# articles

feed_id: 45a3889e7e793dd0f4b65efd37318496
title: Salafi Arabia exiles call for democracy
uri: Salafi-Arabia-exiles-call-for-democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Salafi_Arabia_exiles_call_for_democracy%29

content:
<p>

Exiles from Salafi Arabia have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/saudi-expats-launch-opposition-party-on-anniversary-of-jamal-kashoggis-death">started a party</a> calling for democracy
there.


feed_id: 5e32d6adfa3d7a5a2da991c8c3bf03c4
title: Russian critical journalist burnt herself to death
uri: Russian-critical-journalist-burnt-herself-to-death
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Russian_critical_journalist_burnt_herself_to_death%29

content:
<p>

Russian critical journalist Irina Slavina <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/irina-slavina-russian-journalist-sets-herself-on-fire-after-apartment-searched-by-police">burnt herself to death</a>
after state agents seized her computers.
<p>
I wonder why she could not face life after that.  Was it simply that
one more act of harassment was more than she could bear?  Were there
things on the computers that were going to enable the state to ruin
other people's lives?


feed_id: 04f7f772f412a534debd1ae421fb0359
title: The coronavirus was not intimidated by the bullshitter
uri: The-coronavirus-was-not-intimidated-by-the-bullshitter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28The_coronavirus_was_not_intimidated_by_the_bullshitter%29

content:
<p>

It seems that coronavirus was not intimidated by the bullshitter.
He <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/trump-quarantine-covid-diagnosis-coronavirus-news">got infected</a> despite all his boasts that he would not. He has probably infected many of his cronies.  He could have
avoided that by wearing a mask.
<p>
Will his supporters feel honored to have received a virus from
their leader?


feed_id: e541857a2ba9f911fa3e9e1ad5102cbd
title: Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey
uri: Syrian-mercenaries-sent-by-Turkey
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Syrian_mercenaries_sent_by_Turkey%29

content:
<p>

More about the Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey to <a href="<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/syrian-recruit-describes-role-of-foreign-fighters-in-nagorno-karabakh">">fight against Armenia</a>. It seems they were told they would be guards, and were surprised to find that their job was fighting a war.


feed_id: 5d8a5adc7ad5ea4837a56d372f76cbd5
title: Supporters of QAnon-Supporting extremist candidates
uri: Supporters-of-QAnon-Supporting-extremist-candidates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Supporters_of_QAnon-Supporting_extremist_candidates%29

content:
<p>

[Republican] Megadonors, Freedom Caucus, and CEOs <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/10/01/trump-megadonors-freedom-caucus-and-ceos-bankroll-qanon-supporting-extremist-candidates/">Bankroll</a>
QAnon-Supporting, Extremist Candidates.


feed_id: eb53fb96d0db064389f262736b71e2c5
title: Governor of Texas ordered reduction in places to drop off ballots
uri: Governor-of-Texas-ordered-reduction-in-places-to-drop-off-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Governor_of_Texas_ordered_reduction_in_places_to_drop_off_ballots%29

content:
<p>

The governor of Texas ordered counties to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/01/texas-governor-greg-abbott-ballot-votes-election">reduce the number of places
to drop off ballots</a>.
<p>
This is a new method, but it continues the Republican pattern of voter
suppression.  If you can't win honestly, cheat, is their motto.
<p>
If Republicans were loyal to the idea of democracy, they would not
seek to stop people who disagree with them from voting.  Their use of
voter suppression demonstrates that they are opposed to the basic ideas
of the United States.


feed_id: bc913884a1ae19b064c264b23682443b
title: Seismic blasting halted in Atlantic
uri: Seismic-blasting-halted-in-Atlantic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Seismic_blasting_halted_in_Atlantic%29

content:
<p>

*Huge Victory for Ocean Defenders as <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/huge-victory-ocean-defenders-seismic-blasting-halted-atlantic">Seismic Blasting Halted in Atlantic</a>.*
<p>
It seems there is no quick way to authorize the activity,
and by the time such a thing could be tried, we may have a
better chance of rejecting them.


feed_id: 7093eed855485e176a206e45523f2775
title: Urgent: call on your congresscritter to cosponsor the CIVIL Act.
uri: Urgent-call-on-your-congresscritter-to-cosponsor-the-CIVIL-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_call_on_your_congresscritter_to_cosponsor_the_CIVIL_Act.%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/support-the-CIVIL-act">cosponsor the CIVIL Act</a>.

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


feed_id: 0b51872b712d7879d40f2dde6098730e
title: Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey
uri: 2020-10-05-Syrian-mercenaries-sent-by-Turkey
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Syrian_mercenaries_sent_by_Turkey%29

content:
<p>

More about the Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/syrian-recruit-describes-role-of-foreign-fighters-in-nagorno-karabakh">fight against Armenia</a>. It seems they were told they would be guards, and were surprised to find that their job was fighting a war.


feed_id: a87196817cac37cffd6ff48065b51fd0
title: Urgent: confirmation of Supreme Court justice
uri: Urgent-confirmation-of-Supreme-Court-justice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_confirmation_of_Supreme_Court_justice%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://go.peoplepower.org/go/22211?t=1001&akid=83827%2E19097%2ESIyfWK">phone your senators</a> <em>again</em> at 1-844-335-4855 and implore
them to do everything they can to prevent confirmation of a new
Supreme Court justice before the presidential inauguration on Jan 20.


feed_id: 06e6f780a5185e384c05790f29826c77
title: Risking infection
uri: Risking-infection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Risking_infection%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> pressured his closest associates and big financial
sponsors to risk infection by meeting with him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/trump-covid-new-jersey-campaign-event-perilous-neglect-staff-supporters-himself">when he had reason to know
Hope Hicks might have infected him</a>.

<p>
Will any of them learn a lesson about him from this?

<p>
People that work in the White House <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/trump-covid-white-house-panic-confusion">are worried, too</a>.

<p>
Will <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a>'s hospitalization hinder the malfunctioning of
government?  Let's hope so.  Nothing causes more malfunction than
having <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> actively intervening ;-!.


feed_id: b579bb1e867ff9432caedcf43e504e15
title: One of the reason of Hitler defeat
uri: One-of-the-reason-of-Hitler-defeat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28One_of_the_reason_of_Hitler_defeat%29

content:
<p>
A book reports that the defeat of Hitler is owed partially to
homosexual members of the British parliament, who frequented Berlin
because of its loose sexual life.  They saw Hitler's repression in 1934,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/04/the-glamour-boys-gay-mps-who-gave-early-warning-of-nazi-threat">and began teaching others how bad he was</a>.


feed_id: d1b3878386927e748469a4e28842c267
title: Devastated
uri: Devastated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Devastated%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's ghostwriter says that the bullshitter must be devastated
now that people know <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/donald-trump-tony-schwartz-interview-art-of-the-deal">he isn't as rich as he pretended to be</a>.

<p>
The idea that he sought to embody the poor person's idea of what it
means to be rich makes sense to me.  I have a feeling that he was trying
to prove that he was a success, to himself above all.


feed_id: c7a3753d3dd45cdbe68c7139ec101270
title: Cancel culture
uri: Cancel-culture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Cancel_culture%29
content:
<p>
"Cancel culture" can be found in various political camps.  One target
is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/04/israel-palestine-blacklists-canary-mission/">anyone that advocates the human rights of Palestinians or the end
of Israel's occupation/siege of Palestine</a>.

<p>
To be clear, Israel occupies the West Bank and besieges Gaza.


feed_id: f1e632d5b4cfe890cc75b77b177ac2e9
title: Can't leave prison
uri: Can-t-leave-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Can%27t_leave_prison%29
content:
<p>
Prisoners are being held longer in the UK because to obtain release
they have to participate in rehabilitation activities, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/04/covid-rules-in-prisons-blocking-rehabilitation-say-uk-campaigners">those
activities are not available due to Covid-19</a>.

<p>
Ironically, keeping them in prison tends to increase the spread
of Covid-19.


feed_id: e634fc1a3ecbcbbf9280d8448876fe1d
title: Bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma
uri: Bankruptcy-of-Purdue-Pharma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Bankruptcy_of_Purdue_Pharma%29
content:
<p>
The US government has worked out an agreement for the bankruptcy of
Purdue Pharma <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-sackler-familys-plan-to-keep-its-billions">that lets the individuals that own it off the hook</a>.


feed_id: ce3c2e8292c50966cd3ca655f89ef4de
title: War crimes on trial
uri: War-crimes-on-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28War_crimes_on_trial%29
content:
<p>
*With Focus on Assange, Belmarsh Tribunal Puts '<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/focus-assange-belmarsh-tribunal-puts-us-war-crimes-trial-0">US War Crimes on Trial</a>'.*

<p>
This is a private activity, modeled after the Russell Tribunal in 1966.


feed_id: bae9bd19b2345d02239100e63c1ed3f7
title: Protest against banks funding fossil fuels
uri: Protest-against-banks-funding-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Protest_against_banks_funding_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
There were protests on Oct 2 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/solidarity-frontline-communities-day-action-demands-end-funding-tar-sands">against various banks that fund fossil
fuels</a>.


feed_id: 01facac335c6fa7dbc1f9756c3695515
title: Surveillance planes and snipers to funeral
uri: Surveillance-planes-and-snipers-to-funeral
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Surveillance_planes_and_snipers_to_funeral%29

content:
<p>
The US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/docs-show-us-agents-including-sniper-teams-shoot-kill-authorization-deployed-george">sent surveillance planes and snipers to George
Floyd's funeral</a>.


feed_id: 8df38337ace0a4f9484ef037efcda1da
title: Obvious patent
uri: Obvious-patent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Obvious_patent%29
content:
<p>
Sony has got a patent on the obvious idea that a computer system
(specifically, a game console) might use a camera to recognize all
users, <a href="https://segmentnext.com/2020/08/21/playstation-5-identify-users-dualsense/">so no one needs to explicitly log in</a>.

<p>
This patent would give Sony a basis to sue any other company that
implements this idea.  It does not necessarily mean that Sony itself
will implement this idea, or even that it knows how to implement it
reliably, but perhaps it will.

<p>
Would you want every Sony-made game console to be able to recognize
you using biometrics?  I would not.

<p>
On the other hand, given a game console powered by free software, I
might be willing to give my friend's console some biometrics to
recognize me by.  But I'd want to be sure that they wouldn't be usable
for recognizing me when I pass by a camera in the street, and that
might be difficult to implement.


feed_id: 2e490d8f0d0b55e6a4cd786cd0a00269
title: Tips
uri: Tips
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Tips%29
content:
<p>
"Tips" to Doordash and Amazon food delivery workers go to the company
rather than to the worker, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20703434/delivery-app-tip-pay-theft-doordash-amazon-flex-instacart">they cancel out the whole of the worker's
base pay</a>.

<p>
The article seems to err in equating this to tipping of waiters.  They
are not the same system.  Yes, the waiter's base pay is below minimum
wage &mdash; but the restaurant does not claw back that base pay when the
waiter gets a tip, as Doordash and Amazon do.


feed_id: b9c968b34e3c028d00ca7bcbe770cdfb
title: Threat to republic
uri: Threat-to-republic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Threat_to_republic%29
content:
<p>
   Joseph Stiglitz: *How the Republican party <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/03/how-the-republican-party-threatens-the-us-republic">threatens the US republic</a>.*


feed_id: a9803f5d5c067b9120fc0756dc481be2
title: Violence against protesters
uri: 2020-10-05-Violence-against-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Violence_against_protesters%29
content:
<p>
The violence of Chilean thugs against protesters reached the point <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/03/chilean-police-throw-boy-16-off-bridge-during-protests">of
throwing a teenager protester off a bridge</a>.

<p>
The protester survived, but that was only luck.


feed_id: 4842d0d49db2ef1e88a03985b3fd9ca1
title: Tyranny
uri: Tyranny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#5_October_2020_%28Tyranny%29
content:
<p>
Polish expat Wojciech Sadurski is facing criminal prosecution for
accusing the Polish ruling party and national broadcaster <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/04/long-arm-of-law-and-justice-the-sydney-professor-under-attack-from-polands-ruling-party">for supporting
right-wing extremists</a>.

<p>
To prosecute people for saying things like that (whether true or not)
is tyranny.  The fact that this prosecution is occurring proves the
injustice of the Polish government.

<p>
The sad thing is that it is not alone.  President
Sarkozy of France prosecuted several people for insulting him.


feed_id: 0e7a01be5b1b7a48284cb74e24769f63
title: Tories want to turn off the right of asylum
uri: Tories-want-to-turn-off-the-right-of-asylum
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Tories_want_to_turn_off_the_right_of_asylum%29

content:
<p>

The Tories plan to find new ways to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/04/priti-patel-bring-in-new-laws-for-broken-uk-asylum-system-channel-boats">turn off the right of asylum</a>.
<p>
One of the causes of the repeated legal claims from asylum seekers in
the UK is that agents keep disregarding the law and the government's
policies, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#29_November_2019_(UKs_hostile_environment_for_foreigners)">deporting people in despite of their rights</a>.
<p>
Surely this is not an accident.  If the minister in charge taught her department
not to take shortcuts, not to deport people illegally, they would not
have the need or the valid grounds to make these claims.


feed_id: 16f5cb64fab9372a754eeecf31b836e7
title: The nonviolent "Medicaid army" is rallying
uri: The-nonviolent-Medicaid-army-is-rallying
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28The_nonviolent_Medicaid_army_is_rallying%29

content:
<p>

The nonviolent "Medicaid army" is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/new-nonviolent-medicaid-army-march">rallying around the US to demand medical care for everyone</a>.
<p>
Can anyone tell me of a site where people can find the locations of these
rallies, without having to run nonfree Javascript code?
I would like to post it, and maybe I can go to one.


feed_id: 59c37026ae96adf77f98e94da83ef7d3
title: To call violent right-wing extremists "vigilantes"
uri: To-call-violent-right-wing-extremists-vigilantes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28To_call_violent_right-wing_extremists_vigilantes%29

content:
<p>

To call violent right-wing extremists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/why-far-right-paramilitaries-are-not-just-vigilantes">"vigilantes"</a> understates their
actions and their danger.


feed_id: 4ddd4e6bedadac2add3346f97584b31c
title: Administration of US elections
uri: Administration-of-US-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Administration_of_US_elections%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/how-avoid-banana-republic-elections">Proposing reforms</a> to the administration of US elections.


feed_id: 6b4dc8965213f0555a4d389d6aafe482
title: Meritocracy is not a good society for most people
uri: Meritocracy-is-not-a-good-society-for-most-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Meritocracy_is_not_a_good_society_for_most_people%29

content:
<p>

Pointing out that a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/06/michael-sandel-the-populist-backlash-has-been-a-revolt-against-the-tyranny-of-merit">meritocracy is not a good society</a> for most people.
<p>
"Meritocracy" encourages people to compete to climb the ladder, but
ascending one rung pushes another down one.  If you have to be above
average to win a decent life, half the people won't get one.  What we
really should aim to do is to bring the runs closer together and pull
the whole ladder up.  We need to reverse the concentration of wealth.
<p>
There is a role in a well-organized society for judging people by
comparing how well they would do a certain job.  We want to put the
best people in charge of important decisions.  But what does it mean
to be "best"?  It's not just a matter of <em>ability</em> &mdash; making good
decisions requires good values, too.
<p>
We have seen the bad results of choosing managers solely for ability
to succeed.  When Boeing ceased to be run by people with a career
commitment to making safe planes, and was instead run by people with a
career commitment to success, it started <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#30_December_2019_(Shooting_the_messenger)">covering up</a> possible problems rather than fixing them.
When medical insurance companies and hospital
companies started to be run by people who didn't have decades of
commitment to doing medicine, they made it their goal to get <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#19_June_2014_(For-profit_health_care)">more
profit</a> for less medicine.
<p>
The word "merit" is not the way to express what we should seek.  We
should call this something else.  "Menschness"?


feed_id: 5214263822365203473d00c0efcba2b3
title: Intense misogyny on antisocial media
uri: Intense-misogyny-on-antisocial-media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Intense_misogyny_on_antisocial_media%29

content:
<p>

Antisocial media, and especially Facebook, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/05/online-violence-against-women-flourishing-and-most-common-on-facebook-survey-finds">host intense misogyny</a>.
<p>
The article's explicit point is valid and important, but (I expect)
not really news to readers of stallman.org.  You know how nasty
antisocial media get, and that generally females receive more
hostility there than males.
<p>
My main reason for citing this article is to highlight a campaign to
change our use of language: the article describes verbal abuse as
"violence".
<p>
The insults and threats described are nasty, and they can hurt.  But
they are not "violence" (though threatening violence is but one step
away from doing it).  To stretch "violence" to include verbal abuse is
an abuse of language, and a dangerous one.
<p>
The frontier between words and violence is an important barrier to
escalation of fights.  Respect for this line helps people restrain
themselves from moving from verbal attacks to punches or shots.  It is
not always effective, but if we weaken it by redefining "violence" to
include mere words, we will learn the hard way how important that
restraint was.  Erasing the border will lead to more censorship on the
one hand, and more physical attacks on the other.
<p>
Hatred can be expressed through words, and through physical acts.  We
can condemn both without erasing the distinction.
<p>
There is a lot of hatred on Facebook, and a lot of disinformation, and
a lot of manipulation.  Why so much?  As I gather, it is because
Facebook's business model gives Facebook an incentive to promote these
things.  It designs its algorithm to maximize "engagement" and the
algorithm promotes various kinds of harmful postings because they
achieve that goal.
<p>
Facebook is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/04/rebels-within-the-facebook-staff-openly-challenging-zuckerberg">under pressure to curb the hatred</a>, but if its profits depend on pushing hatred (along with
disinformation and manipulation), its efforts to reduce them are
likely to change little.
<p>
Rather than trying to fix these problems by imposing various kinds of
censorship, I think we should forcibly change Facebook's algorithm,
and its business model.  Businesses are not entitled to human rights,
and regulating business models is not unjust like censorship.


feed_id: ad7291c75267a04a606ecef09d27c2c0
title: Not enough drones for fighting wildfires
uri: Not-enough-drones-for-fighting-wildfires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Not_enough_drones_for_fighting_wildfires%29

content:
<p>

The Interior Department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/06/wildfires-trump-ban-chinese-drones">stopped buying drones</a> a year ago, for concern that China will spy through them.  Now the US does
not have enough drones for fighting wildfires.
<p>
There is danger that China will spy through Chinese-made drones,
just as there is danger that companies and other government will
spy through drones made elsewhere.  But I don't think China will
learn many important secrets from looking at wildfires.
<p>
The first step to making sure that a drone can't be used to spy (by
some party other than its owner) is to make sure that the software in
it is free, and is being checked by people for quality and honesty.


feed_id: 61340c9fb6d9c2a454d406499910a48a
title: If you know Jolie O'Dell
uri: If-you-know-Jolie-O-Dell
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28If_you_know_Jolie_O%27Dell%29
content:
<p>

If you know Jolie O'Dell, would you please tell her that when I phone
her number I get "This number is no longer in service"?  Please ask
her to send me email to get back in touch.


feed_id: ff1cc938bd74cc3d311307e8dc564581
title: Limited default search engines on Android in the EU
uri: Limited-default-search-engines-on-Android-in-the-EU
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Limited_default_search_engines_on_Android_in_the_EU%29

content:
<p>

Android in the EU offers users a limited selection of default search
engines, which got onto the list by bidding in an auction.  As a result,
DuckDuckGo <a href="https://spreadprivacy.com/search-preference-menu-duckduckgo-elimination/">did not make it</a> into the list.
<p>
I have no way of seeing what search engines do appear.
Is there any that we think does not track users?


feed_id: aac3fc6bca68e587d14904f1b0a5f370
title: Amnesty specializes in hard truths
uri: Amnesty-specializes-in-hard-truths
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Amnesty_specializes_in_hard_truths%29

content:
<p>

*Amnesty specializes in hard truths. No wonder Modi <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/04/amnesty-specialises-in-hard-truths-no-wonder-modi-froze-it-out-of-india">froze it out</a> of India.*
<p>
What worries me is that the advance of tyranny in so many countries
will dilute the strength of efforts to hold tyrants accountable,
which are being weakened by disunity and by conversions to tyranny.


feed_id: 0d9ff5f815cf23da12985f73833eed5c
title: Supporters of QAnon-Supporting extremist candidates
uri: 2020-10-06-Supporters-of-QAnon-Supporting-extremist-candidates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_%28Supporters_of_QAnon-Supporting_extremist_candidates%29

content:
<p>

*[Republican] Megadonors, Freedom Caucus, and CEOs <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/10/01/trump-megadonors-freedom-caucus-and-ceos-bankroll-qanon-supporting-extremist-candidates/">Bankroll</a>
QAnon-Supporting, Extremist Candidates.*


feed_id: 8008ebc975a6931467445f8a9df2d208
title: Food shortages
uri: Food-shortages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Food_shortages%29
content:
<p>
Syria is suffering from food shortages, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/05/syria-introduces-limits-on-subsidised-bread-as-economic-crisis-bites">and has rationed give-aways of
bread</a>.


feed_id: 31ce7d93a7fa63639f9422673bb90a90
title: Turning away opioid patients
uri: Turning-away-opioid-patients
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Turning_away_opioid_patients%29
content:
<p>
Many opioid treatment centers in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/us-coronavirus-pandemic-opioid-addiction">are turning away patients
for reasons related to Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 9b32eca8a9c92983d836bc922a9e2aa3
title: Slowly adapting
uri: Slowly-adapting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Slowly_adapting%29
content:
<p>
European countries keep slowly increasing their anti-transmission
measures, but too slowly to get in front of Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/05/europe-struggles-to-contain-surge-of-coronavirus-cases">so it keeps
on increasing</a>.

<p>
Australia and New Zealand got it right: they took strong steps and
drove the case numbers way down.  I expect that the timid governments
will end up with a much longer period of lockdown.


feed_id: de0facc78a21d4bcfb3e804b2cc82062
title: When do you leave
uri: When-do-you-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28When_do_you_leave%29
content:
<p>
Cops (not extremely thuggish, it seems) broke up an 18-person vigil
for Julian Assange, then <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/how-a-police-state-starts/">apparently knocked on Craig Murray's hotel
room door at night to ask when he was leaving</a>.


feed_id: 685e2f351d97f05bb4dee9a49592612f
title: 4% territory burned
uri: 4-territory-burned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%284_0.000000e%2B00rritory_burned%29
content:
<p>
The fires in California this year have burned over 4% of California's
territory, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/california-fires-4m-acres-wildfires-burn">and the fire season is far from over</a>.

<p>
In a decade or two, most years will be like this year, and a few will
be worse.  I have a feeling that life in California will be difficult,
and farming even more so.


feed_id: a602e7752df98da8dbebe840325f0348
title: Can't tweet wishing death
uri: Can-t-tweet-wishing-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Can%27t_tweet_wishing_death%29
content:
<p>
Twitter has all of a sudden decided <a href="https://gizmodo.com/with-trump-in-hospital-with-covid-19-twitter-suddenly-1845265269">not to allow tweets to wish for
someone's death</a>.
  Will that apply to everyone?


feed_id: 9b22252d97af83dd8e5eb1350cb7e142
title: Nihilist behavior
uri: Nihilist-behavior
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Nihilist_behavior%29
content:
<p>
The nihilist's behavior does more than ruin debates.  It makes
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/03/first-debate-calls-more-cutting-mics">the idea of a debate an absurdity</a>.

<p>
However, US presidential debates have not been sincere confrontations
of ideas for a long time.  Since only the two major parties are included,
we always got soft right wing vs hard right wing.


feed_id: 783848405254664f0319a976112531fb
title: Simulation emitting CO2
uri: Simulation-emitting-CO2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28Simulation_emitting_CO2%29
content:
<p>
Video game simulated airplanes emit real CO2, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/oct/05/video-game-planes-emit-real-carbon-why-gaming-is-not-merely-guilt-free-escapism">due to data centers
and network transmission</a>.
  The programmed obsolescence of game platforms also damages the
environment.

<p>
It is never difficult for me to decide not to play a video game.  I
simply remember that the game is nonfree software, and the idea of
running it makes me shudder.


feed_id: dcc8ee60e752c85071bc2703d44afbb2
title: PPP loans
uri: 2020-10-06-PPP-loans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_October_2020_%28PPP_loans%29
content:
<p>
*Tens of Millions in PPP Loans Went to Corporate Polluters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/04/tens-millions-ppp-loans-went-corporate-polluters-after-companies-were-fined-52">After Companies
Were Fined $52 Million, Analysis Shows</a>.*


feed_id: 9d6a5f0117bd5a9ddcc9f4e5a610509d
title: Urgent: H.R. 2529
uri: Urgent-H-R-2529
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_H.R._2529%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/write-rep-extend-new-start?source=em20201003&t=1006&akid=6524%2E223515%2Eiv6bYI">call on your congresscritter</a> to sponsor H.R. 2529, a bill
to continue the New START arms limitation treaty with Russia.


feed_id: 06270d0160e0c10849f593b72c4d3c0e
title: Generating residential electricity by wind power
uri: Generating-residential-electricity-by-wind-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Generating_residential_electricity_by_wind_power%29

content:
<p>
The UK is considering a massive investment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/06/powering-all-uk-homes-via-offshore-wind-by-2030-would-cost-50bn">to generate all residential
electricity by wind power</a>.

<p>
Examples like these can get the rest of the world moving.  The return
on this investment, in terms of towns and farms not flooded, could be
enormous.


feed_id: e5c1be01347dc3e35538b7b19a5b6db4
title: Aftermarket hacks
uri: Aftermarket-hacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Aftermarket_hacks%29
content:
<p>
*Tesla Can Detect Aftermarket Hacks <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/35946/tesla-can-detect-aftermarket-hacks-designed-to-defeat-ev-performance-paywalls">Designed to Defeat EV Performance
 Paywalls</a>.*

<p>
In general, it is the car owner's <em>right</em> to make changes in the car,
and manufacturers should not be allowed to implement measures to
interfere.  Devices, including cars, should not require subscriptions
and should not record where the car goes.

<p>
But there is an exception: measures to reduce pollution.  These are vital for public health &mdash; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_(Effects_of_air_pollution_on_Covid-19_sicknes)">air pollution causes a lot of sickness and death</a> &mdash;
  and "defeat devices" installed by car owners are just as dangerous
as defeat devices installed by manufacturers.

<p>
My solution would be to put those systems into separate computers
whose software cannot be changed except by any digital activity.
If the manufacturer can't change it, it is ok that the owner can't.


feed_id: a58bc6f3c20b0cea45a3b9f0f91ef91b
title: Suing clerk refusing to marry
uri: Suing-clerk-refusing-to-marry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Suing_clerk_refusing_to_marry%29
content:
<p>
The Supreme Court accepted a lower court decision that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/supreme-court-kentucky-same-sex-marriage-kim-davis">a clerk who
refused to register a same-sex marriage can be sued</a>.

