorium
on face recognition.


feed_id: 9c483fa8321a28e8fa3041aff0eb2c9e
title: Uniting against planet roasters
uri: Uniting-against-planet-roasters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Uniting_against_planet_roasters%29

content:
<p>
Various groups that live in the Brazilian Amazon are putting aside their
rivalries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/02/amazonian-chief-raoni-metuktire-bolsonaro-has-been-the-worst-for-us">to unite against the planet roasters</a>.


feed_id: 00391aa271925650a256e00719abaf94
title: Exotic wildlife migration threats
uri: Exotic-wildlife-migration-threats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Exotic_wildlife_migration_threats%29

content:
<p>
If you enjoy seeing exotic wildlife that formerly lived only far to
the south, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/02/a-warm-welcome-the-wildlife-visitors-warning-of-climate-disaster-aoe">let that remind you of the need to fight to stop this trend</a>.

<p>
Remember that the next exotic tropical organism to come your way <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#27_April_2018_(Exotic_wildlife_in_Alaska)">could
infect crops</a>, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_September_2017_(Spread_of_pine-killing_beetles)">trees</a>, or <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#11_September_2015_(Exotic_Tropical_Diseases)">human beings</a>.


feed_id: 0a5508977f34d1af39cd764c41785b3d
title: Face recognition used for political oppression
uri: Face-recognition-used-for-political-oppression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Face_recognition_used_for_political_oppression%29

content:
<p>
It seems that Indian thugs used face recognition <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/31/act-mass-surveillance-india-use-facial-recognition-tech-against-protesters-angers">to identify the
participants in a protest against religious discrimination</a>.


feed_id: c358a6cfe13df846ba3c973db04c2e52
title: Neoliberalism fail
uri: Neoliberalism-fail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Neoliberalism_fail%29
content:
<p>
Joseph Stiglitz: "After 40 years of neoliberalism, the verdict is in –
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/05/decades-of-free-market-orthodoxy-have-taken-a-toll-on-democracy">the fruits of growth went to the few at the top</a>."

<p>
There are other approaches to economics, but we rarely come across them.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/30/changing-world-better-economics-honest-humane">Here is the approach of the latest Nobel prize winners</a>.

<p>
How did it happen that neoliberal trickle-down cane to dominate the
academic field of economics?  I suspect that some rich people donated
to economics departments and used their influence to get them filled
with that ideology.


feed_id: b3dd9b140d39eb7ff2dfdbc2c717b8a2
title: Banning romance in enterprise
uri: Banning-romance-in-enterprise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Banning_romance_in_enterprise%29
content:
<p>
* More than 75% of companies now forbid [romantic] relationships
between an employee and someone in [per] chain-of-command.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/05/should-the-ceo-of-mcdonalds-have-been-fired-for-dating-an-employee">Should
corporations dictate who we can go out with</a>?*

<p>
It is important to stop sexual harassment, but surely that does not
require the extreme of prudery.  We need to recognize that sometimes a
romance is not harassment.


feed_id: 6817afe3a44dc8dd5d37b044224cf793
title: More political censorship
uri: More-political-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28More_political_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Pakistan is imposing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/extreme-fear-and-self-censorship-media-in-pakistan-under-attack">strict and blatant political censorship</a>.


feed_id: 009c2988aa729fb38ef3ece39773d955
title: Systemic poverty increase
uri: Systemic-poverty-increase
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Systemic_poverty_increase%29
content:
<p>
A study ties increased poverty in the UK to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/05/welfare-changes-key-factor-rising-poverty-food-bank-use-study-finds">changes in systems to
support the poor</a>.


feed_id: 33ca3cd42d9fa36d7df1193349cdb4b7
title: Voter-ID law workaround blocked
uri: Voter-ID-law-workaround-blocked
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Voter-ID_law_workaround_blocked%29

content:
<p>
A US court blocked North Carolina's new voter-ID law, which was designed
to achieve the same discrimination as the old voter-ID law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/01/north-carolina-voter-id-law-blocked-discriminatory">while avoiding the specific reasons for which that one was overturned</a>.

<p>
I worry that Gorsuch and Kavanaugh will restore it.


feed_id: c2ca7141d61faf90ff9b119deeb650fd
title: Compromise through submission
uri: Compromise-through-submission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Compromise_through_submission%29
content:
<p>
Macron called for a rapid "compromise" with government workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/01/macrons-new-year-address-falls-flat-as-pension-row-deepens">that
would include their acceptance of his plan to cut their pensions</a>.

<p>
As usual for plutocratist politicians, the French government wants to "unite the French" in serving the rich better.


feed_id: ca95457260b2d7f5163b62aa7a1fc3f4
title: Dangers of driverless cars
uri: Dangers-of-driverless-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Dangers_of_driverless_cars%29
content:
<p>
A Tesla traveling in driverless mode <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/01/tesla-autopilot-california-crash-two-deaths">crashed into another car and killed
the people in it</a>.

<p>
I presume Tesla's engineers are working hard to design a system that
will never do this.  I've seen reports that this is fundamentally
difficult.

<p>
But even if they succeed, Tesla's servers could remotely command a car
to crash off a cliff.

<p>
Why would they do that?  I don't think the staff of Tesla would send
such a command, but they might not know about it.  Various
governments, or criminal gangs, might be able to crack their system,
or use the law to demand access, so they could do this.


feed_id: d084ef38b0b9175d5762d30c3dfba6d8
title: National clean drinking water standards
uri: National-clean-drinking-water-standards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28National_clean_drinking_water_standards%29

content:
<p>
*Sanders Vows to Create <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/12/31/sanders-vows-create-national-clean-drinking-water-standards-end-corporate">National Clean Drinking Water Standards to End Corporate Contamination</a>.*


feed_id: fd48db400008d9c06c7f083ea0fd2c0e
title: A continent burning
uri: A-continent-burning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28A_continent_burning%29
content:
<p>
*Australia is becoming a nation of dread &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/01/australia-is-becoming-a-nation-of-dread-and-the-world-looks-on-with-pity-and-scorn">and the world looks on with pity
and scorn</a>.*

<p>
The head of the planet-roaster government tries to deny the facts
by suggesting that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/01/we-know-this-disaster-is-unprecedented-no-amount-of-scott-morrison-spin-can-hide-it">it is unpatriotic to doubt that Australians and their "can-do" spirit can ride over this with ease</a>.

<p>
This fire season is a timely warning.  The fires have not killed many
humans, not so far; humans with high tech are very good at helping
each other escape.  It won't be so easy to escape the effects a few
decades from now, when it gets much worse.


feed_id: 91decfc463c56c15297a5b1adacf0790
title: Avoiding teaching gender
uri: Avoiding-teaching-gender
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Avoiding_teaching_gender%29
content:
<p>
The teachers in five primary schools in London made a careful effort to
avoid personally transmitting gender-linked rules and expectations to
the students.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/12/clean-five-schools-of-sexism-teachers-pupils-gender-equality">It was very effective</a>.


feed_id: 6deb78ff10b5363b6eb3ce56c7b7eb73
title: Paean to slavery
uri: Paean-to-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Paean_to_slavery%29
content:
<p>
The 1946 Disney film, Song of the South, was recognized as a paean to
plantations and slavery even while it was being made.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/19/song-of-the-south-the-difficult-legacy-of-disneys-most-shocking-movie">It still spreads
apology for slavery</a>.


feed_id: d5168e859c03852a6a7a2453f49dc8df
title: Migrating to save ecoregions
uri: Migrating-to-save-ecoregions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Migrating_to_save_ecoregions%29
content:
<p>
To make half the Earth's surface wild, ecoregion by ecoregion, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/18/preserving-nature-percent-planet-could-affect-more-than-billion-people-research-finds/sbPAnO1L0xdNkg2e5htxAN/story.html">would
require moving a billion humans out of those wild areas</a>.

<p>
This will be much easier if we work hard to reduce the human birth
rate.  The human population is predicted to peak 9 or 10 billion, but
I expect a big increase in deaths to set in during this century as we
rush towards ecocide.  The human population <em>will</em> decrease &mdash; sooner
than predicted &mdash; in a gruesomely painful way.  We can avoid those
deaths with a strong effort to reduce births first.  This would also
make space (physical and economic) for those billion people to move
to.


feed_id: 0c5193b0a6b78e98b92ec930b5704cfc
title: Chelsea Manning stands firm
uri: Chelsea-Manning-stands-firm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Chelsea_Manning_stands_firm%29
content:
<p>
Chelsea Manning stands firm in 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/02/chelsea-manning-says-she-never-backing-down-face-us-detention-meant-break-her">refusing
to testify</a>, even though she expects to be kept in jail for a long
time.


feed_id: adfc79648a39df936a94a6500f6e9402
title: Australia's wasted 2019 election
uri: Australia-s-wasted-2019-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Australias_wasted_2019_election%29

content:
<p>
Australia wasted the 2019 election, and lost the chance to get to work
on preventing the fires of the 2030s from being much worse than this
year.  
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/03/australias-tragedy-cautionary-tale-us-presidential-election">The
US could waste the 2020 opportunity if it doesn't see the future
flames (and floods) coming towards us now</a>.
<p>
Learn to recognize the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/04/australias-pathetic-pm-reveals-much-about-the-rights-efforts-to-deny-reality">patterns
of denialism</a> used by planet-roasters today.


feed_id: ae17026b4d8071738d0e80b4739766ac
title: Republican tax cuts
uri: 2020-01-08-Republican-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Republican_tax_cuts%29
content:
<p>
*Eight Ways the [Republican] Tax Cuts Have 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/03/eight-ways-trump-gop-tax-cuts-have-made-rich-richer-while-failing-working-families">Made
the Rich Richer While Failing Working Families</a>.*


feed_id: 79c1ae4e0dac8987fa2066fbd473d112
title: Companies that censor for China
uri: Companies-that-censor-for-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Companies_that_censor_for_China%29

content:
<p>
Google's former head of international relations was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/03/google-executive-human-rights-activism">forced
out after objecting to doing censorship for China</a>.
<p>
Technology is not likely to make the world a better place unless the
users control what it does.
<p>
If we don't want US companies to censor for China, the US should
forbid companies that censor for China to do business in the US.


feed_id: e6991396208489ad4377c97eb07f364a
title: Australia's first Dunkirk
uri: Australia-s-first-Dunkirk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Australias_first_Dunkirk%29
content:
<p>
Australia now has its first Dunkirk: 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/03/australian-bushfire-authorities-plead-evacuation-terrible-fire-conditions">rescuing
people by sea while abandoning their equipment</a> &mdash; and, this
time, their homes as well.
<p>
Alas, the world today has no Churchill and no Roosevelt &mdash; no
leader preparing strategically to convert that tactical defeat into
overall victory against humanity's worst enemy ever.  We know what has
to be done, but every powerful country is controlled by the enemy.
<p>
Climate scientist Joëlle Gergis fears that the great Australian fires
indicate a tipping point towards inescapable disaster.  *Failing to
adequately plan for the known threat of climate change in a country
like Australia should now be considered to be an act of treason.*


feed_id: 53a28f7efd15d52b8764c1593da490c3
title: Alcohol and violence against women
uri: Alcohol-and-violence-against-women
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Alcohol_and_violence_against_women%29

content:
<p>
A big part of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/03/women-alcohol-drink-culture-prohibition-temperance">motivation
for banning alcohol in the US</a> was to reduce violence against
women.
<p>
Prohibiting alcohol was oppressive and boosted organized crime, just
as prohibition of other drugs is today.  As a cure, it is worse than
the disease.  But use of more than a little alcohol is still a big
problem.  Prohibition is not the answer, but I am in favor of
exploring ways to eliminate the social pressures to drink to excess.


feed_id: 3021916c863649e807b36c53ff83b68d
title: Drone assassination of Iranian general
uri: Drone-assassination-of-Iranian-general
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_January_2020_%28Drone_assassination_of_Iranian_general%29

content:
<p>
The lunatic in chief used a drone to assassinate an Iranian general,
Qassem Suleimani, who was visiting Iraq.  That is an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/03/iran-vows-revenge-for-us-trump-killing-of-top-general-qassem-suleimani">overt
act of war against Iran</a>, and Iraq too for that matter.
<p>
The lunatic's supporters are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/world-war-iii-trends-hawks-rejoice-trump-decision-assassinate-iranian-military">cheering
at the possibility of outright war</a>.  Others 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/03/qassim-suleimani-killing-iran-airstrike/">forecast</a>
that Iran will instead respond in a way that will hurt the US without
being an overt act of war.
<p>
Iran may not need to move a muscle.  Recently masses of Iraqis were
protesting against the officials that are friendly with Iran.  That
was working against Iran's interests in the region, in a way that
could have strengthened US interests there at no cost to the US.
<p>
What the lunatic just did could reverse that dynamic.  Suleimani's
death could strengthen the resolve of Iranians and Iraqis that oppose
the US and are allied with Iran.


feed_id: e6cae9cda4fe5fb7aa909df8d86f91ab
title: Internet ban
uri: Internet-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Internet_ban%29
content:
<p>
The population of the new "territory" of Jammu and Kashmir is 12
million people.  7 million are still cut off from the internet.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/05/the-personal-and-economic-cost-of-kashmirs-internet-ban">Those
organizations allowed to connect face strict censorship</a>.


feed_id: a05e3d6f3c8dd51df8f18daf98ed39b9
title: Protests against discrimination
uri: Protests-against-discrimination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Protests_against_discrimination%29

content:
<p>
100,000 people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/04/india-hyderabad-protest-against-citizenship-law">protested in Hyderabad</a> against the discriminatory citizenship law, which combined with the
register of citizens <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_December_2019_(Discrimination_against_Muslims)">amounts to an excuse to expel Muslims who lack
documentation about their parents' citizenship before 1970 or so</a>.


feed_id: 8a54008a8ee75216138812cebf6ebe0f
title: Arresting political opponents
uri: Arresting-political-opponents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Arresting_political_opponents%29
content:
<p>
The coup-installed government in Bolivia <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/18/pinochet-style-dictatorship-bolivias-coup-government-threatens-arrest-leftist">threatened to arrest
political opponents</a>.

<p>
Indeed, it is threatening the Mexican embassy <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexico-says-bolivia-is-harassing-its-diplomats-in-la-paz-will-complain-to-the-international-court-of-justice/2019/12/26/b7250736-27fa-11ea-9cc9-e19cfbc87e51_story.html">which has given asylum
to legislators in Morales's party</a>.


feed_id: beb09cb4ad845af012461c3f65193eee
title: Measuring global heating
uri: Measuring-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Measuring_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
The world pattern of weather no longer fits into what was normal in
2000.  In the world-wide weather of any given day, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/01/02/signal-human-caused-climate-change-has-emerged-every-day-weather-study-finds/">scientists can now
detect and measure global heating</a>.


feed_id: 099ec861bb5c9596c3a848cba61ee691
title: Be careful
uri: Be-careful
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Be_careful%29
content:
<p>
Telling children "Be careful!" gives zero practical advice,
<a href="https://letgrow.org/raising-confident-kids/">and can undermine their confidence</a>.

<p>
However, to state practical advice may not be feasible.  How long
would it take you formulate and then say the words to express the
advice that writer had in mind?  I couldn't do it fast enough for it
to do any good.

<p>
When it is urgent, for an immediate physical action, perhaps "Look all
around!" might be a good first thing to say.


feed_id: 2acda651f8d3c6e9cca8c22191290b71
title: Muslims' persecutions
uri: Muslims-persecutions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Muslims%27_persecutions%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in many areas in Uttar Pradesh have arrested and tortured
Muslims, and attacked the homes of Muslims, following the massive hate
campaign <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/asia/india-protests-police-muslims.html">backed by prominent supporters of the ruling party</a>.


feed_id: 691e25712faaf1d99740d7cefacad8f2
title: Lies about war
uri: Lies-about-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Lies_about_war%29
content:
<p>
*Reminder: <a href="https://reason.com/2020/01/03/reminder-american-officials-lie-about-war/">American Officials Lie About War</a>.*


feed_id: aa765f82e8ed827a476b0cb960950d73
title: Federal Job Guarantee
uri: Federal-Job-Guarantee
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Federal_Job_Guarantee%29
content:
<p>
*A Federal Job Guarantee <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/04/federal-job-guarantee-crucial-tool-fight-inequality">Is a Crucial Tool to Fight Inequality</a>.*


feed_id: 0bfaf7a5a299c166618c595420b2d35b
title: Interest rates and dividends
uri: Interest-rates-and-dividends
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Interest_rates_and_dividends%29
content:
<p>
Interest rates are so low that businesses are borrowing to pay
dividends on their stock, rather than investing.  If interest rates
ever rise, such that they can't pay their enormous debts, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/04/debt-will-kill-global-economy-pensions-ageing-population">it could
cause a collapse</a>.


feed_id: 1f4803cd3f33cca7e03131695ac9a57d
title: Giving people freedom by killing them
uri: Giving-people-freedom-by-killing-them
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Giving_people_freedom_by_killing_them%29

content:
<p>
The numskull has given the Shi'ites of Iraq and Iran <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/04/trump-unites-iran-and-iraq-against-united-states">a martyr to unite them
against the US</a>. 

<p>
The assassination of General Soleimani brought hundreds of thousands
of Iranians to hold rallies of support for him, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/hundreds-thousands-iranians-flood-streets-condemn-us-assassination-qassem-soleimani">and hostility to the US</a>.

<p>
This should not surprise anyone.  Many Iranians criticize government
policies and want more freedom, but they will not stand for other
countries to attack their country.  The idea that the US might give
them freedom, as it says it has done to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya,
Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and Bolivia, does not appeal.


feed_id: e112c19c041e7a68ce49f9b1576dba1e
title: Act of crime
uri: Act-of-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Act_of_crime%29
content:
<p>
*The United States' Assassination of Iranian Military Leader <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/04/united-states-assassination-iranian-military-leader-violates-international-law">Violates
 International Law</a>.*

<p>
Two US officials that got intelligence briefings about the
assassination of Soleimani say that the information <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/04/undermining-white-houses-public-line-us-officials-say-justification-soleimani">didn't add up
to a justification for an act of war</a>.


feed_id: 31bcf80588cf10606b5e508186bef62d
title: Thugs killed again
uri: Thugs-killed-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Thugs_killed_again%29
content:
<p>
Two Texas thugs shot black driver Schaston Hodge almost to bits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/04/schaston-hodge-dallas-killed-state-troopers">because
he drove away instead of stopping</a>.

<p>
Maybe he did that because he was scared of being framed.  Maybe he was
afraid of being caught with something illegal.  If so, it surely was
not a capital offense.


feed_id: f2c535c70c2918b26a98fedc025986b6
title: No live without habitat
uri: No-live-without-habitat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28No_live_without_habitat%29
content:
<p>
The Australian wildfires may have already obliterated the habitat for
several endangered marsupials.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/04/ecologists-warn-silent-death-australia-bushfires-endangered-species-extinction">Those individuals that survive may
starve, or have no place to nest</a>.

<p>
And that is not to mention the species that lived in small areas of
the forest and had not yet been discovered by science.

<p>
Conservation of endangered species is mostly a matter of preserving
their habitat.  When most of the habitat burns, it takes many years to
make any more.


feed_id: 3af8147067f7dd6fae2190e385f05ce7
title: War Powers Resolution
uri: War-Powers-Resolution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28War_Powers_Resolution%29
content:
<p>
*Sen. Tim Kaine Files War Powers Resolution <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/sen-tim-kaine-files-war-powers-resolution-stop-trump-stumbling-war-iran">to Stop [the bullshitter] From
'Stumbling Into a War With Iran</a>'.*

<p>
The bullshitter does not expect to stumble &mdash; he expects to manage the
process and adjust the frequency of the dog's wagging each week &mdash; but
stumbling is always a possibility in a fight.

<p>
I don't clearly understand the text that describes what the resolution
would require, but I have the impression it depends on more honesty
and good will than the bullshitter generally exhibits.

<p>
*Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna Friday night unveiled new legislation that would bar any Pentagon funding for "military force in or against Iran" <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/04/sanders-and-khanna-introduce-new-bill-stop-donald-trump-illegally-taking-us-war">without congressional approval</a>.*

<p>
This seems more solid as a method for preventing war.


feed_id: 3674fd50985cc8644f49ce8605372879
title: Most electable
uri: Most-electable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Most_electable%29
content:
<p>
*Stop saying Biden is the 'most electable'.  [The bullshitter] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/04/joe-biden-electable-trump-2020-election">will
run rings round him</a>.*


feed_id: 830740c56f36db07d80e5df062ae6c67
title: The killing of Suleimani
uri: The-killing-of-Suleimani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28The_killing_of_Suleimani%29
content:
<p>
*Killing Suleimani was the equivalent of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/03/the-strike-on-suleimani-was-wildly-reckless-blowback-will-come">lighting
a match on top of a powder keg</a>.*


feed_id: ce882f057d39e00b0bfb62b06740df50
title: US Green Party calls for prevention of war
uri: US-Green-Party-calls-for-prevention-of-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28US_Green_Party_calls_for_prevention_of_war%29

content:
<p>
The US Green Party 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/03/greens-condemn-airstrike-against-iran-call-pull-back-brink-war">calls
on Congress to prevent war with Iran</a>.


feed_id: 31477a67f2ea4dd38271a3a4cbcde200
title: Corporate media turning to warhawks
uri: Corporate-media-turning-to-warhawks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Corporate_media_turning_to_warhawks%29

content:
<p>
*Corporate Media [turn] to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/03/corporate-media-turns-warhawks-including-former-bush-officials-beat-drums-war-iran">Warhawks,
Including Former Bush Officials</a>, to Beat Drums of War on Iran.*


feed_id: 26d7123dfe07417b9641fe78a0a13fe2
title: Long-distance German rail fare reduced
uri: Long-distance-German-rail-fare-reduced
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Long-distance_German_rail_fare_reduced%29

content:
<p>
*German Rail Company 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/02/german-rail-company-cuts-long-distance-fares-10-response-government-climate-package">Cuts
Long-Distance Fares by 10%</a> in Response to Government Climate
Package.*


feed_id: 3fbc6074a8837ec341fe1067266fc58f
title: Republicans always find money for war
uri: Republicans-always-find-money-for-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Republicans_always_find_money_for_war%29

content:
<p>
  Republicans preach fiscal conservatism, yet they always find <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/republicans-climate-crisis-wars-spending">money for war</a>.


feed_id: 210f607a9a0594ed92a97c32943becd0
title: The Thwaites glacier in Antarctica may be collapsing
uri: The-Thwaites-glacier-in-Antarctica-may-be-collapsing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28The_Thwaites_glacier_in_Antarctica_may_be_collapsing%29

content:
<p>
  The Thwaites glacier in Antarctica may be collapsing.  Its complete collapse
  would cause <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/the-guardian-view-on-an-ice-sheet-collapse-threatening-the-worlds-coasts">.6 meter of sea level rise</a>.


feed_id: f1d88eacd04c06a4acea4660015d3b7b
title: Joe Biden’s Role in Creating the Student Debt Crisis
uri: Joe-Biden-s-Role-in-Creating-the-Student-Debt-Crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Joe_Biden%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99s_Role_in_Creating_the_Student_Debt_Crisis%29

content:
<p>
  Joe Biden’s Role in Creating the Student Debt Crisis Stretches <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/07/joe-biden-student-loans/">Back to the 1970s</a>.


feed_id: a606b43188713909ff5a35ebc7528509
title: Pressure to eliminate the fare on Boston-area buses
uri: Pressure-to-eliminate-the-fare-on-Boston-area-buses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Pressure_to_eliminate_the_fare_on_Boston-area_buses%29

content:
<p>
  There is pressure to <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/06/the-wild-idea-making-mbta-buses-free-gaining-traction/A5mw1bOfykqS9JdY6vXNIJ/story.html">eliminate the fare</a> on Boston-area buses.

<p>
  I agree that this by itself would not attract people to take buses.
  That would require an increase in frequency and bus lines.
  Combining that with gratis use of buses would be a big improvement.
  For society as a whole, it could pay for itself in reduced car traffic,
  and reduced car pollution.  It would require more subsidy to the MBTA,
  but surely that can be solved one way or another.
  


feed_id: ada2e6d74ee27f2b1e77e6239eda9daf
title: The bully blocked Iran's foreign minister from UN meeting
uri: The-bully-blocked-Iran-s-foreign-minister-from-UN-meeting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28The_bully_blocked_Iran%27s_foreign_minister_from_UN_meeting%29

content:
<p>
  The bully displayed <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/they-fear-someone-will-go-there-and-tell-truth-says-irans-top-diplomat-trump-white">his contempt for the UN</a> by forbidding Iran's
  foreign minister from attending a meeting of the UN Security Council.
<p>
  This is very bad for world peace -- even worse, perhaps, than assassinating
  General Soleimani.
<p>
  Can the UN Security Council arrange for the official to make a
  presentation by video?
  


feed_id: 3e8bd398540988540caa0785c36f4191
title: UN probe into the legality of the US assassination of Iranian General
uri: UN-probe-into-the-legality-of-the-US-assassination-of-Iranian-General
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28UN_probe_into_the_legality_of_the_US_assassination_of_Iranian_General%29

content:
<p>
  The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions on
  Monday called for an <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/special-rapporteur-extrajudicial-executions-demands-official-un-probe-soleimani">impartial probe into the legality</a> of the U.S.
  assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.


feed_id: 7b36a87d6d23c99ff827e1f78ae8a04b
uri: London-and-NYC-Mayors-Call-on-Every-Major-City-in-the-World-to-Divest
title:
London and NYC Mayors Call on Every Major City in the World to Divest From Climate-Destroying Fossil Fuels.

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28London_and_NYC_Mayors_Call_on_Every_Major_City_in_the_World_to_Divest_From_Climate-Destroying_Fossil_Fuels.%29

content:
<p>
  London and NYC Mayors Call on <a hrerf="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/london-and-nyc-mayors-call-every-major-city-world-divest-climate-destroying-fossil">Every Major City in the World</a> to Divest From
  Climate-Destroying Fossil Fuels.


feed_id: 0cbbe21ff6c180f41ce046ac15741860
title: *Iran's Parliament Designates Pentagon an Official Terrorist Organization.*
uri: Iran-s-Parliament-Designates-Pentagon-an-Official-Terrorist-Organizat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28%2AIran%27s_Parliament_Designates_Pentagon_an_Official_Terrorist_Organization.%2A%29

content:
<p>
  Iran's Parliament <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/irans-parliament-designates-pentagon-official-terrorist-organization">Designates Pentagon an Official Terrorist Organization</a>.
<p>
  This demonstrates the tyranny and injustice of arbitrarily labeling an
  organization as "terrorist".  The US ought not to sink to such
  arbitrariness.  It should require a trial to do this.
  


feed_id: 0c70c15ae89d44976cd902ce5ce5949e
title: US peace activists campaign against war with Iran.
uri: US-peace-activists-campaign-against-war-with-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28US_peace_activists_campaign_against_war_with_Iran.%29

content:
<p>
  US peace activists campaign <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/nowarwithiran-us-peace-advocates-say-time-de-escalation-now">against war with Iran</a>.


feed_id: 640371ab1bc6e0c2420090bd1e22dfae
title: Australia discrediting environmentalists
uri: Australia-discrediting-environmentalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Australia_discrediting_enviromentalists%29

content:
<p>
  Australians right-wing extremists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/australia-climate-disaster-denial-bushfires-online-rightwing-press-politicians">pumping out fake news</a> to discredit
  climate science and environmentalists.


feed_id: 86b86582566bee3afa8d6431d64d318e
title: Costs from Australia's wildfires
uri: Costs-from-Australia-s-wildfires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Costs_from_Australia%27s_wildfires%29

content:
<p>
  The economic costs from Australia's wildfires are expected to be <a href="  https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/economic-impact-of-australias-bushfires-set-to-exceed-44bn-cost-of-black-saturday">more
  than 4 billion Australian dollars</a>.

<p>
  The fires are predicted to keep burning for another month or two,
  increasing that figure.
  


feed_id: e98be7803696d4af379989603078a136
title: Iran targeting based on honor
uri: Iran-targeting-based-on-honor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Iran_targeting_based_on_honor%29
content:
<p>
  Iran retaliated for the killing of General Suleimani by launching missiles
  at US bases in Iraq.  The choice of targets suggests the missiles were
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/08/irans-assault-on-us-bases-in-iraq-might-satisfy-both-sides
  ">intended to satisfy requirements of honor rather than to cause US casualties</a>.


feed_id: 3aba993b25cb4345c8982b17af9bf553
title: Foods made from bacteria
uri: Foods-made-from-bacteria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Foods_made_from_bacteria%29
content:
<p>
  Progress on making a range of foods using bacteria could eliminate
  most farms in a few decades.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/lab-grown-food-destroy-farming-save-planet">This could avoid several sorts</a> of
  medical and environmental disasters and permit rewilding of much of the
  Earth.
<p>
  However, patenting this technology could lead to <a href="  https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/law/students/publications/llj/pdfs/45_1_stallman.pdf">economic disaster</a>.
  


feed_id: f9811e08055996d79dd786b0e92a88be
title: Flooded land in Bangladesh
uri: Flooded-land-in-Bangladesh
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28Flooded_land_in_Bangladesh%29
content:
<p>
  Coastal land in Bangladesh <a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/08/on-the-frontline-of-the-climate-emergency-bangladesh-adapts">is now frequently flooded</a>.  Farmers have
  found clever ways to adapt &mdash; but in a few decades, when their land
  has become sea, there will be no way to adapt to that.
<p>
  The country can adapt via birth reduction.
  


feed_id: 4ef9285af0fb840e8eee5f6daf9ef745
title: US clash with Iran
uri: US-clash-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#8_January_2020_%28US_clash_with_Iran%29
content:
<p>
  *'Wrong then, wrong now': US clash with Iran <a href="  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/08/iran-us-iraq-war-2003-bush-trump-media">echoes march</a> to Iraq war.*


feed_id: c53db6e91aa1842c689d823638468296
title: War limits
uri: War-limits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28War_limits%29
content:
<p>
There are limits to how far the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/no-10-uk-would-not-back-us-bombing-of-iranian-cultural-sites">will follow the bully into war crimes</a>.


feed_id: 6eb464609ea8d8e210de88c53e84df6a
title: Urgent: block war with Iran
uri: Urgent-block-war-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_block_war_with_Iran%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.winwithoutwar.org/sign/stop-war-with-iran-now/?source=credo">call on Congress</a> to block war with Iran.


feed_id: 757c97663926538e34bfeb6ecacaccd4
title: Urgent: No attack on Iran
uri: Urgent-No-attack-on-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_No_attack_on_Iran%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13684">call on the bully</a> not to attack Iran.


feed_id: 3525ff9841593cc2550434e6ff5e3c0e
title: Destroying History
uri: Destroying-History
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Destroying_History%29
content:
<p>
The bully's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/06/donald-trump-threat-iran-cultural-sites-grotesque-war-crimes">threat to bomb Iran's cultural sites</a> is on a par
with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_(Temple_statue_in_Palmyra_destroyed)">the intentional destruction carried out by PISSI in Palmyra</a> 
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#23_May_2013_(Ruins_of_Mes_Aynak)">the Taliban in Bamiyan</a>.


feed_id: c93270b67aa06d807f098696cf1a915e
title: Urgent: investigate Bernhardt
uri: Urgent-investigate-Bernhardt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_investigate_Bernhardt%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/people-over-profit-tell-congress-to-hold-trumps-interior-head-corporate-tycoon-david-bernhardt-accountable?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to investigate Saboteur of the Interior
Bernhardt for corruptly aiding his former clients.


feed_id: 2e458f8900f632ecb658d2632c101fa7
title: Masked people attacking students
uri: Masked-people-attacking-students
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Masked_people_attacking_students%29

content:
<p>
Outsiders with masks entered the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/students-injured-in-india-after-masked-attackers-raid-top-university">used sticks to attack students</a>.

<p>
The students suspect the attackers were sent by Modi's political
party.  It would not surprise me; it is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_(Hindu_far_right)">associated with many violent
organizations</a>.


feed_id: 3b3b5be48d55eb08c7f1939d7e4fce74
title: Treating the symptoms
uri: Treating-the-symptoms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Treating_the_symptoms%29
content:
<p>
An Australian politician calls for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/06/labor-mp-urges-war-like-national-mobilisation-to-tackle-australias-existential-threat-of-climate-crisis">a national civil defense corps for
fighting fires</a>.

<p>
Maybe that is needed, but it seems really foolish to focus on treating
the symptoms and neglect the disease that will make them worse each decade.


feed_id: 2a4d2f097053b33954091267d1aeb4f9
title: Bully's flunky
uri: Bully-s-flunky
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Bully%27s_flunky%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/05/the-guardian-view-on-trumps-war-uk-goes-from-poodle-to-lapdog">is the bully's flunky</a>.  When the bully says "Jump", the UK government asks "How high?"


feed_id: 80e8b224a8c09171eb769f1cd796150a
title: Iran deal cancelled
uri: Iran-deal-cancelled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Iran_deal_cancelled%29
content:
<p>
Iran responded to the killing of General Suleimani <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/05/iran-ends-nuclear-deal-commitments-suleimani-killing-iraqi-parliament-us-troops">by canceling entirely
the nonnuclear deal that the bully had already pulled the US out of</a>.

<p>
European countries tried to convince Iran to keep the deal in order to
trade with them, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_September_2019_(Iran)">but the US sabotaged their efforts to keep doing so</a>.


feed_id: f9d1b01325508c6d2d700d8ba91dc5eb
title: Harassing citizens of Iranian origin
uri: Harassing-citizens-of-Iranian-origin
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Harassing_citizens_of_Iranian_origin%29

content:
<p>
US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> questioned many travelers of Iranian origin, including US
citizens, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/05/alarming-iranian-americans-reportedly-detained-asked-about-political-views-us-border">for hours asking about their politics</a>.


feed_id: d6220851486f7b2ff441252f6ac23208
title: Almost an election
uri: Almost-an-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Almost_an_election%29
content:
<p>
Maduro reportedly had <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> keep opposition members of the national
assembly out as the assembly elected its leader for this year.
Instead of Juan Guaidó, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/05/venezuela-nicolas-maduro-parliamentary-coup-juan-guaido">it elected a supporter of Maduro</a>.


feed_id: 80035fb49e8c7f04d4f0d1c39972cb62
title: Poor vegetables
uri: Poor-vegetables
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Poor_vegetables%29
content:
<p>
As people eat less meat, or avoid it, it becomes a problem that our
vegetables <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/05/red-meat-diet-modern-vegetables-lack-nutrients-fightback-veganism">have only 50% the nutrients that vegetables used to have</a>.


feed_id: 5b3b4a04c76f67b4e0706e5932592512
title: Hindu far right
uri: Hindu-far-right
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Hindu_far_right%29
content:
<p>
Arundhati Roy: *<a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/arundhati-roy-assam-modi/">The rise of Modi and the Hindu far right</a>.*


feed_id: 9033d35fc8ba3eef1b6f67f8256cd61d
title: Better-Run Wars
uri: Better-Run-Wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28Better-Run_Wars%29
content:
<p>
*As Sanders and Warren Vow to Block War With Iran,
 <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/04/sanders-warren-vow-block-war-iran-biden-buttigieg-offer-better-run-wars/">Biden and Buttigieg Offer Better-Run Wars</a>.*


feed_id: d20b5bafce63d60bf2501356b5b04baa
title: War crime
uri: War-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_January_2020_%28War_crime%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> threatened to destroy unnamed important Iranian historic
places, clearly not military targets.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/04/openly-threatening-war-crime-trump-says-us-prepared-strike-52-iranian-sites">This would be a war crime</a>.


feed_id: e3f227181bd23ba682e9f345bcb95684
title: Defending apartheid
uri: Defending-apartheid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Defending_apartheid%29
content:
<p>
In 1972, UK thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/06/man-81-seeks-to-quash-conviction-for-apartheid-protest">infiltrated nonviolent protests against South
Africa's apartheid system</a>.