<p>
I think the concern showed by Thomas and Alito exaggerates the
situation.  Few jobs require taking actions specifically related to a
same-sex marriage.  If you don't want to do that part of the job, you
can let someone else have the job.


feed_id: e2a15fbd7d995258ecb6096726deab83
title: Replacing experienced workers
uri: Replacing-experienced-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Replacing_experienced_workers%29
content:
<p>
AT&amp;T has replaced tens of thousands of experienced union workers with
subcontracted temps, chosen for cheapness.  They obviously can't have
the same level of skill, <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3zye7/report-says-atandts-cheap-contracted-labor-puts-the-public-at-risk">and the results cause damage, even danger</a>.


feed_id: 6cae7a5e7eb7eabc7b96f8735be04904
title: Gig support workers
uri: Gig-support-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Gig_support_workers%29
content:
<p>
A company called "Arise" outsources customer service for other
companies to gig workers, <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/meet-the-customer-service-reps-for-disney-and-airbnb-who-have-to-pay-to-talk-to-you">and treats them as badly as one would expect</a>.


feed_id: e2b62b09daf6ef356fd70cdd83f99c29
title: Small pieces of plastic
uri: Small-pieces-of-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Small_pieces_of_plastic%29
content:
<p>
A study estimates that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/06/more-than-14m-tonnes-of-plastic-believed-to-be-at-the-bottom-of-the-ocean">there are 14 million tons of small pieces of plastic
on the ocean floor</a>.


feed_id: 01ec0c016b3790f47e62e225e96f82db
title: Conflict of interest
uri: Conflict-of-interest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Conflict_of_interest%29
content:
<p>
*[The bullshitter's] Appointee to VOA Reporters: <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/05/voa-reporters-conflict-of-interest-memo/">Criticizing [the
bullshitter] Is a Conflict of Interest</a>.*


feed_id: cd1ba77038e17ad50abb90686340df78
title: Clean Electricity Plan
uri: Clean-Electricity-Plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Clean_Electricity_Plan%29
content:
<p>
*Clean Electricity Plan Would Free US Economy of Carbon Dependence in 15
Years.*  <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/clean-electricity-plan-would-free-us-economy-of-carbon-dependence-in-15-years/">It would also create millions of good jobs in the US</a>.


feed_id: 6e2fc2c337444db25788aa0e08ddac0b
title: Sell out to big business
uri: Sell-out-to-big-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Sell_out_to_big_business%29
content:
<p>
Indonesia has found in Covid-19 the opportunity to sell out big to
business, undermining many environmental protections and workers'
rights.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/06/indonesia-mass-strikes-loom-over-cuts-to-environmental-safeguards-and-workers-rights">Workers are organizing a strike and a protest</a>.

<p>
Our problems are the result of letting business have too much clout already.
We cannot correct them by giving business more clout.


feed_id: cdb31ebfea28902e0c827031ba80a5a4
title: Covid-Positive GOP Politicians
uri: Covid-Positive-GOP-Politicians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Covid-Positive_GOP_Politicians%29
content:
<p>
*As Covid-Positive GOP Politicians Enjoy Healthcare They 'Would Deny Others,'
Coronavirus Pandemic <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/04/covid-positive-gop-politicians-enjoy-healthcare-they-would-deny-others-coronavirus">Again Makes Case for Medicare for All</a>.*


feed_id: 3a3c22d243b70524d6d810a72add3a18
title: Faux News
uri: 2020-10-07-Faux-News
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Faux_News%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#faux">Faux News</a> teaches its cultists to speak and think in a different
language with a different way of thinking.  Its words are drawn from
English, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200926155026/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/09/fox-news-trump-language-stelter-hoax/616309/">but speakers of ordinary English can't communicate with them</a>.


feed_id: 0b4aaf9d83993bbc58424f236fd008ef
title: Source of misinformation
uri: Source-of-misinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Source_of_misinformation%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter has been <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201003053947/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/us/elections/a-study-found-the-single-largest-driver-of-coronavirus-misinformation-it-was-the-president.html">the biggest single source of misinformation
about Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I think the term "disinformation" fits better than "misinformation."


feed_id: 0b6c50ed2420f087d233b7ea286bf8c7
title: IMF giving aid
uri: IMF-giving-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28IMF_giving_aid%29
content:
<p>
The US Senate is blocking the IMF from giving (for once, not lending)
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/if-you-could-save-million-lives-would-you-do-it">aid to many poor countries to deal with Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 4adb1b1ad9d75ea9de0d619ac0eaa12a
title: Aftermarket hacks
uri: 2020-10-08-Aftermarket-hacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_October_2020_%28Aftermarket_hacks%29
content:
<p>
*Tesla Can Detect Aftermarket Hacks
<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/35946/tesla-can-detect-aftermarket-hacks-designed-to-defeat-ev-performance-paywalls">Designed
to Defeat EV Performance Paywalls</a>.*
<p>
In general, it is the car owner's <em>right</em> to make changes in
the car, and manufacturers should not be allowed to implement measures
to interfere.  Devices, including cars, should not require
subscriptions and should not record where the car goes.
<p>
But there is an exception: measures to reduce pollution.  These are
vital for public health &mdash;
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_(Effects_of_air_pollution_on_Covid-19_sicknes)">air
pollution causes a lot of sickness and death</a> &mdash; and "defeat
devices" installed by car owners are just as dangerous as defeat
devices installed by manufacturers.
<p>
My solution would be to put those systems into separate computers
whose software cannot be changed by any digital activity.  If the
manufacturer can't change it, it is ok that the owner can't.


feed_id: d01c0a3b2705ea4c0b69a1acd83a5622
title: Ban on phone calls
uri: Ban-on-phone-calls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Ban_on_phone_calls%29
content:
<p>
*Israeli prison ban on phone calls <a href="https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-prisoners-minors-phone-calls/">risks ‘breaking spirits’ of Palestinian
minors</a>.*


feed_id: c34db9be03fe0f537eca0718310c2228
title: Agreeing on holding elections
uri: Agreeing-on-holding-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Agreeing_on_holding_elections%29
content:
<p>
*Hamas, Fatah agree <a href="https://mondoweiss.net/2020/09/hamas-fatah-agree-to-hold-elections-in-the-coming-months/">to hold elections in the coming months</a>.*

<p>
Palestinians have been weakened by this disunity, but given the
different conditions in parts of Palestine (in the West Bank, military
occupation; in Gaza, siege) it is difficult for one government to
govern both properly.


feed_id: ad685a7c494e007807f2d2745894da55
title: Multinational Tax Transparency
uri: Multinational-Tax-Transparency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Multinational_Tax_Transparency%29
content:
<p>
*Poll Shows Small Business Owners <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/06/poll-shows-small-business-owners-support-multinational-tax-transparency">Support Multinational Tax Transparency</a>.*

<p>
I don't think that small business owners should be more important than
the rest of us, but they have plenty of opportunities to get screwed
by big businesses they are compelled to deal with.


feed_id: 61a6996f83849416b6c057a9a037edd1
title: Dumping debt
uri: Dumping-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Dumping_debt%29
content:
<p>
The California Resources Corporation owns almost 18,000 oil wells in
California.  Most of them are exhausted and must be plugged, for
safety's sake.  The corporation is broke, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/06/new-report-crcs-failure-could-leave-california-taxpayers-900-million-burden">so it will cost the state
almost a billion dollars to plug these wells</a>.

<p>
I have a hunch that this corporation did not own the wells when they
were profitable.  I have a hunch it did not exist then.  My hunch is
that profitable oil companies sold off subsidiaries programmed for
bankruptcy making them the owners of these wells, and those
subsidiaries became the California Resources Corporation.

<p>
We know that a big coal company <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#8_October_2015_(Patriot_Coal)">did this to escape its pension obligation
to workers</a>.
  The owners kept their wealth, and the workers were thrown back on
Social Security. Which Republicans are now planning to destroy.
  If a coal company could do it, oil companies could do it.

<p>
Whether or not this is an instance of that form of cheating, it
illustrates the tendency of businesses to run off with "profits" made
by dumping debt on the public.

<p>
Remember this next time a rich person says, "I made this (all by
myself)."


feed_id: 67121ef3d5f468a85fa4899461b31b93
title: Repaying compassion
uri: Repaying-compassion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Repaying_compassion%29
content:
<p>
*Americans showed [the contemptuous leader] compassion. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/05/americans-showed-trump-compassion-he-repaid-us-with-contempt/">He repaid us
with contempt</a>.*

<p>
Even I showed some compassion to him personally, though without letting this
override my greater duties as an American and as a human being.


feed_id: 64a10ebc2be49bd379fe8d5b5aaaae91
title: Pediatrician qualified immunity
uri: Pediatrician-qualified-immunity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Pediatrician_qualified_immunity%29

content:
<p>
A pediatrician asks why thugs should get qualified immunity <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/i-dont-have-qualified-immunity-why-should-police">when they
injure people, and not doctors</a>.


feed_id: 6fed869e384f59d19904dc55d6d08d1e
title: Creeping apartheid
uri: Creeping-apartheid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Creeping_apartheid%29
content:
<p>
*More and more people are being excluded from British democracy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/british-democracy-democratic-values">in a creeping
apartheid</a>.*


feed_id: 4ec6e08f2410afa8934b1cd9adce9eca
title: The case against use of sarin
uri: The-case-against-use-of-sarin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_case_against_use_of_sarin%29
content:
<p>
A German court is considering the case against Assad and his government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/criminal-complaint-submitted-to-german-court-over-sarin-gas-attacks-in-syria">for use of sarin</a>.

<p>
I have doubts about whether Assad used Sarin.  I would not put it past
him; he did plenty of killing, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_October_2019_(Assad_and_torture)">and plenty of torture of prisoners</a>.
  I suppose he would not have had scruples about using nerve gas.

<p>
But I can't see why he would have used it only twice.  Using poison
gas even once, one assumes the full odium of having used poison gas,
but gain little military advantage.  Since he does not seem to be
insane, why would he pay so much for so little?

<p>
In addition, Seymour Hirsh said that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#4_July_2017_(Assertion_that_Assad_didnt_launch_sarin_attack)">there was no sarin attack
in Khan Sheikhun</a>.

<p>
This is a doubt, not a certainty.  I am not in a position to reach any
conclusion about this.  Meanwhile, it makes no difference to what I
think of Assad.  He is guilty of plenty of other crimes.


feed_id: b998e599b3754a89638e069ce04b41f3
title: Pope on neoliberal politics
uri: Pope-on-neoliberal-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Pope_on_neoliberal_politics%29
content:
<p>
Pope Francis has spoken <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/pope-francis-encyclical-us-election-biden-trump-catholic-vote">against neoliberal trickle-down politics</a>.

<p>
Will this lead Biden to reconsider his rejection of Medicare for All?


feed_id: 68d00e85a135e53d10c6466914c8f77b
title: Annulment of election
uri: Annulment-of-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Annulment_of_election%29
content:
<p>
Protesters won the annulment of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/kyrgyzstan-election-result-declared-invalid-after-mass-protests">evidently rigged Kyrgyzstan election</a>.


feed_id: 8ec529f0857462c141242cb1329c688c
title: State violence against citizens
uri: State-violence-against-citizens
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28State_violence_against_citizens%29

content:
<p>
*Labour is staying neutral as the [Tory] government sanctions state
violence against its citizens.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/labour-state-violence-opposition-bill-undercover-agents">This includes violence up to and
including rape or murder</a>.


feed_id: c3b190d3b5bb81451e38730d2d56aa4a
title: Transmitting the virus
uri: Transmitting-the-virus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Transmitting_the_virus%29
content:
<p>
People who work in the White House are angry with the wrecker
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/white-house-likened-to-ghost-town-as-anxiety-over-coronavirus-cluster-grows">for not warning them he was transmitting virus and doing nothing
to protect them or reduce the spread</a>.

<p>
Got Covid-19?  [The conman] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/got-covid-19-trump-wants-bleach-for-others-and-the-best-treatment-for-himself">wants bleach for others and the best
treatment for himself</a>.


feed_id: 3c473f560c7382a7305982a8d2aef918
title: Thug charged with murder
uri: 2020-10-08-Thug-charged-with-murder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Thug_charged_with_murder%29
content:
<p>
A Texas <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been charged with murder for killing Jonathan Price.
When Jonathan was tased, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/06/texas-police-shooting-jonathan-price-shaun-lucas">he started twitching and the thug interpreted this
as a threat</a>.


feed_id: 3daad3ce4e67afc255b5723bf8601c36
title: Classified as temporary
uri: Classified-as-temporary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Classified_as_temporary%29
content:
<p>
The Department of Harshness and Sadism wants its documents of abuses
to be classified as "temporary", <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/06/homeland-security-dhs-misconduct-records-erasure/">which means they will be destroyed
in a few years</a>.


feed_id: b5331da89f9bd20b2408665a1f65e5c2
title: Harm to science
uri: Harm-to-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Harm_to_science%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker has done broad harm to science in the US, and to public
respect for scientists.  Some kinds of damage <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02800-9">could take a long time
to repair</a>.


feed_id: adb3cff2e0ee4dc51b29ca694a95fc3f
title: Two British PISSI recruits use borrowed American torture techniques
uri: Two-British-PISSI-recruits-use-borrowed-American-torture-techniques
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Two_British_PISSI_recruits_use_borrowed_American_torture_techniques%29

content:
<p>

Two British PISSI recruits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/charges-against-uk-born-isis-pair-shed-light-on-brutality-of-terror-group">tortured captives</a> using techniques borrowed
from US torture, including waterboarding and "stress positions".
<p>
We warned that US torture would inspire revenge torture. 


feed_id: 1c9e23e63b2658ba572e931c2bd164e8
title: The herd immunity strategy
uri: The-herd-immunity-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_herd_immunity_strategy%29
content:
<p>

*William Hanage, professor of epidemiology at Harvard, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/why-herd-immunity-strategy-is-regarded-as-fringe-viewpoint">likens the [herd
immunity] strategy</a> to protecting antiques in a house fire by putting
them all in one room, standing guard with a fire extinguisher, but
simultaneously fanning the flames [in the rest of the house].*


feed_id: 8644fa6b0c941580b98ef25c1d4b30bf
title: The Save Our Seas Act
uri: The-Save-Our-Seas-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_Save_Our_Seas_Act%29
content:
<p>

The <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/07/save-our-seas-bill-plastics-pollution/">Save Our Seas Act</a> proposes funds to encourage research on removing
plastic waste from the sea, and on ways to recycle it.

It can be seen as an effort to avoid doing anything to reduce the production
of plastic objects that are difficult to recycle.


feed_id: 3af2299f4dde80e6fe96a7e9ef2f2f64
title: Republican disinformation operatives intimidating voters
uri: Republican-disinformation-operatives-intimidating-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Republican_disinformation_operatives_intimidating_voters%29

content:
<p>

Two Republican disinformation operatives face criminal charges of trying
to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/politics/jacob-wohl-jack-burkman-voter-suppression-operation/index.html">intimidate voters</a> with frightening lies.


feed_id: 44b32dce7500ae7425a62e0c36188296
title: The LA thug department makes use of facial recognition
uri: The-LA-thug-department-makes-use-of-facial-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_LA_thug_department_makes_use_of_facial_recognition%29

content:
<p>

The Los Angeles thug department makes <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-09-21/lapd-controversial-facial-recognition-software">massive use of face recognition</a>.

It tries to weasel out of this by saying it does not have a face
recognition system.  Which is true, strictly speaking, but does not
change anything.
<p>
It is a strategic mistake to argue based on the absence of some photos
from the database.  Their most obvious reply would be, "So let us put
everyone in it; then it will be unbiased."  That is the opposite of
what we want; we want limitations on who they <em>can</em> include in that
database, and which captured faces they can search it for.


feed_id: e288cf44f5a58f90a15513d0cb9e78a9
title: (satire) President's used tissues
uri: (satire)-President-s-used-tissues
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_President%27s_used_tissues%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Trump Supporters <a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-supporters-fighting-over-used-tissues-president-t-1845276433">Fighting Over Used Tissues</a> President Tossed From SUV.*


feed_id: 473a47b9b3e14f2a061fbae687e80aa6
title: The bullshitter lied when he said jobs were staying in the US
uri: The-bullshitter-lied-when-he-said-jobs-were-staying-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_bullshitter_lied_when_he_said_jobs_were_staying_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>

*[The bullshitter] lied to America's workers when he told them jobs were staying in
the United States. Under his watch jobs have left while he continues
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/during-trump-presidency-200000-jobs-offshored-and-corporations-involved-awarded">rewarding outsourcing corporations</a> with millions of dollars in
lucrative government contracts &mdash; in the middle of a pandemic.*


feed_id: a457cef90e94e720b25c81fb67738931
title: Calling on US hotels to stop serving as deportation prisons
uri: Calling-on-US-hotels-to-stop-serving-as-deportation-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Calling_on_US_hotels_to_stop_serving_as_deportation_prisons%29

content:
<p>

Calling on US hotels to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/open-letter-american-hotels">stop serving as deportation prisons</a>.

Keeping people in hotels as prisons has facilitated deporting them
quickly and denying them their right to a hearing.


feed_id: 13a309eaffc4b95b456ecef75bef5234
title: Protest of Illegal and Inhumane Remote Killing by US Drones
uri: Protest-of-Illegal-and-Inhumane-Remote-Killing-by-US-Drones
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Protest_of_Illegal_and_Inhumane_Remote_Killing_by_US_Drones%29

content:
<p>

*Peace Groups <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/peace-groups-blockade-creech-air-force-base-protest-illegal-and-inhumane-remote">Blockade Creech Air Force Base</a> to Protest 'Illegal and Inhumane
Remote Killing' by US Drones.*


feed_id: abb4251082f510b56bc0966c48c3ff38
title: The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the thug that killed Breonna Taylor
uri: The-district-attorney-who-asked-for-prosecution-of-the-thug-that-kille
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_district_attorney_who_asked_for_prosecution_of_the_thug_that_killed_Breonna_Taylor%29

content:
<p>

The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the thug that killed
Breonna Taylor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/grand-jury-recordings-reveal-how-kentucky-ag-let-cops-get-away-murder-breonna">lied about what happened</a> in the grand jury.
Recordings show he never asked the grand jury to consider murder
charges.


feed_id: 8e96836f1d10f4b54fba8f3d31d5eb98
title: Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany recklessly endangered reporters' lives
uri: Press-Secretary-Kayleigh-McEnany-recklessly-endangered-reporters-live
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Press_Secretary_Kayleigh_McEnany_recklessly_endangered_reporters%27_lives%29

content:
<p>

Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany recklessly endangered reporters' lives
by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/she-has-recklessly-endangered-lives-trump-press-secretary-tests-positive-covid-day">refusing to wear a mask</a> while talking to them.
<p>
When she got infected, she did not know right away.  In general, you
don't know you are infected until some days after you start spreading
virus &mdash; or perhaps you never find out.  This is why you should always
protect others by wearing a mask.  Her failure to do so was reckless.
<p>
Surely the superspreader had told her to follow his example, but that
is no excuse.
<p>
(satire) *John Bolton
was reportedly <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/john-bolton-seething-with-jealousy-after-trump-gets-to-1845288525">seething with jealousy</a> Tuesday that President Trump got
to become a real-life living, breathing biological weapon.*


feed_id: d59b15aae27d569cd321368d82e11c2c
title: Workers in the White House contracting coronavirus
uri: Workers-in-the-White-House-contracting-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Workers_in_the_White_House_contracting_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>

90 people work doing housekeeping jobs in the White House.  At least
two of them have contracted coronavirus, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/trump-enjoys-balcony-photo-op-white-house-cleaning-staff-sick-covid-19-told-use">were told to hush it up</a>.
<p>
It is not a safe place to work.


feed_id: 57d4a00614a743348fc227826d3b1737
title: Use of low-paid throw-away migrant labor
uri: Use-of-low-paid-throw-away-migrant-labor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Use_of_low-paid_throw-away_migrant_labor%29

content:
<p>

The use of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/covid-19-and-global-addiction-cheap-migrant-labour">low-paid throw-away migrant labor</a> in agriculture has spread
around the world. Covid-19 has made many of them suffer more, but it will do nothing to improve
the way agricultural workers are treated.
<p>
Giving them better treatment, including better pay, will make food
more expensive.  But that will be a good thing, if the wealthy
countries support poor people better.  It will make agricultural jobs
good enough that citizens will work in them, and make farming more
profitable in poor countries so that not so many people will be
desperate to migrate for work.


feed_id: 4291b70eff316bfc0d829500a2e9d3ad
title: Divesting from companies that are involved in Israel's occupation of Palestine
uri: Divesting-from-companies-that-are-involved-in-Israel-s-occupation-of-P
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Divesting_from_companies_that_are_involved_in_Israel%27s_occupation_of_Palestine%29

content:
<p>

Columbia University students <a href="https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/9/29/bds-win-columbia-university-votes-to-boycott-israeli-companies">voted for divesting</a> from companies that
are involved in Israel's occupation of Palestine.


feed_id: 6b18f155483bb3f4d00d650b64a228b9
title: Israel planning on building additional housing units on Palestinian territory
uri: Israel-planning-on-building-additional-housing-units-on-Palestinian-te
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28Israel_planning_on_building_additional_housing_units_on_Palestinian_territory%29

content:
<p>

Israel is planning to <a href="https://news.antiwar.com/2020/10/05/israel-to-advance-plans-for-4400-new-settlement-homes/">build an additional 4,400 housing units</a> on
Palestinian territory.


feed_id: 14628b70d9899d58a766a74744880f1f
title: The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the thug that killed Breonna Taylor
uri: 2020-10-09-The-district-attorney-who-asked-for-prosecution-of-the-thug-that-kille
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_%28The_district_attorney_who_asked_for_prosecution_of_the_thug_that_killed_Breonna_Taylor%29

content:
<p>

The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> that killed
Breonna Taylor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/grand-jury-recordings-reveal-how-kentucky-ag-let-cops-get-away-murder-breonna">lied about what happened</a> in the grand jury.
Recordings show he never asked the grand jury to consider murder
charges.


feed_id: f2ea0f0db18c9fce2ad81ead40e598cd
title: Urgent: Don't facilitate extracting fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Don-t-facilitate-extracting-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Don%27t_facilitate_extracting_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/22902/action/1">call on the US Forest Service</a> to reject proposed new regulations
to facilitate extracting fossil fuels from public lands.


feed_id: d0a97c2d7f3b386f9e0308db68f2c19d
title: Quarantine for generals
uri: Quarantine-for-generals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Quarantine_for_generals%29
content:
<p>
General Milley and other top US generals are in quarantine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/06/us-military-chiefs-coronavirus-quarantine-mark-milley-trump">in case the
spreader in chief transmitted coronavirus to them</a>.


feed_id: 71612c2736a76f1f64a9cbe7d6aefcbc
title: Banning QAnonsense
uri: Banning-QAnonsense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Banning_QAnonsense%29
content:
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/06/qanon-facebook-ban-conspiracy-theory-groups">is banning most sorts of presentations of QAnonsense</a>.


feed_id: 3f9f2b51b75d59d0c6dac8b2fefdbd08
title: Protecting thugs
uri: Protecting-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Protecting_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The Boston thug department protects its <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, even from the district
attorney.  It drags its feet on handing over information <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/30/metro/dark-suffolk-da-rollins-wants-more-information-troubled-boston-officers/">about thugs
that have been accused of violence</a>.

<p>
She is threatening (though not with an aggressive tone) to use a
subpoena to get the information.


feed_id: f990c07cfc338c5c1d4f6e8ab31707f4
title: Toward Christian Fascism
uri: Toward-Christian-Fascism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Toward_Christian_Fascism%29
content:
<p>
*[The corrupter]’s Barrett Nomination <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/trumps-barrett-nomination-another-step-toward-christian-fascism">Another Step Toward Christian Fascism</a>.*

<p>
The "prosperity gospel" is a perversion of Christianity.  (Don't the
gospels quote Jesus as saying, "Sell all thou hast and give to the
poor"?)  Just as the middle ages twisted Christianity into the divine
right of kings, plutocracy has twisted it into the divine right of
billionaires.


feed_id: a4d3889850bcbcd4337e175768c31b6f
title: Protesting is now illegal
uri: Protesting-is-now-illegal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Protesting_is_now_illegal%29
content:
<p>
Israel's thug chief: Protesting is now illegal <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/defending-cops-handling-of-protests-acting-police-chief-vows-to-keep-enforcing/">so we will continue
breaking up protests, even violently</a>.

<p>
Morally, the situation is clear.  People have a right to protest, so
they should be allowed to protest as long as they wear masks and keep
well apart.  But Israel does not have a written constitution that
could be used to argue legally that the law must not violate people's
constitutional rights.


feed_id: baaee80c3623ee4baae442f0d29017fa
title: Community policing
uri: Community-policing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Community_policing%29
content:
<p>
Deputy Chief Tingirides has set up <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/07/emada-tingirides-lapd-deputy-police-chief-interview">very successful community policing
in Watts, in Los Angeles</a>.

<p>
All <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments should do what Tingirides is doing in Watts, but
that does not conflict with the goal of defunding.  What that means is
to transfer funds to an agency set up to respond to many kinds of
9-1-1 calls by sending people trained for counseling rather than
confronting criminals.


feed_id: b49ba17b805fcb7e9f64631d25fd8aae
title: Physical strength of politicians
uri: Physical-strength-of-politicians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Physical_strength_of_politicians%29

content:
<p>
Don't make the mistake of choosing politicians for their physical strength
or the mistake of imagining that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/07/fit-for-office-from-trump-to-abbott-vitality-is-too-often-conflated-with-character-in-politics">recovering from an infection is a test
of physical strength</a>.


feed_id: c943817fcc95ea304f71515b86904fa9
title: Neo-nazi considered criminal
uri: Neo-nazi-considered-criminal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Neo-nazi_considered_criminal%29
content:
<p>
The leaders of the Greek right-wing hatred party Golden Dawn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/golden-dawn-leader-and-ex-mps-found-guilty-in-landmark-trial">have been
convicted of participating in a criminal gang</a>.


feed_id: cd5d6bcfb474d0f467789ecbc426b222
title: Taking power away from Parliament
uri: Taking-power-away-from-Parliament
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Taking_power_away_from_Parliament%29

content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson is trying to take the effective legislative power away
from Parliament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/07/boris-johnson-covid-power-grab">and give it to people under the Prime Minister's
command</a>.


feed_id: 4cd2b3de8ecb6fa76b62b2066841857b
title: Still deported
uri: Still-deported
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Still_deported%29
content:
<p>
The US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> admit that they acted illegally by deporting
Cesar Marroquín while he was waiting for an immigration hearing.
But <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/07/ice-wrongful-deportation-guatemala/">that may not enable him to get back</a>.


feed_id: fc03c3ba019be65df30bb6e91481cedc
title: Agriculture and global heating
uri: 2020-10-09-Agriculture-and-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Agriculture_and_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Intensification of agriculture <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/07/intensive-farming-worldwide-threatens-paris-climate-accord-report-says">is pushing global heating</a>.


feed_id: e03c89ef306eb5bfc6c6c77b05a6f888
title: Thinning forests
uri: Thinning-forests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Thinning_forests%29
content:
<p>
Thinning some forests in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/08/thinning-forests-doesnt-reduce-bushfire-risk-and-could-make-some-blazes-worse-study-finds">led to worse fires</a>.

<p>
It is possible that this was due to other effects of the machines used
to do the thinning.


feed_id: 6428de04775fe3cb533a9f9c68de7df2
title: Gold, silver and copper mine
uri: Gold-silver-and-copper-mine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Gold%2C_silver_and_copper_mine%29
content:
<p>
* The Chinese-backed gold, silver and copper mine [in Papua New
Guinea] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/plan-for-largest-mine-in-png-history-appears-to-disregard-human-rights-un-says">risks catastrophic environmental destruction, [UN] special
rapporteurs argue</a>.*


feed_id: 30ee6f9c6879d4dff4c46c7cd8c630c5
title: Plans to increase greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Plans-to-increase-greenhouse-gas-emissions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_%28Plans_to_increase_greenhouse_gas_emissions%29

content:
<p>
Exxon plans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/leaked-docs-inside-omnicidal-exxonmobil-reveal-plan-increase-climate-killing">to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 17%, as of 2025</a>.

<p>
That is a plan for mass murder.


feed_id: c9fb2040746e2a9121a9e555c78dc81c
title: Misery Super-Spreaders
uri: Misery-Super-Spreaders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Misery_Super-Spreaders%29
content:
<p>

*‘Successful’ People Are <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/10/08/successful-people-are-misery-super-spreaders/">Misery Super-Spreaders</a>.*


feed_id: 589a8d52d2a550da24ed9556c40a5409
title: Oklahoma Jail guards accused of torture
uri: Oklahoma-Jail-guards-accused-of-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Oklahoma_Jail_guards_accused_of_torture%29

content:
<p>

*'On the Level of Guantánamo': Oklahoma Jail Guards Accused of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/level-guantanamo-oklahoma-jail-guards-accused-torturing-inmates-baby-shark-song">Torturing
Inmates With 'Baby Shark' Song</a>.*
<p>
The idea of torture by repeatedly playing a childish song seems like a
joke.  Indeed, it was a joke, in the movie One, Two, Three (1961).
<p>
But that headline is misleading.  Shackling prisoners to a wall for
hours is real torture, music or no music.


feed_id: 4d8f64d7d25db92eebb54a0036911c89
title: UK ministry broke GDPR
uri: UK-ministry-broke-GDPR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28UK_ministry_broke_GDPR%29
content:
<p>

*[UK] Data watchdog finds [education] ministry broke GDPR by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/07/department-for-educations-handling-of-pupil-data-illegal">mishandling national database for [all pupils in] England</a>.*
<p>
It is interesting to see that in some cases the GDPR can prohibit
construction of a database.  Now we will see whether it can in practice
get rid of the prohibited database.
<p>
Perhaps in January the GDPR will cease to have any force in the UK,
as its commitment to follow EU directives will cease then.


feed_id: 552bdd011aa6040c92f191833c82bbfb
title: Activists sue San Francisco fro Surveillance
uri: Activists-sue-San-Francisco-fro-Surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Activists_sue_San_Francisco_fro_Surveillance%29

content:
<p>

*Activists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/07/activists-sue-san-francisco-wide-ranging-surveillance-black-led-protests-against">Sue San Francisco</a> for Wide-Ranging Surveillance of Black-Led
Protests Against Police Violence.*


feed_id: 395279007a23f647b58c4aa124df6717
title: Climate research gives us a basis for hope
uri: Climate-research-gives-us-a-basis-for-hope
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Climate_research_gives_us_a_basis_for_hope__%29

content:
<p>

Michael Mann reports that the last ten years of climate research
give us a basis for hope: it takes only five years for a reduction
in CO2 emissions to result in a reduction in <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
So we still have a chance to avoid <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster, if we
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/07/60-minutes-guardian-and-game-changing-new-science">start promptly and work hard</a>.
<p>
*EU parliament votes for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/eu-parliament-votes-carbon-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-2030">60% greenhouse gas</a> emissions cut by 2030.*
<p>
This is starting to be in the range of what is really necessary.
<p>
*Chase Climate Pledge 'Shows the Power of Relentless Environmental Activism'
But <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/chase-climate-pledge-shows-power-relentless-environmental-activism-not-aggressive">'Not Aggressive Enough'</a>.*


feed_id: a0ab000e95c3dbe620cabc4fec2963fc
title: Insecurity of the white so-called middle class
uri: Insecurity-of-the-white-so-called-middle-class
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Insecurity_of_the_white_so-called_middle_class%29

content:
<p>

*As climate catastrophes worsen the insecurity of the white
so-called middle class will only intensify as well, and for good
reason. As it does an even <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/07/no-lives-matter">greater number of white folks</a> will choose
from a fascist movement that speaks to their loss of power and invites
them to reclaim it (from the wrong people) by force, or a Black Lives
Matter movement that literally ignores their existence. Which will they
choose?*
<p>
I'm going to oppose fascism (a form of illiberal plutocracy) no matter
what, just as I am going to oppose racism no matter what.  The violence
of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> against blacks is vicious, so I will oppose that no matter
what.  This is because of my adherence in a universal standard of
justice, one that has nothing to do with identity.
<p>
I hope that those who campaign against those forms of evil will
recognize the need for a universal standard of justice.  Without that,
their campaigns will undermine their own moral foundation as well as
their chances to win general support.


feed_id: ff273e3838910c8ed6a01c7d5347f05b
title: Attorney General Sessions and his deputy behind prosecutions of unauthorized immigrants
uri: Attorney-General-Sessions-and-his-deputy-behind-prosecutions-of-unauth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Attorney_General_Sessions_and_his_deputy_behind_prosecutions_of_unauthorized_immigrants%29

content:
<p>

The inspector general of the Department of Justice reports that
Attorney General Sessions and his deputy were <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/crimes-against-humanity-inspector-generals-report-reveals-top-trump-doj-officials">directly behind the
decisions</a> to prosecute every unauthorized immigrant and separate
families.  They pressured subordinate officials to do this.


feed_id: c6a5d98163751d16317fa20b7d1e1a41
title: (satire) Trumps struggle to yell racial slurs
uri: (satire)-Trumps-struggle-to-yell-racial-slurs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Trumps_struggle_to_yell_racial_slurs%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *White House Staff Heartbroken By Sight Of <a href="https://www.theonion.com/white-house-staff-heartbroken-by-sight-of-weak-trump-st-1845298690">Weak Trump Struggling</a> To Yell
Racial Slurs At TV.*


feed_id: 4b1d88ed5282a7a2e2bcae0921b74ee8
title: People in UK being evicted from emergency shelter
uri: People-in-UK-being-evicted-from-emergency-shelter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28People_in_UK_being_evicted_from_emergency_shelter%29

content:
<p>

*Thousands of people given emergency shelter [in the UK] at start of
pandemic are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/07/home-office-urged-to-halt-evictions-of-refused-asylum-seekers">being evicted</a>.*
<p>
Ironically, this is happening just as Covid-19 is spreading again
and it is cold outside &mdash; like the situation that motivated giving them
housing earlier this year.


feed_id: 195299cee5cc7146191f70c293c40e9e
title: (satire) Big blue cable connected to the country
uri: (satire)-Big-blue-cable-connected-to-the-country
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Big_blue_cable_connected_to_the_country%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellip;a
division of confused U.S. Army Corps of Engineers members were
reportedly trying Wednesday to <a href="https://www.theonion.com/confused-army-corp-of-engineers-trying-to-find-out-what-1845246641">figure out what the big blue cable</a>
connected to the country does.*


feed_id: bcfe5ec53aeccb79c8483cf601928b18
title: Climate denial ads on Facebook
uri: Climate-denial-ads-on-Facebook
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Climate_denial_ads_on_Facebook%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/climate-denial-ads-on-facebook-seen-by-millions-report-finds">Climate denial ads on Facebook seen by millions</a>, report finds.*


feed_id: f453feef6e9a9b5bf6726563bdafd3b1
title: Golden Dawn carried out crimes for 20 years before prosecution
uri: Golden-Dawn-carried-out-crimes-for-20-years-before-prosecution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Golden_Dawn_carried_out_crimes_for_20_years_before_prosecution%29

content:
<p>

Golden Dawn organized a quasimilitary militia and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/08/golden-dawn-neo-nazi-violence-greece-political-class">carried out
crimes of violence for 20 years before it was prosecuted</a>.
Why did the Greek state take so long to prosecute it?


feed_id: d413a3382d1f189a552c1017268cacc1
title: Fed lending could save cities and states
uri: Fed-lending-could-save-cities-and-states
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Fed_lending_could_save_cities_and_states%29

content:
<p>

*Fed Lending Saved Corporate America. It Could <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/08/city-state-budget-crisis-fed-coronavirus/">Do the Same</a> for Cities and
States.*


feed_id: be271806699009d7395224e400c665fc
title: Dutch Rijksmuseum thinking about returning objects from territory now Indonesia
uri: Dutch-Rijksmuseum-thinking-about-returning-objects-from-territory-now
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Dutch_Rijksmuseum_thinking_about_returning_objects_from_territory_now_Indonesia%29

content:
<p>

The Dutch Rijksmuseum is thinking about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/dutch-museums-vow-to-return-art-looted-by-colonialists">returning objects</a> that were
collected over a century ago from territory that is now Indonesia.
What does it mean to "return" those objects?
<p>
Consider the diamond mentioned in the article, which the Dutch took
from the Sultan of Banjarmasin.  If the Netherlands ought to return
that, to whom should it be returned?  Today's Republic of Indonesia
has nothing to do with that diamond's history; it succeeded the
Netherlands as the sovereign power for most of Borneo but not directly
from the Sultan's government.  It makes no sense to "return" the
diamond to the republic.  The sultan of Banjarmasin would hardly have
demanded the return of his diamond to a polity based on Java unless
it was ruled by his descendants.
<p>
The diamond could be returned to the sultan's last heir (who might
that be?), but is there really a moral obligation to do that?
<p>
The diamond may be worth a lot of money, but I'd expect it has less
non-monitary value than other objects in the museum.  Each one raises
the questions, "Was this stolen?" and "If so, from whom?" and "Who is
the heir today of that person or entity?"


feed_id: b5c680521f3f5dabfd916483592cbd15
title: FBI shut down right-wing terrorist kidnapping plot
uri: FBI-shut-down-right-wing-terrorist-kidnapping-plot
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28FBI_shut_down_right-wing_terrorist_kidnapping_plot%29

content:
<p>

The FBI shut down a real right-wing terrorist plot to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/six-people-charged-plot-kidnap-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer">kidnap the
governor</a> of Michigan.
<p>
I hope that after January we can prosecute the extremist that encouraged
this plot.


feed_id: 02ffa72db49cfaf88778989cf32b2d8d
title: Urgent: Hold Amazon accountable for its abuses of workers in California
uri: Urgent-Hold-Amazon-accountable-for-its-abuses-of-workers-in-Californi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Hold_Amazon_accountable_for_its_abuses_of_workers_in_California%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on Attorney General Becerra to <a href="https://act.couragecampaign.org/sign/stop-amazons-abuse-workers/">hold Amazon
accountable</a> for its abuses of its workers in California.


feed_id: 3788a3618e94fa431642163a5a1657b0
title: The bully's contempt for the deceased
uri: The-bully-s-contempt-for-the-deceased
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28The_bully%27s_contempt_for_the_deceased%29

content:
<p>

Relatives of people who died from Covid-19 feel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/loved-ones-covid-victims-appalled-trump-tweet">intensley offended</a>
by the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s contempt for the deceased.
<p>
The New England Journal of Medicine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/new-england-journal-of-medicine-coronavirus-pandemic-trump-administration">called for voting out the bully</a>,
for the "recklessly squandered lives" of people who died from Covid-19
due to his crazy policies.


feed_id: 180e58b75fb2a365d72e974282848947
title: Senator Lee's opposition to democracy
uri: Senator-Lee-s-opposition-to-democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Senator_Lee%27s_opposition_to_democracy%29

content:
<p>

Senator Lee, a Republican, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/republican-us-senator-mike-lee-democracy">declared his opposition to democracy</a>.
<p>
He refuses to clarify who he thinks should rule, but I think the
answer would be "billionaires and Republicans."
<p>
Pence, in the debate, repeated the wrecker's veiled <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/their-desperate-attempt-cling-power-pence-joins-trump-refusing-commit-peaceful">threat to seize
power</a> if they cannot pretend to have won.
<p>
I say "pretend" because their voter-suppression efforts will be
included in the count.


feed_id: 04eb8dc6966da1d07f4e16730495e73f
title: India's tea workers strike
uri: India-s-tea-workers-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28India%27s_tea_workers_strike%29
content:
<p>

*India's tea workers strike as government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/09/indias-tea-workers-strike-as-government-fails-to-deliver-wage-increase">fails to deliver wage increase</a>.*


feed_id: afe2a4300dee8418ecb0bcc4897f3c54
title: Plot to kidnap or kill Michigan governor
uri: Plot-to-kidnap-or-kill-Michigan-governor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Plot_to_kidnap_or_kill_Michigan_governor%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-kidnap-plot">plot to kidnap or kill</a> Michigan Governor Whitmer has been planned
since June.


feed_id: 1695602c02d3896567e00111b04e43cd
title: Barret, as a judge, sends asylum seekers back to danger
uri: Barret-as-a-judge-sends-asylum-seekers-back-to-danger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Barret%2C_as_a_judge%2C_sends_asylum_seekers_back_to_danger%29

content:
<p>

Barrett, as a judge, has been happy to seize on technicalities to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/09/amy-coney-barrett-immigration/">send
asylum seekers back to danger</a>.


feed_id: 67f9813573f171a7dab616c830a5222e
title: Electric sockets for stoves and electric cars
uri: Electric-sockets-for-stoves-and-electric-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Electric_sockets_for_stoves_and_electric_cars%29

content:
<p>

A plan to require houses to be built with electric sockets to aid in
replacing gas stoves with electric stoves in the future, and for
recharging cars in the garage, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/09/climate-change-building-code-emissions-us">facing a big fight from gas companies</a>.


feed_id: 6949572665719c70965e413ce5f579ac
title: Covid-19's crippling brain fog
uri: Covid-19-s-crippling-brain-fog
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Covid-19%27s_crippling_brain_fog%29

content:
<p>

Some people who have "recovered" from Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/brain-fog-the-people-struggling-to-think-clearly-months-after-covid">experience crippling
"brain fog"</a>.


feed_id: db4c9616af63043f1ce3c8425dcb9c28
title: Amnesty International reports of activists murdered in Colombia
uri: Amnesty-International-reports-of-activists-murdered-in-Colombia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Amnesty_International_reports_of_activists_murdered_in_Colombia%29

content:
<p>

Amnesty International reports that over 220 activists for human,
environmental, and land rights have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/08/colombia-activists-murder-amnesty-international">murdered in Colombia</a> this
year.
<p>
The government is right-wing, thus allied to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jan-apr.html#15%20March%202007%20(Paramilitaries%20of%20Colombia)">paramilitaries</a>, who
are surely responsible for most of the murdering.


feed_id: 636c9ee04b1441c0b19563ced44b826e
title: Portland thugs targeted medics
uri: Portland-thugs-targeted-medics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Portland_thugs_targeted_medics%29

content:
<p>

*Portland: [thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/portland-protests-medics-police">targeted medics</a> [at Black Lives Matter protests]
with teargas and projectiles, report finds.*
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> also kept ambulances away from the injured people at the
protest.  This is what Israeli soldiers do to injured Palestinians,
and on a number of occasions has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#7_November_2012_(Gaza)">resulted in their death</a>.
<p>
The city <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were bad, and the federal thugs were even worse.
They should all be prosecuted.


feed_id: 2e38dc426e41731264dfcac2a09724b3
title: The US and UK will break any rule and tell any lie to get Assange
uri: The-US-and-UK-will-break-any-rule-and-tell-any-lie-to-get-Assange
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28The_US_and_UK_will_break_any_rule_and_tell_any_lie_to_get_Assange%29

content:
<p>

Julian Assange's extradition hearing demonstrated that the US and UK
governments <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/06/julian-assange-trial-extradition/">will break any rule and tell any lie to get Assange</a>.
<p>
The article recounts how his supporters' computers were stolen,
as well as how his basic rights as a person accused were violated.
<p>
This follows a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_June_2019_(Procedural_abuses_in_Julian_Assange_case)">legal campaign</a> in which procedures and laws were
trashed again and again, and which demonstrated that the Swedish state was only using the
original charges against Assange as an excuse, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_January_2020_(Assange)">had no interest
in seriously investigating them</a>.
<p>
If Assange is thinking of suicide, I do not think that represents any
sort of mental derangement on his part.  Under Assange's
circumstances, suicide would be a rational act, an act of courage,
avoiding a fate worse than death.
<p>
A few days ago I said that no one ever really deserves to die.  If you
are facing a fate worse than death, what you really deserve is to
avoid it and live.  But if that is impossible, I still hope that you
avoid it.


feed_id: cc39d1e0c1584783d0daf69278015fcb
title: Covid-19 has unmasked what the Republican Party stands for
uri: Covid-19-has-unmasked-what-the-Republican-Party-stands-for
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Covid-19_has_unmasked_what_the_Republican_Party_stands_for%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/covid-19-unmasked-true-nature-donald-trump-trumpism">unmasked what the Republican Party stands for</a>.
<p>
This statement in the article includes an erroneous presupposition.

<blockquote>
  Similarly, Trumpism adapts the traditional Republican attachment to
  individual freedom and mutates it into a darker, Darwinian belief that
  the strong individual can and should do whatever they like, and to hell
  with the "suckers and losers" who might suffer as a result.
</blockquote>
<p>
The latter is what the Republican Party has really stood for since
decades ago, but it tried to disguise that stand until recently.


feed_id: cc2545a02cf2386fb7154deb209b7efa
title: Letter that urged UK to let Covid-19 spread
uri: Letter-that-urged-UK-to-let-Covid-19-spread
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Letter_that_urged_UK_to_let_Covid-19_spread%29

content:
<p>

A letter supposedly signed by scientists that urged the UK to let
Covid-19 spread and aim for herd immunity seems to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/herd-immunity-letter-signed-fake-experts-dr-johnny-bananas-covid">at least
partly a hoax</a>.
<p>
That "solution" would mean lots of people die or develop lasting organ
damage.


feed_id: 936fa1843f61c49e19813a77bfbb5778
title: Government spending is preserving most UK jobs
uri: Government-spending-is-preserving-most-UK-jobs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Government_spending_is_preserving_most_UK_jobs%29

content:
<p>

The UK is (reluctantly) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/the-guardian-view-on-sunaks-u-turn-bad-for-him-but-good-for-the-country">using government spending to preserve most
jobs</a> and the workers who have them, even if there is currently no work
for them to do.


feed_id: 495db18c1e66e6696ef34e02f099fc38
title: Covid drug developed using cells from aborted fetus
uri: Covid-drug-developed-using-cells-from-aborted-fetus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Covid_drug_developed_using_cells_from_aborted_fetus%29

content:
<p>

*Covid drug given to Trump developed using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/trump-covid-drug-developed-using-cells-derived-from-abortion">cells derived from aborted fetus</a>.*
<p>
There is nothing wrong with that &mdash; fetuses are not human beings.  But
the bullshitter will need to excuse himself to the Christian extremists
that support him.
<p>
I suppose he will plead hypocrisy again: "Never mind that I
never live by your principles; you know I have no conscience."


feed_id: 0c2956a2e68c2ecbc0685a89186a6c4f
title: Crimes the conman could be prosecuted for
uri: Crimes-the-conman-could-be-prosecuted-for
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Crimes_the_conman_could_be_prosecuted_for%29

content:
<p>

Describing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/trump-will-we-ever-lock-him">some of the crimes</a> the conman could be prosecuted for,
if he can't hold on to the presidency.


feed_id: 0b6dde71735ac18bb05de534dfa33e43
title: Subjection of Palestinians in exchange for subjection of Western Sahara
uri: Subjection-of-Palestinians-in-exchange-for-subjection-of-Western-Sahar
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Subjection_of_Palestinians_in_exchange_for_subjection_of_Western_Sahara%29

content:
<p>

The US proposes a deal to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/us-poised-flout-intl-law-part-potential-morocco-israel-normalization-deal">support the subjection of Palestinians in exchange
for the subjection of Western Sahara</a>.
<p>
Two injustices at once &mdash; no wonder the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> loves it.


feed_id: baeb2ed3daef17a563d3bdba55367af8
title: Texas thug charged with murder for killing Jonathan Price
uri: Texas-thug-charged-with-murder-for-killing-Jonathan-Price
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Texas_thug_charged_with_murder_for_killing_Jonathan_Price%29

content:
<p>

A Texas thug has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/texas-cop-shaun-lucas-charged-murder-hometown-hero-and-unarmed-black-man-jonathan">been charged with murder</a> for killing Jonathan Price
as the latter was trying to break up a fight between other people.


feed_id: 7859a82efdafe8a41c7f03cd2ab7b6c0
title: US economy needs stimulus
uri: US-economy-needs-stimulus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28US_economy_needs_stimulus%29
content:
<p>

Even the head of the Federal Reserve acknowledges that the US economy
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/bolstering-progressive-demand-fed-chair-says-more-stimulus-crucial-avoid-even-more">needs stimulus</a>.
<p>
Only Republicans deny it.


feed_id: 9a75f99f9aaff8d8e2c83e2964b4307c
title: Violent anti-mask protest
uri: Violent-anti-mask-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Violent_anti-mask_protest%29
content:
<p>

Hasidic Jews in New York City held a violent anti-mask protest
and <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/journalist-jacob-kornbluh-attacked-in-borough-park-during-second-night-of-covid-19-rage">attacked a journalist</a> who was doing nothing but making a video.
One of them recognized him and knew he might criticize them later in
his writing.
<p>
To those who shouted "Jewish Lives Matter," I agree &mdash; they do.
So protect other Jewish lives (and non-Jewish lives) by wearing masks!


feed_id: 1be464ec0c95be629cad20363b8da62d
title: Preventing Iran from buying medicine
uri: Preventing-Iran-from-buying-medicine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Preventing_Iran_from_buying_medicine%29

content:
<p>

The bully plans to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/outright-genocidal-even-iran-reels-covid-19-pandemic-trump-unveil-punishing-new">impose sanctions</a> on the rest of Iran's banks and
money transfer systems with the aim of preventing Iran from buying
medicine and other products for humanitarian needs.


feed_id: 5f10405a3439455b9f4647389bb93903
title: America the terrible emerging from the shadows
uri: America-the-terrible-emerging-from-the-shadows
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28America_the_terrible_emerging_from_the_shadows%29

content:
<p>

*The bulk of the chaos [of the wrecker's antigovernance] is simply
America the Terrible emerging from the shadows: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/08/what-comes-next-us">our real history
suddenly visible</a>.*


feed_id: 4cf59364972b46798b86a2f5cf38b7be
title: (satire) Donations for terrorist group go to cover administrative costs
uri: (satire)-Donations-for-terrorist-group-go-to-cover-administrative-cost
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Donations_for_terrorist_group_go_to_cover_administrative_costs%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; local terrorist group benefactor Ahmad al-Yasin was
reportedly disappointed to learn Thursday that most of his
donations go to <a href="https://local.theonion.com/terrorist-group-benefactor-disappointed-to-learn-most-o-1845301873">covering administrative costs</a>.  "&hellip; these
funds should go toward suicide vests and stocking up on AK-47s &hellip;."*


feed_id: d4f06fee2eaa016b78580c3c66d32841
title: The market power of big tech companies
uri: The-market-power-of-big-tech-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28The_market_power_of_big_tech_companies%29

content:
<p>

A House subcommittee calls for new laws to <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/congress-unveils-plan-curb-big-tech-power/">reduce the market power</a>
of the big tech companies.


feed_id: b22bffdacb4d47fb8ed84f9b7f386c66
title: Feral pigs in the US
uri: Feral-pigs-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Feral_pigs_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>

Feral pigs are <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/09/wild-pigs-are-everywhere/616389/">overrunning the US</a> and causing a lot of damage.
The problem is difficult because letting individuals hunt them makes them
more wary.


feed_id: 314b8af73b612a729725a9dff6c51b65
title: Directives restricting discussion of race, discrimination
uri: Directives-restricting-discussion-of-race-discrimination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Directives_restricting_discussion_of_race%2C_discrimination%29

content:
<p>

*[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s] Directives Restricting Discussion of Race,
Discrimination <a href="https://pen.org/press-release/trump-directives-on-race-discrimination-in-education-are-censorship/">Are Censorship</a>.*
<p>
They are very broad, and could
restrict teaching in public schools, even universities that receive
federal funds.


feed_id: 756ac9ef72347a0dedf2927842663ec7
title: (satire) Mike Pence during Wednesday night's debate
uri: (satire)-Mike-Pence-during-Wednesday-night-s-debate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Mike_Pence_during_Wednesday_night%27s_debate%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Vice President Mike Pence appeared to
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/pence-instinctively-addresses-harris-husband-in-audien-1845289633">instinctively address his responses</a> to Sen. Kamala Harris’ husband
during Wednesday night’s vice-presidential debate.*
<p>
Meanwhile, Harris demonstrated yet again her <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/fracking-bad-actually-ocasio-cortez-interjects-after-harris-falters-over-pence">weakness on confronting the
danger of global heating</a>.


feed_id: 370290b64d2df20b12d18ed79e50da4c
title: Legal ramifications of distance learning
uri: Legal-ramifications-of-distance-learning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Legal_ramifications_of_distance_learning%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.nheld.com/parents-beware">A lawyer warns that parents</a> who accept distance learning from a public
school may be construed by courts as giving the school officials
permission to look through the computer's camera at any time during
school hours, and report whatever they see.
<p>
Unlike many other injustices of distance learning, this possible
injustice does not depend on having malware in the computer.
But malware can potentiate it.


feed_id: d7b8abad775e0caf82e75ab82a287123
title: Legal offensive against people linked to Morales
uri: Legal-offensive-against-people-linked-to-Morales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28Legal_offensive_against_people_linked_to_Morales%29

content:
<p>

* Human Rights Watch report accuses [Bolivia's] administration &hellip; of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/11/bolivia-justice-system-evo-morales-allies-human-rights-watch-report">overseeing legal offensive</a> against people linked to
Morales*, the president expelled by the coup in 2019.
<p>
To construe launching a nonviolent protest as "terrorism" is tyranny,
and reveals the nature of the coup-installed government.
<p>
Evo Morales Tells Jacobin: We’re <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/evo-morales-interview-bolivia-mas-election">Still Fighting the Multinationals Who
Drove the Coup</a>.


feed_id: 0819fe7c9b49ce0b3b950555a688ea10
title: The hottest September ever recorded
uri: The-hottest-September-ever-recorded
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_October_2020_%28The_hottest_September_ever_recorded%29

content:
<p>

Last month was the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/07/september-saw-hottest-temperatures-on-record-globally-and-in-europe">hottest September ever recorded</a>,
as California found out, to its peril.
<p>
I've read that 2020 is likely to be the hottest year ever recorded.
But this record will not last many years.


feed_id: 2d65b5db134d91a6351145c02680975a
title: Urgent: no vote on nomination of Supreme Court seat
uri: Urgent-no-vote-on-nomination-of-Supreme-Court-seat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_no_vote_on_nomination_of_Supreme_Court_seat%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-201001-scotus/?t=1001&refcode=g-SCOTUS1008.d-20201008.m-25196.s-157955&akid=25196%2E1906019%2ErkEW5G">call on Congress</a> to have no vote on any nomination to
fill Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat until the winner of this
election is inaugurated.


feed_id: 81cd742c69295cc209de0bf66c6f109e
title: Urgent: Save Europe from Software Patents
uri: Urgent-Save-Europe-from-Software-Patents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Save_Europe_from_Software_Patents%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://ffii.org/donate-now-to-save-europe-from-software-patents-says-ffii">Donate now</a> to save Europe from Software Patents, says FFII.