<p>
In my view, trying to defend apartheid is the biggest wrong revealed
here.


feed_id: 927b0c18c8387f585edbe5bdb29e2e1f
title: For your own good
uri: 2020-01-10-For-your-own-good
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28For_your_own_good%29
content:
<p>
US employers increasingly require workers to participate in oppressive
"wellness programs", imposing on them to contort their lives <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/01/uhauls-nicotine-workplace-wellness/604420/">to overcome
problems that are substantially due to being underpaid</a>.


feed_id: f9e594042ea0be70ab833cafc54d7961
title: Drug war victims
uri: Drug-war-victims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Drug_war_victims%29
content:
<p>
*More than 60,000 people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/mexico-drug-war-missing-estimate">are missing amid Mexico's drug war</a>, officials say.*


feed_id: 13ce46ddae392eec92c81805430b195b
title: Schools helping thugs
uri: Schools-helping-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Schools_helping_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The Boston public school system <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/06/extensive-entanglement-between-boston-public-schools-and-ice-documents-show">has been collaborating with the US
deportation thug department for years</a>.


feed_id: cecf54c1fe7371a1c8cb8cbc2f26794f
title: Four day work week
uri: 2020-01-10-Four-day-work-week
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Four_day_work_week%29
content:
<p>
A four-day work week overall increases productivity and reduces
greenhouse emissions.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/shortcuts/2020/jan/06/finland-is-planning-a-four-day-week-is-this-the-secret-of-happiness">The problems that arise can be solved</a>.


feed_id: 81e94372272b181f00ae7cb75a32f122
title: Arsonists
uri: 2020-01-10-Arsonists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Arsonists%29
content:
<p>
The die-hard planet roasters of the Australian government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/06/stop-making-killing-planets-expense-climate-advocates-call-fossil-fuel-companies">insist on
keeping taxes on fossil fuel companies to a minimum</a>.

<p>
Holding them liable for the damage of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> could be useful
in a world with the political will to shut them down, but it does not
guarantee a good outcome by itself.  It is not a substitute for the
political will to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.

<p>
It would be just and right to make the various businesses that are
responsible for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> pay the cost of the damages.  But I
think the damages will amount to more than the worth of those
companies.  The effect of holding them 100% liable would be to seize
the companies.  That would leave their shareholders with nothing &mdash;
which is arguably more than they deserve &mdash; and effectively
nationalize the companies.

<p>
That won't guarantee that the companies change their actions.  The
government would have the power to order nationalized companies to
change; but that would take firm political will.  The government might
be tempted to keep running the companies for short-term profit instead
of shutting down the fossil fuel operations, or to sell off their
assets to other private companies that would operate them.  In the
short term, those actions would be advantageous &mdash; and fatal only in
the long term.


feed_id: 6789ed36ec93094c725c5b8439dda6b0
title: Still illegal
uri: Still-illegal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Still_illegal%29
content:
<p>
*Expert Notes US Bombing of Iran That Didn't Target Cultural Sites <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/06/expert-notes-us-bombing-iran-didnt-target-cultural-sites-would-still-be-terrible-and">Would Still
Be 'Terrible and Illegal'</a>.*


feed_id: d4db63f52aa62cb0743139f70c8aba37
title: Reversing insect apocalypse
uri: Reversing-insect-apocalypse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Reversing_insect_apocalypse%29
content:
<p>
To end and reverse the "insect apocalypse" requires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/06/urgent-new-roadmap-to-recovery-could-reverse-insect-apocalypse-aoe">an end to use of
some pesticides and fertilisers, and curbing global heating rapidly</a>.


<p>
The dearth of insects will harm the many animals that eat them, and
this will impact plants too.

<p>
Scientists recognize that human overpopulation and overconsumption
are among the roots of this developing disaster.  It is very important
to <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">have fewer children, or none</a>.
 
<p>
But this is a long-term issue; the other recommended actions can
have much faster effects.


feed_id: 447531891e7389fd5fd0e6f47f9cf051
title: Planning not to plan
uri: Planning-not-to-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Planning_not_to_plan%29
content:
<p>
Republicans plan to approve US government projects <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/06/trump-administration-environmental-review-regulations">with incomplete
environmental impact judgment and no greenhouse gas consideration</a>.


feed_id: 690cf3f96606d57f4f5025bf8f460798
title: Ground for keeping people in jails
uri: Ground-for-keeping-people-in-jails
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Ground_for_keeping_people_in_jails%29

content:
<p>
In Massachusetts and some other states, the deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>
department is now required to present ground for keeping immigrants in
jail <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/06/boston-immigration-court-ice-detain/">until their immigration cases are heard</a>.


feed_id: edb4398eddf51527b233b6e254bfa47f
title: Climate vandal
uri: Climate-vandal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Climate_vandal%29
content:
<p>
*Transformation is recognising the facts: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/this-apocalyptic-australian-summer-is-our-sandy-hook-moment-if-we-dont-take-climate-action-now-we-never-will">Australia is a climate vandal</a>,
led by wreckers. We are [105]ranked the worst of 57 countries on
climate policy.*

<p>
The politicians who have for decades opposed efforts to avoid climate
disaster are arsonists and murderers, because their years of work are
directly responsible for these fires.


feed_id: f183af37996424ea72218eb1c2c3bb5a
title: Holding war
uri: Holding-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Holding_war%29
content:
<p>
We can still try to hold the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/06/no-disastrous-war-iran">short of committing war crimes and
a big war with Iran</a>.


feed_id: 7c34a17f86c45191b0b77e9170e838e3
title: More bullying
uri: More-bullying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28More_bullying%29
content:
<p>
*Iraqi Parliament [Resolved] to Kick Out US Troops.*
The bully <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/06/iraqi-parliament-resolves-kick-out-us-troops-and-trump-threatens-mother-all">responded by threatening crushing sanctions</a>.

<p>
The parliament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/iraq-scales-down-threats-to-expel-us-forces-after-trump-retaliation">backed down from the threat</a>.


feed_id: 8e6f0f5835dc8c03de43e4c442fffa07
title: Children deprivation
uri: Children-deprivation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Children_deprivation%29
content:
<p>
*Children who experience severe deprivation early in life <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/06/severe-childhood-deprivation-reduces-brain-size-study-finds">have
smaller brains in adulthood, researchers have found</a>.*


feed_id: 2728608e0e30b46b380671334e107f60
title: Appealing to majority
uri: Appealing-to-majority
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_January_2020_%28Appealing_to_majority%29
content:
<p>
Cas Mudde: *In obsessively pursuing white, middle-class midwestern
voters, Democratic leaders are setting their party up for
disaster.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/02/centrist-democrats-need-2020-reality-check-us-election">They need to appeal to the non-voting majority</a>.


feed_id: f5a08814697d1d2516777d30434d690a
title: Evading accountability
uri: Evading-accountability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Evading_accountability%29
content:
<p>
The Tories have not reestablished "select committees" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/08/parliament-failing-to-keep-ministers-in-check-over-committee-delays">whose job is to monitor
the conduct of ministers</a>.

<p>
One might think that Tory ministers are trying to evade accountability.


feed_id: f2e92316c573b3f2e81a06a2f8dae176
title: Urgent: Social Security adjustment
uri: Urgent-Social-Security-adjustment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Social_Security_adjustment%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-demand-a-social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-that-reflects-the-real-costs-that-we-face?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to adopt a Social Security
cost-of-living adjustment that reflects the real costs of living.


feed_id: 83d6e0b1e082960f8042cd23f68eb727
title: Meeting in secret
uri: Meeting-in-secret
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Meeting_in_secret%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> held a meeting in the White House with Salafi Arabian
military minister, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/disturbing-reporters-hit-white-house-not-disclosing-meeting-saudi-defense-minister">tried to conceal that bare fact from the public</a>.


feed_id: 0726073cccbbd3e671b48f560249f384
title: The future is here
uri: The-future-is-here
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28The_future_is_here%29
content:
<p>
*In Australia's Nightmare, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/07/australias-nightmare-vision-planets-terrifying-future">a Vision of the Planet's Terrifying Future</a>.*

<p>
Part of Western Australia has a food supply problem because fire <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/09/australia-fires-victorians-urged-to-leave-amid-fears-heat-spike-will-cause-bushfires-to-merge">has closed the only highway for supplies for the last two weeks</a>.


feed_id: 17b66d36effdc0f71faf22d757e74612
title: Erasing border between war and peace
uri: Erasing-border-between-war-and-peace
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Erasing_border_between_war_and_peace%29

content:
<p>
The assassination of General Soleimani was another step in the US practice <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/07/soleimani-strike-marks-novel-shift-targeted-killing-dangerous-global-order">of
erasing the border between war and peace</a>.

<p>
Science fiction has imagined tiny killer drones that can be programmed
to seek and kill any particular person and can be employed by anyone
willing to commit murder.  If this happens in the future, we will be
able to thank Dubya, Obama and the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.


feed_id: a75d0e269118e1a40d863be62c4a66a9
title: Fired for parody
uri: Fired-for-parody
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Fired_for_parody%29
content:
<p>
UMass Amherst Removed a Professor <a href="https://reason.com/2020/01/06/umass-amherst-downfall-video-lowry-accounting/">for Showing a Downfall Hitler Parody Video</a> made by a student.  Most of the students laughed.  Later, most of them protested the decision to remove her.

<p>
I think Professor Lowry would have done better by being less contrite.


feed_id: ef0f2ace08375bfaf1d6d17f9e030d53
title: Worse than nuclear war
uri: Worse-than-nuclear-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Worse_than_nuclear_war%29
content:
<p>
Climate emergency <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/nuclear-button-question-labour-leadership-candidates">is a bigger danger than nuclear war</a>.  Nuclear war could happen; climate disaster is inevitable unless we go to great lengths to avoid it.


feed_id: c259b736c6697180a47e86eb3310222b
title: Uniting Iran
uri: Uniting-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Uniting_Iran%29
content:
<p>
*By killing Qassem Suleimani, [the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>] has achieved the impossible:
 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/qassem-suleimani-trump-uniting-iran-assassination-government">uniting Iran</a>.*


feed_id: 0db126ed1033bd93be08b62f366863dc
title: Storming parliament
uri: Storming-parliament
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Storming_parliament%29
content:
<p>
*Venezuela: Maduro opponents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/07/venezuela-maduro-parliament-juan-guaido-leader">storm parliament to reinstall Guaidó as leader</a>.*


feed_id: 076a8eba391742c4dcb770e7c5df4e08
title: Intercontinental smoke
uri: Intercontinental-smoke
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Intercontinental_smoke%29
content:
<p>
Smoke from Australia's fires has a global reach.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/07/australian-bushfire-smoke-drifts-to-south-america-un-reports">It has arrived in Chile</a>.


feed_id: 17936f6866424ab02d485ae7141b98f4
title: Reasons to support murder
uri: Reasons-to-support-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Reasons_to_support_murder%29
content:
<p>
*TV Pundits Praising Suleimani Assassination <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/06/iran-suleimani-tv-pundits-weapons-industry/">Neglect to Disclose Ties to Arms Industry</a>.*


feed_id: bd46c268cbae212a3f599701659da346
title: Slow-motion apocalypse
uri: Slow-motion-apocalypse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Slow-motion_apocalypse%29
content:
<p>
The whole world is facing a slow-motion climate emergency.  Some
places, such as California and now Australia, <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/01/06/australia-your-country-burning-dangerous-climate-change-here-with-you-now/">have reached acute
climate emergency</a>.

<p>
Normally wet New Zealand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/07/new-zealand-bushfires-flare-amid-fears-country-becoming-more-flammable">is starting to have significant wildfires</a>.


feed_id: c02ab67532e7c0655b9f480e59956c0d
title: Pyrocene
uri: Pyrocene
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#11_January_2020_%28Pyrocene%29
content:
<p>
*The Australian fires are a harbinger of things to come. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/07/australia-fires-warning">Don't ignore
their warning</a>.*

<p>
I am gratified that someone else is using the term "Pyrocene", which
is one of the names I recommended for this epoch.  However, I now
believe that <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/obscene.html">nothing less than "Obscene" does justice to it</a>.

<p>
I'd be even more gratified if people started taking sufficient actions
to prevent this from getting worse.


feed_id: 15c9c5d762b58d336f8d8edbf242ef01
title: Imprisonment for nonviolent criticism
uri: Imprisonment-for-nonviolent-criticism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Imprisonment_for_nonviolent_criticism%29

content:
<p>
Military occupation of conquered territory is not supposed to result
in long-term repression of nonviolent dissent.  A report from Human
Rights Watch explains that Israel 
<a href="https://portside.org/2019-12-30/israel-has-suspended-core-palestinian-rights-half-century">systematically
imprisons Palestinians for nonviolent criticism of the occupation, and
for journalism</a>, on strained excuses.
<p>
Israeli <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> destroyed the homes and sheep-pens of Palestinian shepherds.
People gave them tents, so <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> came back and 
<a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=81343">took away
their tents</a>.
<p>
This is part of a slow-moving campaign of ethnic cleansing, described
by Uri Avnery as 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-jan-apr.html#22%20February%202009%20(Netanyahu/Lieberman%20coalition)">aiming
to make the West Bank "araberrein"</a>.


feed_id: 625c21172bfadbeb2147a68e4f1ead95
title: Chomsky on world's most powerful rogue state
uri: Chomsky-on-world-s-most-powerful-rogue-state
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Chomsky_on_worlds_most_powerful_rogue_state%29

content:
<p>
An interview with Chomsky on the world's most powerful rogue state and
<a href="https://truthout.org/articles/noam-chomsky-us-is-a-rogue-state-and-suleimanis-assassination-confirms-it/">how
the egoist has used its power to mess everything up</a>.
<p>
I was surprised that he suggests that the downing of an airliner by
the USS Vincennes was intentional.  I find that theory implausible.
Would Reagan have ordered a crime that would arouse hostility to the
US, and gain nothing?  I don't think so.  It requires being worse than
merely unscrupulous.


feed_id: c2357a3c36e533a4ca8028c6d37a734f
title: Corporate influence over Bloomberg
uri: Corporate-influence-over-Bloomberg
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Corporate_influence_over_Bloomberg%29

content:
<p>
*Mike Bloomberg Says He’s Immune to Corporate Influence. His Campaign Is 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/08/mike-bloomberg-campaign-lobbyists/">Managed
by Lobbyists</a>.*


feed_id: d56a2daaa29105a79d14cafbc65145a2
title: Traditional conservatives vs plutocratists
uri: Traditional-conservatives-vs-plutocratists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Traditional_conservatives_vs_plutocratists%29

content:
<p>
Traditionally, conservatives advocate 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2020/jan/09/most-conservatives-know-prevention-is-better-than-cure-except-when-it-comes-to-climate-change">prudence
to prevent a problem rather than waiting and fixing it</a>.
Plutocratists, even if they call themselves "conservative", are
nothing like that.
<p>
They rediscover their conservative views each time they need an excuse
keep poor people down.


feed_id: ba8dac62f9f9561594349da42223d39c
title: Christian evaluation of the conman
uri: Christian-evaluation-of-the-conman
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Christian_evaluation_of_the_conman%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/trump-religion-megachurch-american-tradition">A
Christian evaluation</a> of the conman.


feed_id: facf0a207e3e2aed8d710f799424db26
title: War profiteering
uri: 2020-01-13-War-profiteering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28War_profiteering%29
content:
<p>
Congress 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/08/congress-war-profiteering-real-we-need-end-it">should
limit profiteering on war</a>.  Capping CEO pay could be part of that,
though I think more is needed.


feed_id: 7f355ecb0bd57ff4eb246bb8539fe5f0
title: Concentration of polluting industries in Detroit
uri: Concentration-of-polluting-industries-in-Detroit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Concentration_of_polluting_industries_in_Detroit%29

content:
<p>
70% of people in one zone Detroit are black, and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/09/the-blackest-city-in-the-is-us-facing-an-environmental-justice-nightmare">polluting
industries have concentrated there</a>.  Life expectancy there is 10
or 15 years less than in the suburbs.
<p>
The residents of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/08/cancer-alley-reserve-louisiana-democrat-cedric-richmond">"Cancer
Alley" in Louisiana</a> have finally got some attention from their
congresscritter, a thoroughly plutocratist "new Democrat".


feed_id: 2c625b3c5c857c7590dbdbc88ef5e5d3
title: Empty storefronts in San Francisco
uri: Empty-storefronts-in-San-Francisco
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Empty_storefronts_in_San_Francisco%29

content:
<p>
A new form of gentrification is filling San Francisco with empty
storefronts.  Perhaps empty condos. too.  
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/09/san-francisco-gentrification-second-wave">Landlords
would rather have no tenant than a rent lower than their wildest
dreams</a>.
<p>
This calls for a heavy tax on housing units that are not anyone's
primary residence.  This may be blocked in California by the
tax-limiting initiative adopted in the 1980s.


feed_id: b8053cc0f6aec81f34da893fbbd162df
title: General strike in India
uri: General-strike-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28General_strike_in_India%29
content:
<p>
India's unions held a 24-hour general strike 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/08/india-towns-and-cities-grind-to-halt-as-workers-stage-24-hour-strike">in
protest against Modi's policies that prioritize the rich over
workers</a>.


feed_id: c33318629263efc20131ee0bb9b36530
title: Unfairness to defendants
uri: Unfairness-to-defendants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Unfairness_to_defendants%29
content:
<p>
Carlos Ghosn said he escaped from Japan because he was likely to
remain in jail for years unless he confessed.
<p>
It's true that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/carlos-ghosn-nissan-boss-japanese-justice">Japan
does this to accused people</a>.  That doesn't imply he isn't guilty,
but he might not get a fair trial.
<p>
Many non-rich defendants in the US face a 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2017-mar-jun.html#27_April_2017_(US_bail_system)">similar
unfairness due to the bail system</a> and they are often effectively
compelled to plead guilty.


feed_id: c1c4886625be7611e0c93c5c56a5a5eb
title: Urgent: Fair impeachment trial
uri: Urgent-Fair-impeachment-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Fair_impeachment_trial%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-a-fair-impeachment-trial?nowrapper=true">call
on the Senate</a> to hold a fair impeachment trial.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 956da14a026f2431b6ce17b06dc07604
title: Failure of British prosecutors
uri: Failure-of-British-prosecutors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Failure_of_British_prosecutors%29

content:
<p>
British prosecutors blame budget cuts for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jan/09/cps-crown-prosecution-service-struggling-to-cope-to-disclose-evidence-to-defendants-report">failing,
in half of all trials, to hand over the evidence that defendants are
entitled to</a>.


feed_id: 0179c49328bba8a86f7a049ce14c79a4
title: "Briefing" about Soleimani
uri: Briefing-about-Soleimani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Briefing_about_Soleimani%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s officials presented a "briefing" about the "imminent
threat" that supposedly required and justified assassinated General
Soleimani, but when senators started asking probing questions, 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/08/congress-classified-briefings-iran-trump-administration/">the
officials walked out</a>.


feed_id: f35498e2441ad95b905433234e6b42c2
title: Urgent: Thunder Basin prairie dogs
uri: Urgent-Thunder-Basin-prairie-dogs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Thunder_Basin_prairie_dogs%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy;?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3569">call
on Forest Supervisor Russell Bacon</a>: Don't strip away protections
for Thunder Basin's prairie dogs.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 0e679730a188a4253d98bf1b813895be
title: Urgent: Cancel Netflix border thug propaganda
uri: Urgent-Cancel-Netflix-border-thug-propaganda
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_Netflix_border_thug_propaganda%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/netflix-stop-streaming-cbps-propaganda">call
on Netflix</a> to cancel its program that is propaganda for the border
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
<p>
But do keep in mind that Netflix systematically shreds its customers'
freedom.  For your freedom's sake, 
<a href="https://stallman.org/netflix.html">join me in refusing to be a
customer of Netflix</a>.
<p>
Sharing is good.  The only ethical way to watch a movie is a way that
enables you to share copies.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: b94e6fec804ac3bfbbb1198717eb9f63
title: Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump accused of lying to sell condos
uri: Trump-Jr-and-Ivanka-Trump-accused-of-lying-to-sell-condos
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Trump_Jr_and_Ivanka_Trump_accused_of_lying_to_sell_condos%29

content:
<p>
A book accuses Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/09/trump-jr-ivanka-trump-condos-scheme-book">intentionally
lying to sell condos</a>.
<p>
This could be fraud, which would be a New York State crime.
The conman could not protect them from prosecution there.


feed_id: c1c13b66c7e03e868306544c8d566a0d
title: The will to war in Washington and Tehran
uri: The-will-to-war-in-Washington-and-Tehran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28The_will_to_war_in_Washington_and_Tehran%29

content:
<p>
The will to war is so strong in Washington and Tehran that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/08/iran-donald-trump-analysis-us">we
cannot rely on them to keep stopping short</a>.
<p>
*The thing about maximum pressure is that it normally causes things to
explode.*
<p>
We 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/trump-sparked-iran-crisis-war">can't
expect the reckless US president to look for a way to de-escalate the
conflict with Iran</a>.  But Congress can.
<p>
It would also be nice if Congress were to 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#21_March_2019_(UN_conference_on_womens_rights)">legislate
that the US cannot refuse or delay visas to attend UN sessions</a>,
for foreign officials entitled to attend under the UN treaty.


feed_id: e9799932a2497ebc75d231eaf5bc364e
title: Superfluous bureaucracy of US medical system
uri: Superfluous-bureaucracy-of-US-medical-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Superfluous_bureaucracy_of_US_medical_system%29

content:
<p>
The superfluous bureaucracy of the US medical system 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/study-shows-medicare-all-could-save-us-600-billion-annually-paperwork-and-other">costs
$2000 per year per person</a>.
<p>
Medicare for All 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/economists-surprised-americans-arent-revolting-over-8000-tax-they-pay-each-year-due">would
eliminate this</a>.  It would also save costs in other ways.  As much
as $8000 per year per person.


feed_id: dc8f62ae43aaf020ca3f9b19cff2c127
title: "Golden age" of inequality and poverty
uri: Golden-age-of-inequality-and-poverty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Golden_age_of_inequality_and_poverty%29

content:
<p>
Economist Thorsten Veblen, from 1890 to 1920, analyzed 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/04/11/man-who-saw-trump-coming-century-ago">how
the plutocrats dominated US politics in the first "golden age" of
inequality and poverty</a>.  What he wrote illuminates this, the
second such "golden age".
<p>
I just wish the author had not called this the "age of Trump".  The
conman wasn't the leader in creating today's inequality and poverty.
What he did do was escalate the 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#29_May_2018_(Trolls_attacks_on_the_press)">attack
on the idea of seeking to know and state the truth</a>.  But he
doesn't deserve to have us affix his name to the whole practice or to
the age as a whole.


feed_id: 0755e8aaa79f512528a8acd067c31e2a
title: No evidence that Iran was chiefly responsible for arming Iraqis
uri: No-evidence-that-Iran-was-chiefly-responsible-for-arming-Iraqis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28No_evidence_that_Iran_was_chiefly_responsible_for_arming_Iraqis%29

content:
<p>
The US government has been claiming for 12 years that Iran was chiefly
responsible for arming Iraqis to fight the US army, with 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/07/there-zero-actual-evidence-iran-responsible-killing-hundreds-americans">no
evidence for it</a>.
<p>
Iran has backed the Shi'ite militias in Iraq, but they were not the
Iraqis that fought the US army.  On the contrary, 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#22%20July%202004%20(Sunni%20leaders%20call%20for%20war)">those
who did so were Sunnis</a>.  They regarded Iran and its Shi'ite
militias as the enemy.


feed_id: b39241e471df2cd914bb8bc4eff6bbe7
title: Invading a country to remove a dictator
uri: Invading-a-country-to-remove-a-dictator
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#12_January_2020_%28Invading_a_country_to_remove_a_dictator%29

content:
<p>
Biden, in 1998, already
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/07/joe-biden-iraq-war-history/">advocated
attacking Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein</a>.  He continued to
advocate that in 2003 when he voted to support <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s invasion.
<p>
What I said in 2003: invading a country to remove a dictator is
justified if (1) we are sure the people of that country want this sort
of help, and (2) we can be confident the new government will be better
than the existing one.  I also said that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#16%20December%202003%20(Saddam's%20capture)">I
didn't believe either condition was true in Iraq</a>.


feed_id: 0dff8b1bb6918d5396a039cf51ebad96
title: Cost of online shopping
uri: Cost-of-online-shopping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Cost_of_online_shopping%29
content:
<p>
Online shopping has cost <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/10/indie-bookshops-grow-high-street-declines">thousands of jobs in the UK this year</a>.  It also costs heavily in tax revenue, and attacks privacy (which depends on anonymity).  It would make sense to penalize online shopping.


feed_id: 1fb2db5a56787da0ab3cde0713845552
title: Flora in Himalaya
uri: Flora-in-Himalaya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Flora_in_Himalaya%29
content:
<p>
The flora is changing on high Himalayan mountains, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/grass-growing-around-mount-everest-as-global-heating-intensifies">perhaps due to
global heating</a>.

<p>
This could lead to flooding in India and neighboring countries.


feed_id: 68137bece8fa7bfb17a132d984d5ef67
title: Gun extremists
uri: Gun-extremists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Gun_extremists%29
content:
<p>
Now that Democrats in favor of gun control govern Virinia, right-wing
extremists there are threatening violent disobedience.  Some sheriffs
and some local governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/09/virginia-gun-control-second-amendment-civil-war">have announced in advance they will defy
whatever new gun control laws are passed, and threatening to start a
civil war</a>.

<p>
Comparing this violent mob to a "powder keg" is fundamentally wrong.
It exempts them from responsibility from the violence they are
planning to cause.  (Powder kegs do not pack themselves with gunpowder.)
The consequence is to presume, for the Democrats, a moral onus not to
irritate the mob &mdash; in effect, to obey its orders.

<p>
A better analogy for this mob is a gang of terrorists with powerful
suicide belts.  I think we had better take their guns away.

<p>
Right-wing extremists used this approach in Oregon and intimidated
the state government.  Virginia must find the way to overcome the
scheme.  It must not let a violent faction impose its will by
force.


feed_id: d2cad3ccb9ff680586be61cd9542311d
title: Keeping a whole region incommunicado
uri: Keeping-a-whole-region-incommunicado
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Keeping_a_whole_region_incommunicado%29

content:
<p>
India's Supreme Court ruled that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/10/kashmir-blackout-indias-supreme-court-orders-delhi-to-review-internet-shutdown">keeping Kashmir incommunicado
indefinitely is unacceptable</a>.

<p>
Will Modi take this as an opportunity to display his power through contempt
for the court?


feed_id: 1287af6c2ee1fc595cd6239dbbc188b7
title: Social PTSD
uri: Social-PTSD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Social_PTSD%29
content:
<p>
A study found that 1/3 of adults in Hong Kong are suffering from
PTSD.  Following the news on social media <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/10/hong-kong-nearly-a-third-of-adults-report-ptsd-symptoms-study">seems to increase the risk</a>.

<p>
The study did not cover minors.


feed_id: 9c2d0b4fbc2097da73f933b93b9b51df
title: Smoke and birth
uri: Smoke-and-birth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Smoke_and_birth%29
content:
<p>
The smoke from far-away wildfires subjects everyone to toxic
pollution.  It fills hospitals and makes some medical equipment
unusable.  It injures babies as they take their first breaths.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/10/being-pregnant-in-a-climate-emergency-was-an-existential-challenge-miscarriage-has-brought-a-new-grief">Author
Gemma Carey wonders whether the pollution caused her to miscarry</a>.

<p>
She now doubts whether it is right and proper to get pregnant again.

<p>
If the fires next summer in Australia are not as big as this summer,
don't let that fool you.  As long as temperatures keep increasing,
worse fires are inevitable.  But ever-increasing temperatures
may not be inevitable <em>yet</em>.


feed_id: 4ac8b72f7fb6b7316fae217b9d395a93
title: Global heating and Gulf Stream
uri: Global-heating-and-Gulf-Stream
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Global_heating_and_Gulf_Stream%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> could cause temporary shutdowns of the Gulf Stream.
This would make winter in Britain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/08/weakening-of-gulf-stream-could-bring-colder-uk-winters">cold and snowy like winter in Scandinavia</a>.


feed_id: fb0aa32104188691f36226eb0309b4bb
title: Bored
uri: Bored
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Bored%29
content:
<p>
The US Congress hardly bothers to scrutinize <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/08/we-need-strong-anti-war-movement-yesterday">the warlike acts ordered by
the bully</a>.


feed_id: 62797a6056488150819e3e45a5e13d2a
title: Get ready for president Sanders
uri: Get-ready-for-president-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Get_ready_for_president_Sanders%29

content:
<p>
A billionaire has warned other rich Americans to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/08/stopped-rolex-right-twice-day-bernie-campaign-affirms-billionaires-warning-president">get ready for
President Sanders</a>.


feed_id: 166203f5c57d1260a45713ff35870e58
title: Bolton's testimony
uri: Bolton-s-testimony
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Bolton%27s_testimony%29
content:
<p>
It is unwise to assume that Bolton's testimony to the Senate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/08/wake-democrats-bomb-em-all-bolton-wont-help-impeachment">will hurt
the conman</a>.


feed_id: d244e602ce6f8c681adb42fbd68a5aa1
title: Sunrise Movement endorses Sanders
uri: Sunrise-Movement-endorses-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Sunrise_Movement_endorses_Sanders%29

content:
<p>
The Sunrise Movement, youths campaigning for a Green New Deal, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/09/grasping-scope-climate-crisis-and-fully-embracing-green-new-deal-youth-led-sunrise">has
endorsed Sanders for president</a>.


feed_id: 8c08877f0635763f8deffaee335908f0
title: College
uri: College
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28College%29
content:
<p>
Overall, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/1/9/1910370/-Why-Go-to-College">it is wise for society to encourage people to attend college</a>.

<p>
The article argues that it is beneficial in the US to go to college.
That may be true for most people, but there is a substantial risk of a
bad outcome.

<p>
The article reports that college graduates earn a lot more, on the
average.  On the average, they can pay back their loans.  But I
suspect that a considerable fraction of graduates make much less than
the average and can't pay back their loans.  Especially those whose
college degrees did not aim narrowly at a particular profession.  And
then there are all the people that didn't graduate from college, don't
get the higher incomes, but do get the enormous debts.

<p>
And this doesn't take account of the graduates that do get higher
incomes because they are doing evil things such as working on nonfree
software products or on internet dis-services.  They may avoid being trapped
in debt, but their lives have been harmed anyway.


feed_id: 384aa4be8b02977d552a6c11e59c6ecc
title: San Francisco houses
uri: San-Francisco-houses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28San_Francisco_houses%29
content:
<p>
*San Francisco has <a href="https://sf.curbed.com/2019/12/3/20993251/san-francisco-bay-area-vacant-homes-per-homeless-count">nearly five empty homes per homeless resident</a>.*

<p>
This bespeaks the need for changes in the law that will get those
housing units put into use.  As a last resort, the city should be
empowered to lodge people in those units without asking the owner's
permission.  However, other milder measures should suffice to
achieve the job.


feed_id: 189b8d0844c71fc3061b02423fe0673e
title: Reason for killing Soleimani
uri: Reason-for-killing-Soleimani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Reason_for_killing_Soleimani%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's surely killed General Soleimani to manipulate the
public.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/08/now-we-know-certain-trump-will-do-anything-win-2020-even-start-war">His critics' responses should be more emotionally powerful</a>.

<p>
The bullshitter's effort has not worked with most Americans.  Most
Americans believe that the assassination of Soleimani made America
less safe.  Almost 2/3 believe it made war more likely.  Likewise, a
majority say that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/09/not-buying-trump-narrative-majority-americans-believe-soleimani-assassination-made">the bully's actions towards Iran were reckless</a>.

<p>
However, the minority that supports the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> are surely jumping
up and down and longing to see more blood flow.

<p>
Rumor has it that Iran is developing a tiny drone equipped with a
cigarette lighter, which they will use to target the bullshitter's
pants while he is not wearing them.


feed_id: 307ece9d8ec33f75f4ce20d06ebcbe2d
title: Lifetime appointments
uri: Lifetime-appointments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Lifetime_appointments%29
content:
<p>
*"As long as the cloud of impeachment exists, it would be a grave
mistake for the Senate to allow the president to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/advocates-argue-it-ludicrous-and-frankly-offensive-let-impeached-trump-continue">continue making
lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary</a>."*


feed_id: 34182fa852fb6f41f5278c4bf334db0f
title: Democracy is not worse
uri: Democracy-is-not-worse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Democracy_is_not_worse%29
content:
<p>
*Citizens' panels <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/10/citizens-panels-ready-help-macron-french-climate-policies">ready to help Macron set French climate policies</a>.*

<p>
I don't know whether this is a good idea, but I suppose it can't make
things worse.


feed_id: f520f58973e4f2e72a4318b0e8dbc207
title: Separating families
uri: Separating-families
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Separating_families%29
content:
<p>
*UK "deliberately" separating families in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/10/government-urged-to-reunite-child-refugees-with-families">flagrant breach of
international law</a>, report finds.*


feed_id: 1eef39315bb34d3abeab0f27af53bc80
title: Can't deny it anymore
uri: Can-t-deny-it-anymore
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Can%27t_deny_it_anymore%29
content:
<p>
Millions of people can no longer deny the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> danger we all
face.  This will lead to anger &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/11/terror-hope-anger-kindness-the-complexity-of-life-as-we-face-the-new-normal">but if the anger fades with time,
how do we go on</a>?


feed_id: 2c1eaae9d076a4a245d06aff576ff8eb
title: Post-Truth planes
uri: Post-Truth-planes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Post-Truth_planes%29
content:
<p>
Boeing employees' told each other in emails that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/09/boeing-737-max-internal-messages">the design of the plane
was grossly disregarding safety</a>.