<p>
If you are German, contact your representative in the Bundestag
to oppose the "unitary patent".


feed_id: aa0dfe80e0d5b71adc5cf605e839ccf5
title: Profiting from disinformation
uri: Profiting-from-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Profiting_from_disinformation%29
content:
<p>
*Facebook Profited From Climate [Dis]information <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/facebook-profited-climate-misinformation-even-after-vowing-fight-it-report-shows">Even After Vowing to
Fight It, Report Shows</a>.*

<p>
These ads were not mere errors, they were intentional deception.
Thus I call them "disinformation".


feed_id: de533da9ab609eaef3259470065c2ffa
title: Not appealing enough
uri: Not-appealing-enough
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Not_appealing_enough%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/american-populace-worried-theyre-not-likable-enough-to-1845313933">satire</a>) *&hellip; millions of Americans worried that they weren’t appealing enough to
   land any potential commander in chief who didn’t constantly lie, steal,
   and cheat on them by having secret relations with numerous other
   countries."


feed_id: 1ec9406a60e651e4f81aac0a7753dcfe
title: One person attack
uri: One-person-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28One_person_attack%29
content:
<p>
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: the US should not allow any one person
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/08/trumps-covid-infection-shows-why-its-time-retire-nuclear-football">to have the power to launch a nuclear attack unilaterally</a>.


feed_id: 2442d3b0ff824c8b2df43bd6294181ec
title: The hard problem of solidarity
uri: The-hard-problem-of-solidarity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28The_hard_problem_of_solidarity%29

content:
<p>
Interesting article: *Binary Oppositions <a href="https://anileklavya.net/2020/09/19/binary-oppositions-and-the-hard-hard-problem-of-solidarity/">and the Hard Hard Problem of
Solidarity</a>.*


feed_id: abd478774fddf9206763e92cbb56bc46
title: White supremacists monitoring polling places
uri: White-supremacists-monitoring-polling-places
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28White_supremacists_monitoring_polling_places%29

content:
<p>
Republicans are sending armed white supremacists to "monitor" polling
places <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/threat-fair-election-experts-warn-danger-posed-armed-pro-trump-poll-watchers">and try to intimidate blacks other marginalized people from
voting</a>.

<p>
Their supposed excuse for the intimidation is to discourage fraud in
voting, but even if there were fraud, they would be unable to stop it. 

(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/wisconsin-reports-zero-evidence-of-voter-fraud-in-ballo-1845326405">satire</a>) Wisconsin Reports Zero Evidence Of Voter Fraud In Ballots
They’ve Thrown Out So Far.


feed_id: 7d56ea90ce7026fd55c1644b759ad8d4
title: Fabrication of reason
uri: Fabrication-of-reason
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Fabrication_of_reason%29
content:
<p>
Bianca Williams rebukes the investigation of the incident where she
was stopped by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, because it will consider only whether they treated 
her courteously, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/09/bianca-williams-threatens-to-boycott-watered-down-inquiry-into-police">not whether they fabricated a disguise of a reason</a>.


feed_id: 440b5b5432e5d8a4d0bb7fe0785edd3a
title: Stopping pipeline
uri: Stopping-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Stopping_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
How people in New York City <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/eleven-reasons-why-we-stopped-massive-fracked-gas-pipeline-new-york-city">stopped a pipeline for fracked gas</a>.


feed_id: a089ce8ceddf35975dbbd61e5f8d3796
title: Fundamental rights at stake
uri: Fundamental-rights-at-stake
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Fundamental_rights_at_stake%29
content:
<p>
*Warning Fundamental Rights and American Lives at Stake, 5,000+ Lawyers Urge
Senate to Reject Barrett.*

<p>
They wrote, "Rushing to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett will cause
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/warning-fundamental-rights-and-american-lives-stake-5000-lawyers-urge-senate-reject">irreparable damage to the public's faith in the Supreme Court, the
rule of law, and our democracy</a>."


feed_id: fe5397d5ddf47839f97112707e59f477
title: Plexiglass around building
uri: Plexiglass-around-building
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Plexiglass_around_building%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/south-carolina-protecting-voters-from-covid-19-by-erect-1845293139">satire</a>) *&hellip; the South Carolina Election Commission announced
   Friday that urban polling places would feature large plexiglass
   barriers around the entire building.*


feed_id: 9b6d9971628e2c67b39eca26716c9ae9
title: Delivery drone
uri: Delivery-drone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Delivery_drone%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/frisky-housewife-lets-revealing-robe-slip-after-opening-1845256403">satire</a>) *Frisky Housewife Lets Revealing Robe Slip After Opening Door
To Amazon Delivery Drone.*


feed_id: 963cac7f0a394e98debc752e5d5f2de8
title: Resisting coups
uri: Resisting-coups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Resisting_coups%29
content:
<p>
Guidelines and examples for resisting coups carried out
by heads of government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/how-we-should-defend-against-impending-trump-coup">that refused to leave after losing an election</a>.


feed_id: 70e3457dc24c5659ef6dbdb47a1de4d6
title: Intentionally inciting violence
uri: Intentionally-inciting-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Intentionally_inciting_violence%29

content:
<p>
It is clear that the would-be tyrant intentionally incited violence
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/donald-trump-must-be-held-responsible-michigan-terrorist-plot">including the planned plot to kidnap or assassinate Governor Whitmer
of Michigan</a>.

<p>
What I don't know is whether there is any way to hold him legally
responsible &mdash; with criminal charges.  I don't know where the line
is for incitement of violence or other crimes this might possibly be.


feed_id: 8e6dda0c0a224725267306d86edcfec9
title: Cult infection
uri: Cult-infection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#12_October_2020_%28Cult_infection%29
content:
<p>
The cult leader is almost certainly still infected with coronavirus,
but <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/health-experts-stunned-trump-says-he-will-resume-person-rallies-while-infected-covid">he is holding rallies at which he will surely not wear a mask</a>.

<p>
From a rational perspective, this may seem crazy, but I think it makes
sense psychologically, He inviting cult members to demonstrate their
loyalty and faith in him by letting him expose them to coronavirus.

<p>
Next year there will be interviews with adults in the prime of their
lives who suffer persistent medical problems stemming from this
display of faith.


feed_id: 89970f431ce173243d813595004b6969
title: Amazon bullies partners and vendors
uri: Amazon-bullies-partners-and-vendors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Amazon_bullies_partners_and_vendors%29

content:
<p>

*Amazon <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/06/amazon-bullies-partners-and-vendors-says-antitrust-subcommittee.html">bullies partners and vendors</a>, says antitrust subcommittee.*


feed_id: 39481cab787b5b401ed6001223b74345
title: Facebook buys, copies or kills competitors
uri: Facebook-buys-copies-or-kills-competitors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Facebook_buys%2C_copies_or_kills_competitors%29

content:
<p>

*Facebook is a social network monopoly that <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/06/house-antitrust-committee-facebook-monopoly-buys-kills-competitors.html">buys, copies or kills competitors</a>, antitrust committee finds.*


feed_id: 6df809907d1213e4e39ddb138aa2a384
title: Costa Rica Anti-IMF protests
uri: Costa-Rica-Anti-IMF-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Costa_Rica_Anti-IMF_protests%29
content:
<p>

*Costa Rica Holds Anti-IMF Protests for <a href="https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Costa-Rica-Holds-Anti-IMF-Protests-for-Tenth-Consecutive-Day--20201009-0010.html">Tenth Day in a Row</a>.*


feed_id: 9670275a01af02eade770e26c0d9aa21
title: Campaign to block China seat in the UN Human Rights Council
uri: Campaign-to-block-China-seat-in-the-UN-Human-Rights-Council
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Campaign_to_block_China_seat_in_the_UN_Human_Rights_Council%29

content:
<p>

There is a campaign for the UK to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/10/block-chinas-seat-on-human-rights-council-over-uighurs-urges-lisa-nandy">block China</a> from having a seat in the
UN Human Rights Council.
<p>
The very idea of China's presence in that group illustrates the fact
that it has been taken over by the enemies of human rights.


feed_id: 6d22d48519e3a466535ac4db632074f1
title: Animal agriculture surveils and punishes critics
uri: Animal-agriculture-surveils-and-punishes-critics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Animal_agriculture_surveils_and_punishes_critics%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/10/new-documents-reveal-how-the-animal-agriculture-industry-surveils-and-punishes-critics/">New Documents Reveal</a> How the Animal Agriculture Industry Surveils and
Punishes Critics.*


feed_id: 1d26710a8ac837691316b37525169a2b
title: Texas order to shut down ballot drop-off sites
uri: Texas-order-to-shut-down-ballot-drop-off-sites
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Texas_order_to_shut_down_ballot_drop-off_sites%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/10/texas-mail-in-ballot-drop-off-sites-judge">Federal judge blocks</a> Texas governor's order to shut down ballot drop-off sites.*
<p>
I suppose this will go through two appeals and reach the Supreme Court.
I wonder what it will say.


feed_id: b1a52b2ecb995a26201a38d5d179d42a
title: Toxic chemical smoke grenades
uri: Toxic-chemical-smoke-grenades
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Toxic_chemical_smoke_grenades%29
content:
<p>

*Federal Agents Used <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/10/portland-tear-gas-chemical-grenades-protests/">Toxic Chemical Smoke Grenades</a> in Portland.*
<p>
Some protesters were sick for a long time after being attacked in this way.


feed_id: 34df2eb600f5a767c70e8edc31d7d7c6
title: Farming salmon on a large scale
uri: Farming-salmon-on-a-large-scale
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Farming_salmon_on_a_large_scale%29

content:
<p>

Farming salmon on a large scale, as today, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/15/net-loss-the-high-price-of-salmon-farming">causes a number of ecological dangers</a>, and can also incubate diseases as well as
parasites.


feed_id: dc2958b03d55c4f1514e6b36b51d5211
title: Charles Koch buying credibility
uri: Charles-Koch-buying-credibility
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Charles_Koch_buying_credibility%29

content:
<p>

*How Charles Koch Is <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2020/09/12/charles-koch-academic-george-mason-utah-state-university">Buying Credibility With Academic Investments</a>.*


feed_id: e011cb92366752ba2ae9ebdfb264abbc
title: Persistently harassing possible future criminals
uri: Persistently-harassing-possible-future-criminals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Persistently_harassing_possible_future_criminals%29

content:
<p>

Pasco, Florida, tries to prevent crime by <a href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2020/investigations/police-pasco-sheriff-targeted/intelligence-led-policing/">persistently harassing</a> people thought to be possible future criminals until they move out of
town.


feed_id: 3e06b04b1eca83d6768a0c9757b4e19f
title: US response to Covid-19 driven by various wrong intuitions
uri: US-response-to-Covid-19-driven-by-various-wrong-intuitions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28US_response_to_Covid-19_driven_by_various_wrong_intuitions%29

content:
<p>

The US response to Covid-19 has been driven by various <a hrer="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/09/pandemic-intuition-nightmare-spiral-winter/616204/">wrong intuitions</a> so that it has been purely planned.
<p>
The article does not mention that the wrecker and Republicans
intentionally undermined the effort so he could use the disease for
his reelection.  (I think we did not yet have proof of that when it
was written.)  However, I don't think that invalidates the article.
The Republicans took advantage of these erroneous tendencies, and they
are still doing so.


feed_id: 2d2dc8058816d6fa26f0af3e59f9c290
title: New York thug department patterns of injustice
uri: New-York-thug-department-patterns-of-injustice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28New_York_thug_department_patterns_of_injustice%29

content:
<p>

1/5 of the high-ranking officers of the New York Thug Department have
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/over-a-dozen-black-and-latino-men-accused-a-cop-of-humiliating-invasive-strip-searches-the-nypd-kept-promoting-him">substantiated patterns of injustice</a> to the public. Substantiated to the department's satisfaction, that is.
The department works hard to cover them up.
<p>
This article practices the fashionable symbolic bigotry of
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  I linked to the article despite
that because its substance is important.


feed_id: dd786b81ed87ed5939d50d9dc0f946fd
title: Masks in public transportation
uri: Masks-in-public-transportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Masks_in_public_transportation%29

content:
<p>

The CDC wanted to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/health/coronavirus-covid-masks-cdc.html">order people to use masks in public transportation</a>, but the wrecker's political officials blocked it.
<p>
If our state and local officials were on our side and getting good
advice, all trying to do the best thing to protect people from
Covid-19 and bring it to an end, it might be better for these
decisions to be made locally.  Alas, led by the wrecker, many of them
are on the virus's side, and this decision helped them spread it.


feed_id: 4a47403e99c7da7564410951819da180
title: UK thug violence against anti-fracking and anti-HS2 protesters
uri: UK-thug-violence-against-anti-fracking-and-anti-HS2-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28UK_thug_violence_against_anti-fracking_and_anti-HS2_protesters%29

content:
<p>

UK thugs display a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/10/chilling-police-tactics-used-on-hs2-protesters-claims-report">pattern of violence</a> and bodily harm against
anti-fracking and anti-HS2 protesters.


feed_id: 24fff903426f9446e9551fe88d88a102
title: Thug union faces criminal charges for pepper-spraying a person who was handcuffed
uri: Thug-union-faces-criminal-charges-for-pepper-spraying-a-person-who-was
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Thug_union_faces_criminal_charges_for_pepper-spraying_a_person_who_was_handcuffed%29

content:
<p>

The head of the Somerville, Massachusetts, thug union now <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/09/metro/somerville-cop-charged-criminally-allegedly-pepper-spraying-handcuffed-man/">faces
criminal charges</a> for pepper-spraying a person who was handcuffed.
<p>
It appears that the most thuggish of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> feel drawn to becoming
officials of the unions that protect thuggishness.


feed_id: 2f1f8d78d770f57ed0e6664ca9e71c02
title: The saboteur is sabotaging science
uri: The-saboteur-is-sabotaging-science
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28The_saboteur_is_sabotaging_science%29

content:
<p>

The saboteur is sabotaging science by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/blatant-hypocrisy-trump-heralds-covid-19-drugs-he-took-made-possible-fetal-cell">forbidding research using fetal
cells culture</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> did the same thing.  In the 2000s, a friend of mine hoped that
research would find a way to prevent his developing blindness.  Due to
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s policy, that research was not done.  Now he is completely
blind.
<p>
A fetus is not a baby, and a culture of human cells is not a human
being.  There is absolutely nothing wrong (barring unusual
circumstances) with an abortion, and absolutely nothing wrong with
using fetal cells (or their cultures) for research (medical or
otherwise).  When anyone acts less than proud of using the results of
such research, we should speak up and say, "Be proud!"


feed_id: 79f7eaa5508e5fcd3fa0eca82b37bb9a
title: Rust belt plant closures
uri: Rust-belt-plant-closures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Rust_belt_plant_closures%29
content:
<p>

*Despite Trump's 'Jobs, Jobs, Jobs' Bluster, the Rust Belt Is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/despite-trumps-jobs-jobs-jobs-bluster-rust-belt-still-reeling-plant-closures">Still Reeling</a> from Plant Closures.*


feed_id: eda6e54b9e0e2e092a54f7fd84a007b0
title: Covid-19 in the Czech Republic
uri: Covid-19-in-the-Czech-Republic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Covid-19_in_the_Czech_Republic%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 transmission has been rising in the Czech Republic since August,
and has reached the point where it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/11/czech-republic-goes-from-model-covid-19-response-to-brink-of-second-lockdown">overload the medical system</a>.
<p>
This demonstrates yet again that trying to trim the settings in the rules
is a mistake.  Once transmission starts accelerating, you must take
firm action without delay.  You're only safe if the number of new
cases is decreasing.


feed_id: bda6a7a0872adeed6a4e0e4910ce4cf1
title: Greenhouse emissions reduction
uri: Greenhouse-emissions-reduction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Greenhouse_emissions_reduction%29

content:
<p>

Even a weak target for greenhouse emissions reduction can create
many jobs and a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/12/net-zero-emissions-target-for-australia-could-launch-63bn-investment-boom">booming economy</a>.
<p>
It could slow down disaster, and pave the way for stronger steps.


feed_id: 060838f5cee9965398670bb7694a0a66
title: Corporations entitled to human rights
uri: Corporations-entitled-to-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Corporations_entitled_to_human_rights%29

content:
<p>

See <a href="https://www.movetoamend.org/pledge-amend-candidate-responses">which candidates</a> have pledged to amend the Constitution to reject
the idea that corporations are entitled to human rights.
<p>
I was disappointed to see that not one candidate in my state
has endorsed it.


feed_id: df843681255b15745a549a50ecdee9ff
title: Sunken British slave ship
uri: Sunken-British-slave-ship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Sunken_British_slave_ship%29
content:
<p>

A sunken British slave ship, of great archaeological interest, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/11/wreck-of-the-worlds-oldest-slave-ship-at-risk-of-destruction">being
destroyed</a> by unrestricted trawling.


feed_id: c9fb43f04123e82f4115a69e5464e3c4
title: Arguing for herd immunity
uri: Arguing-for-herd-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Arguing_for_herd_immunity%29
content:
<p>

A few dissident scientists purport to be arguing for letting Covid-19
spread to produce herd immunity.  Superficial news coverage makes it
look like a serious scientific dispute, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/11/the-rebel-scientists-cause-would-be-more-persuasive-if-it-werent-so-half-baked">their position is not
clear enough to make sense</a>.  And its supposedly scientific supporters
are not all real scientists.
<p>
In other fields, such "skepticism" has been funded by businesses with
something to gain by creating a false impression of uncertainty.
There is no shortage of businesses that might want to create the
appearance of doubt about whether we should try to wipe out Covid-19.
And there are rich supporters of the conman who might do this.
<p>
I wonder if someone who knows how to investigate could check for such
connections.


feed_id: 19eadb1ad8801bd6146bb864a3bfe1c4
title: British practice of raising large numbers of birds
uri: British-practice-of-raising-large-numbers-of-birds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28British_practice_of_raising_large_numbers_of_birds%29

content:
<p>

The British practice of raising large numbers of birds to release them
for wealthy people to shoot is causing ecological damage; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/11/rspb-calls-for-new-laws-on-game-bird-shooting">stricter laws are needed</a>.


feed_id: 59ff518077ba0da23e7fac09a5dde344
title: Political officials alter the CDC's weekly reports
uri: Political-officials-alter-the-CDC-s-weekly-reports
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Political_officials_alter_the_CDC%27s_weekly_reports%29

content:
<p>

Political officials <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/11/exclusive-trump-officials-interfered-with-cdc-reports-on-covid-19-412809">alter the CDC's weekly reports</a> for political
purposes. They are pushing the head of the CDC to modify old reports too.
<p>
Dr. Rick Bright resigned from the National Institute of Health after
he was sidelined for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/laying-tens-thousands-preventable-deaths-foot-trump-failures-top-us-health-official">insisting on doing</a> what was scientifically and
medically called for.


feed_id: 22fec7c0b839dac83cb57ca101b141cf
title: World left unprepared for pandemic
uri: World-left-unprepared-for-pandemic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28World_left_unprepared_for_pandemic%29

content:
<p>

*'Catastrophic Failure to Tackle Inequality' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/catastrophic-failure-tackle-inequality-left-world-unprepared-pandemic-global-index">Left World Unprepared for
Pandemic</a>.*


feed_id: 40ce80c868a1007202aabacdb6f982d6
uri: Political-Article-An-Extinction-Rebellion-activist-comments-about-the
title:
Political Article: An Extinction Rebellion activist comments about the London police by Clark Killick

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Political_Article%3A_An_Extinction_Rebellion_activist_comments_about_the_London_police_by_Clark_Killick%29

content:
<p>

New political article: <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/clark-killick.html">An Extinction Rebellion activist comments about the London police
              by Clark Killick</a>


feed_id: 62b2b975dbdc5db30f38cb2440323ce5
title: Urgent: Keep the Roadless Rule for the Tongass National forest
uri: Urgent-Keep-the-Roadless-Rule-for-the-Tongass-National-forest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Keep_the_Roadless_Rule_for_the_Tongass_National_forest%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on the Department of Agriculture to <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/22942/action/1">keep the Roadless Rule</a>
for the Tongass National forest.


feed_id: 5a41ff23fe28c40bcc065f1a65f04c15
title: Sifting for food
uri: Sifting-for-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Sifting_for_food%29
content:
<p>
*People in Gaza <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/people-in-gaza-sifting-through-rubbish-for-food-un-head-says">sifting through rubbish for food, UN head says</a>.*


feed_id: d51e842b336ab0b3c6e24b0c9356fb96
title: Senate democrats have failed us
uri: Senate-democrats-have-failed-us
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Senate_democrats_have_failed_us%29

content:
<p>
Senate Democrats have failed us by not going to the mat <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court-confirmation-hearing-partisan-clash">to block
confirmation of Barrett as a Supreme Court Justice</a>.

<p>
The hearings are useless.  Democrats could show she shot someone on
Fifth Avenue and the Republicans would still confirm her, just as they
confirmed Kavanaugh.

<p>
With her, the court will find it easy to use some excuse to set aside
the election and make the wrecker president again.

<p>
*Judges' politics absolutely sway how they decide cases. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/supreme-court-judges-amy-coney-barrett">I crunched the
numbers</a>.*


feed_id: f0b0354610988e16f83ba9f617df66cb
title: Unimportant
uri: Unimportant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Unimportant%29
content:
<p>
President Xi is showing the people who served as his puppet government
in Hong Kong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/hong-kong-chief-executive-postpones-major-policy-speech-carrie-lam-china">just how unimportant they are to him</a>.


feed_id: a2a437a9dfca19ebe17e057981ee6e64
title: Official state payment app
uri: Official-state-payment-app
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Official_state_payment_app%29
content:
<p>
China is luring Chinese people to adopt the official state payment
app, which is even more Big Brotherish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/chinese-city-giving-away-10m-yuan-in-lottery-trial-of-digital-currency">than the private payment apps
they mostly use now</a>.

<p>
Protect your country from going down that path &mdash; insist on paying
for products and transportation with cash, anonymously.


feed_id: e5f26bdbf143bc804f60f8af3517de63
title: Your civilization is killing life on Earth
uri: Your-civilization-is-killing-life-on-Earth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Your_civilization_is_killing_life_on_Earth%29

content:
<p>
*This is my message to the western world &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/western-worldyour-civilisation-killing-life-on-earth-indigenous-amazon-planet">your civilisation is killing life
on Earth</a>.*

<p>
It is a justified rebuke to civilization, but limiting it to "western"
is not fair.  Civilization is global; civilization in Asia is involved
too.

<p>
*[One] fifth of nations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/12/fifth-of-nations-at-risk-of-ecosystem-collapse-analysis-finds">at risk of ecosystem collapse, analysis finds</a>.*


feed_id: 00d7fc5a53794afbd5c3c4b8e6fc3512
title: Punished for getting pregnant
uri: Punished-for-getting-pregnant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Punished_for_getting_pregnant%29
content:
<p>
The UAE punishes foreign workers that get pregnant, and their children,
with homelessness and starvation, and the children with denial of education.
This punishment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/12/they-have-to-be-punished-the-mothers-trapped-in-the-uae-by-love-crimes">lasts for an indefinite term; it could be years</a>.

<p>
Many religions support injustice to women.


feed_id: 422f7f4d5bd428cae181f3f96175490b
title: Lung cancer
uri: Lung-cancer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Lung_cancer%29
content:
<p>
*Covid coughing link '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/12/covid-coughing-link-may-be-stopping-people-with-lung-cancer-coming-forward">may be stopping people with lung cancer coming forward</a>'.*

<p>
The delay in detecting and treating lung cancer can be fatal.

<p>
The UK's National Health Service has also caused delays in testing for
and treating cancer, by being slow.  People are dying from that.
Covid-19 made this a lot worse, but it was starting before.

<p>
The NHS did a pretty good job, given the inadequate funding that
governments gave it.  However, plutocratist governments <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#29_December_2012_(Thatchers_secret_proposal)">have cut its
funds step by step over many years</a>.
  Under those conditions, it will become less and less effective &mdash; but
don't blame the NHS for that.


feed_id: f0cb0b4dc588a701a3e851f535ed2bd5
title: Shooting attacking protester
uri: Shooting-attacking-protester
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Shooting_attacking_protester%29
content:
<p>
A right-wing protester in Denver attacked a journalist's bodyguard,
first with a punch, then with pepper spray.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/12/far-right-twitter-trolls-wont-admit-wrong-killing-patriot-denver/">The bodyguard shot him
dead</a>.
I am concerned by the fact that the bodyguard was arrested for
defending himself.


feed_id: d0ebf88e85f189cbda2dc0fecbccc4a8
title: Charged for attacking journalist
uri: Charged-for-attacking-journalist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Charged_for_attacking_journalist%29

content:
<p>
The anti-distancing activist who attacked a journalist in Brooklyn
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/brooklyn-leader-protest-covid-coronavirus-arrest">faces criminal charges for doing that</a>.


feed_id: fb605e0018cc87d0b50d6c0fb361595b
title: In Favor of deforestation
uri: In-Favor-of-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28In_Favor_of_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
*   Rainforests face unprecedented fires, yet BlackRock, State Street and
   Vanguard <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/largest-us-investors-undermine-efforts-halt-rainforest-destruction-new-report">have consistently voted in favor of deforestation</a>.*


feed_id: 2a625037fee47c63615f765e731ca17b
title: Report on climate risks
uri: Report-on-climate-risks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Report_on_climate_risks%29
content:
<p>
*New Zealand Becomes First Country in the World <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/new-zealand-becomes-first-country-world-require-financial-sector-report-climate">To Require Financial Sector To
Report on Climate Risks</a>.*


feed_id: abec7a6c39ae311e221322be9d13e02a
title: Not endorsing bullshit
uri: Not-endorsing-bullshit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Not_endorsing_bullshit%29
content:
<p>
*Anthony Fauci criticises Donald Trump for using his words out of context.*
The bullshitter's campaign <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/11/anthony-fauci-criticises-donald-trump-for-using-his-words-out-of-context">made it appear that Fauci was endorsing
some bullshit</a>.


feed_id: ee1d9057ee8b746e301c0b27777319b4
title: Blocking coups
uri: Blocking-coups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Blocking_coups%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker may try to seize power after the US election.  How can
Americans stop him?  Here are methods <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/11/get-ready-resist-trump-coup-attempt">that succeeded for blocking
coups in several other countries</a>.


feed_id: 01b8ae0cb347cb90b753cf48dc3ae1cf
title: Stretched to the limit
uri: Stretched-to-the-limit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Stretched_to_the_limit%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/overwhelmed-white-nationalist-militia-spread-way-too-th-1845326351">satire</a>) *&hellip; members of a local white nationalist militia stated
   Friday they were stretched to the limit trying to attack everyone the
   president wants them to.*


feed_id: 90ea0d9dd45fa3e392899c274410a554
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2020-10-13-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_October_2020_%28Voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
Georgia kicked over 310,000 voters off the registration list on the
grounds that they had moved.  Supposedly it did this based on data
from the USPS.  Greg Palast's team checked properly with the USPS and
found out that <a href="media/6b71bcdd.georgia_voter_roll_purge_errors_report.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/georgia_voter_roll_purge_errors_report.pdf">197,000 of them should not have been deleted</a>.

<p>
This is an example of voter suppression.  The current governor of
Georgia <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#28_October_2018_(Voter_suppression_in_Georgia)">stole the election in 2018 by voter suppression like this</a>.


feed_id: 3016646ba816776e613de64f0d467131
title: A few weeks to provoke
uri: A-few-weeks-to-provoke
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28A_few_weeks_to_provoke%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> still has a few weeks to provoke Iran into war.
The provocations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/trump-aims-fresh-us-aggression-iran-how-many-surprises-can-october-hold">are already killing Iranian civilians</a>.


feed_id: 1e52b45121f107fa3368472b14993790
title: Protect your students
uri: Protect-your-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Protect_your_students%29
content:
<p>
Academics call for universities to join to protect their students from
persecution by China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/12/academics-warn-of-chilling-effect-of-hong-kong-security-law">over criticism of China in their classes and
academic work</a>.

<p>
Students are afraid of being imprisoned if and when they go to China,
even over what is said by others in the same class.

To get the US to imprison you for what you publish, you have to do something
heroic, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#20 June 2010 (Bradley Manning arrested)">such as exposing secret crimes</a>.

<p>
  China, by contrast, will imprison people merely for criticizing China,
  or even for nothing at all if they are useful as hostages.


feed_id: e14f0e4a18039e972ae87dea01687b94
title: Total collapse
uri: Total-collapse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Total_collapse%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/total-collapse-of-democracy-so-horrifying-america-decid-1845348175">satire</a>) *several reports indicated
   Monday that the idea of the total collapse of democracy was so
   horrifying that America decided it hadn’t happened yet.*


feed_id: dec3f64cb0bfddaf022f7224a6c9ece8
title: Not interfering
uri: Not-interfering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Not_interfering%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/amy-coney-barrett-promises-catholic-faith-won-t-interfe-1845347859">satire</a>) *Judge Amy Coney Barrett
   promised Monday that her Catholic faith’s tenets of generosity and
   humanity would not interfere with her duty on the court to crush the
   nation’s poorest and most downtrodden citizens.*


feed_id: db0acc046dc62f55ca2a1c22c9ba0832
title: Avoiding exposure
uri: Avoiding-exposure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Avoiding_exposure%29
content:
<p>
*Trump desperately needs to avoid another withering exposure that
   another debate would cement. That is why, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/trump-plato-and-wizard-oz">true to the coward that he
   is, he’s hiding from it</a>.*


feed_id: 8982a1351954550050f6b481ab8c87c1
title: Public banks
uri: 2020-10-14-Public-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Public_banks%29
content:
<p>
An additional advantage of public banks is that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/12/after-all-its-our-money-global-climate-campaigners-call-public-banks-fund-just">governments could directly
make them stop investing in fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
For the other reasons public entities should put their money in public
banks, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_October_2014_(Public_banks)">see here</a>.


feed_id: 4b0f2ae75eda6bfdf1872f6d7e2d6a30
title: Spy drones
uri: Spy-drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Spy_drones%29
content:
<p>
General Atomics has developed spy drones that can track everyone in a
substantial area &mdash; such as a big city &mdash; at once.  The initial
application for them was for war, but now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/15/persistent-eye-sky-coming-city-near-you">it is making thinly veiled attempts
to fly them over American cities</a>.


feed_id: 43997591376d9edc84fa69c596618ff4
title: Myths and lies about poverty
uri: Myths-and-lies-about-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Myths_and_lies_about_poverty%29
content:
<p>
Jesse Jackson: *<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/15/myths-and-lies-about-poverty">Myths and Lies About Poverty</a>.*

<p>
I take issue with Jackson on one point: most Americans do support the
laws that would eliminate most poverty.  But plutocats have used (<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#11 September 2010 (Dismantling civil rights in America)">and
created</a>)
         flaws in our democracy to keep control of our government and
defeat candidates such as Sanders that stand for the policies most
Americans support.

<p>
CEPR: The US Census Bureau underestimates poverty in the US because it uses
too low a value for the poverty line, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/us-poverty-measure-fails-meet-government-standards-reliability-accuracy">one that doesn't relate to today's life</a>.


feed_id: 4c80b7aefb03e57106f41e7940b7992f
title: Insults and denunciation
uri: Insults-and-denunciation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Insults_and_denunciation%29
content:
<p>
Here's how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denounced a Republican
congresscritter that first insulted her on the capital steps, then
tried to claim that <a href="https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rep-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-floor-speech-about-yoho-remarks-july-23">we shouldn't blame him for that because he has
daughters</a>.

<p>
I was so moved by her strength and dignity that I found a recording to
listen to via invidious.  Her speech is even more impressive as spoken
word.


feed_id: f21fb7712fcf16a562032c17860940c1
title: Antibodies
uri: Antibodies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Antibodies%29
content:
<p>
*   To make experimental antibodies [for Covid-19] affordable will cost billions. If they
   are shown to work, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/covid-19-treatable-vaccines-treatments">it will be money well spent</a>.*


feed_id: 5a6b9a57550e91102a2216810e1e973f
title: Prosecuted for journalism
uri: 2020-10-14-Prosecuted-for-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Prosecuted_for_journalism%29
content:
<p>
Rafał Gaweł, who was prosecuted in Poland for journalism, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/norway-grants-asylum-to-polish-man-who-fled-prison-sentence">has won
asylum in Norway</a>.


feed_id: 8f14e5604d2452ee34db02b22272dbcd
title: Herd immunity
uri: Herd-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Herd_immunity%29
content:
<p>
*WHO chief says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/who-chief-says-herd-immunity-approach-to-pandemic-unethical">herd immunity approach to pandemic 'unethical'</a>.*

<p>
The reasons he cites are the simple, evident reasons that we can all
see if we look.


feed_id: e3dadd602b6cc8598a70bbccef1d10f1
title: Unauthorized ballot boxes
uri: Unauthorized-ballot-boxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Unauthorized_ballot_boxes%29
content:
<p>
*California investigates <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/republicans-election-2020-unauthorized-ballot-boxes">unauthorized ballot boxes installed by Republicans</a>.*

<p>
Setting  up an unauthorized ballot drop-off box is electoral fraud
and I hope those Republicans get punished.


feed_id: 8ca7d13aad43f0ea6e3abb453b5727f3
title: Time to take strong measures
uri: Time-to-take-strong-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Time_to_take_strong_measures%29
content:
<p>
Scientific advisers warned the UK government three weeks ago that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/ministers-rejected-four-out-five-proposals-from-sage-to-avert-covid-second-wave">it was time to take strong measures to avoid a "large epidemic"</a>.

<p>
Either the ministers are timid and weak, or they are playing a game of
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a>.


feed_id: 2b2ed543675a2d69d712eeea7a255a7c
title: Cutting off coal importation
uri: Cutting-off-coal-importation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Cutting_off_coal_importation%29
content:
<p>
China has cut off its importation of Australian coal.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/12/china-orders-halt-to-imports-of-australian-coal">It will presumably burn Chinese coal instead</a>.

<p>
This could teach Australia to invest in something less damaging than
coal mining.  But I fear that the Australian government will be so
desperate for China to resume buying coal that it will break and bow
down to China.  That would be very bad for freedom in the world.

<p>
The Australian government has a few oppressive policies &mdash; towards
immigrants,
            towards software developers.
                                         Towards whistleblowers that
reveal its dishonesty and crimes.
                                   However, in general it is much
better than China.

<p>
In regard to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, to the first order this makes no
difference.  Australian coal and Chinese coal are both very damaging.


feed_id: fd6b143f6695e726f29cf9e52f010ee5
title: Small Mexican border town of Sasabe
uri: Small-Mexican-border-town-of-Sasabe
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Small_Mexican_border_town_of_Sasabe%29

content:
<p>

US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> deport large numbers of people to the small
Mexican border town of Sasabe, perhaps because they know it cannot
process so many immigrants that fast and has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/13/border-patrol-migrants-deaths/">no place for them to stay</a>.
<p>
This <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#19_December_2016_(US_Border_Patrol)">sadism</a> is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#16_July_2014_(US_border_patrol_thugs_brutalize_people)">typical</a> of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#23_July_2012_(Cruelty_in_US_border_patrol)">US border thugs</a>.


feed_id: e280b9c70beef00609c4dfac44cd790e
title: Cost of ending world hunger by 2030
uri: Cost-of-ending-world-hunger-by-2030
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Cost_of_ending_world_hunger_by_2030%29

content:
<p>

*Ending world hunger by 2030 would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/13/ending-world-hunger-by-2030-would-cost-330bn-study-finds">cost $330bn</a>, study finds.*
<p>
That is much less than one would expect.  Just $33 billion a year would
be peanuts for the US government.


feed_id: 4b3f09a8221a6561eb5094e8e2b6cfb2
title: Cyprus scraps 'golden passport' scheme
uri: Cyprus-scraps-golden-passport-scheme
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Cyprus_scraps_%27golden_passport%27_scheme%29

content:
<p>

*Cyprus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/cyprus-scraps-golden-passport-scheme-after-politicians-caught-in-undercover-sting">scraps 'golden passport'</a> scheme after politicians caught in undercover
sting.*


feed_id: 91b6aa05402a1290b11bc960fd8c18ba
title: Protest movement led by a Thai student
uri: Protest-movement-led-by-a-Thai-student
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Protest_movement_led_by_a_Thai_student%29

content:
<p>

A Thai student leads a protest movement <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/panusaya-sithijirawattanakul-the-student-taking-on-thailands-monarchy-">demanding reduction of the power
of the king</a>.


feed_id: e77d1c81f2927e18f75e0cb03af2e352
title: Fracking releases radioactive polonium
uri: Fracking-releases-radioactive-polonium
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Fracking_releases_radioactive_polonium%29

content:
<p>

Fracking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/airborne-radioactivity-increases-downwind-of-fracking-study-finds">releases radioactive polonium</a> into the air.


feed_id: ca6e8a16667dca7d20996acaef991c00
title: Proposed law in Germany using feminine word endings
uri: Proposed-law-in-Germany-using-feminine-word-endings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Proposed_law_in_Germany_using_feminine_word_endings%29

content:
<p>

A proposed law in Germany is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/never-say-die-german-bill-using-feminine-word-forms-sparks-row">causing consternation</a> because it uses
feminine word endings throughout instead of the usual masculine endings.
<p>
Any doubts about the meaning and legitimacy of this draft text could
be resolved easily by adding a note saying that "In this law, words
with feminine endings that refer to human beings include all humans,
whether female or not."


feed_id: 26137fee32952da629a9c0b4eed253ce
title: Has the Labour Party still got a conscience?
uri: Has-the-Labour-Party-still-got-a-conscience
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Has_the_Labour_Party_still_got_a_conscience_%29

content:
<p>

Has the Labour Party still got a conscience?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/13/joint-momentum-and-unite-letter-calls-on-starmer-to-oppose-informants-bill">Will it vote against</a> a
bill to permit infiltrating undercover <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to commit crimes without
limit, even murder?


feed_id: 044d70bc71f82131a0dd8c8af9d24633
title: Facebook greatest source of Covid-19 disinformation
uri: Facebook-greatest-source-of-Covid-19-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Facebook_greatest_source_of_Covid-19_disinformation%29

content:
<p>

*Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/14/facebook-greatest-source-of-covid-19-disinformation-journalists-say">greatest source</a> of Covid-19 disinformation, journalists say.*


feed_id: 7b96f9732091c860a2c413229502bd9a
title: Koch-Funded group pushes for mass evictions
uri: Koch-Funded-group-pushes-for-mass-evictions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Koch-Funded_group_pushes_for_mass_evictions%29

content:
<p>

*Koch-Funded Legal Group <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/10/13/koch-funded-legal-group-pushes-allow-mass-evictions-during-pandemic/">Pushes to Allow Mass Evictions</a> During Pandemic.*
<p>
The greatest danger of putting Barrett on the Supreme Court is that it
could adopt that philosophy &mdash; that "civil liberties" means there
cannot be any limit on the power to evict tenants.


feed_id: 5c70b6b3116868b78463fe1b97e78e0b
title: Showing Britain what real democracy could look like
uri: Showing-Britain-what-real-democracy-could-look-like
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Showing_Britain_what_real_democracy_could_look_like%29

content:
<p>

*Extinction Rebellion is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/16/extinction-rebellion-britain-democracy-protest-westminster">showing Britain</a> what real democracy could look like.*
Big business gets to demand change in government policies at any
moment, whereas the people get to do so only at intervals of years.
<p>
One of the reasons for Extinction Rebellion effectiveness is that it
is absolutely, totally nonviolent (though its protests are sometimes
disruptive).


feed_id: f3f7ef9f4dd8ad2fb04a4e2ed1161009
title: China still allowing use of pangolin scales
uri: China-still-allowing-use-of-pangolin-scales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28China_still_allowing_use_of_pangolin_scales%29

content:
<p>

*China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/china-still-allowing-use-of-pangolin-scales-in-traditional-medicine">still allowing</a> use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine.*
<p>
China is not egregious in failing to adequately protect endangered
species.  Many countries, perhaps most, fall short on that dimension.


feed_id: 8d7b15bf5e4a697fe600bbda54cf00b5
title: Infiltrating real terrorist groups to stop terrorism
uri: Infiltrating-real-terrorist-groups-to-stop-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Infiltrating_real_terrorist_groups_to_stop_terrorism%29

content:
<p>

State infiltrators are bad when they infiltrate peaceful dissident
groups.  However, infiltrating real terrorist groups is legitimate
and can be very effective for stopping terrorism.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/12/scottish-mi5-spy-crown-key-witness-new-ira-terror-trial">Here</a> is an example.


feed_id: ef6dc497f10be26c87d558b9a603879f
title: Tractors used to demolish Palestinian homes
uri: Tractors-used-to-demolish-Palestinian-homes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Tractors_used_to_demolish_Palestinian_homes%29

content:
<p>

JCB, which sells construction equipment, is under legal pressure
for selling tractors to an Israeli company and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/12/jcb-challenged-over-machinery-used-to-demolish-palestinian-homes">not taking steps</a>
to prevent their use in forcible demolition of Palestinian homes.


feed_id: dcf3ef27413f36da37a44d65c4a175b6
title: The size of the Supreme Court
uri: The-size-of-the-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28The_size_of_the_Supreme_Court%29
content:
<p>

The US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/its-time-unpack-court">increased the size of the Supreme Court before</a>, and for good
reasons.


feed_id: 468ffde936d1a60cfe997d1e5ab7cbdd
title: Faithfully serve the Constitution
uri: Faithfully-serve-the-Constitution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28Faithfully_serve_the_Constitution%29

content:
<p>

*   Biden must call on federal workers to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/modest-proposal-prevent-sabotage-trump-regime">ignore illegal orders</a> and faithfully serve the Constitution.*


feed_id: 91907f702389bb73d6de4efb711edfa8
title: The Broken Trust Model of Policing Police
uri: The-Broken-Trust-Model-of-Policing-Police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#14_October_2020_%28The_Broken_Trust_Model_of_Policing_Police%29

content:
<p>

Announcing a new political article, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/policing-police.html">"The Broken Trust Model of Policing Police"</a>


feed_id: ba81156462e63c4351ef1715400fa617
title: Museum censorship
uri: Museum-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Museum_censorship%29
content:
<p>
A French museum had to defer plans for an exhibit about Mongol emperor
Genghis Khan because China demanded <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/china-insists-genghis-khan-exhibit-not-use-words-genghis-khan">that the exhibit not use the words
"Mongol", "Empire" or "Genghis Khan"</a>.

<p>
Now that China has started a long-term plan to assimilate Mongols that
live in China, it apparently would like to make the rest of the world
forget that Mongols are ethnically different from Han Chinese.  That
will be difficult to entirely accomplish, since the rest of the world
is well aware of the Mongol empire.  Russia and the Middle East were
conquered by it and they remember.


feed_id: 7ba51cad85f3d29fc51f59707d9eda58
title: Bending rules against hate
uri: Bending-rules-against-hate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Bending_rules_against_hate%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing sites pressure Facebook into bending its rules against hate
and disinformation for them.  An employee who collected a list of instances
<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/facebook-zuckerberg-what-if-trump-disputes-election-results">was fired for this</a>.

<p>
Five things Facebook should do <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/13/five-things-mark-zuckerberg-must-do-if-hes-serious-about-preventing-election">to avoid encouraging election violence</a>.


feed_id: fb4100501576dfb2165f6d8c2d2bf5ff
title: Conversion to renewable
uri: Conversion-to-renewable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Conversion_to_renewable%29
content:
<p>
Queensland (part of Australia) could convert completely to renewable generation
in 15 years, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/queensland-transition-to-renewables-would-generate-almost-10000-jobs-analysis-shows">generating around 10,000 permanent jobs</a>.


feed_id: 90ae85df41f3ac6f634159f3d95a0b9d
title: Looking and looting
uri: Looking-and-looting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Looking_and_looting%29
content:
<p>
Gideon Spiro writes <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=82476">of the looking of Arabs' houses
and the looting of Jews' houses</a>.


feed_id: 87eed44efb5ed387be7858275ad364e6
title: Hunger strike
uri: Hunger-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Hunger_strike%29
content:
<p>
Israel has imprisoned Maher al-Akhras without charges, <a href="https://www.atzuma.co.il/maheralahras">and his response
is a hunger strike</a>.

<p>
Imprisoning people without charges is a fundamental injustice, so
Israel should free him immediately, or else state the charges against
him so he can have a trial.


feed_id: a6a6e9b8a4ab915e135e29dda114b45f
title: Exploiting COVID
uri: Exploiting-COVID
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Exploiting_COVID%29
content:
<p>
Naomi Klein: *I fear Trump will exploit his COVID infection <a href="https://www.alternet.org/2020/10/naomi-klein-i-fear-trump-will-exploit-his-covid-infection-to-further-destabilize-the-election/">to further
destabilize the election</a>.*


feed_id: f3182a23030e3c091cc87e12deaa816b
title: Definition of antisemitism
uri: Definition-of-antisemitism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Definition_of_antisemitism%29
content:
<p>
Prominent academics warn that the IHRA "definition" of antisemitism
lends itself <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/10/1/repression-of-speech-and-scholarship-on-palestine-needs-to-end/">to repression and censorship of defense of Palestinians'
rights</a>.

<p>
Even the author of that criterion warns it should not be used this way.


feed_id: 201edc94e1c1f4eb0ac6fd4e6481a101
title: Partial shutdown
uri: Partial-shutdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Partial_shutdown%29
content:
<p>
Proposing to confront Covid-19 with a form of partial shutdown of
society, <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/Hy00v00CZUw">with firm enforcement of the rules</a>.

<p>
The cameras proposed here threaten oppression, but if the purpose of the system
is simply and only to measure how many people are in a place and in general
what they are doing, it could be designed not to identify people.  Then it
would be safe.


feed_id: d70067b82c4c2282be97680aecfa12de
title: Sabotage
uri: 2020-10-15-Sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Virginia's voter registration site crashed shortly before the deadline
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/virginia-online-registration-portal-left-unworkable-just-hours-deadline-after-cable">because a cable was cut</a>.

<p>
The same thing happened in 2016.  Do you think this was an accident?
Once may have been; twice is not likely.  It looks like sabotage to me.


feed_id: e41f42a6fc8a09be79bcd3a0d757f0bd
title: Hypocritical
uri: Hypocritical
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Hypocritical%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-offers-new-blank-box-upcharge-for-progressive-me-1845359214">satire</a>) *"For just $3 per shipment, Amazon users who are
   outwardly critical of our company can have their packages delivered in
   a blank cardboard box without any logos or branding so they’ll never
   get called out for being hypocritical."*


feed_id: 483517a4aa3a499c5d402e6dd28a96e5
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2020-10-15-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
After Republicans stacked the appeals court, it approved the Texas
voter-suppression measure <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/stacked-trump-appointees-federal-appeals-court-upholds-texas-gops-rule-restricting">of allowing only one ballot drop-off per
county</a>.

<p>
I am curious to see their rationale, but I suspect it is based on
taking at face value the pretense that this is a measure to prevent
fraud, and disregarding the question of what effect it will really
have.

<p>
That gives officials a free hand to oppress people: just fabricate a
motive that would have been legitimate, no matter how absurd.


feed_id: daa5c854108e453d539357298f97accd
title: Social Security's Cost of Living
uri: Social-Security-s-Cost-of-Living
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Social_Security%27s_Cost_of_Living%29

content:
<p>
*Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment Is Inadequate. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/13/social-securitys-cost-living-adjustment-inadequate-democrats-have-plan-fix">Democrats Have a
Plan to Fix That</a>.*


feed_id: 0b6cb4ec5b2e13ebdf62375e92a88923
title: Barrett's side
uri: Barrett-s-side
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Barrett%27s_side%29
content:
<p>
*New Analysis Finds Barrett Sides <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/13/new-analysis-finds-barrett-sides-against-consumers-immigrants-workers-and-more">Against Consumers, Immigrants, Workers, and
More</a>.*

<p>
Barrett is willing to consider letting the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/asked-about-trump-effort-unilaterally-delay-election-barrett-says-she-would-approach">unilaterally delay
the election</a>.
  That would be quite a stretch to the US Constitution, and shows that
she is prepared to go to great lengths to help the wrecker seize
unconstitutional power.


feed_id: bcdef283f495d5b31c6392343c00d1ec
title: Emissions policies
uri: Emissions-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Emissions_policies%29
content:
<p>
*IMF warns emissions policies 'grossly insufficient' and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/13/imf-warns-emissions-policies-grossly-insufficient-and-urges-green-recovery">urges green recovery</a>.*

<p>
It is noteworthy that an organization which in general serves
plutocracy says this.  It seems that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> have lost out
to other interests in one important contest.


feed_id: 2f84287d052ba163010646472519bb9a
title: Undermining Covid-19 response
uri: Undermining-Covid-19-response
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Undermining_Covid-19_response%29
content:
<p>
*USDA and Meatpacking Industry <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/usda-and-meatpacking-industry-collaborated-undermine-covid-19-response-documents">Collaborated to Undermine Covid-19 Response,
Documents Show</a>.*

<p>
I don't know whether that was illegal, but it is corruption.


feed_id: b26f50ee81b53887eacf460b1e614a13
title: German parliament sued over anti-BDS resolution
uri: German-parliament-sued-over-anti-BDS-resolution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28German_parliament_sued_over_anti-BDS_resolution%29

content:
<p>

*Human rights defenders <a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/adri-nieuwhof/human-rights-defenders-sue-german-parliament-over-anti-bds-resolution">sue German parliament</a> over anti-BDS resolution.*
<p>
The resolution equates boycotting Israeli companies with boycotting
Jews &mdash; in effect equating criticism of Israel's occupation practices
with antisemitism.
<p>
The Israeli government <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_February_2020_(Criticism_of_Israels_occupation_policies)">pushes to establish that those two are the same</a>,
as a weapon against those who criticize the crimes of the occupation.
Meanwhile, its leaders are friends with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_December_2019_(Labour_antisemitism)">people who really are antisemitic.
<p>
I support the existence of Israel, and I condemn antisemitism.
However, Palestinians have rights too, like everyone else, and Israel
must respect their rights.


feed_id: ae735ebb7a0dae4ccc65ec76abd35c72
title: Governments made the London thug department less racist
uri: Governments-made-the-London-thug-department-less-racist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Governments_made_the_London_thug_department_less_racist%29

content:
<p>

The first head of the Black Police Association of London said that
governments made the London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department less racist, but this
stopped in 2016 and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/13/office-met-police-racist-macpherson-stephen-lawrence-inquiry-black-people">racism is coming back</a>.


feed_id: 5936a5e71ce880865f65d664ca186534
title: (satire) Galaxies mating
uri: (satire)-Galaxies-mating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Galaxies_mating%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *NASA officials announced Tuesday
that the Hubble Space Telescope had recently given scientists the <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-s-hubble-telescope-captures-rare-sight-of-2-galaxi-1845350401">rare opportunity to observe</a> a pair of galaxies mating.*


feed_id: 8955ff9f54797a085b7261033a54718b
title: Monopoly of privatized water
uri: Monopoly-of-privatized-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Monopoly_of_privatized_water%29
content:
<p>

A giant <a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/merger-water-privatization-flint-veolia/">international monopoly of privatized water</a> is being formed.
<p>
Privatization of water for residential use should not be allowed.


feed_id: c56d4cf888415dcbf87cf9dbefa76153
title: Chile's national police force
uri: Chile-s-national-police-force
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Chile%27s_national_police_force%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/calls-grow-for-radical-reform-of-chiles-national-police-force">Calls grow for radical reform</a> of Chile's national police force.
The Carabineros face 8,500 allegations of human rights abuses in the
past year.*


feed_id: c8ea3a191297c44ffedcaa267d2323d1
title: Canada's last ice shelf
uri: Canada-s-last-ice-shelf
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Canada%27s_last_ice_shelf%29
content:
<p>

Canada's last ice shelf <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/canadas-last-intact-ice-shelf-broke-off-it-took-our-research-station-with-it">broke up and disappeared</a>.


feed_id: 4f189ce770233da7afe8954b0a13866f
title: Great Barrier Reef corals
uri: Great-Barrier-Reef-corals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Great_Barrier_Reef_corals%29
content:
<p>

*Great Barrier Reef corals have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/great-barrier-reef-corals-have-more-than-halved-in-past-25-years-study-shows">more than halved</a> in past 25 years,
study shows.*


feed_id: 3fe94289f7c008db483b0fd5ab15c27e
title: University of Sydney law professor
uri: University-of-Sydney-law-professor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28University_of_Sydney_law_professor%29

content:
<p>

*University of Sydney law professor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/14/sydney-university-professor-who-teaches-law-of-protest-arrested-while-watching-student-protest">arrested while watching student protest</a>.*
<p>
He sent his students to watch, because they were studying law and
protest.  It appears that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> went semi-berserk, thinking
"Wheee, lots of people we can beat up!"


feed_id: 30805e7e11b1aa089434de13ace7e138
title: "Smart" meters in Australia
uri: Smart-meters-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Smart_meters_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>

"Smart" meters in Australia will enable the company to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-07/amazon-will-soon-see-inside-millions-of-aussie-homes/12582776">report when users</a> turn certain appliances on or off by noticing momentary increases
or decreases in total current used.
<p>
For "smart", read "snoop".
<p>
The worst thing is that people will have no choice about having their homes
connected to these meters.
<p>
Snooping meters should be restricted by law about how fine grained
their reports can be.  I contend that informing the customer of per
moment-by-moment current use, plus telling the electric utility the
moment-by-moment current use of a block or neighborhood, is enough
data.


feed_id: f713aa88322035b34e7bc3de3b26b5c5
title: Undermining the census
uri: Undermining-the-census
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Undermining_the_census%29
content:
<p>

The Supreme Court, now with right-wing bias, has allowed the wrecker to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/13/trump-administration-can-end-census-count-early-supreme-court-rules">undermine the census count by stopping it early</a>.


feed_id: c8dcce9f7cabae4794d9eb008b4a644c
title: Homeless man pulled by leash from horseback
uri: Homeless-man-pulled-by-leash-from-horseback
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Homeless_man_pulled_by_leash_from_horseback%29

content:
<p>

Galveston thugs <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-13/black-man-led-through-texas-town-by-police-sues-for-$us1m/12760222">tied a leash to a homeless man and pulled him from horseback</a>.
<p>
This is not only humiliating, it is dangerous.  It can be hard to keep
up with horses, so the person being pulled can easily fall and be
dragged.  That can cause all sorts of injuries.


feed_id: deb05a8e49a3593d17467a4b62d0c9f4
title: Rio Tinto contracts with Australian indigenous groups
uri: Rio-Tinto-contracts-with-Australian-indigenous-groups
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Rio_Tinto_contracts_with_Australian_indigenous_groups%29

content:
<p>

The Rio Tinto mining company signed contracts with Australian
indigenous groups, paying them money but demanding they remain silent
about possible destruction of their ancient sites by mining.  When
some found out that a site was likely to be destroyed, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-12/juukan-gorge-blast-inquiry-told-of-rio-tinto-gag-clauses-warning/12754100">they dared not
complain</a> to the government for fear of losing that income.
<p>
This confirms my view that these sites should have absolute protected status.
No one should have the power to allow their destruction.


feed_id: efc9e2fb185116e002d008c970a46958
title: Twitter suspended apparently fake accounts
uri: Twitter-suspended-apparently-fake-accounts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Twitter_suspended_apparently_fake_accounts%29

content:
<p>

Twitter suspended <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/13/twitter-suspends-accounts-for-posing-as-black-trump-supporters">apparently fake accounts</a> which claimed to belong
to people that were black and planned to vote for the wrecker.


feed_id: 7920a212a097a67f2ce91c0597415d07
title: Israeli combat drones
uri: Israeli-combat-drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_October_2020_%28Israeli_combat_drones%29
content:
<p>

Israeli combat drones that were battle-tested by bombing Gaza may be
bought by the UK and used to <a href="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201010-the-israeli-merchants-of-death-flying-drones-off-britains-coastline/">track (and kill?)</a> asylum seekers in the
channel.