<p>
"This airplane is designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by
monkeys."  "I’ll be shocked if the FAA passes this turd."  One message
referred to "the very very few of us on the program who are interested
only in truth."


feed_id: e944817527c82bef3c119bbc747a9154
title: Partisan Attorney General
uri: Partisan-Attorney-General
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Partisan_Attorney_General%29
content:
<p>
The New York City Bar Association called on Congress to investigate
the US Attorney General <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/09/unprecedented-move-nyc-bar-association-calls-congress-probe-attorney-general">for partisan use of his official powers</a>.


feed_id: 8a4dd94841f8e8bdf71f52cc7bb6b512
title: Shooting planes by mistake
uri: Shooting-planes-by-mistake
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Shooting_planes_by_mistake%29
content:
<p>
*Iran admits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/11/iran-admits-shooting-down-ukrainian-airliner-unintentionally">shooting down Ukrainian airliner 'unintentionally'</a> &mdash; state TV*

<p>
This mistake was very sad, but the only moral lesson to be drawn is that it
would be good for the US and Iran to reduce tensions.


feed_id: 98c6c9a11508c711c0dc20dab60c6332
title: Benefits for Globalization
uri: Benefits-for-Globalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Benefits_for_Globalization%29
content:
<p>
Globalization has decoupled US companies from Americans.  The success
of the former means little for the latter.  The "success" of the
bullshitter's deal with Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/11/us-china-trump-agreement-tesla-investment">is entirely for the former</a>.


feed_id: 1c47c7e007d9c007f443a55662a9f688
title: Benefits for poison
uri: Benefits-for-poison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Benefits_for_poison%29
content:
<p>
The Environmental Poisoning Agency (formerly Environmental Protection
Agency) <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/09/trump-epa-approved-100-plus-products-pesticides-banned-elsewhere-or-slated-us">approved over 100 products using toxic pesticides it
previously committed to eventually prohibit</a>.


feed_id: ce9d09a75e93347cea229e0e5d516241
title: Saving life by raising wages
uri: Saving-life-by-raising-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Saving_life_by_raising_wages%29
content:
<p>
Increasing the US minimum wage saves a few thousands of lives per year
per dollar of increase, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/09/fresh-calls-raisethewage-after-study-shows-1-increase-could-prevent-thousands">simply by reducing suicides</a>.

<p>
People should have the right to kill themselves, and to get help.  But
a good society will avoid driving people to the despair that leads to
suicide.

<p>
I am confident that the minimum wage increase saves even more lives by
enabling people to afford food and medicine.


feed_id: 96a5e256cb90a32380d958d4643d024f
title: Impeach on all counts
uri: Impeach-on-all-counts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Impeach_on_all_counts%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: Democrats Need to Rip Off the Mask of Timidity and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/09/democrats-need-rip-mask-timidity-and-impeach-trump-all-counts">Impeach Trump on All Counts</a>.


feed_id: c4d85bf5b395600e9fcdc64cc474fa3a
title: No War Against Iran Act
uri: No-War-Against-Iran-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28No_War_Against_Iran_Act%29
content:
<p>
*Sanders, Khanna Lead Dozens of Lawmakers in Introducing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/09/sanders-khanna-lead-dozens-lawmakers-introducing-no-war-against-iran-act">No War
Against Iran Act</a>.*


feed_id: 524e8b4de5f307eb18ab1c58bdc8f20b
title: Urgent: trial for the bullshitter
uri: Urgent-trial-for-the-bullshitter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_trial_for_the_bullshitter%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/08/mcconnell-led-gop-cover-trump-looming-voters-urged-call-senators-demand-fair-trial">phone your senators</a> and insist on a real, proper trial
for the bullshitter &mdash; not a rigged excuse to let him off.

<p>
Also sign <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-a-fair-impeachment-trial?nowrapper=true">this petition</a>.


feed_id: e44d48270bb9946ef75e087cc804226c
title: Proposing to not do enough
uri: Proposing-to-not-do-enough
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Proposing_to_not_do_enough%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats proposed a climate protection plan
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/08/house-dems-climate-plan-insufficient-response-climate-crisis">which would be insufficient to avoid disaster</a>.

<p>
It seems that their aim is to placate supporters who really want to
protect the climate.


Beta-testing inhumanity

The border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> started a "pilot program" to separate minors of all
ages from their parents, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/we-were-all-told-do-us-border-officer-uses-nuremberg-defense-explain-involvement">a year before they made that the standard,
blanket practice</a>.

<p>
The blanket practice was cancelled, but they didn't really stop.
Rather, they came up with various excuses to separate some minors from
their parents, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_December_2019_(Continued_separation_of_children_from_parents)">still do this quite often</a>.


feed_id: 067bcf461ca605598aead42fafa91416
title: Welcoming Hawks back
uri: Welcoming-Hawks-back
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#14_January_2020_%28Welcoming_Hawks_back%29
content:
<p>
*Corporate Media Welcome Back Iraq War Hawks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/09/has-nothing-been-learned-2003-corporate-media-welcome-back-iraq-war-hawks-make-case">To Make Case for Iran</a>.*


feed_id: 8ddb1eafb0e80bf2fad639532e2388b0
title: Thug university
uri: Thug-university
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Thug_university%29
content:
<p>
Recordings show that the deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> falsely accused visiting
foreign students of seeking to enroll in their fraudulent  university
<a href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/01/07/ice-recordings-students-fake-university-michigan/2644190001/">so as to cheat immigration requirements</a>.

<p>
The students wanted to enroll in a real university, take real classes,
and fulfill the requirements.  Only the deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> wanted them
to cheat.


feed_id: 2248ba05f34790babd62b0e478ab8f7e
title: Spy Ring
uri: Spy-Ring
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Spy_Ring%29
content:
<p>
Amazon <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3mdvk/ring-fired-employees-abusing-video-data">gets access to video from Ring devices</a>.

<p>
This was highlighted by the fact that some Ring employees who were
authorized to look at the videos used that access for personal motives
and were fired.  There will always be employees who do this, and with
Ring the uniformed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> often can do it too, which is far more dangerous.


feed_id: 716b1026c61d50ebcc74dd861eb56e65
title: Faking Facebook ads metrics
uri: Faking-Facebook-ads-metrics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Faking_Facebook_ads_metrics%29
content:
<p>
Facebook gives video-publishing media sites exaggerated view counts
to attract them to move from Youtube.  Some of them borrow money to invest
to profit from this increased popularity, <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/09/collegehumor-laid-off-almost-e.html">and they go bankrupt</a>.

<p>
Another drawback is that if you refuse to be a zucker, the site becomes
inaccessible to you when it is on Facebook.


feed_id: a20fb885e4b4708f8d906c141aa89998
title: Attacking protesters
uri: Attacking-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Attacking_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Tulsi Gabbard's campaign staff <a href="https://OFMI.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54fbbdecab83b2a1bbd6f4cdd&id=44a02abe65&e=69036bdd88">attacked protesters</a> who criticized the powerful right-wight Hindu extremist group, RSS.


feed_id: 9aab5af2145cf065041b57ac86404b6a
title: Imaginary murder attempt
uri: Imaginary-murder-attempt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Imaginary_murder_attempt%29
content:
<p>
A New York City thug has been convicted of perjury for <a href="http://click1.e.reason.com/mdqpjpjggywljnmdltjbnlzymdlpcwjknymzyzwcsttqy_lznkqhkjqrmjwqnhnqwq.html">trying
to frame someone for an imaginary attempted murder</a>.

<p>
The sentence, four years probation, seems too light to me.
Will it succeed in deterring similar crimes in the future?


feed_id: 098c40668c2f53313094ad62c224ec32
title: Power denied
uri: Power-denied
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Power_denied%29
content:
<p>
30,000 in Sydney <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/10/tens-thousands-join-sack-scomo-protests-against-government-climate-inaction">demanded to get rid of the denialist prime minister
who will defend fossil fuels at the expense of humanity</a>.


feed_id: 5e0b55c9b187bc7656068e6466671d01
title: Support for wealth tax
uri: Support-for-wealth-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Support_for_wealth_tax%29
content:
<p>
Almost 2/3 of Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/10/see-not-radical-new-poll-shows-nearly-two-thirds-americans-support-wealth-tax-fund">support Senator Warren's wealth tax proposal</a>.


feed_id: 8ba0a9730e0307fc93b8274e3e538855
title: Resisting criticism with murder
uri: Resisting-criticism-with-murder
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Resisting_criticism_with_murder%29

content:
<p>
There is a report that the bully had General Soleimani assassinated <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/10/was-imminent-threat-his-impeachment-trump-reportedly-admitted-soleimani-killed">to
help Republican senators stand up to criticism of protecting him
blindly from impeachment</a>.


feed_id: 7e306f97d0cec8bdb0e1327f15631287
title: Censorship from everywhere
uri: Censorship-from-everywhere
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Censorship_from_everywhere%29
content:
<p>
Freedom of humor is under attack <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/12/left-and-right-should-learn-to-take-a-joke-not-censor-them">from both political sides</a>.

<p>
We all lose from censorship.  You don't have to like every joke,
and neither do I, but we must fight against censorship.


feed_id: 730eee8c025dcf6b0170bf0dcf8d2514
title: Judges protest
uri: Judges-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Judges_protest%29
content:
<p>
International judges participated in a march in Warsaw for judicial
independence, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/12/poland-march-judges-europe-protest-lawyers">which the authoritarian government plans to eliminate</a>.


feed_id: 31618fe9af088c8d896c4efcb54f1113
title: Urgent: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
uri: 2020-01-15-Urgent-Pregnant-Workers-Fairness-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Pregnant_Workers_Fairness_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-pregnant-workers-rights">call on your congresscritter</a> to cosponsor the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

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


feed_id: f34442ace590539ddc7ce55204fa6ffa
title: Anti-public land sycophants
uri: Anti-public-land-sycophants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Anti-public_land_sycophants%29
content:
<p>
*The [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a>'s] administration has filled the parks
department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/us-national-parks-dismantling-under-way">with anti-public land sycophants</a>.*


feed_id: eb1951cc8b0ea0fa63b9c24913e96e65
title: Helping avoiding war
uri: Helping-avoiding-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Helping_avoiding_war%29
content:
<p>
Lula and his foreign minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/10/lula-brazil-iran-us-suleimani-peace-war">helped the US and Iran negotiate the
nonnuclear deal</a>.  Their motive was to avoid a war.


feed_id: 1bd981771f93b6cb438250d4b9d22f1b
title: Calling on Davos
uri: Calling-on-Davos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Calling_on_Davos%29
content:
<p>
Greta Thunberg and associates call on the elite meeting in Davos
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/10/greta-thunberg-davos-tycoons-fossil-fuels-dismantle-climate-crisis">to end the investment in destroying their future</a>.


feed_id: 44d928d8bb6f8955d73b8fc90c07a246
title: Pressures to cut public spending
uri: Pressures-to-cut-public-spending
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#15_January_2020_%28Pressures_to_cut_public_spending%29

content:
<p>
*Ballooning debt [and international pressure] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/10/ballooning-debt-forces-poor-countries-to-cut-public-spending">forces poor countries to
cut public spending</a>.*


feed_id: 335ec9dc6c3a55c34e5902ecc0f0eed0
title: Joe Biden and Social Security
uri: Joe-Biden-and-Social-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Joe_Biden_and_Social_Security%29
content:
<p>
*Joe Biden <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/13/biden-cuts-social-security/">Has Advocated Cutting Social Security for 40 Years</a>.*


feed_id: aa5c3b7d0e82172d6c775c80de158231
title: Iran's influence
uri: Iran-s-influence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Iran%27s_influence%29
content:
<p>
Iran's terrible mistake, on top of the death of Soleimani, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/12/impact-of-qassem-suleimanis-death-is-playing-out-in-unexpected-ways-iran">has weakened
Iran's influence without immediately sparking violence</a>.


feed_id: 342165948ca6b282186a11f48e205414
title: Language refuge
uri: Language-refuge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Language_refuge%29
content:
<p>
New York City is a good place <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200111034557/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/nyregion/rare-languages-seke-vlashki-wakhi.html">to document languages that are on the verge
of extinction</a>.


feed_id: c754c9a324d42272f5375ca53a20bfe6
title: Urgent: Home for all
uri: Urgent-Home-for-all
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Home_for_all%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/housing-is-a-human-right-sign-the-petition-demand-congress-pass-a-homes-guarantee-for-all?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to guarantee a home for every American.
  <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 6fe297ad6b4767a3270806641e999907
title: Giving up on recycling
uri: Giving-up-on-recycling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Giving_up_on_recycling%29
content:
<p>
US recycling capacity for paper and plastic is so insufficient that many
cities <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/11/national-recycling-crisis-hits-hard-western-massachusetts/cn6o05CAvXmYzwyqWFCniJ/story.html">are considering ending their recycling programs</a>.

<p>
A real solution for this requires limiting the commercial distribution
of plastic to make it easy to recycle.


feed_id: 9f40cd8cd2a9d8d4b7af9c58acb84dd8
title: Urgent: Global Women's March for Human Rights for Human Rights
uri: Urgent-Global-Women-s-March-for-Human-Rights-for-Human-Rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Global_Women%27s_March_for_Human_Rights_for_Human_Rights%29

content:
<p>
On Jan 18, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/11/womens-march-global-worldwide-protests-against-rollback-womens-human-rights-one">participate in the global Women's March for Human Rights</a>.

<p>
It is not easy to see the list of events <a href="http://womensmarchglobal.org">in the organizing site</a>
  without running nonfree Javascript.  I found a way: first, click the
EVENTS button, then move the mouse onto the list of events and a
scroll bar appears with which I believe you can see the whole list.

<p>
If you click on the word MARCH or ACTION in an event, you may get a
page with some additional information.  But in some cases, not enough.
The crucial information to participate is where and when.  Some of the
events do not say precisely where, at least not in that page.

<p>
Perhaps you can see it if you run some nonfree Javascript code, but
doing that is bad for your freedom.

<p>
If you can get in contact any event organizers and suggest adding the
missing information directly in the event's own page, that would help
some people find the event and participate.

<p>If you go, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: d72093604f702755a83aaea69df74e50
title: Children of the financial crash
uri: Children-of-the-financial-crash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Children_of_the_financial_crash%29

content:
<p>
*This wave of global protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/29/global-protest-children-financial-crash-hong-kong-london">is being led by the children of the financial
crash</a>.*


feed_id: 9e3c2b7da3ab07cd818963f8f1cc21af
title: Too dangerous to live in
uri: Too-dangerous-to-live-in
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Too_dangerous_to_live_in%29
content:
<p>
*Has the climate crisis made California <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/29/has-the-climate-crisis-made-california-too-dangerous-to-live-in">too dangerous to live in</a>?*

<p>
Has it made the main populated parts of Australia too dangerous to live in?

<p>
Will we stop greenhouse emissions before they make much of the Earth
too dangerous to live in?


feed_id: 3fb351fddfd90583f01ccb31a7a858ff
title: Investors against emissions
uri: Investors-against-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Investors_against_emissions%29
content:
<p>
BlackRock has joined other big investment funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/09/blackrock-joins-pressure-group-taking-on-biggest-polluters">to demand companies reduce
emissions</a>.


feed_id: c1406b517968ba825b276fd4accdeebd
title: Winning election by stopping voters
uri: Winning-election-by-stopping-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Winning_election_by_stopping_voters%29

content:
<p>
Kentucky Republicans hope to defeat the state's new Democratic governor
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/10/kentucky-republicans-voter-fraud">by means of a stricter voter-ID law</a>.


feed_id: 55512259e0519db53111b584af70b20b
title: Urgent: keep protecting polar bears
uri: Urgent-keep-protecting-polar-bears
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_keep_protecting_polar_bears%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=00000000.app20013a?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3575&s_src=3WDE2004D1XX1&s_subsrc=010920_ADVACTFF_NPRA_nondonor">call on the BLM</a> not to strip polar bear habitat protections.


feed_id: df6f31445fb75d10b0a033449f6d83e4
title: Iraq airspace
uri: Iraq-airspace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Iraq_airspace%29
content:
<p>
The US militarily dominates Iraq, and its oil, from two large air
bases.  Iraq <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/11/how-us-runs-iraq">does not have a real airforce so it must obey</a>.

<p>
This is challenged by the Shi'ite militias that Iran supports, and were
the work of General Soleimani.


feed_id: 08defcd96e3a18ae445eedea929bf3f2
title: Sports fans against face recognition
uri: Sports-fans-against-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Sports_fans_against_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Sports fans in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/12/anger-over-use-facial-recognition-south-wales-football-derby-cardiff-swansea">protested against face recognition at a match,
and covered their faces</a>.


feed_id: 20d61bc8314f66de21998a170da22e78
title: Scientists sense of loss
uri: Scientists-sense-of-loss
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Scientists_sense_of_loss%29
content:
<p>
*Scientists reveal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/12/how-scientists-are-coping-with-environmental-grief">how they are dealing with a profound sense of loss as
the climate emergency worsens</a>.*

<p>
We all need advice on this.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> disaster will be worse, in many
places, than military conquest and occupation has usually been.


feed_id: 26e498255584e60e516cacb2aa63847a
title: Malwares in malwares
uri: Malwares-in-malwares
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#16_January_2020_%28Malwares_in_malwares%29
content:
<p>
Android phones
subsidized by the US government come with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/01/us-government-funded-android-phones-come-preinstalled-with-unremovable-malware/">preinstalled adware
and a back door for forcing installation of apps</a>.

<p>
The adware is in a modified version of an essential system configuration
app.

<p>
The back door is a surreptitious addition to a program whose stated
purpose is to be <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/unremovable-malware-found-preinstalled-on-low-end-smartphone-sold-in-the-us/">a universal back door for firmware</a>.

<p>
In other words, a program whose raison d'être is malicious
has a secret secondary malicious purpose.

<p>
All this is in addition to the malware of Android itself.


feed_id: 4771cdeef81ad4d004b7129d4647a633
title: Sanders and Warren fighting
uri: Sanders-and-Warren-fighting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Sanders_and_Warren_fighting%29
content:
<p>
Sanders and Warren <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/democratic-debate-iowa-sanders-warren-row">have started attacking each other</a>.

<p>
I am very disappointed with this.  They are the only two progressive
candidates for the Democratic nomination.  If they tear each other
down, they will benefit olutocratist candidates.  They should end
their dispute forthwith.


feed_id: ba52bb4fad256110d4af3ccbed617b1e
title: Constraints against driving
uri: Constraints-against-driving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Constraints_against_driving%29
content:
<p>
Oslo has made tight constraints against driving <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/driving-city-clean-air-zones-birmingham">that have
cut down the use of cars</a>.

<p>
This depends on truly good public transport, reaching into
the suburbs, but the great benefit of that will be worth the price.


feed_id: 31850aebb3d16f54ec1b81af30e6ea9a
title: Total surveillance app
uri: Total-surveillance-app
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Total_surveillance_app%29
content:
<p>
A total surveillance app invites parents <a href="https://letgrow.org/surveillance-teens-parent-rant/">to snoop on children 24
hours a day</a>.  At least it teaches the children to resent and resist being tracked.


feed_id: 0a76ee451249584d7de05232eb5e9ad4
title: Contempt for ethics
uri: Contempt-for-ethics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Contempt_for_ethics%29
content:
<p>
Senator McConnell demonstrated blatant contempt for Senate ethics rules
when he said <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/13/ethics-complaint-alleges-mcconnell-may-have-violated-rules-senate-impartiality">he would not act as an impartial juror in the conman's trial</a>.


feed_id: f9a859fab9f46fae5db2820c5c81de4d
title: Trump caught lying
uri: Trump-caught-lying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Trump_caught_lying%29
content:
<p>
Leaked messages show that the conman approved assassinating Soleiman
months ago.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/13/seems-increasingly-likely-trump-just-made-imminent-threat-posed-soleimani">When he said it was because of an immediate threat,
he was apparently lying</a>.

<p>
The reason he gave at the time was in the nature of revenge or
reprisal, not prevention.


feed_id: e479ee9acc0da4c6a9255d2886281164
title: Urgent: no relax for coal ash
uri: Urgent-no-relax-for-coal-ash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_no_relax_for_coal_ash%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/National?actionId=AR0225537&id=7013q000002BlXmAAK&data=fd8f94e31cf95f47a6683df0d107f0a203ccec61076c4c4aa2edcb88a8c2bd03d949870596c87b36a6cdfa82f3633567">call on the EPA</a> not to relax regulations for coal ash.
  <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 128cddea8a9404290ecad251004850c1
title: Conman's corruption
uri: Conman-s-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Conman%27s_corruption%29
content:
<p>
Rick Wilson (former Republican campaign consultant)'s latest book
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/13/running-against-the-devil-review-rick-wilson-anti-trump-missile">presents the conman's corruption</a>.

<blockquote>
   Do not, as my party did, underestimate the evil, desperate nature of
   evil desperate people. Do not come to this fight believing that the
   Trump team views any action, including outright criminality, as off
   limits. [The 2020 election] is a battle that decides whether they have
   an unlimited runway to create a dynastic kleptocracy based on an
   authoritarian personality cult that makes North Korea look like Sweden,
   or whether the immune system of the Republic kicks in and purges them
   from the body public …

   There is no bottom. There is no shame. There are no limits … He is
   surrounded by cowards with frightening and tremendous skills …
</blockquote>


feed_id: d9c4fb3624a668ed95dcc8efe55407e0
title: Human rights activists deaths
uri: Human-rights-activists-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Human_rights_activists_deaths%29
content:
<p>
*More than 300 human rights activists were killed in 2019, report reveals.*
The worst countries were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jan/14/300-human-rights-activists-killed-2019-report">Colombia, Philippines, Brazil, Honduras, and Mexico</a>.

<p>
The first four are ruled by murderous regimes.


feed_id: 25e76324962f6541ddb2b2b4ffb593fe
title: Dibs on murder
uri: Dibs-on-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Dibs_on_murder%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-warns-iran-not-to-kill-any-protesters-who-u-s-al-1840978731">satire</a>) *[the bully] Warns Iran Not To Kill Any Protesters Who
U.S. Already Has Dibs On.*


feed_id: 63391a004ba306f457a0a035ac28887f
title: Preventing extinctions
uri: Preventing-extinctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Preventing_extinctions%29
content:
<p>
A report proposes that the US spend $100 billion (over a period of
many years) <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/13/saving-life-earth-just-100-billion-new-roadmap-shows-how-us-can-address-global">to prevent extinction of hundreds or thousands of
endangered species</a>.

<p>
The proposal does not include curbing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, but it depends
on doing that.  Without that, preventing a mass extinction is
hopeless.  In addition, without curbing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, technological
society is likely to take such a big hit that it will no longer have
the capacity to do the things proposed in this plan.

<p>
We must do both.


feed_id: f85e0e3af5bd87008eaf5f21b68e8ead
title: Harassement of Facebook moderators
uri: Harassement-of-Facebook-moderators
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Harassement_of_Facebook_moderators%29

content:
<p>
The moderators Facebook employs to moderate postings suffer regimentation
comparable to the Amazon warehouse.  Facebook <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3beea/facebook-moderators-lawsuit-ptsd-trauma-tracking-bathroom-breaks">counts the seconds of their
toilet breaks</a>.

<p>
It also punishes them for the time they spend looking up the rules
they are supposed to judge by.

<p>
They need a union.  However, the worst of this should be
illegal for any employer.

<p>
Please don't call people's communications or works "content".
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content.">That term disparages <em>all</em> communications indiscriminately</a>.


feed_id: 0dd3618239d6f58833daa473a0cc2d67
title: Relief of abortion
uri: Relief-of-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Relief_of_abortion%29
content:
<p>
A survey of women who had abortions, asking them across five years how
they felt about the abortion, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/12/abortion-women-do-not-regret-study">found that 95% of them felt relief</a>.


feed_id: d98add5b3a2d4a0dad3dfb4fa825c028
title: Divesting from fossil fuels
uri: 2020-01-18-Divesting-from-fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Divesting_from_fossil_fuels%29
content:
<p>
The campaign to divest from fossil fuels <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/13/half-of-uk-universities-have-committed-to-divest-from-fossil-fuel">has won support from half of
the UK universities</a>.


feed_id: 0faf475fda95aaf6134ddda2cbca43e6
title: Crime of ridicule
uri: Crime-of-ridicule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Crime_of_ridicule%29
content:
<p>
Nepal is considering 5-year sentences <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/13/journalists-in-nepal-fight-new-threat-to-press-freedom">for offensive postings or ridicule</a>.


feed_id: 92d534aa87f04c48abb3c1d3a63a496d
title: Quitting and apologizing for lies
uri: Quitting-and-apologizing-for-lies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Quitting_and_apologizing_for_lies%29

content:
<p>
Three news announcers have quit Iranian state TV, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/13/journalists-quit-iranian-state-broadcaster-over-crash-cover-up">apologizing for
telling lies for the state</a>.


feed_id: 8c7c32ee339f8150750b3fe7a131503d
title: Lifetime appointments
uri: 2020-01-18-Lifetime-appointments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#13_January_2020_%28Lifetime_appointments%29
content:
<p>
*"As long as the cloud of impeachment exists, it would be a grave
mistake for the Senate to allow the president to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/07/advocates-argue-it-ludicrous-and-frankly-offensive-let-impeached-trump-continue">continue making
lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary</a>."*


feed_id: fd5f5cf3cc640cabd96110135926f618
title: Surveillance state
uri: 2020-01-18-Surveillance-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Surveillance_state%29
content:
<p>
*Human Rights Watch head says China is a ‘surveillance state’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jan/15/orwellian-china-silencing-dissent-at-home-and-abroad-says-human-rights-chief">using its
economic clout to stifle international criticism</a>.*


feed_id: a5e809c4dd7add00f531843693cab438
title: Checking promises
uri: Checking-promises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Checking_promises%29
content:
<p>
*Activists cheer BlackRock's landmark climate move <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/15/blackrock-climate-change-environment-divestment-coal">but call for vigilance</a>.*

<p>
When companies promise to reduce the harm they do to the world,
it often turns out to mean no effective change.


feed_id: 9c92026f69173292a0c0b3ef54e97fb7
title: Pressure on research
uri: Pressure-on-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Pressure_on_research%29
content:
<p>
Most scientific researchers feel great pressure, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/15/researchers-facing-shocking-levels-of-stress-survey-reveals">from job insecurity
with bullying on top</a>.


feed_id: 05c54b208aad63a236155ccfa46cae50
title: Indigenous census
uri: Indigenous-census
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Indigenous_census%29
content:
<p>
Indigenous groups in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/15/we-are-still-here-native-americans-fight-to-be-counted-in-us-census">are fighting to be counted in the census</a>.


feed_id: 9cf059c209878c8008e39c9ca618e7c7
title: Dumb cities
uri: Dumb-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Dumb_cities%29
content:
<p>
"Dumb" cities can do many things better, even preventing floods and
cleaning ground water.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2020/jan/15/the-case-for-making-low-tech-dumb-cities-instead-of-smart-ones">And they can do it without tracking people</a>.

<p>
However, a "dumb" city <em>in China</em> will surely track people too.


feed_id: a074f16481a6a13a1eb8a4b200f9b49e
title: Saving trees
uri: Saving-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Saving_trees%29
content:
<p>
Wollemi pines have survived 200 million years, and are known to
survive in just one place in Australia.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/15/dinosaur-trees-firefighters-save-endangered-wollemi-pines-from-nsw-bushfires">Helicopter water-drops saved
them from fire</a> &mdash; this time.

<p>
It will be hard to keep them alive for the rest of this century.


feed_id: e44e0f3edf1506e835813ef4914318b8
title: Censure on science
uri: Censure-on-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Censure_on_science%29
content:
<p>
*Sacked or silenced: academics say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/14/sacked-silenced-academics-say-they-are-blocked-from-exploring-trans-issues">they are blocked from exploring trans
issues</a>.*


feed_id: 28fb2a2870090f20313c2361d51771b6
title: Holding back money for recovery
uri: Holding-back-money-for-recovery
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Holding_back_money_for_recovery%29

content:
<p>
Puerto Rico, which has still not recovered from the hurricane which
struck over a year ago, was recently hit by damaging earthquakes.
The US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/14/unconscionable-puerto-rico-suffers-earthquake-aftermath-aoc-sanders-and-velazquez">is holding back money to support repairs</a>.


feed_id: b75e515318a50ac53f8b30771b8f4f67
title: Air filters in schools
uri: Air-filters-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Air_filters_in_schools%29
content:
<p>
An unintentional experiment suggests that air filters in schools
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/14/air-filters-test-scores-gas-leak-aliso-canyon">improves students' work</a>.


feed_id: 2ad3515b94fcfb822f03ef9d768d9736
title: Participatory local government
uri: Participatory-local-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Participatory_local_government%29

content:
<p>
In the UK it appears that participatory local government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/13/preston-labour-woes-localism-brexit">strengthened
and protected the vote for the Labour Party</a>.  I wonder if it might have a similar effect, in support for
progressive politicians at the national level, in the US.


feed_id: fa729bfeda5ab29549f781a20d691246
title: Thought thugs
uri: Thought-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Thought_thugs%29
content:
<p>
UK <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> put Extinction Rebellion on a list of terrorist ideologies
to be repressed by schools.  When this became public, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/12/extinction-rebellion-guidance-raises-fresh-concerns-over-prevent">the thugs said it
was a mistake</a>.  

<p>
This illustrates the danger of repression inherent in that system for controlling
ideologies.


feed_id: 8e8b32aeceb2e140ff29616b8c666d0d
title: Assassination complex
uri: Assassination-complex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Assassination_complex%29
content:
<p>
*Droning the World: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/13/droning-world-assassination-complex-bush-obama-trump">The Assassination Complex From Bush to Obama to Trump</a>.*


feed_id: 491ff14c05fb01123a2e828baa07237f
title: Plastic recycling
uri: 2020-01-18-Plastic-recycling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Plastic_recycling%29
content:
<p>
We can make it easier to recycle plastic by changing the system for
making aid distributing plastic objects.  But that won't do the job
that needs to be done.  We need <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/plastic-waste-crisis-recycling-consumption-environmentally-friendly">to reduce the amount of stiff that we
make, buy, and throw away</a>.


feed_id: 4da91b67e03fc9a4a30a1a528dafffa0
title: Global heating and date palms
uri: Global-heating-and-date-palms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Global_heating_and_date_palms%29
content:
<p>
Global heating is drying out Tunisia and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/14/the-dates-are-drying-profits-shrivel-for-farmers-as-the-heat-rises-in-tunisia">destroying the date palms</a>.


feed_id: 784433b4b7bf91f44158e368400380a5
title: Escalation kills
uri: Escalation-kills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Escalation_kills%29
content:
<p>
*Justin Trudeau: US escalation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/justin-trudeau-us-escalation-partly-to-blame-for-iran-plane-deaths">partly to blame for Iran plane deaths</a>.*

<p>
I think he is right about this.  Both sides engaged in the escalation
of violence which created the situation in which the airliner was shot
down.  I don't think either side intended that outcome, but playing
with fire made deadly accidents more likely.

<p>
I wonder why Iran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/tehran-plane-crash-individuals-arrested-says-iran">is arresting some of the people who fired on what
they believed was a cruise missile</a>.


feed_id: 3acebc7430ca89e3596888e0e3633474
title: Meteorite with pieces older than the Sun
uri: Meteorite-with-pieces-older-than-the-Sun
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Meteorite_with_pieces_older_than_the_Sun%29

content:
<p>
A meteorite that crashed on Earth 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/13/stardust-older-than-earth-and-sun-found-meteorite-australia">contains
pieces of material emitted by dying stars before the Sun was
formed</a>.


feed_id: b7043bb3e6a35abd55a08bf4de63c81d
title: Australia's arms exports
uri: Australia-s-arms-exports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Australias_arms_exports%29
content:
<p>
*[Australia] 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/blanket-secrecy-surrounds-australian-weapons-sales-to-countries-accused-of-war-crimes">refuses
to reveal extent</a> of exports as arms sold to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sri
Lanka and Democratic Republic of Congo.*


feed_id: 673fd5f8ce7db64a1594d7f6d0e34bbf
title: Averting Earth's sixth mass extinction
uri: Averting-Earth-s-sixth-mass-extinction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Averting_Earths_sixth_mass_extinction%29

content:
<p>
*UN draft plan sets 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/13/un-draft-plan-sets-2030-target-to-avert-earths-sixth-mass-extinction-aoe">2030
target</a> to avert Earth's sixth mass extinction.*


feed_id: 8d4c594c6a2ba31bc4d905776aa2ca24
title: Australia's climate denialists
uri: Australia-s-climate-denialists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Australias_climate_denialists%29
content:
<p>
Australia's climate denialists have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/the-government-has-been-forced-to-talk-about-climate-change-so-its-taking-a-subtle-and-sinister-approach">"adapted"
to evident global heating</a>.
<p>
Now they attack a strange straw man by saying that the amount of
wildfire can't be related to a specific greenhouse gas reduction
policy.  That may be true but it isn't pertinent to anything.


feed_id: 74c2c40b2b46a891aaf52b667ee890b9
title: Endangered Australian animal species
uri: Endangered-Australian-animal-species
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Endangered_Australian_animal_species%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/14/a-billion-animals-the-australian-species-most-at-risk-from-the-bushfire-crisis">11
endangered Australian animal species</a> that the fires have brought
closer to extinction.


feed_id: 9eaf04aa5f8502cc580d0255dea8e4d8
title: Rise in ocean temperature
uri: Rise-in-ocean-temperature
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Rise_in_ocean_temperature%29
content:
<p>
The oceans continue heating up.  2019 saw 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/13/ocean-temperatures-hit-record-high-as-rate-of-heating-accelerates">an
especially great rise in ocean temperature</a>.


feed_id: e01ec3d2fd68bb8543d941acd0b624df
title: Nonviolent activists listed as suspected "extremists"
uri: Nonviolent-activists-listed-as-suspected-extremists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Nonviolent_activists_listed_as_suspected_extremists%29

content:
<p>
The Department of Harassment and Subjugation (DHS) listed the
nonviolent Valve Turners as
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/13/us-listed-climate-activist-group-extremists">suspected
environmental rights extremists</a>."
<p>
To criticize climate defenders as "extremists" shows the conceptual
error in using "extreme" to define "dangerous".  Not all extremists
are dangerous, only those who lean towards violence when there is no
justification for violence.  When plutocrats have maneuvered almost
everyone into disregarding the harm that plutocrats are doing, the few
who try to oppose that are by definition "extremists" -- but that
doesn't make them a menace to society.  Quite the contrary.
<p>
The right concept to use here is "fanatical".


feed_id: 0dd3031f3f0125fd21bce25f873e700e
title: Economists
uri: Economists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Economists%29
content:
<p>
The EU offered to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/13/city-access-eu-markets-eu-fleets-uk-fishing-rights-brexit">let
UK banks do business in Europe in exchange for letting EU fishing
boats fish in the UK</a>.
<p>
Each of those would 
<a href="media/f72cc39e.cartoon-economists.png" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/cartoon-economists.png">make the world a worse
place</a>.


feed_id: d2649d3ceabb01beaa593157c1496487
title: Iranians' criticism of the regime in Iran
uri: Iranians-criticism-of-the-regime-in-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_%28Iranians_criticism_of_the_regime_in_Iran%29

content:
<p>
Iran's failed denial of having accidentally shot down an airliner has
reminded Iranians of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/12/observer-view-on-flight-ps752-and-political-fallout-iran-donald-trump">their
criticism of the regime</a> &mdash; from which they had been
temporarily distracted by the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s rash act.
<p>
The criticism of the regime is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/12/iran-riot-police-anti-government-backlash-ukraine">strong</a>.
<p>
The wisest thing for the US to do is avoid any hint of meddling.
Iranians will not welcome advice from the US about a domestic matter.
If the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> had any concern for the interests of the US, he would
heed advice to do that.  
<p>
The regime's best hope is that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> will commit another rash act
that will unify Iranians again.
<p>
This reminds me of the way <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> and al-Qa'ida used to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#30%20November%202003%20(Al-Qaida%20boost)">strengthen
each other's support base</a> through belligerent and offensive
statements.


feed_id: 924f7f8e986a636692643c575a2dd2ee
title: Sanders and Warren fighting
uri: 2020-01-19-Sanders-and-Warren-fighting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Sanders_and_Warren_fighting%29
content:
<p>
Sanders and Warren <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/democratic-debate-iowa-sanders-warren-row">have started attacking each other</a>.