feed_id: 2fc5725eeefc373d2919cba345b09343
title: The district attorney of Los Angeles
uri: The-district-attorney-of-Los-Angeles
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28The_district_attorney_of_Los_Angeles%29

content:
<p>

The district attorney of Los Angeles faces a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/los-angeles-district-attorney-black-lives-matter">challenge from a candidate</a>
who has learned to push for less imprisonment of minor criminals,
and more prosecution of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
<p>
The incumbent seems like another Kamala Harris, pushing for being
harsher on criminals rather than on rebuilding peace in society.


feed_id: 247afc35baf403fee1b0de699ff43cff
title: New York State's working families party
uri: New-York-State-s-working-families-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28New_York_State%27s_working_families_party%29

content:
<p>

Governor Cuomo is trying hard to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/15/new-york-working-families-party-biden-harris-ballot/">wipe out</a> New York State's Working
Families Party.


feed_id: 8f02b9c874b64656b578b2f22775f301
title: Personal sanctions on Putin's cronies
uri: Personal-sanctions-on-Putin-s-cronies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Personal_sanctions_on_Putin%27s_cronies%29

content:
<p>

The EU has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/eu-announces-sanctions-against-kremlin-chiefs-over-alexei-navalny-poisoning">placed personal sanctions</a> on some of Putin's cronies
for poisoning Alexei Navalny.


feed_id: 65361f0396519600d32ee4abcf42a499
title: Australia's electoral and political system
uri: Australia-s-electoral-and-political-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Australia%27s_electoral_and_political_system%29

content:
<p>

Australia's electoral and political system <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/the-us-electoral-system-is-not-a-pretty-sight-australia-should-take-heed">could use some changes</a>.


feed_id: 8e0ae15a6b1297e3babf10ddd5203a38
title: Ohio voter suppression
uri: Ohio-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Ohio_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>

Ohio is doing voter suppression by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/ohio-us-election-voter-suppression">having too few polling places in
cities</a>.  Cities are where people are likely to vote Democratic.


feed_id: 186833eac26136c99e3f9120aa1a5760
title: Deadly legionella bacteria
uri: Deadly-legionella-bacteria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Deadly_legionella_bacteria%29
content:
<p>

When buildings have been shut for a long time, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/legionella-water-killing-americans-pandemic">deadly legionella
bacteria can multiply</a> in the water pipes.


feed_id: d33054518da29706a4a52fc339b7f8fe
title: YouTube will ban contradicting WHO's recommendations about vaccination
uri: YouTube-will-ban-contradicting-WHO-s-recommendations-about-vaccination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28YouTube_will_ban_contradicting_WHO%27s_recommendations_about_vaccination%29

content:
<p>

YouTube will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/14/youtube-bans-misinformation-about-covid-vaccinations">ban contradicting WHO's recommendations</a> about vaccination.
<p>
Anti-vax fantasies, when presented as fact, threaten people's lives.
It is useful to do something to weaken the conspiracies that make and
spread them.  However, censorship is dangerous too.
<p>
It would be better to avoid promoting such material when people don't
explicitly ask for it.  For instance, to label each one with "anti-vax",
and not recommend anything with that label, nor find it in searches unless
"anti-vax" is one of the search terms.


feed_id: 0ff204b402c21946ddca8f61dfbcd7b2
title: Sicilian Giuseppe Piraino
uri: Sicilian-Giuseppe-Piraino
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Sicilian_Giuseppe_Piraino%29
content:
<p>

Sicilian Giuseppe Piraino responded to a mafia demand for money by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/sicilian-businessman-secret-film-leads-to-arrest-of-alleged-mafiosi-italy">showing the mafioso photos of murdered judges</a> &mdash; then showing the
recording to the state, and getting 20 mafiosi arrested and charged.


feed_id: 2b0eabe4550007836b0b210e31f4a41d
title: Raid on campaign office of opposition leader Bobi Wine
uri: Raid-on-campaign-office-of-opposition-leader-Bobi-Wine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Raid_on_campaign_office_of_opposition_leader_Bobi_Wine%29

content:
<p>

*Ugandan security forces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/ugandan-security-forces-raid-campaign-office-of-opposition-leader-bobi-wine">raid campaign office</a> of opposition leader Bobi Wine.*


feed_id: 5ccbf097d9b84bc0dae202ddce1c4bc7
title: Rewilding and land restoration
uri: Rewilding-and-land-restoration
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Rewilding_and_land_restoration%29

content:
<p>

Massive rewilding and land restoration would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/re-wild-to-mitigate-the-climate-crisis-urge-leading-scientists">absorb a lot of the CO2</a>
that we are adding to the atmosphere, in a natural way.
<p>
Perhaps this could be done a more effective method of offsetting
emissions.


feed_id: 0181ee8f62d90471db29e3f348a077f8
title: Boost in children's immune systems
uri: Boost-in-children-s-immune-systems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Boost_in_children%27s_immune_systems%29

content:
<p>

*Greener play areas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/greener-play-areas-boost-childrens-immune-systems-research-finds">boost children’s immune systems</a>, research finds.*
<p>
The effect is visible after just a month.


feed_id: c2adc44196a107e55a5a499da5cbe875
title: Thugs did not try to save Breonna Taylor
uri: Thugs-did-not-try-to-save-Breonna-Taylor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Thugs_did_not_try_to_save_Breonna_Taylor%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that searched the apartment where Breonna Taylor lay dying
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/breonna-taylor-boyfriend-police-didnt-try-to-save-her">did not try to save her</a>.
<p>
The article does not say whether they were the same ones that killed
her.  Either way, it shows the callous disregard of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for human
life.


feed_id: 54995297f36b35b068e4c85b57107bec
title: European countries' dealing with Covid-19
uri: European-countries-dealing-with-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28European_countries%27_dealing_with_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

European countries are trying to deal with an increase in Covid-19
by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/european-roundup-french-cities-face-curfews-italy-breaks-march-record">putting off increasing their distancing measures</a>.
<p>
The idea of "apply firm measures if the fraction of people newly
infected rises above a certain amount" is a mistake.  The time to
apply firm measures is whenever the fraction of people newly infected
is <em>rising</em>.  That is the time to apply measures that are sure to
drive R down below 1, and drive the number of people infected down to
a low level.  Delaying the firm measures will require firmer measures,
for a longer period.
<p>
After that, it is possible to return to the status quo ante <em>provided</em>
contact tracing and isolation are stronger than before.


feed_id: 42d1f53b1dee124c7da7a96a69e4e41c
title: New Zealand referendum to help in dying
uri: New-Zealand-referendum-to-help-in-dying
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28New_Zealand_referendum_to_help_in_dying%29

content:
<p>

New Zealand is having a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/new-zealand-euthanasia-vote-polls-point-to-yes-amid-campaign-of-fear-and-doubt">referendum to approve a very limited right to
help in dying</a>. I urge people to vote yes.
<p>
However, the limitations don't make sense.  People undergoing
unbearable suffering which is sure to end within 6 months will be
allowed this right, but those whose suffering might continue for
decades will be required to keep suffering.


feed_id: 0d9c57df38fd5f4d12e196a34435e4c8
title: Thai government prohibiting protests
uri: Thai-government-prohibiting-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Thai_government_prohibiting_protests%29

content:
<p>

The Thai government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/thailand-uses-emergency-decree-to-ban-gatherings-after-bangkok-protests">prohibited protests, arrested leaders, and increased
censorship</a>.


feed_id: e3fb1b82c46a24961da0a84fab86c946
title: Barrett's testimony
uri: Barrett-s-testimony
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Barrett%27s_testimony%29
content:
<p>

Barrett's testimony implies that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/dog-whistle-barrett-condemned-implying-being-lgbtq-choice-and-saying-working-anti">she thinks all people can simply
choose their sexual orientation</a>.
<p>
I don't investigate all the associations and attitudes of an
organization before I give a talk for it.  I don't have time.
(Indeed, I expect, when I give a talk for a university, that it is
doing some harmful things that I publicly condemn, such as developing
nonfree software, obtaining software patents, and teaching that it is
wrong to share copies of published works.)
<p>
So I think it is possible that Barrett did not know about those
specific positions of the ADF when she gave talks for its fellowship
program.
<p>
But it is also possible that she knew them and agreed with them, and
is now covering it up.


feed_id: e4d7b564272cfd020d550280b91df440
title: Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme court
uri: Barrett-s-confirmation-to-the-Supreme-court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Barrett%27s_confirmation_to_the_Supreme_court%29

content:
<p>

*Barrett's Confirmation to the Supreme Court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/14/amy-coney-barretts-confirmation-supreme-court-would-be-catastrophe-climate">"Would Be a Catastrophe
for the Climate."</a>*


feed_id: 146904c07f8094c441a223eb95cb835c
title: Los Angeles County thugs attacked then arrested reporter
uri: Los-Angeles-County-thugs-attacked-then-arrested-reporter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Los_Angeles_County_thugs_attacked_then_arrested_reporter%29

content:
<p>

Los Angeles County <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked then arrested reporter Josie Huang
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/14/were-you-aclu-press-freedom-advocates-denounce-attack-journalist-la-sheriffs">as she was reporting outside a hospital</a>.  Then they gave a reason
which was an obvious lie and brought charges against her.
<p>
I've heard that the charges against Ms Huang have been dropped, but
there is no sign of an investigation of the attack on her.


feed_id: 97b164b722c62db08a73ff0a0096c642
title: Individual rewilders
uri: Individual-rewilders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_October_2020_%28Individual_rewilders%29
content:
<p>

Individual rewilders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/maverick-rewilders-endangered-species-extinction-conservation-uk-wildlife">release locally lost species to try to preserve them</a>,
and occasionally it works.  But usually it does not.
<p>
It seems that the conclusion is that what we really need is government support
for restoring damaged nature.


feed_id: f0338138fd9a13f27abe5a0da420e560
title: Illegal solicitation of campaign donations
uri: Illegal-solicitation-of-campaign-donations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Illegal_solicitation_of_campaign_donations%29

content:
<p>
Senator Lindsey Graham
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/crime-plain-sight-lindsey-graham-under-fire-soliciting-campaign-donations-senate">asked
for campaign donations in an interview while in the judiciary
committee's meeting room</a>.  It is illegal to do that.


feed_id: 651069e6b35f527eb4a5cf28fbb74b3d
title: "Eco" glitter harms plants
uri: Eco-glitter-harms-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Eco_glitter_harms_plants%29
content:
<p>
An experiment found that "eco" glitter, after ending up in a river,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/15/eco-glitter-causes-same-damage-to-rivers-as-ordinary-product-study">harms
plants just like ordinary glitter</a>.
<p>
We need to regulate plastic in a way that will eliminate most
microplastics.  Probably anything like glitter should be prohibited
entirely.


feed_id: e1bdecacb0469517050f5e72ea119b53
title: Simultaneous interviews of Biden and the wrecker
uri: Simultaneous-interviews-of-Biden-and-the-wrecker
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Simultaneous_interviews_of_Biden_and_the_wrecker%29

content:
<p>
Comparing the two
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/trump-biden-town-halls-two-channels-two-candidates-two-planets">simultaneous
interviews of Biden and the wrecker</a>.
<p>
NBC did wrong to hold the wrecker's interview at the same time that
Biden's town hall had already been announced for.  We can see that the
wrecker's goal was to prevent his supporters from hearing Biden.
<p>
The article puts this backward, suggesting (though not actually
asserting) that the wrecker's program was scheduled first and Biden's
was then run alongside it.
<p>
However, it appears that the wrecker's interviewer pressed him hard
for answers, and and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/savannah-guthrie-trump-town-hall-moderator">didn't
accept his usual wandering evasions</a>.
<p>
So he came off looking very bad.
<p>
I did not watch either of them, because I did not need to.  I know
enough about the two candidates and I've made up my mind about how to
vote, so reading these articles was enough information for me.
<p>
My recommendation is: in a swing state, vote for Biden; otherwise,
vote for Howie Hawkins of the Green Party.


feed_id: e24a5f8f8c5b1a193bb413f331340141
title: The killing of Michael Reinoehl by thugs
uri: The-killing-of-Michael-Reinoehl-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28The_killing_of_Michael_Reinoehl_by_thugs%29

content:
<p>
*Eyewitnesses have said that [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/activist-portland-shooting-michael-reinoehl-police">did
not identify themselves before opening fire on Michael Reinoehl while
he was in his car</a>.* It appears that they shot as soon as they had
identified him.
<p>
In other words, they were supposed to arrest him, but it looks like
they murdered him instead.
<p>
Reinoehl acknowledged he had shot and killed a right-wing protester,
but claimed that he did so in self-defense.  He was entitled have
trial to present his case.
<p>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/us/michael-reinoehl-antifa-portland-shooting.html">More
info</a> about the killing.
<p>
The wrecker
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/15/trump-boasts-federal-task-force-killing-antifascist-wanted-murder-portland/">boasted
about this killing</a>.


feed_id: bf2397dfb6b38e0d11e8dd560921649f
title: Money behind GOP Supreme Court Takeover
uri: Money-behind-GOP-Supreme-Court-Takeover
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Money_behind_GOP_Supreme_Court_Takeover%29

content:
<p>
*'Look for Power in the Shadows': Watch Sheldon Whitehouse Shine Light on
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/look-power-shadows-watch-sheldon-whitehouse-shine-light-dark-money-operation-behind">'Dark
Money Operation' Behind GOP Supreme Court Takeover</a>.*


feed_id: c48ae564118ae7d3da432d995fc8ecbe
title: Lasting debilities from Covid-19
uri: Lasting-debilities-from-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Lasting_debilities_from_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
Various lasting debilities affect around
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/long-covid-what-we-know-so-far">2%
of the people who get Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It follows that if we let the virus run rampant through the US and
infect around 70% of the population, so that herd immunity stops it,
we will have about 5 million newly disabled Americans.  That's in
addition to the 2 million or so who would die.
<p>
That's
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/10/white-house-informally-endorses-letting-pandemic-spread-unchecked/">what
the wrecker is now in favor of</a>.
<p>
It could be more than 5 million.
<p>
Given the possibility of being infected twice, once with each of the
two principal strains of the virus, it's conceivable that each one
would spread until 70% of Americans have had it.  So we might end up
with a 10 million newly disabled Americans.
<p>
In the identified cases of reinfection, the second infection was more
grave.  Perhaps that is a real phenomenon.  Or perhaps it is an
artifact of the way this is studied: I suspect the analysis to detect
reinfection is done only on patients that need to be hospitalized.
<p>
The push to let the virus run rampant is a
<a href="https://medium.com/@jmfeldman/the-herd-immunity-strategy-isnt-part-of-a-scientific-debate-about-covid-19-abddf6bc7c13">fake
scientific controversy bankrolled by rich people</a>.
<p>
Thus it is comparable to the planet roaster's campaign to generate
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#24_June_2014_(Fossil-fuel_company_denialists)">fake
controversy about human-caused global heating</a>, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#23_March_2017_(Tobacco_industry)">fake
doubt about whether tobacco kills</a>.


feed_id: 7d06645f3027b0cc6c58e11e2881fb42
title: The demand for efficiency
uri: The-demand-for-efficiency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28The_demand_for_efficiency%29
content:
<p>
Demand for efficiency has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/covid-care-crisis-humanity-efficiency-money">"crushed
the humanity" out</a> of the activity and profession of taking care of
someone else.
<p>
I have a feeling that the use of "to care" to mean an action rather
than an attitude is part of that change.


feed_id: fe35fb5fc348926a6b2ab941c1631f6c
title: Autonomous weapons
uri: Autonomous-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#17_October_2020_%28Autonomous_weapons%29
content:
<p>
*"Do we
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/oct/15/dangerous-rise-of-military-ai-drone-swarm-autonomous-weapons">not
see the ascent of control over compassion, security over support,
capital over care, and war over welfare</a>?"*


feed_id: 713b28f56cab8bb42e5bedcdcda8b780
title: Veiled threat to Hong Kong-based Canadians
uri: Veiled-threat-to-Hong-Kong-based-Canadians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Veiled_threat_to_Hong_Kong-based_Canadians%29

content:
<p>

*China ambassador <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/16/china-ambassador-makes-veiled-threat-to-hong-kong-based-canadians">makes veiled threat</a> to Hong Kong-based Canadians.*
<p>
This confirms that China is intentionally using visitors as hostages.


feed_id: c5b2b2745c93df036d279d48e154e0a8
title: CDC ban on evictions
uri: CDC-ban-on-evictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28CDC_ban_on_evictions%29
content:
<p>

The CDC ordered a ban on evictions until Dec 31, but the wrecker
is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/issued-when-no-one-was-looking-critics-warn-new-trump-guidance-eviction-moratorium">reinterpreting it</a> so as to help landlords chase people out sooner.
<p>
This is not necessarily motivated by a desire to kick people when they
are down.  Its motive might instead be to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_(The_herd_immunity_strategy)">increase the spread of Covid-19</a>; we know he wants to do that.


feed_id: 9067b6617dbc6099c736e75a7043cc4f
title: Russia increasing its level of sexual repression
uri: Russia-increasing-its-level-of-sexual-repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Russia_increasing_its_level_of_sexual_repression%29

content:
<p>

Russia, increasing its level of sexual repression, is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/single-fathers-in-russia-with-surrogate-babies-become-official-target">arrest
single men who used surrogate mothers</a> to have children, based on presuming
that they are homosexual.
<p>
The government claims it is illegal for homosexual men
to use surrogate mothers, although there is no such law.


feed_id: adc2489aa37be069a86b8d5c04d6f309
title: Thirty-year failure to tackle preventable disease
uri: Thirty-year-failure-to-tackle-preventable-disease
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Thirty-year_failure_to_tackle_preventable_disease%29

content:
<p>

*Thirty-year failure to tackle preventable disease <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/15/thirty-year-failure-to-tackle-preventable-disease-fuelling-global-covid-pandemic">fueling global
Covid pandemic</a>.*   Said disease includes *high blood pressure, cholesterol,
blood sugar and obesity, all risk factors for Covid-19.*


feed_id: 25d90632835d2ff473377b8ddb926ade
title: How to fix the problem of homelessness
uri: How-to-fix-the-problem-of-homelessness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28How_to_fix_the_problem_of_homelessness%29

content:
<p>

How to fix the problem of homelessness; how to <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/10/11/means-testing-conundrum/#ubi-v-bi">have a universal basic
income without wasting a large part on people who are well-off</a>.
<p>
Trying to teach homeless people to use their money more wisely does
not usually enable them to find and keep housing, but giving them
homes often enables them to use their money more wisely.
<p>
With a well-designed progressive income tax, rich people will return
as taxes a large part of their universal basic income.


feed_id: e1b3fe43c1f1c492f35dad1ace895bdc
title: The Democratic party in many cities and neighborhoods
uri: The-Democratic-party-in-many-cities-and-neighborhoods
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_Democratic_party_in_many_cities_and_neighborhoods%29

content:
<p>

The Democratic Party in many cities and neighborhoods is <a href="https://thebulwark.com/the-other-democratic-party/">led by local
bosses</a> that are "crass, thin-skinned, and nepotistic," but promise to
take care of their supporters' needs.
<p>
With this standard of comparison, their supporters did not find
the bullshitter outrageous.


feed_id: 63bde05eeca1ea3af411695f789812e3
title: Governments are not doing enough to avoid rebound in greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Governments-are-not-doing-enough-to-avoid-rebound-in-greenhouse-gas-em
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Governments_are_not_doing_enough_to_avoid_rebound_in_greenhouse_gas_emissions%29

content:
<p>

Governments are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/13/co2-emissions-covid-iea">not doing enough</a> to avoid a rebound in greenhouse gas emissions if and when we eliminate Covid-19.


feed_id: 7bf64c3a529d9fb3b584011ab9f12f20
title: (satire) Liberal Man Worried Biden Victory Would Immediately Reignite Discussions About Having Kids
uri: (satire)-Liberal-Man-Worried-Biden-Victory-Would-Immediately-Reignite
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Liberal_Man_Worried_Biden_Victory_Would_Immediately_Reignite_Discussions_About_Having_Kids%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Liberal Man Worried Biden Victory Would Immediately <a href="https://local.theonion.com/liberal-man-worried-biden-victory-would-immediately-rei-1845371040">Reignite
Discussions About Having Kids</a>.*
<p>
He doesn't need to worry.  Even if we did our utmost to reduce the
coming climate disaster, it would not be a kindness to give birth to
someone these days.
<p>
Ideally the human population should be considerably smaller, so that
we can protect nature without having to live in poverty.  So if you
are <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html ">thinking of having no children</a>, please go ahead!


feed_id: 139336b774b45b2eaae237a1b9a6261e
title: Sen. Warren slams Disney
uri: Sen-Warren-slams-Disney
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Sen._Warren_slams_Disney%29
content:
<p>

*Sen. Warren <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/sen-warren-slams-disney-28000-fired-workers-amid-stock-buyback-spree">Slams Disney</a> for 28,000 Fired Workers Amid Stock Buyback Spree.*


feed_id: 8f219b34757ab04fcbacb09969167c05
title: IMF urges wealthy countries to borrow to support people hurt by Covid-19
uri: IMF-urges-wealthy-countries-to-borrow-to-support-people-hurt-by-Covid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28IMF_urges_wealthy_countries_to_borrow_to_support_people_hurt_by_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

The IMF urges wealthy countries to borrow to support people hurt or
unemployed by Covid-19, but it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/14/imf-right-about-keeping-covid-support-going-but-on-debt-relief-its-crumbs">imposes crushing conditions</a> on other
countries that also need to support people.


feed_id: e4a2be682ebb5eea7fa80d6ac54f4949
title: The Taliban are besieging some Afghan government forces
uri: The-Taliban-are-besieging-some-Afghan-government-forces
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_Taliban_are_besieging_some_Afghan_government_forces%29

content:
<p>

The Taliban are besieging some Afghan government forces in Lashkar
Gah, and they have mined the road out of the city.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/14/trapped-civilians-afghanistan-must-be-allowed-out-laskhkar-gah-amid-heavy">Tens of thousands
of civilians are trapped there</a>.


feed_id: dc5cca9b4e240de4d77a3242c526b169
title: Suggestions for how to make appointments to the US supreme court
uri: Suggestions-for-how-to-make-appointments-to-the-US-supreme-court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Suggestions_for_how_to_make_appointments_to_the_US_supreme_court%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/14/heres-one-good-way-reform-battered-us-supreme-court">Several suggestions</a> for how to make appointments to the US supreme court
less partisan and less contentious.


feed_id: c820cb009ef79354758f43aa894ae46a
title: Mexico's top military official during 2012-2018
uri: Mexico-s-top-military-official-during-2012-2018
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Mexico%27s_top_military_official_during_2012-2018%29

content:
<p>

Mexico's top military official during 2012-2018 has been arrested in the US
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/16/mexico-former-defence-minister-salvador-cienfuegos-arrested-drug-charges">charged with corruption with a drug syndicate during that time</a>.
<p>
Prohibition of drugs tend to have this result.


feed_id: 4ca032b3690b65dd3a92be22edad9010
title: A meeting of Republican heavyweights
uri: A-meeting-of-Republican-heavyweights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28A_meeting_of_Republican_heavyweights%29

content:
<p>

A meeting of Republican heavyweights to discuss voter suppression <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/council-national-policy-video/2020/10/14/367f24c2-f793-11ea-a510-f57d8ce76e11_story.html">was
recorded</a>.  Someone said, "Be not afraid of the accusations that you’re
a voter suppressor."


feed_id: ebcbe6d430a4692f8159d7d612e106bb
title: US journalists' coverage of the Green New Deal
uri: US-journalists-coverage-of-the-Green-New-Deal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28US_journalists%27_coverage_of_the_Green_New_Deal%29

content:
<p>

US journalists are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/journalists-must-demystify-green-new-deal">doing little to cover</a> the idea of the Green New Deal.  Most Americans only see that Republicans say it is bad, and
Biden seems to agree, so Republicans attack him for not rejecting it
hard enough.


feed_id: 91ce8600bfa96013bf692d53807bffd2
title: Under Biden leadership
uri: Under-Biden-leadership
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Under_Biden_leadership%29
content:
<p>

*Biden has recently stated that under his leadership he would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/how-future-biden-white-house-can-end-war-yemen">end U.S. support for Saudi military intervention in Yemen</a>, a move supported by
Congress, and reassess the current close U.S.-Saudi relationship.*
<p>
That would be a real change for the better.


feed_id: 075a7b944417f69eddb23dd4eee7c9f7
title: Urgent: Call not to allow private "security" heavies at polling places
uri: Urgent-Call-not-to-allow-private-security-heavies-at-polling-places
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_not_to_allow_private_security_heavies_at_polling_places%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on secretaries of state of all states <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/private-security-election">not to allow
private "security" heavies</a> at polling places.


feed_id: d847d184daab3c4e7dc62acd971d69cd
title: Urgent: California voters: reject Proposition 22
uri: Urgent-California-voters-reject-Proposition-22
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_California_voters%3A_reject_Proposition_22%29

content:
<p>

California voters: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/vote-no-ca-prop-22-reject-corporate-power-grab">reject Proposition 22</a>, the bow-down-to-Guber exception.
<p>
If we win on this, and eventually Uber accepts the requirement to pay
its workers better, that will not make <a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">Uber</a> (or <a href="https://stallman.org/lyft.html">Lyft</a>) acceptable
&mdash; it won't change their injustice to their customers.  Nor the <a href="https://stallman.org/grubhub.html">food
delivery gig companies</a>.


feed_id: 22413c187bd69f7f7a53137538cc2d76
title: Urgent: Pro-democracy advocate website requires non-free Javascript
uri: Urgent-Pro-democracy-advocate-website-requires-non-free-Javascript
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Pro-democracy_advocate_website_requires_non-free_Javascript%29

content:
<p>

*Pro-democracy advocates are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/170-protect-results-events-planned-nov-4-pro-democracy-groups-vow-ensure-voters-have">organizing more than 170 events</a> [on Nov
4] in anticipation of President Donald Trump illegitimately declaring
victory in the Nov. 3 election.*
That's a good idea, but they have messed up the web site where they
publish the details: it depends on nonfree Javascript code, and it is
totally inaccessible in the Free World.  I can't see even one word of
the contents of their site, only a message saying "Enable Javascript."
No way!
<p>
It is a shame that I can't (without sacrificing my freedom and
principles) find an event near me, and neither can you, nor can I in
good conscience post an urgent note asking everyone to look at the
site and find an event to join.
<p>
This time, we have considerable notice &mdash; 18 days to go before Nov 4.
Maybe this is enough time to correct the deficiency, rather than
merely bemoan it.
<p>
If you are a skilled web developer, and you have a web site where you
can make a page without Javascript, and run an hourly cron job on the
net, please try it.  See if you can scrape the data from their site
and make a simple HTML file listing all the events, sorted in some
natural way.  Put that that page on your site, with a brief
introduction saying what these events are for.
<p>
Then please email me about it, and I will post a reference to your
curved mirror.


feed_id: b17aff27a9db7ecd30964bd49fabe776
title: Industrial-scale forgery
uri: Industrial-scale-forgery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Industrial-scale_forgery%29
content:
<p>
The UK is investigating charges that banks are committing
"industrial-scale forgery" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/17/mps-pursue-claims-bank-signatures-were-faked-on-uk-court-papers">for fraudulent foreclosures</a>.

<p>
Why wouldn't they?  Billionaire banks got away with it in the US 10
years ago <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#17_September_2018_(Financial_crisis_of_2008)">because Obama protected them from charges</a>.
  Why wouldn't British banks try it too?

<p>
I hope that the UK shows more courage than Obama did.  I hope it
convicts individual <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bankster">banksters</a> and puts them in prison for this.

<p>
In the US, blacks were more likely to have their homes stolen in this
way than whites.  That was due to the injustice of racism, one effect
of which is to make blacks poorer in general than whites.