<p>
I am very disappointed with this.  They are the only two progressive
candidates for the Democratic nomination.  If they tear each other
down, they will benefit plutocratist candidates.  They should end
their dispute forthwith.


feed_id: 57b1da09b51010061cd111e0c1ad1aa0
title: Urgent: no relax for coal ash
uri: 2020-01-19-Urgent-no-relax-for-coal-ash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#17_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_no_relax_for_coal_ash%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/National?actionId=AR0225537">call on the EPA</a> not to relax regulations for coal ash.
  <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 22c958d5a38845826e24e9e6e4b5d7d8
title: Prioritized deportation
uri: Prioritized-deportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Prioritized_deportation%29
content:
<p>
It is unconstitutional for the US government to prioritize someone for 
deportation because of dislike for per political statements and activities.
Activist Jean Montrevil <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/16/jean-montrevil-deportation-first-amendment/">is suing for the right to return from Haiti</a>.


feed_id: 414f9ce74c4115a2b436e31c76a09ac1
title: Instagram censorship
uri: Instagram-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Instagram_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Instagram (one of Facebook's mouths) deletes postings simply <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/15/facebooks-soleimani-ban-flies-face-first-amendment?cd-origin=rss">for containing
photos of General Soleimani</a>.

<p>
This reflects badly on the freedom of speech which the US defends.


feed_id: 764b6f938ab28001156b2fea3bca8e87
title: Corporations elections spending
uri: Corporations-elections-spending
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Corporations_elections_spending%29

content:
<p>
In 10 years since the Corporations United decision, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/15/citizens-united-10-years-later-25-ultrarich-people-have-spent-14-billion">25 billionaires have
spend 1.4 billion dollars to influence US elections</a>.

<p>
There is no way of knowing how much corporations have spent.


feed_id: 58d0bc24d454cdfaab108cdb2cdf279d
title: Surrendering to globalized business
uri: Surrendering-to-globalized-business
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Surrendering_to_globalized_business%29

content:
<p>
Macron, president of the French Republic, hopes his crowning
achievement will be to proudly lead his country <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/the-guardian-view-on-macrons-pensions-retreat-one-step-forward-two-steps-back">in complete surrender
to the empire of globalized business</a>.

<ph>
That disgusting editorial likewise makes surrender the goal.

<p>
Je ne mange pas les avocats, mais les mac(a)rons oui.


feed_id: beb0bc606dd569561d3ed02e25d82b0b
title: Hold on voter purge
uri: Hold-on-voter-purge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Hold_on_voter_purge%29
content:
<p>
*Victory for Democrats as Wisconsin appeals court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/14/wisconsin-voter-purge-appeals-court-hold-democrats">puts hold on voter purge</a>.*


feed_id: 8708176f5eb16bbd4686c45730324a23
title: Protesting against both
uri: Protesting-against-both
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Protesting_against_both%29
content:
<p>
*Yes, Iranians can protest against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/iranians-protest-us-intervention-government">both US intervention and their government</a>.*


feed_id: b7baa2fd602e587f9c86877e0f500c0c
title: Sucking at taxes
uri: Sucking-at-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Sucking_at_taxes%29
content:
<p>
*Netflix &hellip; pushed up to £330m in profits through low-tax state [the Netherlands], <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jan/14/netflix-accused-of-funnelling-uk-profits-through-netherlands">despite generous UK reliefs and rebates</a>.*

<p>
Offering special tax discounts to incite a company to profit from you 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_December_2019_(Amazon_bluff)">is being a sucker</a>.


feed_id: 9b13d2332bff604ef99793c89f8a4eb3
title: Murder for ego
uri: Murder-for-ego
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Murder_for_ego%29
content:
<p>
*The [bully]'s decision to kill Suleimani <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/15/donald-trump-celebrity-terrorism-targets-suleimani-cia">stemmed from ego rather than
the country's best interests</a>, Douglas London [former CIA employee] claims.*


feed_id: 3614298bc8c7e1c6a7c198f685fdc4f4
title: Urgent: no bullshitter ad
uri: Urgent-no-bullshitter-ad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_no_bullshitter_ad%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/em-200112-stop-false-ads/?t=1001&akid=23203%2E1906019%2EnwkC_0">call on Facebook</a> not to publish the bullshitter's false ads.

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


feed_id: 0d3e055d1e451cf1e5d1f43681d5bc8f
title: Made in Nazism
uri: Made-in-Nazism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Made_in_Nazism%29
content:
<p>
*Germany’s abortion law: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/08/abortion-law-germany-nazis-women">made by the Nazis, upheld by today’s right</a>.*


feed_id: ee2c13dd2b4f29a47a0f3c97267f9341
title: Meet your new chief
uri: Meet-your-new-chief
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Meet_your_new_chief%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson has now learned that a trade deal with the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/boris-johnson-uk-us-trade-deal-under-threat-unless-iran-stance-changes-says-trump-ally">would
require servile support from the UK</a>.


feed_id: cc30945b9c7edd6960d2babc3e2ea014
title: Growth versus green
uri: Growth-versus-green
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Growth_versus_green%29
content:
<p>
*When it comes to growth versus green, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/15/growth-environment-flybe-hs2">the short-term view always prevails</a>.*

<p>
Teaching and leading the public to choose pain starting now to avoid
death and disaster later is not easy, but the first step is having the
courage to try.


feed_id: 7566245d8e9147026d5327de55dd16a0
title: Shooting the messenger
uri: 2020-01-20-Shooting-the-messenger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Shooting_the_messenger%29
content:
<p>
The Tories are embarrassed each time the underfunded NHS fails to meet its
targets on metrics of good care, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/15/plan-to-scrap-ae-target-sparks-furious-backlash-from-medics">so they will cancel the metrics</a>.


feed_id: cafbd9a6716c8c5948e3cef67b4367c9
title: Turtles and warming oceans
uri: Turtles-and-warming-oceans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Turtles_and_warming_oceans%29
content:
<p>
*Warming oceans force leatherback turtles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/15/warming-oceans-force-leatherback-turtles-on-longer-journeys-to-feed">on longer journeys to feed</a>.*

<p>
Over time, this could wipe them out &mdash; if something else doesn't get
them first.


feed_id: 2ee415efb7cb2bf2ae6c039ccffd61d9
title: Sex and menopause
uri: Sex-and-menopause
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#20_January_2020_%28Sex_and_menopause%29
content:
<p>
Frequent sex correlates with later menopause, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/15/having-more-sex-makes-early-menopause-less-likely-research-finds">according to one large study</a>.

<p>
This study doesn't demonstrate what causes what.


feed_id: 1d17e77cb6f0207d91f5132aa94c0003
title: Meaningful choice
uri: Meaningful-choice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Meaningful_choice%29
content:
<p>
Wendell Potter apologizes for helping inventing a powerful
message which US insurance companies use to oppose universal medical
care (Medicare for All): <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/14/opinion/healthcare-choice-democratic-debate.html">the mostly-false claim that the existing system
gives Americans some meaningful "choice"</a>.


feed_id: 1a52360068b4a10daeb76c3c29c040a8
title: Banned from spending in local elections
uri: Banned-from-spending-in-local-elections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Banned_from_spending_in_local_elections%29

content:
<p>
Seattle Bans Foreign-Influenced Corporations
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/14/awesome-brilliant-necessary-seattle-bans-foreign-influenced-corporations-spending">From Spending in Local Elections</a>.

<p>
More precisely, corporations with over a certain minimum percentage
of foreign stockholders are not allowed to do that.

<p>
Really, all corporations should be barred from political spending.
Corporations are not beings; they have no feelings or wishes.
They are not entitled to human rights.


feed_id: 237d441f91687b230ddcbb87985d0801
title: Urgent: allow political gestures in Olympics
uri: Urgent-allow-political-gestures-in-Olympics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_allow_political_gestures_in_Olympics%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/ioc-stop-silencing-athletes/?t=1018&akid=40340%2E1242918%2E33qB-8">call on companies that sponsor the Olympic Games</a> to ask
for elimination of Rule 50 which prohibits political gestures
by athletes.


feed_id: a54ee27acd995abb709a65573e5aba6e
title: Reversing murder of Soleimani
uri: Reversing-murder-of-Soleimani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Reversing_murder_of_Soleimani%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/public-disapproval-of-iran-approach-convinces-trump-to-1841025102">sature</a>) *Backtracking in light of recent polls that indicate public
   dismay over his handling of Iran, President Trump announced Wednesday
   he was moving forward with a plan to reverse the killing of top Iranian
   general Qassem Soleimani.*


feed_id: c897d2d5f52609023037238cea2c87f7
title: Bullying ambassadors
uri: Bullying-ambassadors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Bullying_ambassadors%29
content:
<p>
Released documents seem to show the bully's henchmen talking about <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/15/did-giuliani-goons-plot-against-us-ambassador-incredibly-disturbing-house">possible
violence against Ambassador Yovanovitch</a>.

<p>
Democrats say the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> is concealing documents pertinent to proving the case
against him.


feed_id: 255745aee269144c61a699871459239e
title: Unprecedented levels of hunger
uri: Unprecedented-levels-of-hunger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Unprecedented_levels_of_hunger%29

content:
<p>
*UN sounds alarm over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/16/un-sounds-alarm-over-unprecedented-levels-of-hunger-in-southern-africa">unprecedented levels of hunger in southern Africa</a>.*

<p>
Since this involves flooding and drought, I suppose it's <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a>.


feed_id: d906a80a580f00bcd138b789e0b5968a
title: Architect of death
uri: Architect-of-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Architect_of_death%29
content:
<p>
*Key Architect of 2003 Iraq War Is Now <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/16/david-wurmser-iran-suleimani-iraq-war/">a Key Architect of Trump Iran Policy</a>.*

<p>
With only one letter of difference between Iraq and Iran, why
distinguish?  Fight one, fight 'em all!

<p>
Good thing there are no countries Irao and Irap for the US to fight.


feed_id: 0914e127689c119e6bf801d97cc54f1f
title: Be better than candidates
uri: Be-better-than-candidates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Be_better_than_candidates%29
content:
<p>
*In a sense, this moment calls for Sanders and Warren supporters to be
 better than their candidates, who've descended into an avoidably
 harsh conflict <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/16/not-bernie-us-not-warren-us">that hugely benefits corporate power and corporate
 Democrats</a>.*


feed_id: 1b3a1999d470cab8f2d7fadfc0cb6f5f
title: Forestall climate action
uri: Forestall-climate-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Forestall_climate_action%29
content:
<p>
Arguing that BlackRock's climate pledge represents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/16/blackrock-coal-divestment-regulation-fund-manager">an attempt to forestall
the sort of fossil fuel legislation that we need for those companies</a>.


feed_id: d508840f6fe56125d2f78e8e8b6e778a
title: Transfer of power
uri: Transfer-of-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Transfer_of_power%29
content:
<p>
Putin announced a plan to transfer some political power <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/16/vladimir-putin-power-grab-russia-democracy">from the
presidency to the legislature</a>.

<p>
The article calls this a "power grab" but I don't see how he
personally could gain any power from this.  Although I am not inclined
to trust Putin, this seems to be a plan to make sure that his
successors as president don't have the same power he has had.


feed_id: 939383db6975fdf0a316c98d7f6579bb
title: Seabirds dying from lack of food
uri: Seabirds-dying-from-lack-of-food
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Seabirds_dying_from_lack_of_food%29

content:
<p>
Unusual heat in a large area of the Pacific Ocean seems to have killed
around a million seabirds in 2015.  They died because of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/16/hot-blob-ocean-seabirds-killed-new-zealand-north-america">a shortage of
the small fish they eat</a>, one of many consequences of heat in the ocean.


feed_id: bea49e9a5b3db2cbbf310f96e1d912e8
title: Stand down for peace talks
uri: Stand-down-for-peace-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Stand_down_for_peace_talks%29
content:
<p>
*Taliban offer to stand down fighters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/16/taliban-offer-to-stand-down-fighters-to-restart-peace-talks-with-us">to restart peace talks with US</a>.*


feed_id: 861c3b34a975a1cb12c2dd5984213902
title: Gratis advertising for denialism
uri: Gratis-advertising-for-denialism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28Gratis_advertising_for_denialism%29

content:
<p>
It appears that YouTube gives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/16/youtube-ads-of-100-top-brands-fund-climate-misinformation-study">gratis advertising to global heating
denialism</a>.


feed_id: 571a6ee70736ff195d27a30c2de747a1
title: AI rules for officials
uri: AI-rules-for-officials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28AI_rules_for_officials%29
content:
<p>
Before handing decisions (even about how to treat individual humans) 
to AIs, the previous step is to tell the human officials or service
representatives to follow rules like AIs.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/16/tickbox-by-david-boyle-review">This is already common
and we can see how badly it malfunctions</a>.


feed_id: 2bf8f3b3ba2530679d13c5886595d2b7
title: War on civilians
uri: 2020-01-21-War-on-civilians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#21_January_2020_%28War_on_civilians%29
content:
<p>
3 million Syrians are trapped in Idlib province as Assad's forces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/16/syrian-airstrikes-in-idlib-leave-dead-despite-ceasefire">slowly advance and squeeze them tighter</a>.

<p>
Assad may kill many of them if he captures them.

<p>
The offensive includes systematically attacking hospitals and clinics.


feed_id: 87e48c666d7b53f3ef6bb5e0c451cac8
title: Hate policies
uri: Hate-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Hate_policies%29
content:
<p>
Parts of the US sanctions against Iran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/19/iranian-americans-us-sanctions-iran">are hitting US citizens and
residents of Iranian origin</a>.

<p>
Aside from the question of whether US economic warfare against Iran is
necessary, or makes any sense, it clearly makes no sense to stop
parents in Iran from paying their children's school in the US.
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has introduced hatred into the issue, and officials seem
to think that anyone that hurts or rejects some Iranian is good.


feed_id: 52c730d17a0277fc649a1f4d258f9dfc
title: IRS gratis software
uri: IRS-gratis-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28IRS_gratis_software%29
content:
<p>
The IRS has terminated its commitment <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/irs-reforms-free-file-program-drops-agreement-not-to-compete-with-turbotax">not to release its own
tax-filing software</a>.  Does this matter?

<p>
When the article says "free", it means "gratis" &mdash; zero price.
The gratis digital filing options offered by companies almost surely
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">require the user to run a nonfree program</a>.
  (Can anyone check the facts for me?).  In addition, they require
trusting the company with your personal data.

<p>
A gratis digital filing option from the IRS won't require trusting a
company with personal data, but no other improvement is assured.

<p>
The IRS would be able to release it as free/libre software, but we
can't expect that to happen by itself.  More likely it will release
that software in the unjust way most software is released.  A nonfree
program <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">is equally unjust</a>
  whether it comes from a company or a
government agency.

<p>
We will need to urge, perhaps pressure, the IRS to respect taxpayers'
computing freedom by releasing free/libre tax-filing software.


feed_id: fd1cccb6282b69601b11176c694ceb80
title: Fighting discrimination in circuit court
uri: Fighting-discrimination-in-circuit-court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Fighting_discrimination_in_circuit_court%29

content:
<p>
*Kimberly Gardner, first African American circuit court attorney in St
Louis, accuses city and police union of conspiring to remove her from
office.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/15/st-louis-top-prosecutor-sues-city-under-kkk-law">She is suing them and has the support of other black
prosecutors</a>.


feed_id: df1dc5b0a424c3125f7b4e75b2fde387
title: Classing nonviolent activists with nazis
uri: Classing-nonviolent-activists-with-nazis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Classing_nonviolent_activists_with_nazis%29

content:
<p>
The UK government classed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/17/greenpeace-included-with-neo-nazis-on-uk-counter-terror-list">nonviolent Greenpeace and PETA along with Nazis</a>.


feed_id: 1f5cda41db289d779e1572e5f644bae9
title: Death of indestructible trees
uri: Death-of-indestructible-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Death_of_indestructible_trees%29
content:
<p>
*Beetles and fire <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/18/this-is-not-how-sequoias-die-its-supposed-to-stand-for-another-500-years-aoe">kill dozens of 'indestructible' giant sequoia trees</a>.*

<p>
Mature, healthy trees are proving vulnerable in ways that didn't
happen before.


feed_id: 92d53adce4c301456f5ef21197c63efe
title: Home-flipping
uri: Home-flipping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Home-flipping%29
content:
<p>
*Oakland’s Moms 4 Housing Were Evicted by a Giant Corporation <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/17/moms-4-housing-eviction-wedgewood/">That Runs
National Home-Flipping Operation</a>.*

<p>
There is no reason to allow companies to buy large numbers of houses,
and no reason to allow a company to conceal who its owners are.  In
particular, there is no reason to allow a company with concealed
owners to buy real estate at all.


feed_id: 0996d521d407a181e400bda01154f0ea
title: Bushfires and choking
uri: Bushfires-and-choking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Bushfires_and_choking%29
content:
<p>
*Choking point: how Australia's bushfires have left <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/17/choking-point-how-australias-bushfires-have-left-its-citizens-struggling-for-air">its citizens struggling
for air</a>.*


feed_id: 829ab35b4f6dcb9230ed5846094a53b1
title: Manipulating news for pesticides
uri: Manipulating-news-for-pesticides
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Manipulating_news_for_pesticides%29

content:
<p>
US pesticide companies have persistently manipulated the media and science
to prevent recognition of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/18/bees-insecticides-pesticides-neonicotinoids-bayer-monsanto-syngenta/">how dangerous neonicotinoid pesticides are
to various kinds of animals</a>.

<p>
A constant effort may succeed in protecting the honeybee population, but
no one is trying to protect all the wild insects that get exposed to the
same pesticides.

<p>
The danger may not be limited to insects.  If neonicotinoids can cause
birth defects in deer, we cannot rule out a priori that they might do
so in humans.  And since these compounds last for many years, we may
be accumulating more of them every year.


feed_id: 9dbfdd049e270e5f5babb24f5cced343
title: Different sentences for same crimes
uri: Different-sentences-for-same-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Different_sentences_for_same_crimes%29

content:
<p>
The UK sentences Islamist extremists to longer prison terms than
right-wing extremists, for similar crimes.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jan/18/islamist-offenders-get-longer-jail-terms-than-far-right-online-extremists">Three times as long,
on the average</a>.

<p>
The UK does not fully recognize freedom of speech, and some of the
crimes in question involve posting extremist opinions and nothing
more.  I condemn those opinions, but imprisoning people for their
opinions is dangerous too.


feed_id: 0d4c7198e1f7a785f92a9244cb596f98
title: What is Putin doing
uri: What-is-Putin-doing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28What_is_Putin_doing%29
content:
<p>
Putin's plan to reduce the president's power seems designed to
transfer the power to other offices <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/18/putin-criminal-incompetent-president-enemy-of-his-own-people-russia">which he could hold for the
rest of his life</a>.


feed_id: c17de54da54b1df67f279c4e3667a454
title: Paraphrasing Goebbels
uri: Paraphrasing-Goebbels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Paraphrasing_Goebbels%29
content:
<p>
*Brazil culture secretary forced out <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/17/brazil-culture-minister-goebbels-roberto-alvim-nazi">after appearing to paraphrase
Nazi Goebbels</a>.*

<p>
Bolsonaro often appoints ministers for sharing his extremist ideology.


feed_id: 62a56d0dcf8ebe140b973a32ab3d46c2
title: Speeding up coal plants shutdowns
uri: Speeding-up-coal-plants-shutdowns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Speeding_up_coal_plants_shutdowns%29

content:
<p>
*Germany will pay billions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/16/germany-will-pay-billions-to-speed-up-coal-fired-power-plant-shutdowns">to speed up coal-fired power plant shutdowns</a>.*

<p>
It is important to shut down the coal-burning plants, but the idea
that electric utilities should not have to pay any part
of the cost of this change seems unfair to me.  If it is a matter
of supporting the poorer eastern regions of Germany, the support
should go to those regions and their people, not to electric utilities.


feed_id: 0471627cfadebe38e07cc613603add0c
title: More ways to prevent people to vote
uri: More-ways-to-prevent-people-to-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28More_ways_to_prevent_people_to_vote%29

content:
<p>
Florida's citizens voted to allow ex-cons convicted of felonies to vote,
so the Republican legislature found an excuse to block 80% of them:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/16/florida-amendment-4-ruling-voting-rights">requiring them to pay all their fines and court fees first</a>.

<p>
There is no record of what any ex-con owes, so those who wish to pay
these fines and fees have no way to make sure they have done so.


feed_id: 73de26c0d3722f808f15848a3277fbf2
title: Removing planet-roasters
uri: Removing-planet-roasters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Removing_planet-roasters%29
content:
<p>
It looks like nothing will convince Australian PM Scott Morrison to
stop trying to convert Australia and the rest of the world to ashes.
How can Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/17/if-the-bushfires-wont-force-climate-policy-change-we-need-to-circumvent-scott-morrison">bypass his power and protect itself</a>?


feed_id: 361c7f5bae62fcffbe84d11059d6ec23
title: TV ready witnesses
uri: TV-ready-witnesses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28TV_ready_witnesses%29
content:
<p>
Senator Paul threatens that if other senators call Bolton as a witness,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/16/trump-impeachment-sketch-senate-oath-controversial-hyperpartisan-age">he will call Hunter Biden as a witness</a>.

<p>
Hunter Biden's testimony, whatever he may say, will be irrelevant to
the question of the conman's guilt or innocence.  Biden may have done
something corrupt in Ukraine &mdash; it would not surprise me &mdash; but the
conman did not seem to have evidence of this.  If he had evidence that
Biden had committed some crime, he had many legitimate ways available
to act on that.  The military aid shakedown was private political
manipulation, not a legitimate channel of law enforcement.


feed_id: f4199715719181dce55f0e6cef127171
title: Urgent: Defund bully's border wall
uri: Urgent-Defund-bully-s-border-wall
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Defund_bullys_border_wall%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/tell-congress-defund-trump-border-wall">call
on Congress</a> to defund the bully's border wall.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 153e26615ef6a4ca05144840697dd6dd
title: Establishment has failed them
uri: Establishment-has-failed-them
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Establishment_has_failed_them%29
content:
<p>
Sanders tells New York Times editorial board:
*Trump's Racist Demagoguery Only Works Because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/17/trumps-racist-demagoguery-only-works-says-sanders-because-too-many-americans-feel">Too Many
Americans Feel Establishment Has 'Failed Them</a>',*


feed_id: dfdec1a49f377d0f21c2fbda317ecbec
title: History found again
uri: History-found-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28History_found_again%29
content:
<p>
A stolen Afghan statue from the 2th century AD <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jan/18/met-police-help-recover-afghan-sculpture-looted-kabul">has been found</a>.
  It will be returned to the museum in Kabul to await destruction by the Taliban.


feed_id: b7ebf0a8ac350cf772db8beb6d7ce87a
title: War growth
uri: War-growth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28War_growth%29
content:
<p>
The US Space Force represents an eager plan to extend war into more theaters
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/16/trumps-space-force-means-trump-not-satisfied-being-terrible-only-planet">rather than try to limit space arms</a>.


feed_id: 216f431bb073fc018a350c38673c2458
title: Misogyny
uri: 2020-01-23-Misogyny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Misogyny%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/cnn-reveals-bernie-sanders-running-for-president-of-cou-1841049711">satire</a>) *"This new evidence proves beyond a doubt that
   Bernie Sanders strongly wants to lead a nation that has repeatedly
   enabled, supported, and encouraged misogyny &hellip;"

<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/stephen-miller-hurt-at-being-passed-over-for-job-stalki-1841048749">satire</a>) *Stephen Miller Hurt At Being Passed Over For Job Stalking Female
Ambassador.*


feed_id: fdccc752d99ed1c12124e87948c2611b
title: Thug murder charges backed by grand jury
uri: Thug-murder-charges-backed-by-grand-jury
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Thug_murder_charges_backed_by_grand_jury%29

content:
<p>
*Grand Jury Backs Murder Charges Against Houston [thug] <a href="http://click1.e.reason.com/espqcqcllydfcbjhftczbfvyjhfqrdckbyjvyvdrpbsth_ktfhfphvfjlvdphllltt.html">Who Lied to Justify a
Deadly Drug Raid</a>.*

<p>
Other <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> may be charged too.


feed_id: bfdf484cc53ffb1f3bac7d987fb1234f
title: Inappropriate censorship
uri: Inappropriate-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Inappropriate_censorship%29
content:
<p>
*The Missouri Library Association says it is monitoring a bill put
   forward in the state House by a Republican lawmaker, which, if passed,
   could create committees across the state with the power to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/16/right-wing-review-boards-missouri-would-pave-way-arresting-librarians-over-books">jail
   librarians for distributing material the panels deem "inappropriate."</a>*

<p>
This is an example of the general conclusion that "<a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#inappropriate">inappropriate</a>"
  describes a judgment call, so we must not use that as grounds to
punish or restrict anyone.


feed_id: 57b98d825d95043e12d768df91fadb81
title: New NAFTA
uri: New-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28New_NAFTA%29
content:
<p>
Public Citizen: The New NAFTA isn't very good, but it is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/16/broad-bipartisan-congressional-votes-revised-nafta-cement-new-floor-trade-pacts">a lot less bad
than the old one</a>.

<p>
In my view, in order for a trade treaty to avoid being a
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>,
  it would need to avoid helping companies become larger and develop
more political power.


feed_id: 30988eddd0458e3dc03545c215bbdfb2
title: Not going all out
uri: Not-going-all-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Not_going_all_out%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson is, surprisingly, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/19/boris-johnson-liberal-nuanced-cautious">not going all out to crush the poor and weak</a>.


feed_id: c9e7b9c99f6b66c9b61aa18db6c8c1c5
title: Denying kids their potential
uri: Denying-kids-their-potential
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Denying_kids_their_potential%29
content:
<p>
*Montessori education could reduce the advantage gap between rich and poor,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/19/montessori-education-could-reduce-the-advantage-gap-between-rich-and-poor-but-its-only-available-to-the-rich">it's only available to the rich</a>.*

<p>
Society should make sure every child gets the education and other
requisites to realize per potential.  Denying this to anyone is not
only unfair, it's a waste.


feed_id: c80536a5e6752ca46b10726a09597dac
title: Equal Rights Amendment
uri: 2020-01-23-Equal-Rights-Amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Equal_Rights_Amendment%29
content:
<p>
Virginia's new Democratic legislature voted to ratify the Equal Rights
Amendment, but it is not effective because the deadline passed in
1982.  The process will have to start over again in Congress, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/15/truly-historic-moment-50-years-after-congress-passed-era-amendment-meets">that
will require taking control of the Senate</a>.


feed_id: bf535d16c3993ba6b675859f96e7d254
title: Ecological disconnect
uri: Ecological-disconnect
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Ecological_disconnect%29
content:
<p>
Leatherback turtles, pikas, monarch butterflies, puffins, polar bears:
each of those species is falling victim to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/19/the-five-changes-in-animal-behaviour-due-to-global-heating">an ecological disconnect
that puts its survival at risk</a>.


feed_id: 2e46b1bfd1eb93b92c2f998f2df98bae
title: Reducing plastic waste
uri: 2020-01-23-Reducing-plastic-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Reducing_plastic_waste%29
content:
<p>
China is pushing hard <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/19/china-moves-to-phase-out-single-use-plastics">to reduce plastic waste</a>.


feed_id: 872362ccdfb69c751175fab1f58d6f86
title: Pushing to recognize State of Palestine
uri: Pushing-to-recognize-State-of-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Pushing_to_recognize_State_of_Palestine%29

content:
<p>
The PLO calls on the European Union <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/19/eu-duty-recognise-palestine-peace-process-israel-trump">to recognize the State of Palestine</a>.


feed_id: 0b70310dce0827f44d654f8f6d491c64
title: Exposure to sugar
uri: Exposure-to-sugar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Exposure_to_sugar%29
content:
<p>
Exposure to sugar caused changes in pigs' brains <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/sugar-brain-chemistry-08019.html">similar to those
caused by opioids</a>.

<p>
It would be harmful to ban sugar &mdash; just as it is harmful to ban
other recreational drugs &mdash; but it could be helpful to change
social systems to reduce the social pressure to use them.


feed_id: aaed8ee1caacece5f352ca712f29152e
title: Long term fire fighting
uri: Long-term-fire-fighting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#23_January_2020_%28Long_term_fire_fighting%29
content:
<p>
Australian planners recommend buying the land from people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/19/bushfire-destroyed-homes-should-not-be-rebuilt-in-riskiest-areas-experts-say">whose isolated houses in the forest were burned</a>.

<p>
This will surely reduce property damage and deaths from future fires.
It may also make containing those fires a little easier, as
fire-fighting will not be complicated by the wish to save houses where
there are no houses.

<p>
However, over the decades as the fires get ever worse, that won't make
a noticeable difference.  Short-term improvements are good, but we must
not let them steal the show from what we need for the long term:
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#27_November_2018_(Extinction_Rebellion)">to curb global heating</a>.


feed_id: 3da123179ffa65a5354fa6bdd70300f0
title: Mainstream biases against progressives
uri: Mainstream-biases-against-progressives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Mainstream_biases_against_progressives%29

content:
<p>
Seven questions expose the ways mainstream media <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/20/7-pointed-questions-corporate-media-about-their-anti-progressive-biases">implement their bias
against progressives</a>.

<p>
The mainstream media are big corporations owned by giant corporations.
Naturally they support the policies that serve giant corporations,
on the issues that those care about.


feed_id: c9183ab4d4159fd9899e9305a253d57b
title: Shipment of animals
uri: Shipment-of-animals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Shipment_of_animals%29
content:
<p>
Shipment of live animals between countries is dangerous for everyone
&mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/21/live-animals-are-the-largest-source-of-infection-dangers-of-the-export-trade">many bring infections with them</a>.


feed_id: 16e4976e50092587461f613dd73ef1aa
title: Still emitting
uri: Still-emitting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Still_emitting%29
content:
<p>
China ended manufacture of the greenhouse gas HFC-23, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/21/study-finds-shock-rise-in-levels-of-potent-greenhouse-gas-hfc-23">but emissions
have increased despite that</a>.


feed_id: 54b55b8a636b7caa7b68cc800f5dbab8
title: Distrust in thugs cause gun violence
uri: Distrust-in-thugs-cause-gun-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Distrust_in_thugs_cause_gun_violence%29

content:
<p>
Nasty behavior by thugs inspires distrust, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/21/police-gun-violence-trust-report">this seems to lead to
increased gun violence</a> &mdash; not only by thugs.


feed_id: a40fc581755a5a4d00fdf8979c0c2f82
title: Enslaving at nail bars
uri: Enslaving-at-nail-bars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Enslaving_at_nail_bars%29
content:
<p>
On a raid of a nail bar <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/what-does-your-10-manicure-really-cost-the-unvarnished-truth-about-nail-bars">accused of enslaving workers</a>.


feed_id: a919a13131823218cc22a207cc5452a2
title: Fast universities
uri: Fast-universities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Fast_universities%29
content:
<p>
University professors nowadays are regularly treated by the university
with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/20/thousands-of-uk-academics-treated-as-second-class-citizens">the same abuses that the staff of fast-food joints have long had
to suffer</a>.


feed_id: eeccdda24fee59d0cf6b5bf84a3634e3
title: Climate refugees
uri: 2020-01-24-Climate-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Climate_refugees%29
content:
<p>
*Climate refugees can't be returned home, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/20/climate-refugees-cant-be-returned-home-says-landmark-un-human-rights-ruling">says landmark UN human
 rights ruling</a>.*


feed_id: f7f7efdce57fc3c4feac9f403829d739
title: An empty world
uri: An-empty-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28An_empty_world%29
content:
<p>
*Humans risk living in an empty world, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/20/humans-risk-living-in-an-empty-world-warns-un-biodiversity-chief-aoe">warns UN biodiversity chief</a>.*

<p>
I think that is an exaggeration.  Surely some weeds and cockroaches
will survive.


feed_id: a5b538d022f12f15ef4873526ab2e290
title: Investigate Big oil
uri: Investigate-Big-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Investigate_Big_oil%29
content:
<p>
*Big oil is the new big tobacco. Congress <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/20/big-oil-congress-climate-change">must use its power to investigate</a>.*


feed_id: b96214554f8493a00f39e54b0e4f1539
title: Secure exploitation
uri: Secure-exploitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Secure_exploitation%29
content:
<p>
The Tory victory <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/20/uk-house-prices-rise-at-fastest-rate-on-record">is rapidly increasing the price of housing</a>.
  Rich people now feel secure that they will be able to exploit
the poor with high rents.


feed_id: f985891debe374b6c264b2e820a2f04c
title: Sad poisoners
uri: Sad-poisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Sad_poisoners%29
content:
<p>
Scientists at the Environmental Poisoning Agency say that the Republican
officials at the top have excluded them <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/18/trump-administration-allegedly-cuts-federal-scientists-out-new-water-policy/eRq03KhTRl7WteOJPce5tJ/story.html">from the process of developing
new rules to facilitate poisoning the US</a>.