<p>
I condemn racism, for that aspect as well as others.  But this matter
is not about racism.  The criminal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bankster">banksters</a> didn't know the victims,
or what race they were.  The victims were just names on a list to
them.  Their employers had nothing to do with making the loans to
those homeowners, years before &mdash; they had bought the loans en masse.

<p>
I do not condemn the banks' giant fraud <em>because</em> many victims were
black.  I condemn it because it was an enormous crime against millions
of innocent poor people.  Many of them, whether black or white or
other, couldn't replace what was taken from them.

<p>
The banks got away with the crime through corruption at the highest
level, and that is why I keep referring to it, even 10 years later.


feed_id: c097692586abad8b2313a752afd75d98
title: Presiding over murder and torture
uri: Presiding-over-murder-and-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Presiding_over_murder_and_torture%29

content:
<p>
A UN report accuses President Maduro of Venezuela <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/16/venezuela-un-report-crimes-against-humanity-maduro-government">of knowingly
presiding over murder and torture</a>.

<p>
I would not put it past him.


feed_id: 1d679d4b1a9ca1c3c501aba1f07addce
title: Interference
uri: Interference
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Interference%29
content:
<p>
The new prosecutor of Portland, Oregon, said he will ignore the minor
charges such as "interference with a police officer" <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/16/portland-protests-prosecutor-police/">that thugs like 
to make to harass protesters</a>.

<p>
In revenge, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are making even more such accusations.


feed_id: 02b21685edda1a7e534b03eb87560bac
title: Ecological sabotage
uri: Ecological-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Ecological_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Releasing species from another region into the wild <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/17/new-york-eels-release-exotic-species-brooklyn">is ecological sabotage</a>.


feed_id: c4a4b1d33f75ca8a76c41f69d0adc576
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28%29
content:
<p>
*Nigeria's anti-police brutality protests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/nigerias-anti-police-brutality-protests-bring-lagos-to-standstill">bring Lagos to standstill</a>.*


feed_id: 33aa7230869ab62dc250b059d743f755
title: Public symbols of the Confederacy
uri: Public-symbols-of-the-Confederacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Public_symbols_of_the_Confederacy%29

content:
<p>
Since the white supremacist attack in Charleston, around 100 public
symbols of the Confederacy have been taken down.  <a href="https://www.splcenter.org/20190201/whose-heritage-public-symbols-confederacy">Over 1700 remain in
place</a>.


feed_id: bab253b0e0a8d42b1e78301633804a1c
title: Replace Feinstein
uri: Replace-Feinstein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Replace_Feinstein%29
content:
<p>
Calling on Senate Democrats to replace Feinstein as the leader of their
contingent in the Judiciary.  She pals around with the Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/arms-over-failed-barrett-hearings-watchdog-calls-feinsteins-removal-ranking-member">and 
acts to support them</a>.


feed_id: 1e5c61fb961ba7e767fb6133b426b950
title: Invited to visit
uri: Invited-to-visit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Invited_to_visit%29
content:
<p>
The commander of an Indonesian military unit whose mission was
repression and atrocities is now the minister of the military.  He has
been banned from the US for 20 years, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/critics-call-upcoming-pentagon-visit-indonesian-defense-minister-accused-horrific">but the sadist has invited him
to visit</a>.


feed_id: 0d8a0b6f9e88f667b217a3aa40f49452
title: Secretary of the Treasury
uri: Secretary-of-the-Treasury
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Secretary_of_the_Treasury%29
content:
<p>
Biden's choice for Secretary of the Treasury is a plutocratist.  We
cannot expect him to do the most important things we need, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/bidens-treasury-could-fight-climate-change-would-lael-brainards">such as
helping to reduce fossil fuel use</a>.


feed_id: 9b7785b2ca8db65314bc3592e11efb42
title: Reversing sabotage
uri: Reversing-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Reversing_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
The USPS, responding to a lawsuit, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/applause-all-who-never-gave-fight-us-postal-service-agrees-reverse-changes-slowed">agreed to reverse DeJoy's sabotage
of mail delivery</a>.

<p>
I wonder whether they will get it all fixed in the 18 days before the
election.  This job includes installing sorting machines where sorting
machines were removed &mdash; but they destroyed the old sorting machines.
The USPS could easily fail to acquire replacements, especially if
DeJoy gives orders designed to cause failure.


feed_id: 40993879c031bcd304b6c415dd05ebee
title: Symbolic damage
uri: Symbolic-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Symbolic_damage%29
content:
<p>
The US has sentenced protesters against nuclear weapons to years in prison
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/kings-bay-plowshares-7-activists-sentenced-2018-anti-nuclear-protest-georgia-naval">for the symbolic "damage" that they did on a missile base</a>.

<p>
I wonder what could possibly justify keeping them jailed for years
awaiting trial.  There was no chance they would fail to show up for
the trial, if physically capable of doing so.  It would have been
right and proper to release them in their own recognizance.


feed_id: 8b48ac053160390d5b5b5be05f81e815
title: Creative destruction
uri: Creative-destruction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Creative_destruction%29
content:
<p>
Plutcratist economists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/trumps-millionaire-economic-adviser-celebrates-gales-creative-destruction-millions">call unemployment "creative destruction."</a>

<p>
In the 80s and 90s, plutcratist politicians said the solution for
unemployment in the US was to teach Americans to be "more
entrepreneurial".  Kudlow is saying the same thing in different words.
What they disregard is that starting a business typically requires an
investment of capital, that investment is a gamble, and you shouldn't
gamble what you can't afford to lose.  Most people in the US can't
even scrape together 400 dollars for an emergency; they can't afford
to invest in the risk of starting a business.

<p>
Starting a business with a good chance of success also requires
knowing all aspects of that business.  Most people don't have suitable
knowledge.  And success for the business requires superiority or unmet
demand.

<p>
The same Kudlow told the public in February that the novel coronavirus
was no problem, while telling rich Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/trump-advisers-privately-warned-gop-donors-about-covid-19-february-while-telling">that no one knew
how dangerous it was</a>.


feed_id: ee44fa70841aff989135895af55c1fd5
title: Not possible
uri: Not-possible
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Not_possible%29
content:
<p>
*As Big Oil Ups Donations to Dems, Biden Says
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/these-two-things-are-related-big-oil-ups-donations-dems-biden-says-banning-fossil">Banning Fossil Fuels Within Next Decade 'Not Possible'</a>.*


feed_id: ed7d60a63a9416de8d436e51134d827a
title: Regulation of communication platforms
uri: Regulation-of-communication-platforms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Regulation_of_communication_platforms%29

content:
<p>
The FCC proposes to regulate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/16/fcc-chairman-moves-regulate-internet-sites-and-social-media-refuse-amplify-trump">what social (or antisocial) communication
platforms can publish</a>.

<p>
The FCC is obeying the orders of the wrecker.  Some of those platforms
do great harm, but the wrecker benefits from that harm, so I expect
the FCC under his domination to try to aggravate the problems.
However, I would not trust Biden on this issue either &mdash; nor any
politician, except one with a very strong commitment to freedom of
speech.


feed_id: 4c2c7b0fd59d5b42a83fc6d2e777496f
title: Blocking rule
uri: Blocking-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Blocking_rule%29
content:
<p>
Twitter has retreated from a rule blocking people from pointing at
published material <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/16/twitter-reverses-policy-on-hacking-after-backlash-over-block-on-new-york-post-story">that was obtained by cracking computer systems</a>.

<p>
Please <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">do not refer to that practice as "hacking."</a>
   That insults us hackers.  Please call it "cracking."

<p>
The policy Twitter has dropped was very dangerous.  Even though the
material about Hunter Biden in that NY Post article was neither new
nor significant, in other cases the information may be very important.


feed_id: b863d9284e551cf91c07bec94dc7c97f
title: India accused an old man of terrorism
uri: India-accused-an-old-man-of-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28India_accused_an_old_man_of_terrorism%29

content:
<p>

India has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/india-arrest-83-year-old-priest-terrorism-charges-stan-swamy-indigenous">accused an old man of terrorism</a> for helping poor people
organize nonviolent resistance against mining companies.
<p>
It happens that the man is a Catholic priest, so Catholics are
protesting his arrest.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#5_March_2019_(Jailed_arbitrarily)">Jailing opposition leaders</a> has become standard practice for India's
repressive right-wing government.


feed_id: 97311ce7ce6e3359b828343126eb6e91
title: The Stalinist Trial of Julian Assange
uri: The-Stalinist-Trial-of-Julian-Assange
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_Stalinist_Trial_of_Julian_Assange%29

content:
<p>

John Pilger: *The Stalinist Trial of Julian Assange.  <a href="http://johnpilger.com/articles/the-stalinist-trial-of-julian-assange-whose-side-are-you-on-">Whose Side Are You On?</a>*
<p>
I note that he published this on his own site.  Apparently there is no
newspaper which would touch it.


feed_id: 9c7bcb5b14e8b36a194507fdf6d202f0
title: Sanctions against 'rogue states'
uri: Sanctions-against-rogue-states
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Sanctions_against_%27rogue_states%27%29

content:
<p>

*In the age of Covid, sanctions against ‘rogue states’ just <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/in-the-age-of-covid-sanctions-against-rogue-states-just-spread-the-misery">spread the misery</a>.*


feed_id: 3a8a36b6ef659e080dca6d4695784185
title: Grandma Wong
uri: Grandma-Wong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Grandma_Wong%29
content:
<p>

*Hong Kong protester 'Grandma Wong’: I was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/18/hong-kong-protester-grandma-wong-i-was-held-in-mainland-china-for-14-months">held in mainland China for 14
months</a>.*


feed_id: 0bfe14b186ce76638c6c5a9199e35028
title: The freedom to offend
uri: 2020-10-20-The-freedom-to-offend
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_freedom_to_offend%29
content:
<p>

*The freedom to offend <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/the-freedom-to-offend-is-a-priceless-commodity">is a priceless commodity</a>.*
<p>
No group should have the right to silence those who disagree with it,
criticize it. or oppose it.


feed_id: d61a171c5ef702b7c90daa97527413d4
title: Collapsing mountains in Alaska
uri: Collapsing-mountains-in-Alaska
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Collapsing_mountains_in_Alaska%29

content:
<p>

*[In Alaska], mountains are collapsing as the permafrost that
holds them together melts, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/18/alaska-climate-change-tsunamis-melting-permafrost">threatening tsunamis</a> if they fall into the sea.*
<p>
There would be no time to evacuate the town of Whittier if a nearby
slope slides into the ocean.


feed_id: cee9224f1cb8ac4c849e52071df44be3
title: Auditing earned income tax credit
uri: Auditing-earned-income-tax-credit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Auditing_earned_income_tax_credit%29

content:
<p>

*   Tax authorities find it easier to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/18/tax-audit-earned-income-tax-credit-mississippi">audit earned income tax credit</a>, which disproportionately affects poor communities of color, than to target
billionaires.*
<p>
The question is, what's the purpose of income tax audits?
Is it to treat poor people almost like criminals, or is it
to recover millions from rich cheaters?


feed_id: df322903adb15cd5a48ec3aafaa3fb2b
title: The idea of overthrowing the US government
uri: The-idea-of-overthrowing-the-US-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_idea_of_overthrowing_the_US_government%29

content:
<p>

*How the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/18/guns-are-a-way-to-exercise-power-how-the-idea-of-overthrowing-the-government-became-mainstream">idea of overthrowing the [US] government</a> became mainstream
[among the right-wing].*
<p>
They see guns as giving them power over everyone else, and it led them
into a power trip.


feed_id: 6c8f80ff4fcc75300b250a66f83bbf1a
title: EU's timetable for dismantling End-to-End encryption
uri: EU-s-timetable-for-dismantling-End-to-End-encryption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28EU%27s_timetable_for_dismantling_End-to-End_encryption%29

content:
<p>

EFF: *Orders from the Top: The EU’s <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/10/orders-top-eus-timetable-dismantling-end-end-encryption">Timetable for Dismantling End-to-End Encryption</a>.*
<p>
The plan could include prohibiting the use of free software to encrypt,
or prohibiting computers that can run solely free software.


feed_id: 187a5db12993457afad645073c535652
title: Fanatical French Muslim
uri: Fanatical-French-Muslim
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Fanatical_French_Muslim%29
content:
<p>

A fanatical French Muslim murdered a teacher who had presented in
class a cartoon mocking Muhammad, as an example in a discussion
of freedom of speech.
<p>
In response, teachers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/we-will-still-teach-difficult-subjects-french-teachers-defiant-after-of-colleague">vow to teach "difficult subjects" and encourage
students' "critical spirit"</a>.
<p>
Imagine if that were in the US: the student would claim that showing
him the cartoon was "violence" and demand firing the teacher.


feed_id: 540f68bbe8f1eab60bd2fe64fe1e9b2a
title: Victoria nearly finished eliminating Covid-19
uri: Victoria-nearly-finished-eliminating-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Victoria_nearly_finished_eliminating_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

A strict lock-down has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/18/victoria-covid-restrictions-ease-hairdressers-daniel-andrews-reveals-25km-travel-bubble-and-scraps-exercise-time-limit">nearly finished eliminating Covid-19</a> in
Victoria (a state of Australia), and Melbourne is starting to relax
its isolation rules.
<p>
Australia is in a position to eradicate Covid-19 and keep it out,
if it proceeds carefully and continues a high rate of testing.
<p>
Arguing that Victoria could have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/19/victoria-could-have-eliminated-covid-in-six-weeks-by-entering-stage-four-lockdown-in-july-analysis-shows">eliminated Covid-19 in 6 weeks</a>
with a more strict lockdown.
<p>
That conclusion is from modeling, and we don't have enough real experience
with Covid-19 to be sure of the conclusions.  But if they are valid,
I think that strict restrictions for 6 weeks would be better than
4 weeks of dithering followed by 10 weeks of increasing strictness.
<p>
However, we shouldn't criticize Victoria's officials too much.
Perhaps they could have done better, but they did get the job done
while so many countries are messing it up.


feed_id: f042f0c1525577182aca18481c74dff9
title: Cabinet departments are scrambling to finish new rules
uri: Cabinet-departments-are-scrambling-to-finish-new-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Cabinet_departments_are_scrambling_to_finish_new_rules%29

content:
<p>

*With the president’s re-election in doubt, cabinet departments are
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/us/politics/regulatory-rush-federal-agencies-trump.html">scrambling to finish</a> dozens of new rules.*


feed_id: 2bf41fa895cfa6490a95b49c44bd2957
title: The wrecker's anti-mask campaign rally
uri: The-wrecker-s-anti-mask-campaign-rally
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28The_wrecker%27s_anti-mask_campaign_rally%29

content:
<p>

Wisconsin has a high level of Covid-19, but the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/17/despite-warnings-otherwise-preventable-deaths-trump-heads-wisconsin-super-spreader">plans to
increase it</a> with an anti-mask campaign rally.


feed_id: 495478da139c2c3929d63c6f72db11bb
title: Salafi Arabia escalating its war in Yemen
uri: Salafi-Arabia-escalating-its-war-in-Yemen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Salafi_Arabia_escalating_its_war_in_Yemen%29

content:
<p>

Salafi Arabia is escalating its war in Yemen at the same time that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/america-complicit-yemen-spirals-toward-mass-starvation">food aid
for that country is decreasing</a>.


feed_id: 722f2389761a746461009b4003814340
title: Dianne Feinstein on Amy Coney Barrett
uri: Dianne-Feinstein-on-Amy-Coney-Barrett
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Dianne_Feinstein_on_Amy_Coney_Barrett%29

content:
<p>

*Dianne Feinstein Was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/dianne-feinstein-was-harder-preteen-climate-activists-she-was-amy-coney-barrett">Harder on Preteen Climate Activists</a> Than She Was on Amy
Coney Barrett.*
<p>
This shows the convergence between Democratic plutocratists and
Republican plutocratists.  I hope we get Feinstein out of the Senate
soon.


feed_id: b078a54ff0479a033acffda1b9d86b76
title: Store chains lobby to imprison shoplifters
uri: Store-chains-lobby-to-imprison-shoplifters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_October_2020_%28Store_chains_lobby_to_imprison_shoplifters%29

content:
<p>

Many major US store chains <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/16/report-retail-industry-opposed-criminal-justice-reform-least-18-states">lobby to imprison shoplifters</a> and keep them in prison for longer.


feed_id: 361c7b1d1373bac7301894ab10e1c471
title: Landslide in election
uri: Landslide-in-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Landslide_in_election%29
content:
<p>
The Socialist Party <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/19/democracy-has-won-year-after-right-wing-coup-against-evo-morales-socialist-luis-arce">won a landslide in Bolivia's election</a>.


feed_id: c46e41d34859f394e604dbed1d629f5d
title: Microplastics-fed babies
uri: Microplastics-fed-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Microplastics-fed_babies%29
content:
<p>
*Bottle-fed babies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/19/bottle-fed-babies-swallow-millions-microplastics-day-study">swallow millions of microplastics a day, study finds</a>.*

<p>
We don't know whether microplastics hurt humans, and it may take
years to gather the data to determine this.  But it is unlikely they
do any good, and it would be wise to avoid them.


feed_id: cf8e4963936f332a8e87f20aa909c423
title: Covid and lung cancer
uri: Covid-and-lung-cancer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Covid_and_lung_cancer%29
content:
<p>
*Lung cancer cases could be mistaken for Covid.*  Some have been,
and people can die <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/19/lung-cancer-cases-could-be-mistaken-for-covid-charities-warn">from the delay in diagnosing the cancer</a>.


feed_id: 489b3fc85d727df4a2208ac6247afcd4
title: Investigating Islamist organizations
uri: Investigating-Islamist-organizations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Investigating_Islamist_organizations%29

content:
<p>
France is investigating 50 Islamist organizations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/samuel-paty-french-police-raid-dozens-of-islamist-groups">on the suspicion that they
promote hatred and violence</a>.


feed_id: bea382a1a2255f25a622cfbbec0e0e2a
title: Torture to force confessions
uri: Torture-to-force-confessions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Torture_to_force_confessions%29
content:
<p>
People who were prisoners in North Korea describe violent torture
including rape, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/north-korea-detainees-subjected-to-ritual-torture-and-sexual-assault-rights-group">used to force confessions</a>.

<p>
One of the reasons the US must eradicate <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#30_September_2015_(Insulting_Shaker_Aamer_in_the_media)">its own torture</a>
                                                         is so that it
can speak with moral authority when condemning torture by North Korea
and other countries.

<p>
The US has not taken steps adequate to ensure that the CIA doesn't
torture prisoners in the future.  On the contrary, appointing Gina
Haspel to head it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#16_March_2018_(Gina_Haspel_proving_herself)">was an indirect but clear endorsement of torture</a>.


feed_id: 6114bbde448b1186b03a382d9e53e1b3
title: Facebook quietly stymied traffic
uri: Facebook-quietly-stymied-traffic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Facebook_quietly_stymied_traffic%29

content:
<p>
*With Zuck's Blessing, Facebook <a href="https://gizmodo.com/with-zucks-blessing-facebook-quietly-stymied-traffic-t-1845403484">Quietly Stymied Traffic to Left-Leaning News
Outlets</a>.*

<p>
The sites that suffered were not very leftist.  One example cited was
Mother Jones.


feed_id: 358b02171580022daff2a13762846f89
title: Threatening to kidnap, kill mayor
uri: Threatening-to-kidnap-kill-mayor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Threatening_to_kidnap%2C_kill_mayor%29

content:
<p>
*Wichita man arrested for threatening to kidnap, kill mayor <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/521535-wichita-man-arrested-for-threatening-to-kidnap-kill-mayor-over-mask">over mask
 mandate</a>.*

<p>
Some of the kooks who would murder because of hatred for masks are
also nuts enough to say so.  But we cannot expect that to protect us
from all of them.  We need to stop officials from inciting violence.


feed_id: 1f1f92db2d7bea4dbf28ace122f32bee
title: James Bond
uri: James-Bond
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28James_Bond%29
content:
<p>
The company that makes James Bond films gets millions in subsidies
from the UK and pays no tax in the UK, since the profit from the
films <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/oct/18/for-your-eyes-only-tale-of-the-superspy-the-taxman-and-a-very-british-brand">is all assigned to other companies in other countries</a>.

<p>
If the UK wants to pay, in normal times, for people to do work, why
not pay them to do work that the public needs, such as medical care
for the NHS and home assistance for people who are sick or handicapped?

<p>
Under <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">my global progressive tax scheme</a>,
                                        those companies would be treated as one
entity for computing its tax rate, and the UK part would pay that rate
on its gross income.


feed_id: 73b0541c2b79a6348ea7f1a6e4ab47aa
title: In the trash
uri: In-the-trash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28In_the_trash%29
content:
<p>
When people return products to Amazon, in many cases Amazon doesn't
bother to unpack them and put them on the shelf.  <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-amazon-returns-1.5753714">It puts them in the
trash</a>.


feed_id: 9ef9889774267b7812a962cccf3efe72
title: Freely share collections
uri: Freely-share-collections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Freely_share_collections%29
content:
<p>
Wikimedia calls on museums to digitize their collections and to allow
the digital works, when not restricted by private copyrights, <a href="https://ppmanifesto.hcommons.org/">to be
freely shared</a>.

<p>
Those that are restricted by private copyrights should be shared too,
because forbidden sharing is better than no sharing.


feed_id: 9b028c4fcca954c8d52da5d89371ba87
title: Electoral Coup
uri: Electoral-Coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Electoral_Coup%29
content:
<p>
*To Stop an Electoral Coup, <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/trump-coup-florida-2000-recount">Study What Went Wrong in the 2000 Florida Recount</a>.*

<p>
Keep in mind that the only reason this recount was necessary is
because the Republicans had cheated massively through voter
suppression, as revealed by Greg Palast.


feed_id: a46aa0898412136be23bc0ef0435e739
title: Attack on human rights
uri: Attack-on-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Attack_on_human_rights%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 has provided an opportunity and excuse for many countries
<a href="https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2020/pandemics-digital-shadow">to attack traditional human rights on the Internet</a>.

<p>
This is in addition to the subjugating effect of pushing people
to use nonfree software.


feed_id: b5f7588c66b33ec0b77cf51c579b8e2c
title: Crimes
uri: Crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Crimes%29
content:
<p>
Various crimes the conman could be prosecuted for, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/18/trump-election-crimes-prosecution/">if he can't retain
his grip on the presidency</a>.


feed_id: 1642d81f4a7d764bcc7228b42d0422a0
title: Coral reefs
uri: 2020-10-20-Coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>
People are working hard to protect coral reefs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/17/why-there-is-hope-that-the-worlds-coral-reefs-can-be-saved">from the danger of the
current level of global heating</a>.

<p>
Will this help the long-term survival of coral?  It can, if we curb
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> before it goes much further.  However, breeding
heat-tolerance into corals would have to be done to every species
and variety if it is to protect them all.

<p>
If we keep increasing the CO2 level, that will eventually kill all
corals <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#24 January 2008 (Global warming is destroying coral reefs)">due to ocean acidification</a>.


feed_id: eb5e762c2789e91200136dd87cdcce04
title: Disregard of poor people
uri: Disregard-of-poor-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#20_October_2020_%28Disregard_of_poor_people%29
content:
<p>
The failure of the UK's handling of Covid-19 is due to its disregard
for poor people, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/pitched-battle-lockdowns-covid-19-uk-coronavirus-crisis-inequalities">who live many to a house and cannot self-isolate nor
stay home from work</a>.

<p>
*Alarming new data shows the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/alarming-data-britain-sick-man-europe-before-covid">was the 'sick man' of Europe even
before Covid</a>.*
  This is caused by greater economic inequality.


feed_id: 9daf3754bcc1e230b65fcf4c945e56dc
title: Ending Corporate Impunity
uri: Ending-Corporate-Impunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Ending_Corporate_Impunity%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/19/ending-corporate-impunity-heart-sustainable-post-pandemic-global-recovery">Ending Corporate Impunity</a> Is at the Heart of a Sustainable Post-Pandemic
Global Recovery.*


feed_id: 5dbbe4279de11a709d54087d35c65160
title: Dairy company in France
uri: Dairy-company-in-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Dairy_company_in_France%29
content:
<p>

The largest dairy company in France is accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/19/french-dairy-giant-accused-of-polluting-countrys-famous-rivers-for-years">dumping waste into rivers</a>,
thus killing fish and harming other species.


feed_id: 0080050a0306c65e66effdfb111ae326
title: US removes Sudan from terrorism blacklist
uri: US-removes-Sudan-from-terrorism-blacklist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28US_removes_Sudan_from_terrorism_blacklist%29

content:
<p>

*US removes Sudan from terrorism blacklist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/us-removes-sudan-from-terrorism-blacklist-in-return-for-335m">in return for $335m</a>.*
<p>
If Sudan was involved in the terrorist attack in 1998, it ought to be
penalized.  However, Sudan is desperately poor and needs aid.  For
that country to pay so much money to the US will be a great burden.
<p>
So I think a different penalty would be morally superior.
For instance, leaving some of its oil in the ground.


feed_id: d17314079c0fb442d06c9cacb4b51f28
title: The conman's legal trouble
uri: The-conman-s-legal-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28The_conman%27s_legal_trouble%29
content:
<p>

If the conman does not hold on to the presidency, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/trump-election-legal-reckoning/index.html">he faces lots of legal trouble</a>.
<p>
This article does not include possible criminal charges for crimes
while in office, including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#27_March_2019_(Mueller_Conclusion">obstruction of justice</a> (which Miller found
the evidence for).
<p>
I expect he will have Air Force One drop him off on Jan 18 or so
in a country he expects to will him from US justice.


feed_id: 6ef8bb92ee9abb8d7f0388111a069ebf
title: Urgent: Repeal the authorization for use of military force
uri: Urgent-Repeal-the-authorization-for-use-of-military-force
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Repeal_the_authorization_for_use_of_military_force%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: tell your congresscritter to push to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/repeal-2002-aumf">repeal the authorization
for use of military force</a>.
<p>
It won't hurt to say this by phone, too.