<p>
I wish that statement were satire, but it is true.


feed_id: e14d765ac46840887c375d8093341e96
title: Object rights
uri: Object-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Object_rights%29
content:
<p>
Many museums are changing to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jan/19/museum-science-lab-playground-children-fun-architects">expose children to new kinds of joy via
learning and exploring</a>,

<p>
However, I am not taken with the child's idea that "objects have
rights"; it seems to be an instance of the childish mistake of
personifying everything.

<p>
Objects cannot have rights because they are unable to exercise any
rights.  To do that requires feelings, wishes, preferences, and a way
to express them.  If we can ever make objects which have those
faculties, such as are familiar in science fiction, they might deserve
to be considered persons &mdash; but they don't exist now.

<p>
This is an instance of a gratuitous conceptual rigidity, according to
which the only way to conclude that a non-person ought to be protected
somehow is to say it has rights.  Thus, we can't simply protect a
river from pollution, we would have to say the river "has rights."

<p>
Experience shows that laws against polluting rivers will do the job,
given political will to uphold them.  Absent that will, defining that
protection as "rights of rivers" won't help much; governments that
don't value justice often allow the rights of <em>human beings</em> to be
trampled.


feed_id: ca4f1bd63ba9c42fa84e9f12bd20cb37
title: Facial recognition for everyone
uri: Facial-recognition-for-everyone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Facial_recognition_for_everyone%29

content:
<p>
A company plans to track people on streets <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/18/technology/clearview-privacy-facial-recognition.html">all around the world
by facial recognition</a>.

<p>
The article mentions secondary ways this could be used to oppress and
mistreat people, by stalkers and foreign governments.  It tiptoes
around the biggest threats: that companies and your own government
could do this.

<p>
My recommendations would <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">make this system's operation illegal</a>.


feed_id: 1c5f2457883b3d9f8f45cecece3258cc
title: Tech Sovereignty
uri: Tech-Sovereignty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Tech_Sovereignty%29
content:
<p>
DiEM25 members are voting on a proposal regarding "<a href="https://internal.diem25.org/en/vote/205/public">Tech Sovereignty</a>".

<p>
The proposal is inadequate because it fails to tackle the crucial
issues: <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/government-free-software.html">moving government agencies to free software</a> and stopping <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">the collection of data</a>.


feed_id: ce8f148c6463ebb9750548cdf7d37830
title: Removing bias in university process
uri: Removing-bias-in-university-process
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#24_January_2020_%28Removing_bias_in_university_process%29

content:
<p>
Removing the bias <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/19/how-oxford-university-made-admissions-fairer">from Oxford's admissions process</a>.


feed_id: 3e4f1a94047802dec726baa97783e0ad
title: Stripping of nationality
uri: Stripping-of-nationality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Stripping_of_nationality%29
content:
<p>
Australia has stripped a woman (perhaps a supporter of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>) in Syria
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/18/australian-mother-of-five-stripped-of-citizenship-leaving-two-children-potentially-stateless">of her Australian citizenship</a>.

<p>
The Australian government backdated the penalty so that her last two
children, born in Syria, will not be Australian citizens either.  They
are, apparently, stateless.


feed_id: f449276280ab87c3e6049d7a69821867
title: Falling birth rate
uri: Falling-birth-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Falling_birth_rate%29
content:
<p>
China's birth rate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/17/virginia-lee-carter-school-strike-bill-guns">continues to fall</a>.
  This will be inconvenient in
the next few decades, then tremendously beneficial in the long term
for China's land, water and air, and may enable the smaller number of
Chinese to escape with less damage through a smaller global disaster.


feed_id: 9c06df5d0e15a2cb29e20107ef7179d3
title: In prison for not being a spy
uri: In-prison-for-not-being-a-spy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28In_prison_for_not_being_a_spy%29
content:
<p>
Iran is holding Kylie Moore-Gilbert in prison because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/21/jailed-british-australian-kylie-moore-gilbert-rejected-irans-offer-to-work-as-a-spy">she refused
to work as a spy for Iran</a>.

<p>
I am sad to point out that the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#22_February_2015_(Refusing_to_be_an_FBI_spy)">US has punished people simply for refusing
to work as spies</a>.


feed_id: 288e00d46d1c6d50e4748f0a83a3a40f
title: AirBnB sexual ban
uri: AirBnB-sexual-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28AirBnB_sexual_ban%29
content:
<p>
AirBnB is canceling customers' accounts for engaging <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/17/your-online-activity-effectively-social-credit-score-airbnb/">in certain kinds
of sexual activities not carried out in an AirBnB room</a>.

<p>
This is a little taste of the developing US social credit system.
We must protect anonymity.


feed_id: cf40d4827e234d3253ffe510e415a781
title: Modi is afraid
uri: Modi-is-afraid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Modi_is_afraid%29
content:
<p>
*'Modi is afraid': <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/modi-is-afraid-women-take-lead-in-indias-citizenship-protests">women take lead in India's citizenship protests</a>.*


feed_id: 1190e188cc89f56e7c09c85f8e0833f0
title: Justice learning
uri: Justice-learning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Justice_learning%29
content:
<p>
A scenario of justice <a href="https://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/rinesi20200120">implemented with machine learning</a>.


feed_id: 702523c534523fca73f47d20dca72421
title: Buying squatted home
uri: Buying-squatted-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Buying_squatted_home%29
content:
<p>
California's governor intervened so that the homeless mothers (with
their families) who squatted in a house in Oakland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/21/mothers-who-occupied-vacant-oakland-house-will-be-allowed-to-buy-it">will be allowed
to buy it</a>.

<p>
Fixing one instance of bullying by a company is nice, but what we
really need is to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#22_January_2020_%28Home-flipping%29">prevent such situations from arising again</a>.


feed_id: ff3b3eae8b82ec947b14512f9bd15740
title: Useless gas projects
uri: Useless-gas-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Useless_gas_projects%29
content:
<p>
*The European Union risks wasting €29bn of taxpayers’ money
   &hellip; in gas projects which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/20/eu-could-waste-29bn-on-gas-projects-despite-climate-action-plan">will be unnecessary under
   Europe's climate action plans</a>.*

<p>
I wish this were nothing worse than a waste of money.


feed_id: 30aadfa79200ed409808d734c2ce1d0a
title: Guantanamo effects
uri: Guantanamo-effects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Guantanamo_effects%29
content:
<p>
Operating the Guantanamo prison has perverted the US military and legal system
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/20/guantanamos-indelible-legacy">in ways that have spread beyond Guantanamo</a>.

<p>
You may enjoy my song parody, <a href="https://stallman.org/guantanamero.html">Guantanamero</a>.


feed_id: 35dcdf8c11719d167fb2e1a8055554c9
title: Teaching about wars
uri: 2020-01-25-Teaching-about-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Teaching_about_wars%29
content:
<p>
About teaching students about <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/20/teaching-war-so-it-matters">the causes of US war, the professed reasons
for them, and resistance to these wars</a>.


feed_id: f34a8b3c25657da8b65271ec7d1615e3
title: The skill of listening
uri: The-skill-of-listening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28The_skill_of_listening%29
content:
<p>
On learning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/20/how-to-be-a-good-listener-my-mission-to-learn-the-most-important-skill-of-all">the skill of listening</a>.

<p>
The article advertises a book.  If you want to buy it, please defend
the right of anonymity by buying it anonymously with cash.


feed_id: a1d9438f28a446ea0fbd6779154561d3
title: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr
uri: Remembering-Martin-Luther-King-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Remembering_Martin_Luther_King_Jr%29

content:
<p>
*Countering Annual Whitewash of His Legacy, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/20/countering-annual-whitewash-his-legacy-progressives-remember-anti-capitalist-anti">Progressives Remember the
'Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Imperialist' Martin Luther King Jr</a>.*


feed_id: 84c70d03c4031b2b86ef8da736c96668
title: Indigenous controlled burns
uri: Indigenous-controlled-burns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Indigenous_controlled_burns%29
content:
<p>
Indigenous Australians propose to use their traditional fire management
technique &mdash; small controlled burns &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/19/right-fire-for-right-future-how-cultural-burning-can-protect-australia-from-catastrophic-blazes">to prevent large fires</a>.  The problem is that global heating effects make that harder to do.

<p>
Before English colonization, the aboriginals kept forests much thinner
using fire.  It was easy to walk through the forests in those days,
with spaces between trees and little
underbrush.


feed_id: 3c8d147de4fcdb2ef7127c8e42fb046f
title: Banning guns
uri: Banning-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Banning_guns%29
content:
<p>
*Citing Threat From Armed [right-wing extremist] Groups, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/15/citing-threat-armed-groups-virginia-gov-declares-emergency-and-bans-guns-state">Virginia
Gov. Declares Emergency and Bans Guns at State Capitol</a>.*


feed_id: bf6dfbee1bcb788de90c57e2071f00c8
title: Country can't refuse pipeline
uri: Country-can-t-refuse-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#25_January_2020_%28Country_can%27t_refuse_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
Canada's Supreme Court ruled that the province of British Columbia <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/17/canadas-top-court-rejects-bc-bid-halt-trans-mountain-tar-sands-project">cannot
block the Trans Mountain planet-roaster pipeline</a>.
      Canada agreed to <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">a business-supremacy treaty</a>
                           with China that requires
      building the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#morgan">Unkinder Morgan pipeline</a>.  The penalty for not doing so
      <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/31/justin-trudeau-kinder-morgan-pipeline-china-did-he-fear-being-sued">could be even more billions</a> than the cost of building the pipeline,
      and the government might pay it secretly.


feed_id: 7db27482494edaf7da601f971ac051d0
title: Perceived threat
uri: Perceived-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Perceived_threat%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot: *Police say climate groups such as Extinction
Rebellion are a ‘threat’.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/22/defending-life-earth-extremist-police-extinction-rebellion">They’d have done the same for the
suffragettes and Martin Luther King</a>.*

<p>
The most violent of extremists are those whose plans will bring about
the premature death of hundreds of millions of people: the planet
roasters.


feed_id: ffbdc02c02b350f3638243f25e852fc6
title: Rebel slavers
uri: Rebel-slavers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Rebel_slavers%29
content:
<p>
Gangs which splintered off rebel groups <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/venezuela-colombia-border-region-human-rights-watch">are now enslaving everyone who
lives in the llano region around the Venezuela-Colombia border</a>.


feed_id: 558c4d71af8e9efc598937d70787a1f8
title: Risks of dying from heat
uri: Risks-of-dying-from-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Risks_of_dying_from_heat%29
content:
<p>
*Rising temperatures put more US workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/22/heat-deaths-workers-safety-climate-crisis">at risk of dying from heat</a>.*


feed_id: 6e57ca68cb5e831292092144c2cded3f
title: Interview with Planned Parenthood
uri: Interview-with-Planned-Parenthood
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Interview_with_Planned_Parenthood%29

content:
<p>
A interview with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/22/planned-parenthood-president-alexis-mcgill-johnson-abortion-rights">the president of Planned Parenthood</a>.

<p>
She discusses the right-wing attacks that target many aspects of sexual
and reproductive medicine for women.


feed_id: 14a0e6576e693e5bb6a3c278ccaaf856
title: Biden's history
uri: Biden-s-history
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Biden%27s_history%29
content:
<p>
When Biden first ran for the senate, in 1972, he adopted progressive
positions.  By 1982, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/22/joe-biden-new-deal-democrat-republicans">he was working with Republicans against Social
Security</a>.


feed_id: c3ae03c24dab2bdbd8acb1ab59a2054b
title: Corrupting the census
uri: Corrupting-the-census
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Corrupting_the_census%29
content:
<p>
*'A perfect storm': US census <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/22/us-census-trump-rhetoric-distrust-undercount">imperiled by Trump rhetoric and growing distrust</a>.*

<p>
For Republicans, corrupting the census is one more method of voter
suppression.  They know that it will reduce the representation of areas
where people that face discrimination live.


feed_id: 007c7cba5b48d17f5f459e402194a8c4
title: Increased wildfires in temperate areas
uri: Increased-wildfires-in-temperate-areas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Increased_wildfires_in_temperate_areas%29

content:
<p>
Global heating <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/22/australia-bushfires-europe-wildfire-climate">is increasing wildfires in Europe, too</a>; even in the Arctic.

<p>
The fires in Sweden in August 2018 were the worst ever observed there.


feed_id: e64a9ed7a47290d924ab75506446362f
title: Recycling is failing
uri: Recycling-is-failing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Recycling_is_failing%29
content:
<p>
*Unsustainable use of resources is wrecking the planet <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/22/worlds-consumption-of-materials-hits-record-100bn-tonnes-a-year">but recycling is falling, report finds</a>.*


feed_id: b8b194cdf3f730aa97c56008c225abcf
title: Urgent: block war with Iran
uri: 2020-01-27-Urgent-block-war-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_block_war_with_Iran%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/call-your-senators-no-war-with-iran">phone your senators</a> to urge them to vote to block war
with Iran.

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


feed_id: 27a5c8779db7b02467555eeeaed278cf
title: Teachers about Extinction Rebellion
uri: Teachers-about-Extinction-Rebellion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Teachers_about_Extinction_Rebellion%29

content:
<p>
Some UK teachers say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jan/21/should-a-teacher-report-a-pupil-for-extinction-rebellion-activism">how they would respond to commands to report students
to the government for supporting Extinction Rebellion</a>.


feed_id: 004287bdb03a367f59e2f9b48b720ece
title: Taking women reports seriously
uri: Taking-women-reports-seriously
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Taking_women_reports_seriously%29

content:
<p>
Taking women's reports of violence and danger seriously could protect
everyone from grievous harm, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/21/what-happens-when-we-dont-believe-women">including the Flint water supply kind of harm
as well as mass shootings</a>.


feed_id: 426768da8b7a36d653e13642434ed9d7
title: Global heating science
uri: Global-heating-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Global_heating_science%29
content:
<p>
*Greta Thunberg tells leaders at Davos <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/21/greta-thunberg-calls-on-world-leaders-to-heed-global-heating-science-davos">to heed global heating science</a>.*


feed_id: fb96b8a143ec0fc26165694a2ce818e4
title: Republican party conscience
uri: Republican-party-conscience
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Republican_party_conscience%29
content:
<p>
*As [the bully] goes on trial, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/21/donald-trump-impeachment-trial-day-one">so does the conscience of the Republican party</a>.*


feed_id: 8b39b405eea401dc308164b4a2821a05
title: Where you're the sensor
uri: Where-you-re-the-sensor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Where_you%27re_the_sensor%29
content:
<p>
*The case for &hellip; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2020/jan/17/the-case-for-cities-where-youre-the-sensor-not-the-thing-being-sensed">cities where you're the sensor, not the thing being sensed</a>.*


feed_id: cb0c97debf1f2a450aaf565a2b400020
title: Poor men in their 50s
uri: Poor-men-in-their-50s
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_%28Poor_men_in_their_50s%29
content:
<p>
Poor men in their 50s in England today <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/21/poorest-adults-in-worse-health-now-than-older-generation-study">are considerably less well
than comparable men who were in their 50s four decades ago</a>.


feed_id: e5def7c3971433deedd52bdb840cc085
title: Made by forced labor
uri: Made-by-forced-labor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Made_by_forced_labor%29
content:
<p>
If you are having something made in China, <a href="https://www.chinalawblog.com/2020/01/forced-labor-in-china-dont-trust-and-do-verify.html">avoiding forced labor is not going
to be easy</a>.


feed_id: 28f0eeb74066a77cd20b5e9200eab5a9
title: Gun violence patterns
uri: Gun-violence-patterns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Gun_violence_patterns%29
content:
<p>
*Gun Violence Isn't a Problem &mdash; it's actually 5 Problems, with
Different Solutions.* Not all, but most deaths due to guns, fit into 5
specific patterns, and <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/21/gun-violence-isnt-a-problem.html">it might be possible to prevent many of them
with specific actions</a>.


feed_id: 5357c6792eff237e42caaafcc74e0ef1
title: Voice recognition respecting privacy
uri: Voice-recognition-respecting-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Voice_recognition_respecting_privacy%29

content:
<p>
Fast, efficient, domain-limited voice-command recognition <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/edge-ai-appliances-privacy-at-home/">can operate
locally without sending personal data to anyone</a>.

<p>
This technology can in principle respect privacy, but that doesn't
guarantee it _will_ respect privacy.  It could transmit data just
so that a company gets personal data.  How can we make sure it doesn't?

<ul>
<li>If it has no form of communication, and no facility for the manufacturer
to change the code or examine the data, that blocks the attempt.

<li>If the software in the device is free, users can make sure it is honest.
</ul>


feed_id: 7bde538e565c91d8ec9653b3eeeb7194
title: Planet-roasters don't care
uri: Planet-roasters-don-t-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Planet-roasters_don%27t_care%29
content:
<p>
Former state fire commissioner Greg Mullins tried in April to warn
Australia's planet-roaster prime minister that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/20/i-tried-to-warn-scott-morrison-about-the-bushfire-disaster-adapting-to-climate-change-isnt-enough">"adapting to climate
change" is insufficient to avert disaster</a>.

<p>
The minister did not pay attention.


feed_id: 583e2535814be7c669c418adec32df3e
title: Thugs don't care
uri: Thugs-don-t-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Thugs_don%27t_care%29
content:
<p>
US deportation thugs <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/21/metro/iranian-student-removed-us-before-court-hearing-lawyer-says/">often ignore court orders not to deport someone</a>.
Especially for Iranians.


feed_id: 87c238d720465e8f3a71bef49739693f
title: Dishonesty not paying
uri: Dishonesty-not-paying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Dishonesty_not_paying%29
content:
<p>
The hypocrisy and dishonesty of a "moderate" Republican senator <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/01/21/flim-flam-collins-yet-again">has a good
chance of preventing her reelection</a>.  Overcoming the damage she has done will be more difficult, and I suppose
she will be paid well for her service.


feed_id: d08e9feecc5ab1456f15f3322aad848e
title: Sham Trial
uri: Sham-Trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Sham_Trial%29
content:
<p>
*'A Fact-Free Sham Trial Perpetrated in the Dead of Night': <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/21/fact-free-sham-trial-perpetrated-dead-night-mcconnells-trump-cover-senate-begins">McConnell's Trump
Cover-Up in Senate Begins</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/21/read-mitch-mcconnells-propos.html">Some specifics of that</a>.


feed_id: 8279ea382d1ab4ec03360ef2cdf7e813
title: Fire zones
uri: Fire-zones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Fire_zones%29
content:
<p>
Israel labeled around 1/5 of the territory of the West Bank as "fire
zones" for the army, <a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/01/17/sealed-off-and-forgotten-what-you-should-know-about-israels-firing-zones-in-the-west-bank/">to create a pretext to force most Palestinians out
of those areas</a>.


feed_id: cda5c355d000a97e42d91583845f2f6f
title: Trial distraction
uri: Trial-distraction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Trial_distraction%29
content:
<p>
The US press has mostly ignored the report that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>
assassinated Soleimani at the request of Republican senators
<a href="https://www.alternet.org/2020/01/the-wall-street-journal-accidentally-reveals-the-unbearable-truth-about-suleimanis-assassination/">wanting a distraction from his trial</a>.

<p>
He could have been lying when he said this.  His supporters could have
made it up.  But it also may be true.  Indeed, maybe the senators
asked him to do it.


feed_id: c1b0ead6cf760e7b70dccf18a29af703
title: Collecting evidences against torturers
uri: Collecting-evidences-against-torturers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Collecting_evidences_against_torturers%29

content:
<p>
*Addameer Collects Hard Evidence on Torture and Ill-Treatment Committed
against Palestinian [prisoners] <a href="http://www.addameer.org/news/addameer-collects-hard-evidence-torture-and-ill-treatment-committed-against-palestinian">at Israeli Interrogation Centers</a>.*


feed_id: afa1450bc2b863c35a4f409f286faff9
title: Lag of minimum wage
uri: Lag-of-minimum-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Lag_of_minimum_wage%29
content:
<p>
*If the [US] minimum wage kept pace with productivity growth since
   1968 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/21/more-ways-us-minimum-wage-fails-keep">it would be over $24 an hour today</a>.*

<p>
Since 1968, it has not even kept up with inflation, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/21/if-worker-pay-had-kept-pace-productivity-gains-1968-todays-minimum-wage-would-be-24">let alone
productivity growth</a>.

<p>
The second article refutes some of the plutocratist arguments claiming
this problem is inevitable.


feed_id: 9ae8b408ef102f3f7471348d03837f0a
title: Altruistic parrots
uri: Altruistic-parrots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Altruistic_parrots%29
content:
<p>
African gray parrots tend to help other African gray parrots even when
<a href="http://www.sci-news.com/biology/african-gray-parrots-help-partners-08041.html">they don't expect any direct benefit from doing so</a>.


feed_id: a351f56c03228965189ffa548a7974ab
title: Environmental ruin
uri: Environmental-ruin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Environmental_ruin%29
content:
<p>
*Warning of 'Environmental Ruin and With It a Human Tragedy,' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/22/warning-environmental-ruin-and-it-human-tragedy-report-details-triple-threat-coral">Report Details
Triple Threat to Coral Reefs</a>.*

<p>
*Mayfly populations <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/01/mayfly-insect-populations-in-decline/">have fallen 50% since 2012.</a>*
  They are an important food source for other animals, so their populations
are falling also.

*We Risk Living in an 'Empty World' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/21/we-risk-living-empty-world-if-assault-nature-not-stopped-warns-un-biodiversity-chief">If Assault on Nature Not Stopped, Warns UN
Biodiversity Chief</a>.*

<p>
"People's lives depend on biodiversity in ways that are not always
   apparent or appreciated.  Human health ultimately depends
   on ecosystem services: the availability of fresh water, fuel, food
   sources."


feed_id: 94d89e1f88b0047b1c9f866c6f57f0f7
title: Not-exactly-natural disasters
uri: Not-exactly-natural-disasters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Not-exactly-natural_disasters%29
content:
<p>
Not-exactly-natural disasters cost 3 trillion dollars in the last decade,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/22/planet-just-had-costliest-decade-global-natural-disasters-insurance-industry-report">up from 1.8 trillion in the previous decade</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> effects are responsible for much of the increase.

<p>
A survey found that 57% of Australians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/23/bushfire-crisis-more-than-half-of-all-australians-found-to-have-been-directly-affected">have been affected directly by
the fires</a>.

<p>
The fires are still spreading, so the number may yet increase.

<p>
A quarter of the population has experienced medical problems from the fires.


feed_id: d9446f6cb577b7bd15c308a14e65d272
title: Insulation problems
uri: Insulation-problems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Insulation_problems%29
content:
<p>
After removal of dangerously flammable insulation from two housing
projects in London, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/22/homes-london-high-rises-left-wet-cold-cladding-removed">heating has become so expensive that the residents
are starving and/or freezing</a>.

<p>
The local government needs to replace the insulation with something not
flammable.


feed_id: c6f22cd28b01aa994ad628b2d4c6613d
title: PFAS chemicals
uri: 2020-01-28-PFAS-chemicals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28PFAS_chemicals%29
content:
<p>
Unexpected levels of PFAS chemicals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/22/us-drinking-water-contamination-forever-chemicals-pfas">have been found in water supplies
in various US cities</a>.

<p>
These chemicals do not break down naturally, and can do various kinds
of damage.  No one knows yet what levels of them are safe.


feed_id: fb6d51e34b00b9113a18fe70e28b7e47
title: Greenwald facing charge for denouncing corruption
uri: Greenwald-facing-charge-for-denouncing-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Greenwald_facing_charge_for_denouncing_corruption%29

content:
<p>
Brazilian prosecutors want to charge Glenn Greenwald for publishing
information, obtained by crackers, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/glenn-greenwald-charged-cybercrime-brazil">about the corruption of Brazilian
prosecutors</a>.

<p>
This is not exactly parallel to the US case against Julian Assange
(since the information he published was leaked), but they are mostly parallel,
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/22/brazils-greenwald-prosecution-evokes-assanges-continued-imprisonment-uk-say">they pose similar threats to freedom of the press</a>.


feed_id: e2ef71956f6a88bace55feb8541f0543
title: Thugs against courts
uri: Thugs-against-courts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Thugs_against_courts%29
content:
<p>
US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> forced foreign student Shahab Dehghani to fly back
out, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/21/shahab-dehghani-iranian-student-northeastern-denied-entry">defying a court order saying that for the moment he could stay in
the US</a>.


feed_id: 663ca338df9b27dc01f62467a126f714
title: Taxing internet sales
uri: Taxing-internet-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Taxing_internet_sales%29
content:
<p>
The US and France agreed to push for an agreement on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/france-poised-drop-plan-tax-tech-giants-amid-signs-us-deal">taxing internet sales</a>.


feed_id: 4ae0718f0a35735be8db30019e634588
title: Clinton won't endorse Sanders
uri: Clinton-won-t-endorse-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Clinton_won%27t_endorse_Sanders%29

content:
<p>
If Sanders wins the Democratic nomination, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/21/inexcusable-hillary-clinton-who-lost-trump-2016-wont-commit-helping-bernie-sanders">Clinton said she will not
endorse him</a>.

<p>
I don't think Clinton has an obligation to endorse a candidate simply
for having the Democratic nomination.  But why does she not want to
endorse Sanders?  I conjecture it is because he is progressive &mdash; and
she is not.  We saw in 2016 that she was a dyed-in-the-wool
corporatist.

<p>
Former Clinton supporters ask, *Why is Clinton amplifying destructive
myths about Sanders and his supporters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/21/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-attacks-netflix">just weeks before the primaries
begin</a>?*

<p>
I conjecture the same answer for this question too.


feed_id: a2a082fff37b64e5307d76ea6fe65106
title: Zealous torturer
uri: Zealous-torturer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Zealous_torturer%29
content:
<p>
Psychologist and torturer James Mitchell testified about his torture
for the CIA, saying he was so determined to ensure that the US used
the best possible torture that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/22/guantanamo-psychologist-tells-of-abusive-drift-in-treatment-of-terror-suspects">he felt obligated to carry it out
himself</a>.


feed_id: 2195f5b2a552c666e11be04fd7957bb1
title: Physicians with Medicare for All
uri: Physicians-with-Medicare-for-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Physicians_with_Medicare_for_All%29

content:
<p>
The American College of Physicians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/20/doctors-prescribe-medicare-all-single-payer-reform-endorsed-americas-largest">has endorsed Medicare for All</a>.


feed_id: ab0816bcc36bdbb835c0ecdbbf35efcc
title: Only if invited in
uri: Only-if-invited-in
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Only_if_invited_in%29
content:
<p>
*Does Letting [thugs] Enter Your House <a href="https://reason.com/2020/01/16/does-letting-police-enter-your-house-give-them-permission-to-wreck-it/">Give Them Permission To Wreck It</a>?*

<p>
The doctrine of "qualified immunity" assures that when <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> commit mayhem
in a way that no court has ever ruled on, no court will ever rule on it
and they will always get away with it.


feed_id: ee64d92f1432fb8cae72c0746df3973d
title: Sex offender list for stripping to the waist
uri: Sex-offender-list-for-stripping-to-the-waist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Sex_offender_list_for_stripping_to_the_waist%29

content:
<p>
Tilli Buchanan faces charges of "lewdness" in Utah <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/21/utah-woman-topless-stepchildren-tilli-buchanan">for stripping to
the waist, along with her husband, inside their house, while his children
were present</a>.

<p>
If convicted, she could be put on the sex offender's list.  As this
shows, people can be put on the sex offender's list for things that
are not very wrong.  Some <a
href="https://freerangekids.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/new-outrage-sex-offender-or-teenage-jerk">didn't
actually do anything</a> to anyone.


feed_id: 5ce5fd99b9a4fd92a7638af5a1e16a70
title: Democratic backsliding
uri: Democratic-backsliding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Democratic_backsliding%29
content:
<p>
*Countries from Britain to Greece <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/22/poland-hungary-eu-states-abusing-law">are guilty of democratic backsliding</a>.*
  It is not only Hungary and Poland.


feed_id: b04d342f734f7b246c908a4b56f04635
title: People are good
uri: People-are-good
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28People_are_good%29
content:
<p>
Videos of responses to real victims of street violence showed 
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/14/people-are-good.html">no
sign of a "bystander effect"</a>.
<p>
The idea of a bystander effect was launched by reporting in the New
York Times of the murder of Kitty Genovese.  
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kitty_Genovese">Wikipedia</a>
says that the New York Times admitted in 2016 that the original story
was fabricated &mdash; the reporter did not find evidence of a
bystander effect after all.


feed_id: 5a8bbeb0df2e3fcdac4e9a33ab650509
title: Insecurity of 5G mobile networks
uri: Insecurity-of-5G-mobile-networks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Insecurity_of_5G_mobile_networks%29

content:
<p>
Bruce Schneier: 5G mobile networks are 
<a href="https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2020/01/china_isnt_the_.html">so
pervasively insecure</a> that it hardly matters who built the hardware
&mdash; people and countries are screwed anyway.


feed_id: 7f50fdc013160f19de0c98459fbaca98
title: Graduates study how to fake out AI systems
uri: Graduates-study-how-to-fake-out-AI-systems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Graduates_study_how_to_fake_out_AI_systems%29

content:
<p>
In South Korea, graduates 
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-artificial-intelligence-jo-idUSKBN1ZC022">need
to study how</a> to fake out AI systems used to choose who to hire.


feed_id: bcdccf1e4b856fb643ce0af9c73ecc1a
title: UK government contractor auditing system
uri: UK-government-contractor-auditing-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28UK_government_contractor_auditing_system%29

content:
<p>
The UK has made 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/15/carillion-collapse-two-years-on-government-has-learned-nothing">no
changes in its auditing system in two years since a major government
contractor went bankrupt while its directors concealed what was
happening</a>.
<p>
The directors made out handsomely from this.  Perhaps laws should be
changed so that directors cannot do that in the future -- but
unscrupulous rich people wouldn't want those laws.  Do you think
Tories would ever pass such laws?


feed_id: 798aa7e030a12c16fef144d4d7586b0f
title: Voice recognition respecting privacy
uri: 2020-01-29-Voice-recognition-respecting-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#28_January_2020_%28Voice_recognition_respecting_privacy%29

content:
<p>
Fast, efficient, domain-limited voice-command recognition <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/edge-ai-appliances-privacy-at-home/">can operate
locally without sending personal data to anyone</a>.

<p>
This technology can in principle respect privacy, but that doesn't
guarantee it <em>will</em> respect privacy.  It could transmit data just
so that a company gets personal data.  How can we make sure it doesn't?

<ul>
<li>If it has no form of communication, and no facility for the manufacturer
to change the code or examine the data, that blocks the attempt.

<li>If the software in the device is free, users can make sure it is honest.
</ul>


feed_id: 2fe411099a4f81ca2f950f59b108ce47
title: Urgent: Liberate the code of Windows 7
uri: Urgent-Liberate-the-code-of-Windows-7
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Liberate_the_code_of_Windows_7%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://fsf.org/windows/upcycle-windows-7">Call on
Microsoft</a> to liberate the code of Windows 7.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 6ae91818c3e3abe8db50879cea410db4
title: Urgent: Support for Glenn Greenwald
uri: Urgent-Support-for-Glenn-Greenwald
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Support_for_Glenn_Greenwald%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://join.theintercept.com/sign/standwithglenn/">state
your support</a> for Glenn Greenwald.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 89800755ac20ad3c0b5a3bc9d1705b18
title: Urgent: Modify PAT RIOT ACT Section 215
uri: Urgent-Modify-PAT-RIOT-ACT-Section-215
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Modify_PAT_RIOT_ACT_Section_215%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to support modifying the PAT
RIOT Act to
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_215_support_bill/">reduce
government power for warrantless collection of data</a>, in Section
215.
<p>
The bill under consideration would affect section 215, which allows
the FBI to collect almost any data base of personal data with
"national security letters".  The FISA court admitted that it was
unable to exercise effective control over the FBI's use of these
powers.  I think section 215 should be eliminated entirely.
<p>
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: e087d8488ae6f394c6684ac8760d1fb7
title: Urgent: Regulation of facial recognition technology
uri: Urgent-Regulation-of-facial-recognition-technology
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Regulation_of_facial_recognition_technology%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/regfacialrecognition/">call
on NYC Speaker Corey Johnson</a> to enforce regulations on facial
recognition technology.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 7b7e5d775d3eafab069278ef6fc9b6ba
title: Prohibit face recognition network cameras
uri: Prohibit-face-recognition-network-cameras
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Prohibit_face_recognition_network_cameras%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/27/surveillance-cctv-smart-camera-networks/">We should prohibit face recognition network companies</a>,
  but we need to go further than that.  Some years ago, <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">I called for
  something stronger</a>: to prohibit cameras that transmit images over the
  net more than once in a while.
<p>
  This prevents not only the purpose-built face recognition networks but
  also cameras that could be incorporated into such networks.
  


feed_id: 5d381e3d5d7745f283ec5e9135c009a5
title: Governments Ready to Stop the Presses—If They Can
uri: Governments-Ready-to-Stop-the-Presses-If-They-Can
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Governments_Ready_to_Stop_the_Presses%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%94If_They_Can%29

content:
<p>
  *Snowden Warns Targeting of Greenwald and Assange Shows Governments '<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/27/snowden-warns-targeting-greenwald-and-assange-shows-governments-ready-stop-presses">Ready to Stop the Presses—If They Can</a>'.*


feed_id: 62332dab2c819ccf3bc4aa0749333d4b
title: 2C of global heating will eliminate over half of vineyards
uri: 2C-of-global-heating-will-eliminate-over-half-of-vineyards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%282C_of_global_heating_will_eliminate_over_half_of_vinyards%29

content:
<p>
  2C of global heating will eliminate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/27/global-heating-may-lead-to-wine-shortage-vineyard">over half the world's vineyards</a>.
<p>
  With a 4C rise in global temperature, I don't think anyone will have
  attention to spare for making or drinking wine.  They will be too busy
  trying to find a little butter to put on their insufficient bread.
  


feed_id: 60c00b6d3130f74f040ce96149f374f9
title: Pompeo is using lies to attack NPR reporter
uri: Pompeo-is-using-lies-to-attack-NPR-reporter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Pompeo_is_using_lies_to_attack_NPR_reporter%29

content:
<p>
  Pompeo is now using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/27/mike-pompeo-npr-mary-louise-kelly-ukraine">lies to attack</a> NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly,
<p>
  in whose interview he blew up when he couldn't <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/27/mary-louise-kelly-mike-pompeo-satire-">intimidate her facts</a>.


feed_id: 093b3de4f8ca885b633d5f598216e742
title: Pakistan has arrested a leading equal rights activist
uri: Pakistan-has-arrested-a-leading-equal-rights-activist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Pakistan_has_arrested_a_leading_equal_rights_activist%29

content:
<p>
  Pakistan has arrested a leading equal rights activist and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/27/civil-rights-activist-manzoor-ahmad-pashteen-arrested-in-pakistan-on-sedition-charges">accused him
  of advocating unacceptable political views</a>.  Specifically, criticizing
  the country's constitution, on grounds of justice.
<p>
  Whether we agree with his position or not (I don't know enough about
  Pakistan's constitution to have an opinion), we should defend his
  right to advocate that position.
  


feed_id: 302743f07eba4aa91902b647b1a07c4e
title: China's chicken to be sold in US without US inspection
uri: China-s-chicken-to-be-sold-in-US-without-US-inspection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Chinas_chicken_to_be_sold_in_US_without_US_inspection%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a>'s deal with China will allow China-grown chicken meat to be
  sold in the US without labeling, and with no inspection <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/15/trump-letting-chinese-chicken-cross-road-endangering-us-consumers">except China's
  untrustworthy inspection</a>.  Disease is sure to come with them.


feed_id: 1be7b716c16909f61b8951c7fc9b5d8c
title: We will have to remove the bullshitter in November
uri: We-will-have-to-remove-the-bullshitter-in-November
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28We_will_have_to_remove_the_bullshitter_in_November%29

content:
<p>
  Robert Reich: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/26/donald-trump-impeachment-trial-senate">Republican senators will not remove the bullshitter from office
</a>  because that would require courage and integrity.  We will have to remove him
  in November.


feed_id: ed29997d633cff23e0594a3bd0b6e5e1
title: Poverty allows planet-roasters to win support from the poor
uri: Poverty-allows-planet-roasters-to-win-support-from-the-poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Poverty_allowes_planet-roasters_to_win_support_from_the_poor%29

content:
<p>
  Increased poverty and the danger of becoming homeless inspire people
  to the short-term thinking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/26/inequality-climate-crisis-harder-tackle-poor-sacrifice-davos">whereby they protest against plans</a> to
  reduce subsidies for fossil fuels.
<p>
  Ironically, right-wing planet-roaster governments use this to win
  support from the poor.  Once elected, what they give those supporters
  is even deeper poverty.
<p>
  In other words, electing Sanders is the way to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> soon.
  


feed_id: b419143324eca058675147747a18b468
title: Cancer from frack wells
uri: Cancer-from-frack-wells
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Cancer_forom_frack_wells%29
content:
<p>
  Waste brine from frack wells in some places carries a <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/oil-gas-fracking-radioactive-investigation-937389/">very high load
  of radium</a>.  If it gets into dust (particulates) in the air, people can
  breath it in and develop cancer from its radioactivity many years later.
<p>
  The desperate search for new sources to release more atmospheric CO2
  is bringing us to frack and ruin.
  


feed_id: 94be8cbb52d82de19fdbb84a6727b802
title: Ads that look like search results
uri: Ads-that-look-like-search-results
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Ads_that_look_like_search_results%29

content:
<p>
  *Google’s ads just look like search results now.*
<p>
  In effect, when Google Search started offering advertising, that was
  the first step on the path to total corruption.
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2020/1/23/21078343/google-ad-desktop-design-change-favicon-icon-ftc-guidelines">The article</a> exaggerates slightly.  The user can distinguish the ads by
  a slight difference between two icons.
  


feed_id: fc07491678b94db91d1d5a1f48d5a270
title: Police called on man for attempting to deposit checks while black
uri: Police-called-on-man-for-attempting-to-deposit-checks-while-black
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Police_called_on_man_for_attempting_to_deposit_checks_while_black%29

content:
<p>
  *Police called on man for attempting to <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/24/police-called-on-man-for-attem.html">deposit checks while black</a..*


feed_id: 3ef7cbcc83bb121e80e85af2fae3ce27
title: Reinvent every industry for surveillance
uri: Reinvent-every-industry-for-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Reinvent_every_industry_for_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
  Warning!  What if they do "reinvent every industry" in the next 10 years?
<p>
  Change qua change is not necessarily bad.  But if this "reinvention"
  is done under a plutocratic regime, the plutocrats will make this an
  opportunity to give business more power to get away with mistreating
  customers, and more "flexibility" to tie workers' lives in knots.
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/25/peter-diamandis-future-faster-think-interview-ai-industry">The specific change that Diamandis yearns for would create a
  surveillance dystopia</a>.  People will say it is "impossible" to live
  without participating in those dis-services, but the first condition
  of participation will be "consenting" to be tracked.  Further
  conditions will control many aspects of people's lives -- for
  instance, requiring them to buy from particular allied companies, use
  certain products, not use certain other products, do exercise on command,
  or allow video and audio recording inside their homes.


feed_id: 5bf6c0c54dda909382ce7b2d1b7fdb71
title: Mining metals from the ocean floor
uri: Mining-metals-from-the-ocean-floor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Mining_metals_from_the_ocean_floor%29

content:
<p>
  Companies are rushing to mine metals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/25/race-for-seabed-threat-to-oceans">from the ocean floor</a>.
<p>
  This will increase pollution of the ocean and endanger the unusual
  species that live near the undersea volcanoes that deposit metals.
  


feed_id: 4f0c8f4ee2e6791fed6f1febad227b6b
title: Southern Peace Activists Help Soldiers Become Conscientious Objectors
uri: Southern-Peace-Activists-Help-Soldiers-Become-Conscientious-Objectors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Southern_Peace_Activists_Help_Soldiers_Become_Conscientious_Objectors%29

content:
<p>
  *Southern Peace Activists Help Soldiers Become <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/25/southern-peace-activists-help-soldiers-become-conscientious-objectors">Conscientious Objectors</a>.*


feed_id: 8a8e52df4fc870303ba6a2d9d137f67b
title: Calling for mobilizing to fight global heating
uri: Calling-for-mobilizing-to-fight-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Calling_for_mobilizing_to_fight_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
  Calling for mobilizing to fight global heating <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/24/forty-years-after-baby-beluga-heres-why-im-enlisting-war-world-iii-defeat-climate">as we mobilized to win
  World War II</a>.


feed_id: e012f70d1825b6164005e2e2ff44a95d
title: UK's approach for leading youth away from fanaticism
uri: UK-s-approach-for-leading-youth-away-from-fanaticism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28UK%27s_approach_for_leading_youth_away_from_fanacicism%29

content:
<p>
  The effective approach for leading youth away from fanaticism is a
  positive one, but the UK plans to step up the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/26/priti-patel-radicalised-youth-plan-so-flawed-its-mad">ineffective punitive approach</a>.
<p>
  On the other hand, the punitive approach will work great for scapegoating
  and boosting the right wing.
  


feed_id: 9a050ed19c8329a5984f87a18c5d95cb
title: Universities are now mere professional training
uri: Universities-are-now-mere-professional-training
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Universities_are_now_mere_professional_training%29

content:
<p>
  The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/26/no-history-no-languages-the-end-of-humanities-only-deepens-divides">commercial orientation of universities</a> tends to turn them into
  mere professional training.
<p>
  Increased pressure on young people, the big gap between the good jobs
  and the bad one, leads many of them to gladly focus everything on
  training for a job.  Some of the benefit that college used to bring
  about disappears.  Studying at home through proprietary software using
  rented textbooks, with little contact with other students let alone
  teachers, will eliminate another piece of it.
  


feed_id: 4befbb78e72429bacc9c3f5df1b2e37b
title: Mexico is now an immigration enforcer
uri: Mexico-is-now-an-immigration-enforcer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Mexico_is_now_an_immigration_enforcer%29

content:
<p>
  *'Mexico has become [the bully's] wall': how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/26/mexico-immigration-amlo-enforcement-trump">AMLO became an immigration enforcer</a>.*


feed_id: c917c36aa37983bdde148973e36798ec
title: Pacific Ocean’s rising acidity causes Dungeness crabs’ shells to dissolve
uri: Pacific-Ocean-s-rising-acidity-causes-Dungeness-crabs-shells-to-d
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Pacific_Ocean%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99s_rising_acidity_causes_Dungeness_crabs%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99_shells_to_dissolve%29

content:
<p>
  Pacific Ocean’s rising acidity causes Dungeness crabs’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/28/crabs-shells-dissolve-acidity-pacific-ocean">shells to dissolve</a>.
<p>
  Eventually all crustaceans and corals will be wiped out by the excess CO2
  in the water.
  


feed_id: 92de0bf84a0e81731400ca6ce5e5d5a4
title: Palestine vulnerable to Israeli annexation
uri: Palestine-vulnerable-to-Israeli-annexation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Palestine_vulnerable_to_Israeli_annexation%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/where-once-there-was-fury-palestinian-issue-now-stirs-up-apathy-in-region">Palestine has no allies</a> that will strongly resist Israeli
  annexation/occupation.</p>
<p>
  However, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/donald-trump-middle-east-peace-plan-israel-netanyahu-palestinians">no Arab country</a> showed support for the bully's annexation plan.</p>


feed_id: 74d78e70c53785230e34cd118a30566b
title: Urgent: Stop funding drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
uri: Urgent-Stop-funding-drilling-in-the-Arctic-National-Wildlife-Refuge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_funding__drilling_in_the_Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://action.defenders.org/site/R?i=znTVEVsAoWNw_dk6CBdPcA">call on U.S. banks</a> to cease funding drilling in the Arctic
    National Wildlife Refuge.
  </p><p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 448961b7984b288f8308b5a0aa85a7f3
title: Urgent: Abolish the Electoral College
uri: Urgent-Abolish-the-Electoral-College
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Abolish_the_Electoral_College%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://www.signherenow.org/petition/abolish-electoral-college/blue-future/">call for abolition</a> of the Electoral College.
  </p>
  <p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 6fd6e2c7848a2f6cd7ddaa9d15e91373
title: Americans in agreement about fossil fuels
uri: Americans-in-agreement-about-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Americans_in_agreement_about_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
85% of Americans 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/14/nearly-all-americans-want-get-fossil-fuels">want
a transition away from fossil fuels</a>.  The main disagreement is
about how fast.  Around 45% want to hurry.


feed_id: 491369fb3f361b9acccb4da1fe1dbb53
title: Safety and security threatened by conman
uri: Safety-and-security-threatened-by-conman
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Safety_and_security_threatened_by_conman%29

content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: *Trump Is an 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/14/making-america-dread-again-trump-unparalleled-threat-safety-and-security">Unparalleled
Threat to Safety and Security</a> [of every American].*


feed_id: 5b91c2f2b687b993e7b6f55784f50155
title: Comparing several meanings of "deep state"
uri: Comparing-several-meanings-of-deep-state
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Comparing_several_meanings_of_deep_state%29

content:
<p>
several meanings of "deep state" and 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/14/deep-state-does-not-mean-what-trump-thinks-it-means">whether
they relate to the US</a>.


feed_id: 89e6de1a6d40e77f25259775271ae591
title: Students call on law firm to #DropExxon
uri: Students-call-on-law-firm-to-DropExxon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Students_call_on_law_firm_to_DropExxon%29

content:
<p>

*Harvard Law School Students Disrupt Recruitment Event, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/16/harvard-law-school-students-disrupt-recruitment-event-calling-major-law-firm">Calling
on Major Law Firm to #DropExxon</a>.*


feed_id: b329fe081c548217fabdf6e034685b77
title: White House broke law by freezing Ukraine aid
uri: White-House-broke-law-by-freezing-Ukraine-aid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28White_House_broke_law_by_freezing_Ukraine_aid%29

content:
<p>
*Senate Urged to Convict Trump After GAO Says 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/16/senate-urged-convict-trump-after-gao-says-white-house-broke-law-freezing-ukraine-aid">White
House Broke Law by Freezing Ukraine Aid</a>.*


feed_id: 0fa19c09f040a82cb7443d59796b1f8e
title: Forest ash killing fish in Australia
uri: Forest-ash-killing-fish-in-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Forest_ash_killing_fish_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>
Forest ash washing into rivers in Australia are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/17/hundreds-of-thousands-of-fish-dead-in-nsw-as-bushfire-ash-washed-into-river">killing
fish</a>.  In some places they have killed <em>all</em> the fish.
<p>
Scientists say it could take decades for the river to recover, but
that projected recovery is not guaranteed.  In a decade or two, there
is likely to be another such fire every few years, so the rivers
will always be full of ash.
<p>
Or perhaps the minerals lost in the ash will stunt regrowth of forests
entirely.  Maybe there won't be enough plant life to produce much ash.


feed_id: 7bd210977e91712839cea7a8fc7e6004
title: Freedom of expression
uri: 2020-01-30-Freedom-of-expression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Freedom_of_expression%29
content:
<p>
*Stella Nyanzi, imprisoned in Uganda after writing poem about
president’s mother’s vagina, lambasts regime's "fear of writers".* She
has just been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/17/jailed-ugandan-activist-stella-nyanzi-wins-freedom-of-expression-award-oxfam-pen-international">given
a PEN award in the name of freedom of expression</a>.
<p>
I can imagine that that poem was rather insulting in tone.
The point is that freedom of expression includes the freedom
to offend people, even insult people.  We must not gag people
merely because we disagree with or resent what they say.


feed_id: a2e2c07133fe414f7f6cb00cf6725f06
title: Temporary ban on facial recognition in public
uri: Temporary-ban-on-facial-recognition-in-public
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Temporary_ban_on_facial_recognition_in_public%29

content:
<p>
*EU eyes 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/17/eu-eyes-temporary-ban-on-facial-recognition-in-public-places">temporary
ban on facial recognition in public places</a>.*
<p>
This could be a first step towards proceeding beyond the GDPR, which
are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">insufficient</a>.


feed_id: f70c8f8695a8c83576c7c4ef41b0c039
title: Palm oil deforestation
uri: 2020-01-30-Palm-oil-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Palm_oil_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/17/biggest-food-brands-failing-goals-to-banish-palm-oil-deforestation">Biggest
food brands</a> 'failing goals to banish palm oil deforestation'.*


feed_id: 6694814d9ced6c3fee4b1be1b490fe15
title: Honduran refugees blocked by Guatemala
uri: Honduran-refugees-blocked-by-Guatemala
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Honduran_refugees_blocked_by_Guatemala%29

content:
<p>
Guatemala is serving the US government by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/16/guatemala-migrants-us-agents-honduras">blocking
refugees from Honduras from trying to reach the US</a>.
<p>
Guatemala 
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guatemala#Coup_and_civil_war_(1954%E2%80%931996)">suffered
civil war for decades under a repressive governments that obeyed the
US</a>, and its citizens still try to flee the violence.


feed_id: 5488eebfabb0fbbff6398a263716f726
title: Dirt-digging efforts known to conman
uri: Dirt-digging-efforts-known-to-conman
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Dirt-digging_efforts_known_to_conman%29

content:
<p>
Lev Parnas said that his efforts to dig up dirt on Hunter Biden were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/15/lev-parnas-ukraine-donald-trump-rudy-giuliani">explicitly
known to the conman</a> &mdash; the two discussed them on the phone.
Barr, Bolton and Giuliani also knew.


feed_id: 86ca827e1858c45f6efe0c67fe05163d
title: More taxes for Millionaires
uri: More-taxes-for-Millionaires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28More_taxes_for_Millionaires%29
content:
<p>
*Millionaires like me should pay more taxes. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/millionaires-like-me-should-pay-more-taxes-giving-to-charity-is-a-fig-leaf">Giving to charity is a fig leaf</a>.*


feed_id: f441f51d5d85e8a364ffaff2d378e8ba
title: Oppression against criticism
uri: Oppression-against-criticism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Oppression_against_criticism%29
content:
<p>
Egypt's vicious military rulers jail people for the slightest criticism,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/24/threat-of-jail-shapes-egyptian-lives-nine-years-after-uprising">try to silence exiles by taking their relatives hostage</a>.

<p>
That regime has the full support of the US government.

<p>
I would not feel safe visiting Egypt; I urge everyone to stay away.


feed_id: 6fc6bb2595186877da6305fb1b8b6a01
title: Requiring businesses to accept cash
uri: Requiring-businesses-to-accept-cash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Requiring_businesses_to_accept_cash%29

content:
<p>
New York City now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/24/new-york-city-ban-cashless-businesses-discrimination">requires retail businesses to accept cash</a>.

<p>
It is true that rejecting cash discriminates against poor people who don’t
have a bank account or a credit card.  If you are not poor, that problem
may not affect you &mdash; <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">but your privacy is not safe</a>.


feed_id: 09b0adf19bb397b0a81dfef6eaa22ee6
title: Constitutional crisis
uri: Constitutional-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Constitutional_crisis%29
content:
<p>
Poland enters a constitutional crisis as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/24/declaration-of-war-polish-row-over-judicial-independence-escalates">the Supreme Court rejects the
legislature's attempt to punish judges at will</a>.


feed_id: b5725e7d50bde2ca974188506679474c
title: Lowering energy efficiency standards
uri: Lowering-energy-efficiency-standards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Lowering_energy_efficiency_standards%29

content:
<p>
Tories propose to reduce the UK's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jan/24/changes-building-regulations-less-energy-efficient">energy efficiency standards for new
buildings</a>.

<p>
Why would they do this?  To serve business, or course &mdash; but which and
how?  I suppose builders would spend less and profit more, but I am
surprised that the increased profit would pay for the sort of lobbying
needed to win this.


feed_id: f0ea930db0d5fc27a908cbf588a42aa4
title: Legal protection for Rohingya
uri: Legal-protection-for-Rohingya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Legal_protection_for_Rohingya%29
content:
<p>
*The persecuted Rohingya now have legal protection, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/rohingya-legal-protection-icj-ruling-myanmar">but will it amount to
anything</a>?*


feed_id: 86e32e92c106eaaebd6e1c5050a994b0
title: Deaf justice
uri: Deaf-justice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Deaf_justice%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/justice-roberts-sternly-admonishes-impeachment-particip-1841162643">satire</a>) "As you address members
   of this deliberative body, please bear in mind that nothing you say or
   do will have any effect on the completely predetermined outcome of
   these proceedings," said Chief Justice Roberts to the senators.


feed_id: aabb3f40ca3768cf6787108d18a6e200
title: Inaugural committee
uri: Inaugural-committee
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Inaugural_committee%29
content:
<p>
There is evidence that the conman's inaugural committee <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/22/where-oh-where-did-trump-inaugural-money-go">gave some of its funds
to the conman's own business</a>.


feed_id: 8c06d9c7ebb9299a685875ec12e786b4
title: Material Consumption
uri: Material-Consumption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Material_Consumption%29
content:
<p>
*Humanity Risking 'Global Disaster' as <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/22/humanity-risking-global-disaster-material-consumption-passes-100-billion-tons">Material Consumption Passes 100 Billion
Tons Annually</a>.*


feed_id: adad96adf1a82bdcc819e0d086bfa483
title: Toxic water
uri: Toxic-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Toxic_water%29
content:
<p>
The EPA's new Dirty Water Rule aims to give some lucky Americans once
again <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/22/trump-administration-announces-its-scheme-make-americas-waters-burn-again">the chance to see a river catch fire</a>.
  However, the most common result will be toxic drinking water.


feed_id: 3c927132ac5d4843540905e21f63a4d4
title: Comcast support
uri: Comcast-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Comcast_support%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-comcast-bundle-deal-includes-24-7-live-in-technical-1841184115">satire</a>) *In response to ongoing complaints of unexpected outages and
   subpar customer service response times, cable provider Comcast debuted
   a new bundle deal Thursday that includes 24/7 live-in technical
   support.*


feed_id: 98fdcdb32d6a480beb8978947f66f04d
title: Cut in funds for Medicare
uri: Cut-in-funds-for-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Cut_in_funds_for_Medicare%29
content:
<p>
The bully admitted his plan <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/23/he-gave-away-game-doctors-condemn-trump-threat-slash-medicare-funding">to cut funds for Medicare</a>.


feed_id: 17d8265a77bc2ddd480a8451c1629bdb
title: 100 seconds to midnight
uri: 100-seconds-to-midnight
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28100_seconds_to_midnight%29
content:
<p>
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has set the "doomsday clock" at 100
seconds to midnight, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/23/most-dangerous-situation-humanity-has-ever-faced-doomsday-clock-now-100-seconds">representing the dangers of global heating,
pollution and resource exhaustion as well as possible nuclear war</a>.


feed_id: 7b48108197fa5ff0d1aa2e8a91a74524
title: Current political landscape in Venezuela
uri: Current-political-landscape-in-Venezuela
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Current_political_landscape_in_Venezuela%29

content:
<p>
Venezuela's coup-supporting opposition has been thwarted, and visible
US support has driven Venezuelans away from it.  Now the political
division <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/23/juan-guaido-regime-change-venezuela-chavismo-maduro">is between supporters of Chavismo and Maduro, and supporters
of reforming Chavismo to move on from Maduro</a>.


feed_id: 1a422d98ac11ec666a90510999c296d7
title: Failing to identify smugglers
uri: Failing-to-identify-smugglers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#30_January_2020_%28Failing_to_identify_smugglers%29
content:
<p>
Italy's efforts to prosecute people-smugglers have gone astray.  They
concentrate on the boat drivers, who are usually migrants conscripted
into that job, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/23/italys-anti-trafficking-tactics-fail-again-as-eritreans-released">and can't get evidence to identify the real smugglers,
who stay in Africa</a>.


feed_id: 33227af3522fe6c3362014b79e83f7a6
title: Police called on man for attempting to deposit checks while black
uri: 2020-01-30-Police-called-on-man-for-attempting-to-deposit-checks-while-black
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#29_January_2020_%28Police_called_on_man_for_attempting_to_deposit_checks_while_black%29

content:
<p>
  *Police called on man for attempting to <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/24/police-called-on-man-for-attem.html">deposit checks while black</a>.*


feed_id: 1e34c20dd270e68e2cbcac74373239b3
title: Joys of neglecting a child
uri: Joys-of-neglecting-a-child
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Joys_of_neglecting_a_child%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-makes-powerful-pro-life-case-by-speaking-about-th-1841205766">satire</a>) *[The bully] Makes Powerful Pro-Life Case By Speaking About The Joys Of
Neglecting A Child.*


feed_id: 415adb0160d013e5ddea7082b57a0e43
title: Asked to leave
uri: Asked-to-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Asked_to_leave%29
content:
<p>
*Over 200,000 Iraqis protested against the U.S. military presence in
   their country on Friday, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/24/iraq-iraqis-hundreds-thousands-flood-streets-baghdad-demand-us-military-leave">demanding American forces leave</a>.*

<p>
The US forces should leave.  They are not doing Iraqis any good, now.
Having betrayed the Syrian Kurds, they cannot be very effective
against <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  The Iraqi Army could not face PISSI in 2014, but maybe
it has learned how to do so.


feed_id: 44e3abfa21aa646907cc7a6a5578e68c
title: Face recognition systems on streets
uri: Face-recognition-systems-on-streets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Face_recognition_systems_on_streets%29

content:
<p>
London thugs will set up face recognition systems on streets, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/24/breathtaking-assault-our-rights-privacy-advocates-decry-london-police-plan-use-live">to check
the face of each person that passes by</a>.

<p>
They say that each system will have a specific list of suspects' faces
to look for.  However, today's face recognition systems are
inaccurate.  If a suspect in the list is black, the system is likely
to trigger on other blacks who resemble the suspect.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> will
stop them and identify them, and determine that they are not that
suspect.  This does <em>not</em> imply they will be allowed to proceed down
the street.  They could be searched, arrested, whatever.

<p>
In effect, these systems can provide an excuse to stop large numbers
of people "for cause".

<p>
It doesn't go all the way to China, but it takes a big step in that
direction.


feed_id: b303e1ff988113570e9ec937056deab0
title: Davos ignores climate activists' demands
uri: Davos-ignores-climate-activists-demands
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Davos_ignores_climate_activists%27_demands%29

content:
<p>
*Greta Thunberg: Davos leaders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/24/greta-thunberg-davos-leaders-ignored-climate-activists-demands">ignored climate activists' demands</a>.*


feed_id: a89d0116b8b6b687fc8b05aae077b224
title: Misrepresenting Medicare for All
uri: Misrepresenting-Medicare-for-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Misrepresenting_Medicare_for_All%29

content:
<p>
Biden and Buttigieg keep misrepresenting Medicare for All in order to
attack it.  This goes well beyond a mere difference of opinion: <a href="https://rootsaction.org/news-a-views/2139-we-want-medicare-for-all-not-healthcare-profiteering-for-the-fewO">it is
dishonest, and makes them unfit to be president</a>.

<p>
Sanders or Warren for president!


feed_id: 46870cc336b9245dcc0a008f221e0abc
title: Training Kindergarten
uri: Training-Kindergarten
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Training_Kindergarten%29
content:
<p>
Kindergarten in the US (at least in some places) has been converted
into rigorous training that most children can't handle, <a href="https://letgrow.org/the-problem-with-kindergarten/">and teachers
can't bear to make them suffer</a>.

<p>
The article talks about "standards" that require this.  I am curious
where those standards come from.  If from government, is it the US
government, some state governments, some cities, what?


feed_id: b497c19f5bb332130917e0b3c077ee55
title: Racist censorship against books
uri: Racist-censorship-against-books
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Racist_censorship_against_books%29

content:
<p>
The campaign for racist censorship has launched a new battle, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/24/publishers-defend-american-dirt-claims-cultural-appropriation-jeanine-cummins-oprah">targeting
a book about Hispanics that live near the US-Mexico border, written by
someone who is basically a gringo</a>.

<p>
We must reject any attempt to claim that someone has no right to write
about a certain subject.  However, if the book repeats stereotypes,
that is a valid criticism of it.  And it is entirely legitimate to
criticize publishers and demand that they publish and promote the
writing of Hispanics that live near the US-Mexico border.

<p>
Please don't buy this (or any) book <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">from Amazon</a>.
  For your freedom's sake, always pay cash for books, and without
identifying yourself.  And never accept <a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">commercial e-books</a>
           that <a href="https://DefectiveByDesign.org">impose DRM</a>,
  surveillance, or an antisocial contract that forbids sharing copies.


feed_id: 102cbc929d7b9694642754d05192b27d
title: War on journalism
uri: War-on-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28War_on_journalism%29
content:
<p>
*The Assange Precedent: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/24/assange-precedent-spark-lit-fire-war-journalism">The Spark That Lit the Fire in the War on Journalism</a>.*


feed_id: fb61c77d8a686fa4712aa658997d4d8b
title: Blaming forest protection for wildfires
uri: Blaming-forest-protection-for-wildfires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Blaming_forest_protection_for_wildfires%29

content:
<p>
*Emails show Trump and appointees tried to craft a narrative
   <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/24/trump-administration-wildfire-science-promote-logging-california-emissions">that forest protection efforts are responsible for wildfires</a>.*


feed_id: bc9f618cbe6eb35e5af6181926aced45
title: More frequent floods and storms
uri: More-frequent-floods-and-storms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28More_frequent_floods_and_storms%29

content:
<p>
*Frequency of intense floods and storms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/24/climate-crisis-study-flood-storm-study">could double in 13 years, says study</a>.*

<p>
Floods have caused <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/24/food-prices-shot-up-floods-spark-a-scramble-for-survival-in-east-africa">a food shortage in East Africa</a>.


feed_id: 2e582a08e4851ed2100d4ff7f14130b8
title: The real issue of representation
uri: The-real-issue-of-representation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28The_real_issue_of_representation%29

content:
<p>
*The real issue of 'representation' isn’t that there aren’t enough
powerful women. It’s that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/hillary-clinton-feminist-icon-jessa-crispin">what is represented as feminism is
actually corporatism</a>.*

<p>
I've long had the feeling that focusing on how many women are
executives of large companies is a distraction from the issues that
affect the lives of millions of non-rich women for whom a steady
9-to-5 job would be a dream.


feed_id: 0b91c91f8b1112d561221046de391db7
title: Political unrest
uri: Political-unrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Political_unrest%29
content:
<p>
*Most political unrest has one big root cause: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/most-political-unrest-has-one-big-root-cause-soaring-inequality">soaring inequality</a>.*


feed_id: cfa4fbfb1c03378914446399a4425feb
title: Keeping the heat on king
uri: Keeping-the-heat-on-king
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Keeping_the_heat_on_king%29
content:
<p>
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/24/agnes-callamard-unflinching-un-official-taking-on-saudi-crown-prince">is keeping the heat on Salafi Arabia's
acting king</a>.


feed_id: 4d4e04ed4327f47f1e51cf8d90205132
title: Standard phone chargers
uri: Standard-phone-chargers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Standard_phone_chargers%29
content:
<p>
The EU is pushing to standardize the connectors on phone chargers.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/apple-dongles-eu-electronic-waste-pollution">Apple is fighting this</a>.


feed_id: 6f23bbdf572f611077627c6a958801ad
title: Secret DNA damaging ingredients
uri: Secret-DNA-damaging-ingredients
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#31_January_2020_%28Secret_DNA_damaging_ingredients%29

content:
<p>
An experiment concluded that glyphosate-containing pesticides  damage
human DNA, but pure glyphosate does not.  They attribute the damage
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/23/formulations-glyphosate-based-weedkillers-toxic-tests">to the presence of secret secondary ingredients</a>.

<p>
A Monsanto scientist was aware of this as far back as 2002.

<p>
I conclude that all pesticide should be sold with full disclosure of
chemicals included.  If the manufacturers complain about not having
trade secrets, the proper reply is "Tough!  People's lives are at
stake."


feed_id: 1c70da42fdcd04eae7265ca12783baeb
title: Urgent: Reject face recognition at universities
uri: Urgent-Reject-face-recognition-at-universities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#1_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_face_recognition_at_universities%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on your (present or former) university to
<a href="https://www.banfacialrecognition.com/campus/">reject face
recognition</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: c6f12c3daf7747634e91fd9ac639f4f5
title: Urgent: Voting Rights Advancement Act
uri: 2020-02-02-Urgent-Voting-Rights-Advancement-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#1_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Voting_Rights_Advancement_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-we-must-act-immediately-to-protect-the-right-to-vote-for-everyone?nowrapper=true">call
on the Senate</a> to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act.
<p>
This would undo some of the damage that the Supreme Court did to the
Voting Rights Act, thus launching the modern era of voter suppression.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: af4fec0fe07de0aff06357a55f80eab3
title: Urgent: Avoid helping thugs harass immigrants
uri: Urgent-Avoid-helping-thugs-harass-immigrants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#1_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Avoid_helping_thugs_harass_immigrants%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/massachusetts-failing-its-immigrant-communities-tell-lawmakers-do-something-about-it">call
on Massachusetts state legislators</a> to pass a law to avoid helping
the deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> harass immigrants
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: c1957a3f568cda5ec1a122c86593f07e
title: Urgent: Remove press restrictions
uri: Urgent-Remove-press-restrictions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#1_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Remove_press_restrictions%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/senate-impeachment-trial-press/">call
on senators</a> to remove press restrictions in the impeachment trial
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 8ec031df076069bb0544818eb8963b44
title: Lobby firm and coups
uri: Lobby-firm-and-coups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Lobby_firm_and_coups%29
content:
<p>
*Interim Bolivian Government <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/26/bolivia-evo-morales-honduras-coup-lobby-pr/">Taps the Same Lobby Firm Hired to Sell
 the Coup in Honduras</a>.*


feed_id: e7690e4bcd86016411e9a58ab5ff3e00
title: Computer crime accusations against reporters and activists
uri: Computer-crime-accusations-against-reporters-and-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Computer_crime_accusations_against_reporters_and_activists%29

content:
<p>
EFF: The charges against Glenn Greenwald, for reporting on corruption
in the Brazilian prosecution of Lula, are an example of a dangerous
practice: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/26/when-computer-crimes-are-used-silence-journalists">stretching vague "computer crime" laws to attack the
reporters and activists</a>.

The same was done <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#17_January_2013_(Persecution_of_Aaron_Swartz)">to Aaron Swartz</a>.


feed_id: b9a3855e961c291fe2a492828ba5cb34
title: Denial expressions
uri: Denial-expressions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Denial_expressions%29
content:
<p>
The expression "playing the race card" is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/16/playing-the-race-card-racism-black-experience">the racists' excuse to bury the
issue of racism</a>.

<p>
For burying the issue of gender bias, the expression is "You must be a
feminist."  Meanwhile, the supporters of plutocracy say you are
"trying to start a class war" if you talk about their War for Poverty.


feed_id: 7c9d0e11ab0e70abaed5643574cf0355
title: Vampire flower endangered
uri: Vampire-flower-endangered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Vampire_flower_endangered%29
content:
<p>
The giant vampire flower of Sumatra <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/14/massive-and-malodorous-worlds-biggest-flower-found">is endangered due to habitat
destruction, and needs protection</a>.

<p>
Don't worry, it can't attack people.  It only sucks sap from plants,
as mistletoe does.


feed_id: 1e08c026150679928398596818e1c163
title: Sanders and Iran deal
uri: Sanders-and-Iran-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Sanders_and_Iran_deal%29
content:
<p>
*Bernie Sanders’s Lonely 2017 Battle <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/14/bernie-sanders-iran-sanctions/">to Stop Iran Sanctions and Save
 the Nuclear Deal</a>.*


feed_id: c8dc9459e0e98299374a3862509babb2
title: Human rights defenders murdered
uri: Human-rights-defenders-murdered
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Human_rights_defenders_murdered%29

content:
<p>
Over 100 human rights defenders in Colombia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/14/un-staggering-number-activists-killed-colombia">were murdered in 2019</a>.
  Likewise in 2018, and it hasn't slowed down this year.

<p>
When the article refers to the government's "military-focused
response", I suspect that really means <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-mar-jun.html#25_April_2011_(Columbia_Paramilitaries)">the paramilitares, Colombia's
unofficially state-sponsored terrorist group</a>.


feed_id: 2028dd4c132c0309b70cba51c73a6ec1
title: Pompeo about Yovanovitch
uri: Pompeo-about-Yovanovitch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Pompeo_about_Yovanovitch%29
content:
<p>
Pompeo blew his top in an NPR interview <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/24/mike-pompeo-ukraine-npr-rant">in response to questions about
Ambassador Yovanovitch</a>.


feed_id: 561b4ec3005d4be4ad6e3db043b1816a
title: TV shows
uri: TV-shows
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28TV_shows%29
content:
<p>
*TV shows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jan/25/law-and-disorder-how-shows-cloud-the-public-view-of-criminal-justice">erase racism, normalize police misconduct and leave women and
 [racially disprivileged people] of the creative process</a>, study finds.*


feed_id: c0f24aaf3ffdf4edefb1dc349428e251
title: The Base exposed
uri: The-Base-exposed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28The_Base_exposed%29
content:
<p>
The American Nazi terrorist organization, "the Base", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/25/inside-the-base-neo-nazi-terror-group">has been exposed
by leaks, and some of its members arrested</a>.


feed_id: e9b938dba8586fc8eb23e17d13474b04
title: Reintroduction of wolves
uri: Reintroduction-of-wolves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Reintroduction_of_wolves%29
content:
<p>
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has enabled
the willows, aspens, eagles, songbirds, beavers, foxes and badgers to
recover.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/25/yellowstone-wolf-project-25th-anniversary">The elk, deer and coyotes are now kept in check</a>.


feed_id: 82f00df33ecc51b5ec417ff151705212
title: Torture against protesters
uri: Torture-against-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Torture_against_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Lebanese protesters <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/25/lebanon-protests-torture/">accuse thugs of torturing protesters</a>.


feed_id: 532ff0fb9569eff7e0eaa1809df7619b
title: Illegal gold mining to cacao farming
uri: Illegal-gold-mining-to-cacao-farming
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Illegal_gold_mining_to_cacao_farming%29

content:
<p>
An effort to replace illegal gold mining <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/25/cacao-not-gold-chocolate-trees-offer-future-to-amazon-tribes-aoe">with cacao farming in
the Yanomami reservation at the North of Brazil</a>.


feed_id: a98dba9900abd26f6d4901c683dd7b20
title: Deporting against evidences
uri: Deporting-against-evidences
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Deporting_against_evidences%29
content:
<p>
The US wants to deport Omar Ameen to Iraq, where he would probably be killed,
accusing him of having committed murder there for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  In fact, it has good
evidence that he was a refugee in Turkey at the time, <a href="https://reason.com/2020/01/22/the-trump-administration-wants-to-deport-an-iraqi-refugee-for-being-an-isis-terrorist-the-only-problem-hes-not/">but it is keeping this
secret in the name of "national security"</a>.


feed_id: 3705713704a101d8adea9f37a1aa6f05
title: Parents naked at home
uri: Parents-naked-at-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Parents_naked_at_home%29
content:
<p>
Seeing their parents occasionally naked at home <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/23/being-naked-around-your-own-kids-good-for-them-consent">seems to be good for children
in many ways</a>.


feed_id: 837f7a9111a0224483486aeb42349d8e
title: Suspicions on coronavirus
uri: Suspicions-on-coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#3_February_2020_%28Suspicions_on_coronavirus%29
content:
<p>
There are suspicions that China suppressed information about the
coronavirus epidemic in Wuhan <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/01/23/798789671/chinese-authorities-begin-quarantine-of-wuhan-city-as-coronavirus-cases-multiply">until too late to contain it there</a>.

<p>
On the other hand, as long as the epidemic was small, quarantining an entire
city may have been politically impossible even in China.


feed_id: 6572b4c34b667a47a83af36f16ce6e09
title: Rejecting fossil fuel ads
uri: Rejecting-fossil-fuel-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Rejecting_fossil_fuel_ads%29
content:
<p>
The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jan/29/guardian-to-ban-advertising-from-fossil-fuel-firms-climate-crisis">will reject advertising from fossil fuel extraction companies</a>.


feed_id: 71ce4d46853ef86bcef7e49198745a14
title: Only if you're rich
uri: Only-if-you-re-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Only_if_you%27re_rich%29
content:
<p>
The Supreme Court has approved the bully's scheme <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/28/immigrants-residency-benefits-ruling-supreme-court-trump-policy">to block non-rich
people from immigrating</a>.


feed_id: 8b86a40a08ff07a4c5f9f3cbf62e9ca9
title: Not paying for religious education
uri: Not-paying-for-religious-education
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Not_paying_for_religious_education%29

content:
<p>
*Who Will Protect <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/25/who-will-protect-my-right-not-pay-your-childs-religious-education">My Right NOT to Pay for Your Child’s Religious Education</a>?*


feed_id: bf13c5d7264352d56f44ff659380d63f
title: Decriminalization of sex work
uri: 2020-02-04-Decriminalization-of-sex-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Decriminalization_of_sex_work%29
content:
<p>
Decriminalization of sex work in New Zealand <a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-trafficking-and-slavery/decriminalise-sex-work-prevent-trafficking-and-abuse/">has protected prostitutes
from violence from all sides</a>.
  This makes it safer to continue doing sex work.  Paradoxically, it
has also removed an obstacle that hampered moving out of sex work.
The organized sex workers have overcame efforts to criminalize their
clients.


feed_id: 373ddeb19286ef85443d68c4505d2b5a
title: For-profit healthcare
uri: For-profit-healthcare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28For-profit_healthcare%29
content:
<p>
*The for-profit U.S. healthcare system is so broken that a growing
   number of people who are fortunate enough to have private insurance
   coverage are still unable to afford doctor visits and other essential
   services due to soaring costs &mdash; leaving <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/27/medicare-all-what-patients-need-new-harvard-study-shows-even-those-private-insurance">a larger [fraction] of Americans with
   unmet medical needs today than there were two decades ago</a>.*

<p>
The article says "larger number", but lest you think that simply reflects
the increase in population, here we see that the fraction has increased too.

<blockquote>
The share of adults aged 18-64 who were
unable to afford to see a doctor rose by nearly a third—-from 11% to
nearly 16%—-between 1998 and 2017.
</blockquote>


feed_id: 6ac1916a99e1720010884a96793817fb
title: Ending worldwide starvation
uri: Ending-worldwide-starvation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Ending_worldwide_starvation%29
content:
<p>
3% of the current US military budget <a href="https://worldbeyondwar.org/3percent/">could pay to end starvation for
human beings worldwide</a>.


feed_id: 61c8b00e0282841fdf0e2be9c66d4f97
title: Hinduismists and cast prejudice
uri: Hinduismists-and-cast-prejudice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Hinduismists_and_cast_prejudice%29

content:
<p>
Modi's right-wing religious nationalist party, the BJP, is trying to
pass itself as the heirs of Dr Ambedkar, <a href="https://time.com/5770511/india-protests-br-ambedkar/">even though it is the enemy
of everything he fought for except small details</a>.


<p>
The BJP is a Hinduismist party (Hinduismists are to Hinduism as
Islamists are to Islam).  Caste prejudice <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Prejudice_against_Dalits)">is deeply rooted in Hinduism</a>
  so Hinduismists cannot help perpetuating caste prejudice.

<p>
<a href="https://thepolisproject.com/indias-upper-caste-hindu-dominance-risks-a-civil-war-that-will-outlast-the-modi-regime/">India has little traditional of liberalism</a> &mdash; that is, championing
freedom to disagree peacefully and to advocate different views.


feed_id: 7deb72584cfabeeaa495afcb483d4fd0
title: War with whoever
uri: War-with-whoever
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28War_with_whoever%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/mike-pompeo-there-is-overwhelming-and-undeniable-evid-1841262653">satire</a>) *Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated Monday that the United
   States has overwhelming and undeniable evidence to support going to war
   with whoever.*


feed_id: 5e1a1c087fd71d413042c91451f9276c
title: Kleptocracy
uri: 2020-02-04-Kleptocracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Kleptocracy%29
content:
<p>
*"Like a Kleptocracy": Investigation Details <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/27/kleptocracy-investigation-details-how-gop-lawmakers-cashed-trump-tax-cuts">How [Republican]
Lawmakers Cashed In on [the conman's] Tax Cuts</a>.*


feed_id: ebf891fb40c8ff9fc6f9ca0d1cf9873d
title: Surveillance Capitalism
uri: Surveillance-Capitalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Surveillance_Capitalism%29
content:
<p>
Byung-Chul Han contended in 2018 that the digital surveillance society
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/dec/30/psychopolitics-neolberalism-new-technologies-byung-chul-han-review">seduces people into building their own panopticon</a>.

<p>
If you want to buy his book, or any book, make sure you cannot be identified
as the purchaser.  And <a href="media/d0d5800c.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/articles/ebooks.pdf">don't accept an e-book if it tramples your freedom</a>.

<p>
In a reversal of <a href="https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/02/22/rope">what 19th-century socialists believed</a>,
 surveillance capitalists sells citizens the rope to tie themselves up in.

<p>
In 2019, Shoshana Zuboff described the system of surveillance capitalism.
She explained <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/24/opinion/sunday/surveillance-capitalism.html">how this new system of tyranny functions and how it developed</a>.

<p>
But what do we do about this?

<p>
The first part of the solution is free software &mdash; we users can make sure
it doesn't spy on us.  But that addresses only the programs we run on our
own programmable computers.  To go beyond that, we need <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">laws to prohibit
systems from collecting people's personal data</a>.

<p>
Don't fall for foolish substitutes that wouldn't fix the problem, such
as the idea that "you should own your own data".   People would
sell the use of that data for a pittance, if they don't see a path towards
truly changing the surveillance society.


feed_id: b7668106d27e55de692733ce4dfc26b9
title: Cheap generics drug company
uri: Cheap-generics-drug-company
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Cheap_generics_drug_company%29
content:
<p>
*Sick of Big Pharma’s pricing, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/sick-of-big-pharmas-pricing-health-insurers-pledge-55m-for-cheap-generics/">health insurers pledge $55M for cheap generics</a>.*

<p>
Creating a drug company with other motives aside from profit is a good
thing to do.  Its competition could hold back other companies from
gouging.  However, there is a danger that the other companies could
get out of that business or merge.  That could lead to even less
competition.

<p>
I hope the founders have taken very firm measures to prevent this
company from being co-opted later and turned into a monopolistic
super-gouger.


feed_id: aed88bc74fdf384ef0775649e370cd3a
title: Paid protesters
uri: 2020-02-04-Paid-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Paid_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, facing possible extradition to the US,
got support from protesters at the court house.  One of the protesters
said <a href="https://thebreaker.news/news/paid-protest-meng/">he was paid to appear and had been told it was for a music video</a>.

<p>
It's not only Chinese businesses that do this sort of thing.  Not long
ago, Senator Warren spoke to a group of black voters and met with a
protest organized (though they didn't publicly say so) by an
organization that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_(Warren_and_black_women)">campaigns for charter schools</a>.
  I suspect that organization is funded somehow by businesses that
extract money from charter schools.


feed_id: 820c4ee19b74c83102c4527928e28bc1
title: Propaganda prohibition
uri: Propaganda-prohibition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Propaganda_prohibition%29
content:
<p>
The UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/14/home-office-proposes-offence-of-possessing-terrorist-propaganda">wants to prohibit "possession of terrorist
propaganda"</a>.

<p>
The UK is already taking a stab <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_January_2020_(Perceived_threat)">at labeling Extinction Rebellion and
Greenpeace as violent extremists</a>.
       Prohibition of their publications would be only a few more
steps further down this path.

<p>
Furthermore, prohibiting the possession of some kind of writings or art,
no matter what kind, puts people in danger.


feed_id: 2e308440436f609f0827b712b4a26bdb
title: Misguided assumptions about race
uri: Misguided-assumptions-about-race
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Misguided_assumptions_about_race%29

content:
<p>
*   Misguided assumptions about race are going mainstream, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/26/fight-racism-using-science-race-genetics-bigotry-african-americans-sport-linnaeus">but hard facts
   can help you combat entrenched attitudes</a>.*

<p>
In particular, one can't deduce anything about large groups of people
from the few who are so atypical as to be finalists in an Olympic sport.


feed_id: b8297d5672cf3ba9eac83875e5403efc
title: Discussions about Yovanovitch
uri: Discussions-about-Yovanovitch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Discussions_about_Yovanovitch%29
content:
<p>
A video recording shows that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/26/video-appears-to-show-trump-ordering-marie-yovanovitch-removal-ukraine-ambassador">the bully discussed dismissing Ambassador
Yovanovitch with Lev Parnas in 2018</a>.

<p>
This refutes several of his lies.  It may challenge some Republicans' capacity
for blackwhiting.

<p>
(The term "blackwhiting" comes from the book, 1984, where it meant
telling lies even though they are obviously false.)


feed_id: 01dc82893c515ef2f1392b48c4590a0e
title: 2020 Democratic Convention Committee nominees
uri: 2020-Democratic-Convention-Committee-nominees
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%282020_Democratic_Convention_Committee_nominees%29

content:
<p>
*Tom Perez Stacks 2020 Convention Committees With
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/27/tom-perez-stacks-2020-convention-committees-swamp-nominations">"From
the Swamp" Nominations</a>.*
<p>
Some of them have
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/26/whos-who-people-against-progressive-agenda-dncs-perez-under-fire-convention">lobbied
specifically against progressive policies</a>.
<p>
In one simple image:
<a href="media/4c0a0816.KNGsrSo.jpg" data-original-source="https://i.imgur.com/KNGsrSo.jpg">https://i.imgur.com/KNGsrSo.jpg</a>


feed_id: a2fc7fa7f79e3ac81571ad9133918c23
title: Criticism of Israel's occupation policies
uri: Criticism-of-Israel-s-occupation-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Criticism_of_Israels_occupation_policies%29

content:
<p>
*In the topsy-turvy world of
<a href="https://www.972mag.com/court-outlaw-moral-opposition/">Israel's
High Court</a>, international law is nothing more than a disguise to
delegitimize the state and its settlements.*
<p>
The court equated condemnation of Israel's policies with
"delegitimization of Israel".  Then the overbroad definition of
antisemitism
(<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#19_March_2019_(Alleged_antisemitism)">the
same one used to demonize the UK Labour Party</a>) equates that to
"antisemitism".  Thus demonstrating how to relabel criticism of
occupation policies as "antisemitism" in two easy leaps.


feed_id: a0405e80924326e87957b412c3f55a7b
title: Global heating
uri: 2020-02-05-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> effects, and their ecological ricochet effects,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/jan/22/new-zealand-has-been-a-life-raft-for-unique-species-now-they-must-adapt-or-die">threaten
to wipe out many of New Zealand's unique wildlife</a>.
<p>
One species, the cobble skink, survives only in a zoo.  There is no
longer any place it can live in he wild.
<p>
Such conservation efforts could go on for centuries, provided society
continues to maintain the interest, the wealth, and the organization
to carry it out.  But those are likely to disappear as the crunch gets
harder.  In 50 years, will society still be able to carry out such
efforts in he midst
of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#13_November_2018_(Fermi_Paradox)">calamities</a>
such as starvation, fire, and migration war?


feed_id: 022d76d409f8b0c1b7c7accb31ccdddc
title: Salafi Arabia and Bezos's phone
uri: Salafi-Arabia-and-Bezos-s-phone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Salafi_Arabia_and_Bezoss_phone%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/22/jeff-bezos-un-calls-for-investigation-into-alleged-saudi-hack">appears
to have cracked Bezos's phone and installed spyware</a>.  UN special
rapporteurs call for an investigation.
<p>
If it were only a matter of justice for Bezos, we could call this
crack poetic justice for Alexa.  Morally there is little difference
between inserting spyware in a product after sale and building it in
before sale.
<p>
But Bezos is not the only person whose rights matter, and Salafi
Arabia's doing wrong to Bezos will not protect the public from
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">the wrongs Amazon does</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> has committed far worse crimes:
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_September_2017_(Women_in_Salafi_Arabia)">repression
of women</a>, diffusion of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#23_April_2016_(Islamic_law)">fanatical
Salafi Islam</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#15_August_2019_(Courage_of_feminist_Loujain_al-Hathloul)">torture</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_October_2019_(Getting_away_with_Jamal_Khashoggi_murder)">murder</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#9_March_2018_(Executions_in_Salafi_Arabia)">executions</a>,
and the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#25_August_2017_(Bombing_Yemen)">war
of aggression in Yemen</a>.


feed_id: 641df5deb8905778c8d0d9d4113efd98
title: Erdoğan's party trying to punish rape victims
uri: Erdoğan-s-party-trying-to-punish-rape-victims
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Erdogans_party_trying_to_punish_rape_victims%29

content:
<p>
Erdoğan's right-wing party is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/23/turkish-activists-oppose-amnesties-for-child-rapists">trying
to punish rape victims by making them marry the rapists</a>.
<p>
Several Islamic countries have such laws and have had them for a long
time.


feed_id: 28ce36b8cd0c831e2135d06d09da2945
title: Conviction of violent right-wing fanatic
uri: Conviction-of-violent-right-wing-fanatic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Conviction_of_violent_right-wing_fanatic%29

content:
<p>
The right-wing fanatic that attacked reported Owen Jones has been
convicted.  He writes that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/23/what-my-attackers-conviction-taught-me-about-far-right">the
UK has not figured out a way of sentencing fanatics that will deter or
avoid future violence</a>.


feed_id: 0ec24d0b33c157531c10e2a704b50c9a
title: Qatar laws that trap workers
uri: Qatar-laws-that-trap-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Qatar_laws_that_trap_workers%29
content:
<p>
Qatar will make an improvement in the laws that now effectively trap
foreign workers in the country, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/23/qatar-eases-exit-permit-rules-but-concerns-linger-over-abuse-of-domestic-workers">a
new requirement might have almost the same effect</a> as the
requirement being eliminated.


feed_id: 3a8c949734a67c55a05ad8157e523104
title: Encouraging women to go unveiled if they wish
uri: Encouraging-women-to-go-unveiled-if-they-wish
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Encouraging_women_to_go_unveiled_if_they_wish%29

content:
<p>
A campaign in Rajasthan aims to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/23/rajasthans-women-encouraged-to-remove-veil-in-state-campaign">make
it acceptable for women not to cover their faces in public</a>.
<p>
I am in favor of encouraging women to go unveiled if they wish.
However, I worry that requiring them to unveil in order to vote could
have the harmful effect of discouraging them from voting.


feed_id: 7e9baac4903bbe48063215624a88b860
title: Republicans push to weaken Pennsylvania Supreme Court
uri: Republicans-push-to-weaken-Pennsylvania-Supreme-Court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#4_February_2020_%28Republicans_push_to_weaken_Pennsylvania_Supreme_Court%29

content:
<p>
*Republicans
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/23/republican-election-rigging-court-push-to-weaken">push
to weaken court that caught them rigging elections</a>.*
<p>
In effect, they plan to gerrymander the election of the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court.


feed_id: 15d142d702423168ed49c3211161ed3e
title: Covering up danger of coronavirus
uri: Covering-up-danger-of-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Covering_up_danger_of_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
Chinese local officials endangered the whole world (starting with
China) by covering up the danger of the new coronavirus for a few
weeks.  To avoid public attention <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/31/help-or-hindrance-how-chinese-politics-affected-coronavirus-response">required skipping crucial
precautions that would have revealed the danger of the disease</a>.


feed_id: d4b12072519917d8ca87ea37064e0294
title: The problem with face recognition
uri: The-problem-with-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28The_problem_with_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Bruce Schneier is mistaken in claiming that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/20/opinion/facial-recognition-ban-privacy.html">there is no important
difference between face recognition and other kinds of surveillance
systems</a>.

<p>
The error starts in the article's first line: "The whole point of
modern surveillance is to treat people differently," referring
specifically to commerce.  That is only one of the points of modern
surveillance: repression of dissidents, whistleblowers and journalists
is another.  The article's reasoning simply doesn't address that.

<p>
Face recognition is especially dangerous for this because it is
especially hard to avoid.  It is not hard to leave a portable phones
(if you have one) home one day, and pay cash for travel and food that
day.  But it is very hard to avoid face recognition and license plate
recognition.  Therefore, those two types of surveillance pose a
special danger to political freedom.


feed_id: be056624b9a837b22c874ebebab4d9c1
title: Boycott in Hong Kong
uri: Boycott-in-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Boycott_in_Hong_Kong%29
content:
<p>
Hong Kong protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/23/from-loo-roll-to-dumplings-hong-kong-protesters-weaponise-purchasing-power">are boycotting Chinese-owned business</a>.


feed_id: 8e3c07c8679f74af75dede35ee1e637d
title: Welfare reform
uri: Welfare-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Welfare_reform%29
content:
<p>
The Tories' welfare reform (a plan that shuffled benefits around so as
to disguise how much it cut them) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/23/universal-credit-loan-sharks">is "sending people into arms of loan
sharks."</a>


feed_id: a2bc48189a444369dcd8797e104ab723
title: Water Supply
uri: 2020-02-05-Water-Supply
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Water_Supply%29
content:
<p>
Sanders has introduced a bill to tax companies that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/29/sanders-takes-aim-corporate-polluters-bill-clean-toxic-forever-chemicals-drinking">make PFAS to pay for
water treatment to take them out of the water supply</a>.


feed_id: 0e9c4fdae2267e72d0f2fc19935928f5
title: Ban on destroying unsold goods
uri: Ban-on-destroying-unsold-goods
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Ban_on_destroying_unsold_goods%29

content:
<p>
*Companies [in France] to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/france-passes-landmark-law-to-stop-unsold-goods-being-thrown-away">banned from destroying unsold clothes,
cosmetics and other items</a>.*

<p>
They will have to be put to some use, recycled, or given away.


feed_id: b822993b63568f7794c9deda538d88a3
title: Decriminalizing sex work
uri: 2020-02-05-Decriminalizing-sex-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Decriminalizing_sex_work%29
content:
<p>
Americans have learned to recognize the reasons to decriminalize sex
work, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/30/sex-workers-decriminalization-fosta-sesta/">and many Democratic politicians too</a>.


feed_id: e24213decdd8ed2534b1e06bfb2fd4f6
title: Wireless networks
uri: Wireless-networks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Wireless_networks%29
content:
<p>
If a country installs Huawei wireless networks, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jan/30/uk-doing-the-wrong-thing-on-huawei-says-australian-ex-spy">it would be impossible
to prevent China from spying on them</a>.
  The same is surely true with with US wireless networks: it would be
impossible to keep the US from spying on them.

<p>
The Australian government may not mind if the US spies on Australians.
Indeed, reports are that the US government spies on Australians and
gives the data to the Australian government so that it can bypass the
legal protections of Australian law (and vice versa).  Still it seems
foolish to build in vulnerability like that.


feed_id: ada129f5b834a649e1dbed2a8f63d613
title: Repression of dissent
uri: Repression-of-dissent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Repression_of_dissent%29
content:
<p>
India's repression of dissent knows no bounds.  The leaders of a
primary school face various criminal charges <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/indian-primary-school-faces-sedition-charge-after-play-about-citizenship-law">for a school play that
included "slurs" against Modi and criticized the discriminatory
immigration law</a>.

<p>
A Hinduismist fanatic shot marchers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/gunman-injures-indian-student-in-attack-on-citizenship-protest">who were peacefully protesting
against that law</a>.
  He chose the date and time to honor the 1948 murder of Gandhi by another Hinduismist.

<p>
I predict that Modi's supporters will praise the shooter try to get
charges against him dropped, just as Israel's right-wing extremists
lionize the fanatic that assassinated Prime Minister Rabin in 1995.


feed_id: 3ada2693fd2f0f520c8c4c3b98bfb92d
title: Journalists against foreign repression
uri: Journalists-against-foreign-repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Journalists_against_foreign_repression%29

content:
<p>
Several Swedish media sites condemned Chinese attempts to repress
European journalists, editors and diplomats, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/swedish-media-calls-for-action-against-attacks-from-chinese-officials">and asked the Swedish
government to push harder against China</a>.

<p>
Sweden's power to do this is limited, but it could give this more
priority and the Chinese market less.  The EU could require foreign
manufacturers to hand over the circuit diagrams and source code for
security analysis.


feed_id: 1dfdeb1421d217ce7020078162368293
title: Renouncing check and balance
uri: Renouncing-check-and-balance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Renouncing_check_and_balance%29
content:
<p>
The conman's lawyers told the Senate that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/30/apologia-authoritarianism-trump-lawyer-argues-president-can-do-whatever-he-wants">he is allowed to do
anything whatsoever in order to win the next election</a>.


feed_id: e0e7927bd10d0da771c518cd0cdb5414
title: A short Forestation Day
uri: A-short-Forestation-Day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28A_short_Forestation_Day%29
content:
<p>
Turkey planted 11 million trees in November as a project for National
Forestation Day.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/most-of-11m-trees-planted-in-turkish-project-may-be-dead">Checking them suggests that around 10 million of
them have already died from lack of water</a>.


feed_id: 1923a02df9ac9a7474799f6f790317c6
title: Am I a terrorist?
uri: Am-I-a-terrorist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Am_I_a_terrorist%3F%29
content:
<p>
Valve turner Ken Ward: *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/30/oil-pipeline-protest-us-domestic-terrorism`">The US government claims I'm a 'domestic
terrorist'. Am I</a>?*


feed_id: 58c667253d371a178df2b65d1d1e579c
title: Profitable and inadequate privatization
uri: Profitable-and-inadequate-privatization
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Profitable_and_inadequate_privatization%29

content:
<p>
Privatization made the UK children's care homes both profitable and
inadequate.  If Tories privatize the NHS, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/30/privatisation-nhs-childrens-services-austerity-private-providers">it will do the same sort of damage
to the adults of the UK</a>.


feed_id: c5f3e180b4c579b1efa64fca6bc2dabf
title: Return of PISSI
uri: Return-of-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Return_of_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
PISSI <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/isis-islamic-state-starting-reassert-itself-middle-east-heartlands-un-warns">is coming back to life in Syria and Iraq</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> contributed to this through his abandonment of the Syrian
Kurds, and will have difficulty recruiting their help again.
Meanwhile, Iraqis consider the US an invader and want its troops out.
Shall we describe this as "Make America Hated Again"?

<p>
He is an expert at manipulating people through bullying.  I wonder if
his goal is to make sure that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, like a comic-book supervillain,
never really dies and therefore is always available for use as a
villain.


feed_id: 5c3060f0f77e08d3ad861316471b127e
title: Urgent: Release Chelsea Manning
uri: Urgent-Release-Chelsea-Manning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Release_Chelsea_Manning%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-free-chelsea-manning-now">call
on the judge</a> to release Chelsea Manning from jail.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: b25e043d203addffc614fabe8af8338d
title: Bully policy exposes migrants to violence
uri: Bully-policy-exposes-migrants-to-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Bully_policy_exposes_migrants_to_violence%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/29/migrants-mexico-trump-policy-victims-of-violence">80%
of the migrants that the bully forces to wait in Mexico</a> suffer
violence of some kind while there.  Many are kidnapped for ransom.


feed_id: b1e86dbf0e6894f791d1fdf179f440a9
title: Urgent: Stop the Line 3 Tar Sands Pipeline
uri: Urgent-Stop-the-Line-3-Tar-Sands-Pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_the_Line_3_Tar_Sands_Pipeline%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.oilchangeus.org/sign/stop_line_3/">call on the
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission</a> to Stop the Line 3 Tar Sands
Pipeline.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: cd116d3e1742d6efc9ba402227000b1a
title: Urgent: Support the NO-BAN Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-NO-BAN-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_NO-BAN_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/tell-congress-support-no-ban-act-2020">call
on Congress</a> to support the NO-BAN Act, which would put an end to
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s cruel policy towards visitors from certain countries.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: e0fa3587f0152f2a5f892989aa206059
title: Urgent: End DCCC's blacklist policy
uri: Urgent-End-DCCC-s-blacklist-policy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_DCCCs_blacklist_policy%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13824">call
on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee</a> to end its
blacklist policy.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 2b255c2e79187f0089123b1ba489f869
title: Chevron crushes the life of Steven Donziger
uri: Chevron-crushes-the-life-of-Steven-Donziger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Chevron_crushes_the_life_of_Steven_Donziger%29

content:
<p>
With the support of a judge prepared to twist any law, and an army of
its own lawyers, Chevron has 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/29/chevron-ecuador-lawsuit-steven-donziger/">crushed
the life of Steven Donziger</a>, who won the lawsuit against Chevron
for pollution in Ecuador.  Next step, to put him in prison.


feed_id: 29891edf8b21ca97543db95f2d9f65e5
title: Opposing use of face recognition at universities
uri: Opposing-use-of-face-recognition-at-universities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Opposing_use_of_face_recognition_at_universities%29

content:
<p>
Pressuring US universities 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/28/new-scorecard-shows-which-colleges-are-using-facial-recognition-and-which-say">not
to use face recognition</a>.


feed_id: 429f5cf74db9c1acf0a18f9b20f2fffa
title: Israeli soldiers shoot people in the eye
uri: Israeli-soldiers-shoot-people-in-the-eye
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Israeli_soldiers_shoot_people_in_the_eye%29

content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers have 
<a href="https://imemc.org/article/no-accident-israel-targets-eyes/">left
50 Palestinians half-blind by shooting them in the eye</a> with
rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters.
<p>
This is intentional.
Hitting someone's eye by accident is extremely unlikely.


feed_id: 2ade062532183fb035b9653a8f2dc523
title: Pressuring Israel to respect Palestinians' rights
uri: Pressuring-Israel-to-respect-Palestinians-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Pressuring_Israel_to_respect_Palestinians_rights%29

content:
<p>
Legal ways that a progressive US president could pressure Israel
to respect Palestinians' rights, 
<a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=81433">without
passing new laws</a>.


feed_id: e6606b4e2e5453d9a79e2b07e412ad90
title: Bankruptcy laws for corporations
uri: Bankruptcy-laws-for-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Bankruptcy_laws_for_corporations%29

content:
<p>
Senator Warren's political journey began with recognizing that
bankruptcy laws for corporations 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/28/elizabeth-warrens-radical-critique-corporate-bankruptcy-and-how-it-shapes-what-kind">can
be designed either to concentrate wealth or to spread wealth</a>.


feed_id: cd65c5dcf98abc2723108f3bf42f5d11
title: Conman and Modi to kill generic drug industry
uri: Conman-and-Modi-to-kill-generic-drug-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Conman_and_Modi_to_kill_generic_drug_industry%29

content:
<p>
For decades, Big Pharma has used the US government to push broader and
longer patents on the rest of the world.  Now the conman and Modi are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/28/secret-reason-rx-drugs-cost-so-much-global-web-patent-laws-protects-big-pharma">about
to kill the Indian generic drug industry</a> which supplies many poor
countries.
<p>
I advocate 
<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">abolishing
patents on medicine and treatments</a>.
<p>
Please do not refer to patents (or anything else) as 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual
property"</a>; that term spreads confusion.


feed_id: d33b3d449655a9d611234c3c692cdab3
title: Iran-US standoff benefits Riyadh
uri: Iran-US-standoff-benefits-Riyadh
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28Iran-US_standoff_benefits_Riyadh%29

content:
<p>
*For all its fiery rhetoric, Riyadh actually 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/29/saudi-arabia-iran-regime-survive-us-standoff">benefits
from a standoff between Iran and the US</a>.*


feed_id: 96c3d5246efced4264af9457a8483834
title: David Miranda and Glenn Greenwald will not give up
uri: David-Miranda-and-Glenn-Greenwald-will-not-give-up
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_%28David_Miranda_and_Glenn_Greenwald_will_not_give_up%29

content:
<p>
David Miranda and Glenn Greenwald: *The far-right Bolsonaro movement
wants us dead. But 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/29/glenn-greenwald-david-miranda-brazil-bolsonaro">we
will not give up</a>.*


feed_id: 84060a29f127aeb35c96a407729a9262
title: Locust plague
uri: Locust-plague
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Locust_plague%29
content:
<p>
Global heating has helped to fuel <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/28/climate-crisis-fueled-locust-swarms-pose-unprecedented-threat-food-security-and">the devastating plague of locusts in East Africa and Arabia</a>.


feed_id: 903a95b9a6a6bcaa7bf1f8dedbf74283
title: Using Impeachment Trial
uri: Using-Impeachment-Trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Using_Impeachment_Trial%29
content:
<p>
'Screaming the Quiet Part Into a Bullhorn': Sen. Joni Ernst <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/28/screaming-quiet-part-bullhorn-sen-joni-ernst-admits-gop-using-impeachment-trial">Admits GOP Using
Impeachment Trial to Damage Biden in 2020</a>.

<p>
I am not outraged on Biden's behalf &mdash; he deserves it &mdash; but I am disgusted
by the disrespect Republicans show for anything that limits their power.


feed_id: 708b06090ef78e416aadf2bc33e0f6b1
title: Reapproving pesticides
uri: Reapproving-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Reapproving_pesticides%29
content:
<p>
*EPA Proposes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/30/epa-proposes-reapprove-bee-killing-pesticides-token-restrictions">to Reapprove Bee-killing Pesticides With Token
 Restrictions</a>.*


feed_id: 3dbcb4ff3909ab5e46e8c7e2931ed2b4
title: Decriminalizing Sex Work
uri: Decriminalizing-Sex-Work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Decriminalizing_Sex_Work%29
content:
<p>
*A Majority of Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/30/new-polling-shows-first-time-ever-majority-americans-support-decriminalizing-sex">Support Decriminalizing Sex Work</a>.*


feed_id: 094f6b4cffa9da2bef46d1d68f1aa6c3
title: Bigotry virus
uri: Bigotry-virus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Bigotry_virus%29
content:
<p>
Coronavirus <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/31/metro/fears-coronavirus-fuel-anti-chinese-racism/">is stimulating bigotry against Chinese people</a>.


feed_id: 9d1fbb58de61a6d05632f29b3029f8f1
title: Reapproving glyphosate
uri: Reapproving-glyphosate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Reapproving_glyphosate%29
content:
<p>
The EPA <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/30/epa-reapproves-glyphosate-claims-pesticide-poses-no-human-health-threat">approved glyphosate again</a>.

<p>
This may not be as wrong as it seems.  There is evidence that
glyphosate is not carcinogenic by itself, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/23/formulations-glyphosate-based-weedkillers-toxic-tests">becomes carcinogenic when
combined with other ingredients of Roundup</a>.
  If that proves true, it might be valid to rule that glyphosate is not
carcinogenic, and rule separately that Roundup _is_ carcinogenic.

<p>
But I don't think the EPA is going to do the second half of that.

<p>
Roundup <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_May_2016_(Glyphosate)">has other dangers, too</a>.


feed_id: 953b4124ba4adaaffaec1d63885b10b1
title: Going nuclear
uri: Going-nuclear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Going_nuclear%29
content:
<p>
The mutilator has deployed a "low-yield" nuclear weapon <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/30/edging-world-closer-nuclear-war-trump-deploys-low-yield-more-usable-atomic-warhead">on a Trident missile
on a submarine</a>.
  This threatens to lower the political and moral threshold against
starting nuclear war.

<p>
I suspect it is also a stunt.  It doesn't make practical sense
to put such small warheads on an expensive Trident missile.


feed_id: cc7603c0364121a578e5f4ec2ebfe161
title: Authorization for Use of Military Force
uri: 2020-02-06-Authorization-for-Use-of-Military-Force
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Authorization_for_Use_of_Military_Force%29

content:
<p>
For the first time, the House of Representatives voted <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/30/historic-step-house-votes-repeal-2002-iraq-aumf-trump-used-justify-soleimani">to cancel the
2020 Authorization for Use of Military Force</a>.

<p>
However, even if the Senate passes this too, the mutilator can veto it.
This is treated like an ordinary bill.

<p>
That seems nonsensical to me.  Since the AUMF is Congressional permission
for the president to make war, Congress should be able to withdraw that permission on its own; it should not require the president's approval.

<p>
Does anyone understand why it isn't treated that way?


feed_id: 1aa3c98e1e946235d5186608bda242c4
title: Helping immigrants again
uri: Helping-immigrants-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Helping_immigrants_again%29
content:
<p>
Salvini cut off all aid for immigrants, which hit Sicily very hard.
Now that he is out, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/30/when-politicians-turn-immigration-crisis-entire-societies-suffer">people are starting to help immigrants again</a>.

<p>
121,000 immigrants in one year, as occurred in 2017, is not a real
burden.  At that rate, the population of Italy would double in 500
years.  But if we don't curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, in a few decades it could
become a million per year, or ten million.


feed_id: bcdaaf7bfa6e93ab51366cb61e50946b
title: 14 years of fraud
uri: 14-years-of-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%2814_years_of_fraud%29
content:
<p>
Wells Fargo bank and its executives <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-01-27/wells-fargo-scandal">have suffered greatly for 14 years
of frauds</a>.


feed_id: 0a3c01825247a64942633e7d09d00449
title: Climatic selection
uri: Climatic-selection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Climatic_selection%29
content:
<p>
Antisocialism &mdash; also known as propertarianism, but calling itself
"libertarianism" &mdash; has foundered <a href="https://www.jacobinmag.com/2020/01/libertarianism-climate-change-environment-private-property">because its philosophy cannot permit
any way to limit greenhouse gas emissions</a>.


feed_id: a3ba964a6b41e982075656141ce8df7e
title: Precogs fail
uri: Precogs-fail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Precogs_fail%29
content:
<p>
*Chicago [thugs]' predictive policing tool <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/01/25/robo-racism.html">has been shut down after 8 years of catastrophically bad results</a>.*

<p>
It did no good, while embodying racial bias.


feed_id: 561bab3c24ca03abf306a4d56359c27d
title: Ban face recognition
uri: 2020-02-06-Ban-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Ban_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
Don't restrict scraping &mdash; <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/clearview-ai-scraping-web/">ban face recognition</a>!


feed_id: 9e29e9864b4137f317638937f027fd23
title: Zoning limits
uri: Zoning-limits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Zoning_limits%29
content:
<p>
California's bill to reduce zoning limits on housing was defeated,
so there will continue to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/31/california-housing-crisis-bill-failure-debate">little housing construction in the cities
that need it most</a>.

<p>
Unless a city has a lot of vacant land, there is no way to build more
housing units except to demolish some buildings and replace them with
bigger buildings.  However, the law can put requirements about how
this is done &mdash; for instance, the requirement to include at least as
many low-income units as were demolished.  The law could even assure
the old tenants of returning at the same rents they paid before.
But there <em>needs</em> to be more housing space.


feed_id: 4ab0f982a9bd51d655290997353b7ceb
title: Cost of health cuts
uri: Cost-of-health-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Cost_of_health_cuts%29
content:
<p>
*US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/31/us-coronavirus-budget-cuts-trump-underprepared">underprepared for coronavirus due to Trump cuts</a>, say health experts.*


feed_id: e1626703ff476d32330bd5d634051912
title: Urgent: Stop plan to cut funds for Medicaid
uri: Urgent-Stop-plan-to-cut-funds-for-Medicaid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_plan_to_cut_funds_for_Medicaid%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-dont-let-donald-trump-destroy-medicaid?nowrapper=true">call
on Congress</a> to stop the bully's plan to work with Republican
states to cut funds for Medicaid.
<p>
These cuts would kill poor disabled people and perhaps their
relatives.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 46bcab2f259b74cab58a3a6362d5f143
title: Urgent: Safeguarding Americans' Private Records Act
uri: Urgent-Safeguarding-Americans-Private-Records-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Safeguarding_Americans_Private_Records_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at (202) 919-7073 to 
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5675">support
the Safeguarding Americans’ Private Records Act</a>, which would
correct 
<a href="https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-fights-to-protect-montanans-from-government-spy-programs">some
of the worst aspects of the PAT RIOT act's surveillance
provisions</a>.
<p>
It is 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">far
from enough</a>, but any step forward deserves support.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: c3105c6ac59178db3492bc67271cf862
title: Combination of crises
uri: Combination-of-crises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Combination_of_crises%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/06/humanity-under-threat-perfect-storm-crises-study-environment">Climate,
extreme weather, biodiversity, food and water crises</a> could lead to
'systemic collapse'.* This could imperil human survival, as the
combination is worse than the sum of its parts.


feed_id: a49a480c78bf039058c74aa5da8f67b1
title: UK taxpayers funding fossil fuel projects
uri: UK-taxpayers-funding-fossil-fuel-projects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28UK_taxpayers_funding_fossil_fuel_projects%29

content:
<p>
*UK taxpayers 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/06/uk-taxpayers-funding-african-fossil-fuel-projects-worth-750m">funding
African fossil fuel projects worth $750m</a>.*


feed_id: 509dda5973238168d8af8e9f6ff0159b
title: Republicans normalize contempt for law and truth
uri: Republicans-normalize-contempt-for-law-and-truth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Republicans_normalize_contempt_for_law_and_truth%29

content:
<p>
As Democrats condemned the bullshitter's "normalization of
lawlessness", Republicans demonstrated the truth of this by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/05/trump-acquittal-impeachment-trial-america-imploding-empire">normalizing
their own contempt for law and truth</a>.
<p>
People are calling this a "cover-up."  If only it were merely that.
The conman's basic strategy is overt contempt for the law, and the
checks and balances that are supposed to defend democracy.
<p>
The US government is not much more democratic than Maduro's, and it's
just barely legitimate enough to justify rejecting a coup.


feed_id: 73f1fcb81a1f331415a91c605f88326a
title: Official US "poverty line"
uri: Official-US-poverty-line
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Official_US_poverty_line%29
content:
<p>
AOC: The official US "poverty line" is 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/02/05/america-state-denial-about-level-poverty-country-says-ocasio-cortez">far
too low and systematically underestimates poverty</a>.
<p>
40 million Americans now live in poverty, and 1.5 million public
school students are homeless.


feed_id: 55c5e7b7d0781ee0e90854b33d452713
title: Labeling dissidents as "terrorists"
uri: 2020-02-07-Labeling-dissidents-as-terrorists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Labeling_dissidents_as_terrorists%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/06/saudi-arabia-using-secret-court-to-silence-dissent-amnesty-finds">trying
dissidents in a special court for "terrorists"</a>.
<p>
The practice of labeling dissidents as "terrorists" is found in many
countries, including 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#24_September_2018_(US_plans_to_treat_protesters_as_terrorists)">the
US</a> and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#18_January_2020_(Thought_thugs)">the
UK</a>.  Salafi Arabia's "justice" is more violent and arbitrary
in general, and especially where dissidents are concerned.


feed_id: 7a18587c1a32c25ec8e143ddfb4fd63b
title: "Stand your ground" law not for women
uri: Stand-your-ground-law-not-for-women
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Stand_your_ground_law_not_for_women%29

content:
<p>
A woman who shot the man who had raped her, as he was fighting with
her brother afterward, has been 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/02/04/ruling-against-rape-victim-alabama-say-critics-shows-stand-your-ground-laws-not">denied
the benefit of Alabama's "stand your ground" law</a>.
<p>
That decision seems absurd, but even without that law, isn't this
clearly a case of justifiable homicide?


feed_id: 804a7314cf54c8d400dea1cf2d64d86a
title: Homeowner's associations
uri: Homeowner-s-associations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Homeowners_associations%29
content:
<p>
Collin Clabaugh moved in with his grandparents after his parents died.
But the homeowner's association says they are not allowed to let him
live there, and 
<a href="https://www.abc15.com/news/region-northern-az/prescott/hoa-in-arizona-forcing-teen-who-lost-both-parents-out-of-55-community">demanded
they kick him out</a>.
<p>
I think states should pass laws guaranteeing people certain rights
that override all homeowners' associations.  Not only the right to
have dependents live with them, but also the right to post a sign
supporting a position regarding an election or political issue.


feed_id: 52692a3a7578c42872f5eea0aed4edad
title: Help bees by not mowing dandelions
uri: Help-bees-by-not-mowing-dandelions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Help_bees_by_not_mowing_dandelions%29

content:
<p>
*Help bees 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/01/help-bees-not-mowing-dandelions-gardeners-told-aoe">by
not mowing dandelions</a>, gardeners told.*


feed_id: 15e5f69ad3ed8044c4f935942487976d
title: Australia's bushfires
uri: Australia-s-bushfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Australias_bushfires%29
content:
<p>
Australia's current bushfires are so hot that they break even rocks.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/feb/02/grave-fears-held-for-thousands-of-rock-art-sites-after-bushfires-lay-bare-irrevocable-damage">Old
rock art has been destroyed</a>.
<p>
The fact that these fires have destroyed rock art that had come
through many fires in the past reflects the increased heat of these.


feed_id: 962bbaaf8fb3caf2668e4cc6dc180561
title: False arrest and torture of activists
uri: False-arrest-and-torture-of-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28False_arrest_and_torture_of_activists%29

content:
<p>
*‘I’ll destroy your family’: India’s activists tell of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/01/uttar-pradesh-india-activists-false-arrest-torture-custody-citizenship-amendment-act">false
arrest and torture</a> in [prison].*


feed_id: ccca123681b3a470828bcae38f09cb97
title: Proposal to imprison doctors for giving puberty-blockers
uri: Proposal-to-imprison-doctors-for-giving-puberty-blockers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Proposal_to_imprison_doctors_for_giving_puberty-blockers%29

content:
<p>
South Dakota 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/30/trans-teens-hormone-blockers-south-dakota-bill">proposes
to imprison doctors</a> for giving puberty-blockers to people under
16.
<p>
But they can't wait until hey are 16.  By then, it is too late &mdash;
they have already had puberty.


feed_id: c4354ec2cdf1e1ac628ba79d33739e0e
title: Protesting face recognition
uri: Protesting-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Protesting_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
Protesting face recognition by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/01/privacy-campaigners-dazzle-camouflage-met-police-surveillance">wearing
the makeup designed to fool it</a>.


feed_id: 4a86d80d5781aaa02b02f8f867f77561
title: Republicans' contempt for the truth
uri: Republicans-contempt-for-the-truth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Republicans_contempt_for_the_truth%29

content:
<p>
*By denying witnesses, Republicans made clear 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/31/republicans-impeachment-trial-witnesses-trump">even
a smoking gun would not be enough</a>.* That was blatant contempt for
the truth, the constitution, and their country.


feed_id: 813d16b4a376a4a62b5183cd605c8409
title: Russia's political system
uri: Russia-s-political-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Russias_political_system%29
content:
<p>
A book explains how Russia's political system functions: illustrating
how it 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/feb/01/between-two-fires-joshua-yaffa-review">forces
people into compromises that corrupt them and uphold the corrupt
system that corrupts others in turn</a>.
<p>
This resembles some aspects of the US social and political system, but
they are not as pervasive or complete as in Russia.
<p>
Please 
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">don't buy books, or anything, from Amazon</a>
and please 
<a href="media/d0d5800c.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/articles/ebooks.pdf">reject unjust e-books</a>.


feed_id: dc768e93b92693e31f6e522b970a6380
title: Ecological ricochet from global heating
uri: Ecological-ricochet-from-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Ecological_ricochet_from_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
How an ecological ricochet from <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/01/why-were-whales-increasingly-caught-in-crab-lines-a-scientist-found-its-climate-crisis">caused
whales to get tangled up in crab lines</a>.


feed_id: ddb6b449151567ef96e13d76a5fa9bf6
title: Oligarch buys way into 2020 race
uri: Oligarch-buys-way-into-2020-race
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Oligarch_buys_way_into_2020_race%29

content:
<p>
*An oligarch [Bloomberg] has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/01/michael-bloomberg-oligarch-billionaire-democrats-20202">bought
his way into the 2020 race</a>. Why is no one talking about this?*


feed_id: e5ab9cd528a42049d155abe8ff374b57
title: Avoidable economic crisis
uri: Avoidable-economic-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Avoidable_economic_crisis%29
content:
<p>
Allowing oil demand to continue to grow could create the need for a
sudden change later, which 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/31/change-climate-policy-now-to-avert-oil-market-crisis-warns-thinktank">could
cause an avoidable economic crisis</a>.  This will look small compared
with the climate crisis itself, but suppose it is as bad as the
recession of 2009.  Crises give plutocrats the opportunity to take
wealth away from every else.  They did that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#17_September_2018_(Financial_crisis_of_2008)">after
2009</a>.
<p>
Perhaps they are planning to cause this mini-crisis in order to profit
from it.


feed_id: 04dd5460e04b0281afc82f87e5103f16
title: Midwest
uri: Midwest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Midwest%29
content:
<p>
*The midwest was made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/03/midwest-us-elections-democrats-pete-buttigieg">with socialists’ sweat and abolitionists’
blood</a>.*


feed_id: 5d69e3c35302fffda9f73b992d71a206
title: Crap, not appropriation
uri: Crap-not-appropriation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Crap%2C_not_appropriation%29
content:
<p>
If a book about Hispanics at the US border is written by someone who
doesn't have that background, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/03/american-dirt-problem-bad-writing-cultural-appropriation-mexico">it is likely to be based on stereotypes
and therefore crap</a>.

<p>
Thus, a concept of "cultural appropriation" isn't needed for
criticizing such books.


feed_id: e3dce509291934eacd2df582bfa16bbd
title: Taking surveillance to an other level
uri: Taking-surveillance-to-an-other-level
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Taking_surveillance_to_an_other_level%29

content:
<p>
China is taking surveillance and control <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/more-surveillance-tighter-controls-chinas-coronavirus-crackdown">to a level that is shocking even
by Chinese standards</a>.

<p>
This may be justified for a national emergency that could potentially kill
millions of people in China.  But China won't get rid of all the new
surveillance and control when the epidemic ends.  Like <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#14_March_2012_(Olympic_Burden)">the Olympic games</a>
  (which a city can choose not to have), this epidemic can leave freedom
permanently debilitated.


feed_id: 33e766322f03d46e99861046aab19146
title: Fleeing from bigotry
uri: Fleeing-from-bigotry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Fleeing_from_bigotry%29
content:
<p>
Hinduismist violence is driving Indians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/india-migrants-mexico-us-border">to try to flee to the US
illegally</a>.


feed_id: 002ea575f7ef74de8874611ebf79b927
title: Plutocratist against protests
uri: Plutocratist-against-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Plutocratist_against_protests%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist officials are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/25/our-right-peaceful-protest-disappearing">gradually encroaching on Canadians' right
to nonviolent protest</a>.


feed_id: b1fafe78dc45614a29f843f512f2de02
title: Sea otters job
uri: Sea-otters-job
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Sea_otters_job%29
content:
<p>
Sea otters can save kelp forests by eating sea urchins, but where there are
no sea otters, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/02/why-sushi-could-be-the-solution-to-a-sea-urchin-invasion-aoe">humans need to do that job</a>.


feed_id: d9749d440b039cc8f169c8a35a25e164
title: Centrist defeats
uri: Centrist-defeats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Centrist_defeats%29
content:
<p>
Past <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/01/look-back-seven-centrist-defeats">defeats of "centrist" Democrats</a>.

<p>
They don't all lose.  Obama and Bill Clinton won, but that didn't
do us much good.


feed_id: 4107e12365d76acf46bb1fb1c2cb3d4f
title: Foreign civil war
uri: Foreign-civil-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Foreign_civil_war%29
content:
<p>
Libya's civil war is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/02/libya-foreign-powers-khalifa-haftar-emirates-russia-us">between proxy forces for various foreign powers</a>.

<p>
To understand this, we need to understand what those powers want.
My first guess would be, Libya's oil &mdash; but that is no more than a guess.


feed_id: 6e97ccac7a7caffd09278ca8027f8941
title: Internet discussion sites in danger
uri: Internet-discussion-sites-in-danger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Internet_discussion_sites_in_danger%29

content:
<p>
All US internet discussion and conversation sites are in danger
<a href="https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/31/s230-repeal/">if their section 230 defense is repealed</a>.


feed_id: 1601f7aebb3a434cc05d797f261e4767
title: More poor babies
uri: More-poor-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28More_poor_babies%29
content:
<p>
*Trump Administration <a href="https://theintercept.com/?p=288030">Gives Texas the Green Light to Limit Family Planning
Services for Poor Women</a>.*   

<p>
Putting this together with repression of abortion, it adds up to a plan
to force poor women to have more babies.


feed_id: e4fdd255119e5ad7e24985a4888d8070
title: Heavy policing of the subways
uri: Heavy-policing-of-the-subways
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Heavy_policing_of_the_subways%29
content:
<p>
New Yorkers protested heavy policing of the subways, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/01/new-york-city-subway-policing-protests-grand-central">saying it is racist
and calling for the subways to be gratis</a>.


feed_id: 198acd412cfe2fa3094bf499c3a6a9da
title: No hope for peace
uri: No-hope-for-peace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28No_hope_for_peace%29
content:
<p>
*Palestinians cut ties with Israel and US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/01/palestinians-cut-ties-israel-us-trump-peace-plan">after rejecting Trump peace plan</a>.*

<p>
This was basically the Palestinian Authority's last recourse,
to be used only in case of total desperation.  The PA has also
stopped helping Israel against violent Palestinian factions.


feed_id: 7404f0fb6f2d8268ca9c259da18e11cf
title: Ghost Town on the Moon
uri: Ghost-Town-on-the-Moon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Ghost_Town_on_the_Moon%29
content:
<p>
*Short story: <a href="https://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/rinesi20200201">The Ghost Town on the Moon</a>.*


feed_id: ae5d9f3c5cd0b526d4b5989debc6fbc8
title: Authorizing landmines
uri: Authorizing-landmines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Authorizing_landmines%29
content:
<p>
The mutilator <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/31/bringing-back-archaic-and-gruesome-weapons-trump-reverses-us-restrictions-landmines">has authorized the US army to plant landmines</a>.

<p>
The new policy claims that advanced technology will protect
civilians from these mines &mdash; but it would take years to determine
whether the mines reliably deactivate as they were supposed to.
Civilians would find this out the hard way.


feed_id: 9a03ceff74cd2f24f0a6e7f4901f2536
title: Melting glacier
uri: Melting-glacier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Melting_glacier%29
content:
<p>
Above-freezing water just found under the ice sheet coming off the
Thwaites glacier in Antarctica shows that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/31/really-really-bad-scientists-raise-alarm-over-warm-ocean-water-beneath-doomsday">the glacier will eventually
melt and raise sea level by 10 feet</a>.


feed_id: a2c923ccfcf76ad45785f5a6e9cdd655
title: Reapproving glyphosate
uri: 2020-02-07-Reapproving-glyphosate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#6_February_2020_%28Reapproving_glyphosate%29
content:
<p>
The EPA <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/01/30/epa-reapproves-glyphosate-claims-pesticide-poses-no-human-health-threat">approved glyphosate again</a>.

<p>
This may not be as wrong as it seems.  There is evidence that
glyphosate is not carcinogenic by itself, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/23/formulations-glyphosate-based-weedkillers-toxic-tests">becomes carcinogenic when
combined with other ingredients of Roundup</a>.
  If that proves true, it might be valid to rule that glyphosate is not
carcinogenic, and rule separately that Roundup <em>is</em> carcinogenic.

<p>
But I don't think the EPA is going to do the second half of that.

<p>
Roundup <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_May_2016_(Glyphosate)">has other dangers, too</a>.


feed_id: a61e7d12c8fe656b046634afff5cbe50
title: Insufficient fines for destroying forest habitat
uri: Insufficient-fines-for-destroying-forest-habitat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Insufficient_fines_for_destroying_forest_habitat%29

content:
<p>
The fines in Australia for destroying native forest habitat are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/04/australias-biggest-wheat-farmer-faces-more-charges-of-illegal-land-clearing">insufficient</a>:
one rich farmer has been fined several times.
<p>
A few years in prison might be enough to deter this nearly irreparable
crime.


feed_id: e4d87c531133317cb5d396bff6ae5d5b
title: UK government press briefing walkout
uri: UK-government-press-briefing-walkout
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28UK_government_press_briefing_walkout%29

content:
<p>
The UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/feb/03/political-journalists-boycott-no-10-briefing-after-reporter-ban">held
a press briefing but said that certain reporters were not welcome</a>.
The rest of the reporters walked out in sympathy.


feed_id: ed75045466a8428fa5dc90e21a0578df
title: Murder of monarch butterfly sanctuary workers
uri: Murder-of-monarch-butterfly-sanctuary-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Murder_of_monarch_butterfly_sanctuary_workers%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/mexico-second-monarch-butterfly-sanctuary-worker-found-murdered">Two
workers</a> at monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico have been
murdered in recent days.


feed_id: 41b9813f049b8b2838e314ee29433f67
title: Afghanistan Papers
uri: Afghanistan-Papers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Afghanistan_Papers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/afghanistan-papers-and-mothers-question">What
do supporters of continuing war in Afghanistan say to the parents of
casualties</a> of US soldiers who were killed in that war?
<p>
What do they say to the parents of Afghan civilians who were killed?


feed_id: b7e9a04937d1e5edd4f8fc3a4eb1180b
title: Boris Johnson's cuts
uri: Boris-Johnson-s-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Boris_Johnsons_cuts%29
content:
<p>
*Why is Boris Johnson waging war on the EU? To distract from 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/03/boris-johnson-eu-cuts-brexit-damage">his
cuts</a>.*


feed_id: df95a0c42ecba4e15af71d9a68934cd3
title: California's customer data law
uri: California-s-customer-data-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Californias_customer_data_law%29
content:
<p>
California's new law that requires companies to show a customer all
the data it has about per is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/feb/03/amazon-kindle-data-reading-tracking-privacy">helping
people realize how much Amazon surveils their lives</a> &mdash;
especially any reading they do on the Amazon Swindle.
<p>
I hope you will join me in boycotting 
<a href="media/d0d5800c.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/articles/ebooks.pdf">unjust e-books</a> and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon in general</a>.


feed_id: b716284f36a2ac0dd719ceee5fe141cf
title: Law school training for women who were raped
uri: Law-school-training-for-women-who-were-raped
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Law_school_training_for_women_who_were_raped%29

content:
<p>
An Indian law school has a special program to train women who were
raped or enslaved, so they can 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/03/ill-put-those-monsters-behind-bars-indias-law-school-for-survivors">bring
about prosecution of the perpetrators</a>.


feed_id: a3a287221429febaf118916b5ec7e2a9
title: Condemning anyone whatsoever
uri: Condemning-anyone-whatsoever
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Condemning_anyone_whatsoever%29
content:
<p>
"The rapist is you" could be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/03/the-rapist-is-you-chilean-protest-song-chanted-around-the-world-un-iolador-en-tu-camino">condemning
anyone whatsoever</a>.
<p>
There are judges, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and politicians that facilitate and encourage
rape, and they deserve the song's accusation.  But that accusation can
be aimed at any man.  The song stirs up general hatred of men just as
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s rhetoric stirs up general hatred of women.  It is a form
of three-minute hate.


feed_id: a818fa9d4ece0870749fa1fd422e8bda
title: Iranian government coverup
uri: Iranian-government-coverup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#7_February_2020_%28Iranian_government_coverup%29
content:
<p>
Iran's government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/iran-knew-from-start-it-had-shot-down-jet-says-ukrainian-president">knew
its missiles had hit the Ukrainian airliner before it hit the
ground</a>.  The coverup started then.


feed_id: ec75d821a96428166e45b16d76020a57
title: Urgent: Support Medicare for All
uri: 2020-02-09-Urgent-Support-Medicare-for-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Support_Medicare_for_All%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13835">support
Medicare for All</a>.
<p>
A family doctor 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/name-medicare-all-family-doctor-will-vote-bernie-sanders">insists
on Medicare for All, and Sanders</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 9a97f7f0a54910bc0db03fc4e1710964
title: Urgent: Push for decarbonization
uri: Urgent-Push-for-decarbonization
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Push_for_decarbonization%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/iea-fix-the-weo-2020/">call
on the International Energy Agency</a> to push for decarbonization,
instead of asserting the world will burn more and more fossil fuel.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: b2e5be8965302cc110058bf6b461b115
title: US deportation thugs
uri: 2020-02-09-US-deportation-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28US_deportation_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A few weeks ago, the US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> interrogated quite a few Iranians
entering the US from Canada, including students with US visas to study,
and did not let them return.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> said this was coincidence.
An internal memo says 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/05/cbp-lied-about-iranian-american-detentions-leaked-memo-suggests">it
was a written plan</a>.


feed_id: af3e21a019233dd0564a1ed1d12b9d2f
title: London thugs want more power to crust protests
uri: London-thugs-want-more-power-to-crust-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28London_thugs_want_more_power_to_crust_protests%29

content:
<p>
London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/05/met-chief-update-public-nuisance-law-tackle-extinction-rebellion">want
more power to crush Extinction Repression protests</a>, which are
nonviolent but inconvenient.
<p>
No matter how much people may care about distant matters such as the
survival civilization, that must not be allowed to interfere with
maintaining order today.


feed_id: ab4b1e5544f8168746206e038ca960bc
title: Tories insist disabled people are fit to work
uri: Tories-insist-disabled-people-are-fit-to-work
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Tories_insist_disabled_people_are_fit_to_work%29

content:
<p>
The Tories introduced a system of blindly insisting that disabled
people are fit to work, and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/04/errol-graham-welfare-uk-benefit-cuts-disability-deaths">cutting
their welfare benefits until they can prove otherwise</a>.  Errol
Graham was too disabled to do this, so he starved in his cold
apartment as they prepared to evict him.
<p>
Each disabled person who dies this way means more funds
to give to the rich.


feed_id: 624c78b65336972f3eda9f6d5920bb35
title: Biodiversity hotspots under threat
uri: Biodiversity-hotspots-under-threat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Biodiversity_hotspots_under_threat%29

content:
<p>
*Biodiversity hotspots with millions of years of climate stability
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/04/global-heating-a-serious-threat-to-the-worlds-climate-refuges-study-finds">could
be among the world’s hardest hit regions</a>*, in future global
heating.


feed_id: 5f0883ac0bf959d08eed029b0fbd7d9b
title: Buying luxury products
uri: Buying-luxury-products
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Buying_luxury_products%29
content:
<p>
Most people 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/feb/04/luxury-purchases-impostor-syndrome-shopping">feel
false to themselves</a> after buying some impress-with-your-wealth
luxury product.  The exceptions are people who feel highly entitled.
<p>
If I had bought such a product, I would feel mad at myself for having
been manipulated into wasting my money on appearance rather than
anything I really wanted.


feed_id: 49a6726c987c52ad4c0afb04545e27d8
title: Fireflies under threat
uri: Fireflies-under-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Fireflies_under_threat%29
content:
<p>
*Fireflies under threat from 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/04/fireflies-under-threat-habitat-loss-pesticides-light-pollution">habitat
loss, pesticides and light pollution</a>.*


feed_id: 2f35e2d6379c9ae8f53e0afffc5df4aa
title: Yazidi choral music
uri: Yazidi-choral-music
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Yazidi_choral_music%29
content:
<p>
Yazidis in the UK are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/quest-to-save-ancient-yazidi-music-comes-to-britain">working
to preserve their traditional choral music</a>.
<p>
I would very much like to hear it some day.


feed_id: 6f377247df0c83887f593b48e4493866
title: Dutch politician tries to justify bigotry
uri: Dutch-politician-tries-to-justify-bigotry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Dutch_politician_tries_to_justify_bigotry%29

content:
<p>
A leading Dutch politician 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/dutch-rightwing-leader-under-fire-over-false-account-of-harassment">fabricated
an incident of harassment on a train, attributed to "Moroccans"</a>.
He cited this a basis for bigotry.


feed_id: 2f6e46d851d7ca17619fb3ec5e4b5ef9
title: Asking troll to run as Democrat to stop Sanders
uri: Asking-troll-to-run-as-Democrat-to-stop-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Asking_troll_to_run_as_Democrat_to_stop_Sanders%29

content:
<p>
(satire)
*<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/dnc-mulls-asking-donald-trump-to-run-as-democrat-in-eff-1841432132">DNC
Mulls Asking Donald Trump To Run As Democrat</a> In Effort To Stop
Sanders.*


feed_id: 77ce585a636ae30e48886075fb2a37eb
title: China's leadership admits 'shortcomings'
uri: China-s-leadership-admits-shortcomings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Chinas_leadership_admits_shortcomings%29

content:
<p>
*China's leadership admits 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/china-shortcomings-difficulties-coronavirus-outbreak">‘shortcomings’
in coronavirus response</a>.*
<p>
In this regard, at least, they are more honest and responsible than
the US leadership.


feed_id: c8c079a55f16cfeb1e976b96f14ce79b
title: Bogus Johnson's "carbon neutrality" pledge
uri: Bogus-Johnson-s-carbon-neutrality-pledge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#9_February_2020_%28Bogus_Johnsons_carbon_neutrality_pledge%29

content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson has rejected the extreme forms of climate denialism,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/03/pm-urges-major-economies-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2050">calling
for a weak pledge to aim for "carbon neutrality"</a>.
<p>
This would be a step towards what is needed, and if anyone can
pressure the extreme denialist governments to make this pledge, it
would be an advance, It has two big flaws: (1) 2050 is too late, and
(2) "carbon-neutral" is an invitation for self-delusion.  Are those
trees you are planting really going to survive in the climate of 2030
the climate of 2040?  
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#5_February_2020_(A_short_Forestation_Day)">Are
they even going to survive this year</a>?


feed_id: bff9be31fdb024439fe75b119661197e
title: Plan for disaster
uri: Plan-for-disaster
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Plan_for_disaster%29
content:
<p>
The International Energy Agency says <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/28/grand-coalitions-big-oil-and-gas-wont-solve-climate-crisis">we should work out a plan with
the fossil fuel companies to slowly reduce fossil fuel use, starting
many years from now</a>.

<p>
This is a plan to cause disaster.  The article explains the details.


feed_id: ce0421ce3020ea900693fd8fb260fcac
title: Fact checking in schools
uri: Fact-checking-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Fact_checking_in_schools%29
content:
<p>
Finland has revamped the school curriculum to teach children and teenagers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/fact-from-fiction-finlands-new-lessons-in-combating-fake-news">the practice and habit of checking facts</a>.

<p>
The campaign distinguishes discusses three categories: misinformation,
disinformation, and malinformation.  All three have been used against me.


feed_id: 0b2e33734645fa5cf984b74059f55fcb
title: Training murderers
uri: Training-murderers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Training_murderers%29
content:
<p>
A retired general in El Salvador admitted that <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/01/28/el-mozote-massacre-reagan-war-on-press/">the US-trained Atlacatl
Battalion killed 800 civilians in 1981</a>.
  The US, under Reagan, helped cover this up, through attacking the US
reporter who had written about it.

<p>
The "School of the Americas" became notorious for such "training".
In response to demands to shut it down, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#13 December 2006 (Teach torture)">the US changed its name</a>.

<p>
A few years later, Reagan started funding a right-wing militia to
destabilize Nicaragua through terrorism, and paying for it by selling
arms to Iran.


feed_id: 4a9a30d4c3964169e4d812cbd797c7bb
title: Historical Amnesia
uri: Historical-Amnesia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Historical_Amnesia%29
content:
<p>
*America, founded on the evils of slavery, genocide and the violent
   exploitation of the working class, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/america-land-make-believe">is a country defined by historical amnesia</a>.*

<p>
(The history of the US includes all three, but not all at the same time.
Violent exploitation of the working class wasn't a very big factor
until after the Civil War.  Before then, most Americans lived on farms.)

<p>
The most interesting part of article is the part about Joseph Roth
and what to do after vicious inhumanity has taken over your country
and civilization has been defeated.


feed_id: 8982b9e8b4ebc3151e0832abecab9b3e
title: Voter's preferences
uri: Voter-s-preferences
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Voter%27s_preferences%29
content:
<p>
The US system of primary elections is badly flawed as a way of representing
the voter's preferences.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/were-stuck-flawed-primary-process-2020-we-can-make-2024-better">This article proposes improvements</a>.


feed_id: 056cad50a549cfa69af3c13b4bb72991
title: False information against vote
uri: False-information-against-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28False_information_against_vote%29

content:
<p>
Unscrupulous right-wing extremists circulated false information about
the Iowa caucuses <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/03/judicial-watch-misinformation-iowa-caucus-voters">to try to discourage participation</a>.


feed_id: 10e461827474e1b7556b97143b691623
title: Resemblance in values
uri: Resemblance-in-values
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Resemblance_in_values%29
content:
<p>
One woman yearns to have a president who resembles her &hellip; and
has concluded that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/candidate-who-best-represents-me-only-one-saying-its-about-us">resemblance in values is more important than
resemblance in gender</a>.


feed_id: 405bf147dc952dd01978474bd47fbac6
title: Republicans and impeachment
uri: Republicans-and-impeachment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Republicans_and_impeachment%29
content:
<p>
Republicans are ready to impeach at the drop of a hat,
and are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/02/03/sen-joni-ernst-warns-gop-could-weaponize-impeachment-immediately-if-democrat-wins">already thinking about how to impeach Biden</a>
   for alleged shortcomings in the past.

<p>
The impeachment standard they propose does have one benefit: it would
permit impeaching Kavanaugh for attempted rape in the past.  But I
think that this would not outweigh the permanent damage caused by
debasing impeachment as Republicans generally debase things.

<p>
Meanwhile, Biden still claims <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/02/03/despite-impeachment-and-family-being-targeted-joe-biden-still-believes-he-can-work">he can "work with Republicans" in the
Senate</a>.


feed_id: caf9ab6468417785b02056d610ef15fe
title: Workable plan for dealing with plutocracy
uri: Workable-plan-for-dealing-with-plutocracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Workable_plan_for_dealing_with_plutocracy%29

content:
<p>
*Only Sanders among the candidates understands the urgency of the Crisis
of Plutocracy and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/02/03/big-issues-bernie-sanders-only-one-who-can-save-america">has a workable plan for dealing with it</a>.*

<p>
Warren also understands plutocracy, and I have confidence that her plan
is workable too.  But Sanders does go further.


feed_id: 4ae17142ece1248da0fbf97749086b3f
title: Fracking
uri: 2020-02-10-Fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#10_February_2020_%28Fracking%29
content:
<p>
Switching from coal to fracked gas did not reduce greenhouse
emissions.  Meanwhile, fracking in the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/02/03/new-research-shows-frackings-grave-toll-climate">expanding so much that it
guarantees disaster</a>.