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


feed_id: 5fcfd3a095a85d6e62bf2a7a4cc190e2
title: David Hume
uri: David-Hume
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28David_Hume%29
content:
<p>

*David Hume was a complex man. Erasing his name is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/david-hume-was-a-complex-man-erasing-his-name-is-too-simplistic-a-gesture">too simplistic a gesture</a>.*


feed_id: ce6f8c01e74640155649f19350900bd4
title: Australia's spy agency's power to interrogate
uri: Australia-s-spy-agency-s-power-to-interrogate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Australia%27s_spy_agency%27s_power_to_interrogate%29

content:
<p>

Australia is moving to give its spy agency the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/oct/20/chilling-attack-on-democracy-proposed-asio-powers-could-be-used-against-journalists">power to interrogate
journalists and activists</a> under very loose conditions.  Journalists could
be ordered to disclose confidential sources.  Activists could be interrogated
if they cooperate with any foreign allies.
<p>
Experience shows that such repression will be used mainly against those
who report on or oppose the actions of the powerful.


feed_id: 25c887fa248a0d3c6131faa48cc5a6e7
title: Digital sabotage of the 2018 Olympic games
uri: Digital-sabotage-of-the-2018-Olympic-games
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Digital_sabotage_of_the_2018_Olympic_games%29

content:
<p>

The UK announced that Russia carried out digital sabotage of the 2018
Olympic Games and its sponsors, and was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/russia-planned-cyber-attack-on-tokyo-olympics-says-uk">planning sabotage</a> of the 2020
games (which did not take place, since they were postponed).
<p>
Please do not use the word "hackers" to mean "people who attack
computer security."  That gives people an erroneous negative
impression of us <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">hackers</a>.


feed_id: e63eb3d4cae7247cf19ccbfe04d805a2
title: Climate change doubt
uri: Climate-change-doubt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Climate_change_doubt%29
content:
<p>

*How the oil industry <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-53640382">made us doubt</a> climate change.*
<p>
Ironically, the term "climate change" was encouraged so the public
would not recognize that it refers to something dangerous.


feed_id: d31144143f926c95be1060b263f00ce8
title: Chinese diplomats attacked a Taiwanese official
uri: Chinese-diplomats-attacked-a-Taiwanese-official
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Chinese_diplomats_attacked_a_Taiwanese_official%29

content:
<p>

Chinese diplomats in Fiji <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/taiwan-official-in-hospital-after-alleged-violent-attack-by-chinese-diplomats-in-fiji">attacked a Taiwanese official</a>, causing a
head injury.
<p>
I theorize that this is a probe to see how much aggression the world
will let China get away with.  Fiji will probably let China get away
with this, as China has bought its submission.
<p>
I think it is important for powerful countries to recognize Taiwan as
an independent country &mdash; but not as the legitimate government of
China &mdash; and tell China that it can either have diplomatic relations
noneless, or do without.


feed_id: 43d8b9e0fc7e8c1f106419099fd6fb8c
title: Torture inside Sudan's Islamic schools
uri: Torture-inside-Sudan-s-Islamic-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Torture_inside_Sudan%27s_Islamic_schools%29

content:
<p>

*Revealed: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/19/revealed-chaining-beatings-and-torture-inside-sudans-islamic-schools">chaining, beatings and torture inside Sudan's Islamic schools</a>.*
<p>
There is a history of policies of such cruelty in Christian schools in
Europe and North America.


feed_id: f464c2e68dfbb765759c5fcf430dc840
title: Impact of privatising vital services
uri: Impact-of-privatising-vital-services
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Impact_of_privatising_vital_services%29

content:
<p>

*Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/19/covid-19-exposed-catastrophic-impact-privatising-vital-services">exposed the catastrophic impact</a> of privatising vital services.*


feed_id: d47a974b106f6fc04a8ed3ffef6a5188
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to impeach Attorney General Barr
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-impeach-Attorney-General-Barr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_impeach_Attorney_General_Barr%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/impeach-barr/">impeach Attorney General Barr</a>.
<p>
The idea is that even though we know the Senate will not remove Barr
from office, the impeachment will hamper the Senate from confirming
Judge Barrett for the Supreme Court.
<p>
After signing, you can follow up by phoning your congresscritter.

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


feed_id: 9d0fa3923e67a6ef5e3fd369811801c6
title: Attorney general lying
uri: Attorney-general-lying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Attorney_general_lying%29
content:
<p>
One of the Breonna Taylor grand jurors has accused the attorney general
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/20/breonna-taylor-grand-juror-homicide-charges">of lying about what he said to the grand jury</a>.
  He did not offer them the chance to indict for her killing.

<p>
That article practices the fashionable symbolic bigotry of
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  I linked to the article despite
that because its substance is important.


feed_id: 18b27843193cb927d4fc0b99ffe4d4d2
title: Preventing second wave
uri: Preventing-second-wave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Preventing_second_wave%29
content:
<p>
Vietnam appears to have prevented <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/20/vietnam-covid-economic-growth-public-health-coronavirus">a second wave of Covid-19
while protecting the economy too</a>.


feed_id: bdd54c008d6c3f43ac370ecf6c332d05
title: OSHA
uri: OSHA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28OSHA%29
content:
<p>
*How [the wrecker] <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/20/trump-osha-workplace-safety-covid/">Gutted OSHA and Workplace Safety Rules</a>.*


feed_id: 655f22a3262690f11a873716c2c2de41
title: Quasi-monopoly
uri: Quasi-monopoly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Quasi-monopoly%29
content:
<p>
How Google <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/20/google-doj-antitrust-suit-yelp/">used its quasi-monopoly power against Yelp</a>.

<p>
It is ironic that Yelp itself is using its market power <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_September_2020_(Yelp_is_screwing_over_restaurants)">to help
GrubHub cheat restaurants</a>.

<p>
We should not try to understand this in terms of "good companies" and
"bad companies".  Rather, we need to prevent any companies from using
their market power to get bigger.  More generally, we need to make
large companies split up so as to greatly increase the number of
competitors in every field.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My tax proposal might help</a>.


feed_id: 2fb14b85573abe94732ca83c4e409635
title: Prisoners suffering
uri: Prisoners-suffering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Prisoners_suffering%29
content:
<p>
Prisoners in the UK are suffering greatly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/20/covid-19-prison-staff-say-restrictions-creating-a-mental-health-timebomb">from not seeing their
families or their counselors</a>.

<p>
Bad though it is, having Covid-19 spread <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_July_2020_(When_prisoners_in_US_immigration_prisons_catch_Covid-19)">through the prison
and into the surrounding community</a>
                                   would be worse.


feed_id: cdd2eba01a2c80ca627d6e0dfc00b907
title: Monitoring crackers
uri: Monitoring-crackers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Monitoring_crackers%29
content:
<p>
The US indictment of crackers working for the Russian spy agency GRU
shows that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/19/russian-hackers-cyber-attack-spree-tactics">the US is deeply monitoring their activities</a>.

<p>
It also shows that the group's attacks have caused people to suffer
and perhaps even die, in Ukraine and maybe Pennsylvania.


feed_id: 1e70f9d4adda77c40295c961fe659b44
title: Overreaction
uri: Overreaction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Overreaction%29
content:
<p>
A wildly foolish overreaction: the New Yorker has "suspended" writer
Jeffrey Toobin and is "investigating" him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/oct/19/jeffrey-toobin-zoom-call-new-yorker-suspended">for masturbating while
thinking his camera was turned off</a>.

<p>
Hey, New Yorker, instead of "investigating" this mistake as if it were
a crime, you should have your meetings with Mumble (freedom-respecting
software which does only audio) rather than with proprietary Zoom.


feed_id: 34286c53d854b059d3e30df1eb7131a5
title: Legalization
uri: Legalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Legalization%29
content:
<p>
A new initiative in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/20/government-urged-to-sell-cocaine-and-ecstasy-in-pharmacies">demands legalization of cocaine and ecstasy
with controlled sale in pharmacies</a>.

<p>
This would eliminate the dangers that result from black market sale:
unexpected overdoses, and mixture with unknown other drugs.
It would reduce drug-fueled gangsterism by taking away its most
regular customers.

<p>
I am surprised and cheered to see that the former president of
Colombia, Santos, is campaigning for legalization of cocaine.
Prohibition of cocaine has been devastating for Colombia.


feed_id: bc0714f54e9c898a0a0d54c4ff081da9
title: Cathedral of militaristic nationalism
uri: Cathedral-of-militaristic-nationalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Cathedral_of_militaristic_nationalism%29

content:
<p>
Russia has built <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/20/orthodox-cathedral-of-the-armed-force-russian-national-identity-military-disneyland">a literal cathedral of militaristic nationalism</a>.


feed_id: 9dfd041d5b46d73fad42d283c99d5044
title: Collective racism and sexism
uri: Collective-racism-and-sexism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Collective_racism_and_sexism%29
content:
<p>
A special thug unit in the UK is being formally investigated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/19/toxic-hampshire-police-unit-recorded-racist-sexist-remarks-hearing-told">for
engaging in gross collective racism and sexism in its office</a>.

<p>
To make such talk a crime would be repressive, but we cannot let such
attitudes fester among cops; they will certainly translate it into
their exercise of their power.


feed_id: 23f19678ecf59c6c9ca2f3d09b0b6c73
title: World domination
uri: World-domination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28World_domination%29
content:
<p>
How the US turned in 1940 to a foreign policy of trying to
dominate the world, how Biden will probably ramp it up, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/19/reframing-americas-role-world">why
the US continues it despite ever worse results</a>.


feed_id: f2198dfbb7dfa31c7a16d004e4d3e192
title: Romantic-sexual desire
uri: Romantic-sexual-desire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Romantic-sexual_desire%29
content:
<p>
Finally, insight about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/19/what-i-learned-about-male-desire-in-a-sex-doll-factory">what romantic-sexual desire is like for many men</a>.

<p>
*One of the therapists she quotes in her book,
Daring Greatly, asserts, “I guess the secret is that sex is terrifying
for most men.”*


feed_id: 72f02b2239e194204a74826b6212c993
title: True thing
uri: True-thing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28True_thing%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/man-hasn-t-heard-or-read-single-true-thing-in-6-years-1845396715">satire</a>) *Man Hasn’t Heard Or Read Single True Thing In 6 Years.*


feed_id: ad96de00a31774f31a594387e370ace6
title: Discovering autism
uri: Discovering-autism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Discovering_autism%29
content:
<p>
*At 47, I discovered I am autistic &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/20/at-47-i-discovered-i-am-autistic-suddenly-so-many-things-made-sense">suddenly so many things made sense</a>.*


feed_id: 0f2bb503a30fd53ed99802cab4053db5
title: Hardly any pressure
uri: Hardly-any-pressure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28Hardly_any_pressure%29
content:
<p>
The EPA has adopted the airline industry's proposal for how to make
air travel emit less CO2.  Which means, hardly any pressure.
Instead it should make requirements for reduced emissions,
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/19/efficient-electric-report-offers-path-us-aviation-climate-pollution-cuts">convert the whole airline fleet to electric power by 2045</a>.


feed_id: 9a882d1a36ac7b02f6d7fff406190fc6
title: The fatal fire in a London public housing building
uri: The-fatal-fire-in-a-London-public-housing-building
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28The_fatal_fire_in_a_London_public_housing_building%29

content:
<p>

The fatal fire in a large London public housing building was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/grenfell-fire-inquiry-landlord">caused by
bad design choices</a>, secretly and illegally made by the Tory-run local
council, which was aiming to save money at all costs.
<p>
The council was trying so hard to save money because of
squash-the-poor Tory policies.
<p>
Austerity kills in many ways, but usually it kills people one by one
and there is no inquiry into the specific causes.


feed_id: 6256018a8b4f8caf17f10a7d6ae285a9
title: Venezuelan oil tanker
uri: Venezuelan-oil-tanker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Venezuelan_oil_tanker%29
content:
<p>

The owners of a Venezuelan oil tanker have kept it near the coast
since Feb 2019 waiting for the US to let them pump the oil out.
If it leaks, it could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/19/amid-us-sanctions-venezuelan-oil-tanker-risk-spilling-13-million-barrels-and">kill a large part of the Caribbean Sea</a>.


feed_id: 44123062e2fc8e83e1876bdcca1af792
title: Facebook's right-wing bias
uri: Facebook-s-right-wing-bias
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Facebook%27s_right-wing_bias%29
content:
<p>

Facebook bent over backwards for right-wing sites, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/sensitive-claims-bias-facebook-relaxed-misinformation-rules-conservative-pages-n1236182">relaxing its rules
against misinformation</a> and thus implementing right-wing bias.
<p>
Right-wing extremists have learned to lie without a qualm.
That includes telling the lie that media are biased against them,
as a cynical means of pressuring media to shift to bias for them.


feed_id: c11d4bc7284bf1add83892d49df9e06e
title: Drones in the Mediterranean
uri: Drones-in-the-Mediterranean
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Drones_in_the_Mediterranean%29
content:
<p>

The EU will operate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/20/airbus-to-operate-drones-searching-for-migrants-crossing-the-mediterranean">drones in the Mediterranean</a> searching for refugees
in boats.
<p>
When the drone spots a boat full of people, it won't have guns to
shoot them with, but what will European countries do to them?


feed_id: 05a2fd5e69de9718edb4f67dd609e829
title: (satire) Mail the government a $1,200 check
uri: (satire)-Mail-the-government-a-1-200-check
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Mail_the_government_a_%241%2C200_check%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *New Stimulus Bill Would <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/new-stimulus-bill-would-require-all-americans-to-mail-g-1845426121">Require All Americans To Mail Government $1,200 Check</a>.*


feed_id: c9c8cc9e850798f08fa9c8853df70c7b
title: The rise of carbon dioxide 252 million years ago
uri: The-rise-of-carbon-dioxide-252-million-years-ago
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28The_rise_of_carbon_dioxide_252_million_years_ago%29

content:
<p>

252 million years ago, *the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
set off a chain of events that successively <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/comprehensive-reconstruction-end-permian-mass-extinction-08965.html">extinguished almost all
life in the seas</a>.*
<p>
That rise of CO2, caused by a supervolcano in Siberia, was not
terribly fast.  We are now increasing the CO2 level 14 times as fast.
<p>
The article does not state an estimate for the peak atmospheric CO2
level in the end-Permian.  Can anyone find an estimate for that?
It would be interesting to compare that with where we are heading.


feed_id: a5403b116e8a3695c302e80548899c59
title: (satire) Jason Momoa's scene double
uri: (satire)-Jason-Momoa-s-scene-double
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Jason_Momoa%27s_scene_double%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Jason Momoa, star of the forthcoming Aquaman 2, told reporters
Monday he and the film’s producers had brought in a scene double to
<a href="https://entertainment.theonion.com/jason-momoa-brings-in-scene-double-for-challenging-faci-1845414172">help execute a particularly challenging facial expression</a> required of
his character.*


feed_id: 52e018eb4e747b0bf5bff7c85eaf481c
title: The wrecker spread Covid-19 and covered up how it spread
uri: The-wrecker-spread-Covid-19-and-covered-up-how-it-spread
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28The_wrecker_spread_Covid-19_and_covered_up_how_it_spread%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker simultaneously acted to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/20/trump-called-mass-murderer-after-white-house-docs-show-he-lied-about-recent-covid-19">spread Covid-19 and cover up how
it was spreading</a>.


feed_id: cd213c9e4ef842f53b6581a317885cb2
title: Twitter and Facebook blocked Craig Murray and Wikileaks
uri: Twitter-and-Facebook-blocked-Craig-Murray-and-Wikileaks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Twitter_and_Facebook_blocked_Craig_Murray_and_Wikileaks%29

content:
<p>

During the Assange hearing, Craig Murray and Wikileaks found that
Twitter and Facebook <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/people-need-to-reclaim-the-internet/">blocked their posts</a> from reaching most of their
followers.
<p>
Those sites did not inform Murray or Wikileaks, nor the people who
posted about them, nor their followers, that their messages were
reaching hardly any of those followers.
<p>
As regards Hunter Biden and Ukraine, there may be something fishy
there, but if so it is minor compared with the plutocratist acts Biden
is likely to commit overtly (and lawfully) if he wins, which in turn
are less dangerous than the wrecker's practice of seizing every
opportunity to corrupt and ruin.
<p>
Move to Amend (<a href="movetoamend.org">movetoamend.org</a>) says that Facebook searches for "Move
to Amend" gets a warning that the search is associated with
QAnonsense.  <a href="movetoamend.org">Move to Amend</a> advocates a constitutional amendment to
reverse the "Citizens United" decision.


feed_id: 2e6a41bd880fa519ec4e248fc1698b4b
title: QAnonsense spreader smeared some museums in Berlin
uri: QAnonsense-spreader-smeared-some-museums-in-Berlin
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28QAnonsense_spreader_smeared_some_museums_in_Berlin%29

content:
<p>

A QAnonsense spreader <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/berlin-vandalism-of-museum-artefacts-linked-to-conspiracy-theorists">smeared some museums in Berlin</a>, and then someone
smeared oil on antiquities and art in the museums.
<p>
I encourage you to visit the Pergamon Museum if you ever have the chance.


feed_id: 592c8099dd616b6a9beff28de579723d
title: Polluting the environment with tear gas
uri: Polluting-the-environment-with-tear-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Polluting_the_environment_with_tear_gas%29

content:
<p>

Environmentalists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/20/teargas-portland-protests-may-pose-grave-health-hazards-lawsuit">suing the Department of Hatred and Sadism</a> for
harming human health and polluting the environment with tear gas.


feed_id: 02bce9e75e704a3c25585f4afd27d886
title: The conman's legal trouble
uri: 2020-10-22-The-conman-s-legal-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28The_conman%27s_legal_trouble%29
content:
<p>

If the conman does not hold on to the presidency, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/trump-election-legal-reckoning/index.html">he faces lots of legal trouble</a>.
<p>
This article does not include possible criminal charges for crimes
while in office, including obstruction of justice (which Miller found
the evidence for).
<p>
I expect he will have Air Force One drop him off on Jan 18 or so
in a country he expects to will him from US justice.


feed_id: caee0a5bcf40349008d7e4677378d74a
title: Living in terror
uri: Living-in-terror
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Living_in_terror%29
content:
<p>
*Pakistani Shias live in terror* &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/pakistani-shias-live-in-terror-as-sectarian-violence-increases">they may be lynched or executed by
the majority Sunnis</a>.


feed_id: d541d972d7cc29f6245f790f91ea777a
title: Nuclear deal
uri: 2020-10-22-Nuclear-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Nuclear_deal%29
content:
<p>
*Even if Biden wins US election, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/even-if-biden-wins-us-election-time-is-running-out-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal">time is running out to save Iran
 nuclear deal</a>.*


feed_id: ce2ca3d7c11f46732d71298cca955378
title: Russian spy claims
uri: Russian-spy-claims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Russian_spy_claims%29
content:
<p>
*Trump’s false ‘Russian spy’ claims put me in danger, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/trumps-false-russian-spy-claims-put-me-in-danger-says-steele-dossier-source">says Steele dossier
source</a>.*

<p>
He claims that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s falsehoods wiped out his career and put his
life in danger.


feed_id: a747928f2494bca72ef51090075c59e1
title: Assaults on migrants
uri: Assaults-on-migrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Assaults_on_migrants%29
content:
<p>
*Croatian police accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/21/croatian-police-accused-of-sickening-assaults-on-migrants-on-balkans-trail-bosnia">'sickening' assaults on migrants on
 Balkans trail</a>.*


feed_id: 7d594b4d9b9e12bbc4ef0f14b18cf210
title: Catastrophic failure of test and trace
uri: Catastrophic-failure-of-test-and-trace
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Catastrophic_failure_of_test_and_trace%29

content:
<p>
George Monbiot: *Bypassing the NHS and handing crucial services to
corporate executives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/government-covid-contracts-britain-nhs-corporate-executives-test-and-trace">has led to the catastrophic failure of test and
trace [in the UK]</a>.*


feed_id: d86b1da8ab3f855007edf9d9b6e59a17
title: Discouraged to vote
uri: Discouraged-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Discouraged_to_vote%29
content:
<p>
A Republican official in Florida sent voters a confusing letter
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/florida-voting-changes-felony-convictions-drop-boxes">designed to discourage them from voting</a>.


feed_id: 78cfb24a03dd95cba3dad2e8923b03a1
title: Socialist party victory
uri: Socialist-party-victory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Socialist_party_victory%29
content:
<p>
Analyzing the reasons for the Bolivian Socialist Party's victory, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/bolivian-left-election-win-covid-luis-arce-bolivia">and the challenges it must face now</a>.


feed_id: 64d9c93bfb3bae9c921c9534e2a59762
title: Mass lead poisoning
uri: Mass-lead-poisoning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Mass_lead_poisoning%29
content:
<p>
*Anglo American sued over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/anglo-american-sued-over-alleged-mass-lead-poisoning-of-children-in-zambia">alleged mass lead poisoning of children in Zambia</a>.*


feed_id: 4453a3172c0cf69910e719d7337d8818
title: Missing parents
uri: Missing-parents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Missing_parents%29
content:
<p>
Three years ago, obeying the orders of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>, the US rushed to
deport parents of 1030 children, without bothering to ask how to find
them again.  The children remained in the US.  Since then, the ACLU
has been trying to find their parents, but it has found parents of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/trump-separation-policy-545-children-parents-still-not-found">only 465 of the children</a>.
  That's the Department of Hatred and Sadism for you.

<p>
Some of those parents may have been killed &mdash; after all, they were
fleeing from the danger of violence.  Perhaps, as they died, they were
glad that they had sent their children to a place of safety.

<p>
But is it really a place of safety?  Will the US let them stay and
become citizens?  Or will it deport them when they get older to a
country they don't remember?


feed_id: f5d41cf7018376aa42107a78b43da956
title: Suing acting king
uri: Suing-acting-king
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Suing_acting_king%29
content:
<p>
Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/jamal-khashoggi-fiancee-sues-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman">has sued the acting king of
Salafi Arabia and 28 henchmen in US court</a>.

<p>
The goal is to "compel US agencies and officials to disclose new
information about what happened to Khashoggi."


feed_id: 3551c2010f3e9c0ac1b10a5f46d62922
title: Subventions without requirements for the environment
uri: Subventions-without-requirements-for-the-environment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_October_2020_%28Subventions_without_requirements_for_the_environment%29

content:
<p>
The European Parliament continued its system of payments to farm owners
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/greta-thunberg-accuses-meps-of-surrender-on-climate-and-environment">with only weak requirements to make farms clean up their treatment of the
environment</a>.

    


feed_id: e83e81f6bfa72be78d3be204adce0451
title: The conman's legal trouble
uri: 2020-10-23-The-conman-s-legal-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#21_October_2020_%28The_conman%27s_legal_trouble%29
content:
<p>

If the conman does not hold on to the presidency, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/trump-election-legal-reckoning/index.html">he faces lots of legal trouble</a>.
<p>
This article does not include possible criminal charges for crimes
while in office, including <a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/04/mueller-report-proves-trump-obstructed-justice.html">obstruction of justice</a> (which Mueller found
the evidence for).
<p>
I expect he will have Air Force One drop him off on Jan 18 or so
in a country he expects to will him from US justice.


feed_id: 1fc1b6d07ae8fa95ae3ef704292c3014
title: Helping employees avoid catching Covid-19
uri: Helping-employees-avoid-catching-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Helping_employees_avoid_catching_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

The Australian state of Victoria will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/23/victoria-to-conduct-covert-surveillance-of-businesses-to-ensure-covid-compliance">investigate employers with a view to punishing</a> those that if they fail to help employees avoid
catching Covid-19.
<p>
If the state really does this, it will be an admirable contrast
with all the governments that allow employers to pressure their workers
to spread disease.


feed_id: e0e04f78d7d785410934a3d6b7c2a238
title: San Quentin prison population
uri: San-Quentin-prison-population
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28San_Quentin_prison_population%29
content:
<p>

*California must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/california-san-quentin-prison-population-court-covid">cut San Quentin prison population</a> amid pandemic, court rules.*


feed_id: d9c723a60d029f2e149e4f13bd427427
title: The first organized anti-fascists
uri: The-first-organized-anti-fascists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28The_first_organized_anti-fascists%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/oct/22/the-contested-legacy-of-the-anti-fascist-international-brigades">first organized anti-fascists fought in Spain</a>.


feed_id: 45cc6e0765724b3cdc71de51f59af195
title: Indigenous workers in Western Australia
uri: Indigenous-workers-in-Western-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Indigenous_workers_in_Western_Australia%29

content:
<p>

Indigenous workers in Western Australia worked for wages, but Western
Australia <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-19/wa-government-faces-class-action-over-stolen-wages/12737046">kept their wages</a>, so it was effectively slavery.


feed_id: a2de74cabced4babb76f564e795471bf
title: Americans could save energy costs by switching to renewable energy
uri: Americans-could-save-energy-costs-by-switching-to-renewable-energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Americans_could_save_energy_costs_by_switching_to_renewable_energy%29

content:
<p>

Americans could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/22/us-renewable-energy-costs-savings-study-report">save up to $321bn in energy costs</a> by switching to
renewable energy, including for cars and heating buildings. Plus trillions from all the unnatural disasters that this will avoid.
<p>
However, it is not the case that we can do with a smaller electrical
grid just by installing rooftop solar on all buildings.  Houses will
still need the grid for times when the region is dark or cloudy.


feed_id: 914977afcabf6bbc80c5475ac02c226d
title: Labeled "antisemitic" for criticizing Israel's occupation of Palestine
uri: Labeled-antisemitic-for-criticizing-Israel-s-occupation-of-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Labeled_antisemitic_for_criticizing_Israel%27s_occupation_of_Palestine%29

content:
<p>

The numskull is considering labeling Amnesty, Oxfam and Human Rights
Watch as "antisemitic" because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/donald-trump-considers-labelling-rights-groups-antisemitic-criticism-israel">they have criticized Israel's
occupation of Palestine</a>. If the numskull does this, it will be so absurd that only his
hard-core supporters will believe it.
<p>
Please, numskull, do it!
These bogus accusations, which have typically been made against
individuals and weak, obscure organizations, will cease to be
plausible and will become risible instead.
<p>
Please, everyone, don't campaign to stop this.  Let him fall into his
own trap first, and _then_ criticize.
<p>
And let's limit accusations of antisemitism to people and organizations
that spread hatred of Jews.


feed_id: 47c004479d679fa132a61d9d698c28f9
title: Torture used to make Africans sign deportation orders
uri: Torture-used-to-make-Africans-sign-deportation-orders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Torture_used_to_make_Africans_sign_deportation_orders%29

content:
<p>

US deportation thugs *'used torture to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/us-ice-officers-allegedly-used-torture-to-make-africans-sign-own-deportation-orders">make Africans sign own
deportation orders</a>'.*


feed_id: 82035fb3f28d4403e5c155ff647eca44
title: Glitter is an environmental abomination
uri: Glitter-is-an-environmental-abomination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Glitter_is_an_environmental_abomination%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/22/glitter-environment-microplastics-hazard">Glitter is an environmental abomination</a>. It's time to stop using it.*
<p>
We should do this with a comprehensive law designed to cut down
the production of plastic objects that cannot be feasibly recycled
or broken down.


feed_id: 8ef710690f02be7ad59111f43bc8e102
title: The Arctic Ocean has not started to freeze
uri: The-Arctic-Ocean-has-not-started-to-freeze
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28The_Arctic_Ocean_has_not_started_to_freeze%29

content:
<p>

It's almost November and the Arctic Ocean has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/alarm-as-arctic-sea-ice-not-yet-freezing-at-latest-date-on-record">not started to freeze</a>!


feed_id: 2107a4445cc15f25f068e98f22e44566
title: Human rights sanctions against Turkish prosecutors
uri: Human-rights-sanctions-against-Turkish-prosecutors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Human_rights_sanctions_against_Turkish_prosecutors%29

content:
<p>

*   Campaigners are seeking to use the UK’s Magnitsky-style human rights
sanctions against Turkish prosecutors and officials responsible for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/rights-group-seeks-uk-sanctions-stop-abuse-turkish-lawyers">arresting and imprisoning thousands of lawyers</a>.*


feed_id: 29042982696a65fab5da3dd0ac8be217
title: Mental health first responder units
uri: Mental-health-first-responder-units
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Mental_health_first_responder_units%29

content:
<p>

A House bill proposes a step in defunding the police: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/20/proposal-katie-porter-house-dems-would-fund-mental-health-first-responders-reduce">federal funding
for "mental health first responder units."</a>
<p>
They would handle some 9-1-1 calls so that people who are upset, but
not dangerous, don't have to face armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who might get triggered
and pull the trigger.


feed_id: b77d77ed076a10e0fe0ff6979422abf2
title: Fracking Ban's 'Risk' to the Democrats
uri: Fracking-Ban-s-Risk-to-the-Democrats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Fracking_Ban%27s_%27Risk%27_to_the_Democrats%29

content:
<p>

*Press Worries About a Fracking Ban’s <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/press-worries-about-fracking-bans-risk-democrats-not-frackings-threat-planet">'Risk' to Democrats—Not Fracking's
Threat to Planet</a>.*


feed_id: 03465da8c0b61ab14601727d946d6ff1
title: US spending on incarceration
uri: US-spending-on-incarceration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28US_spending_on_incarceration%29
content:
<p>

*The US Spends More Than <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/us-spends-more-80-billion-year-incarcerating-23-million-people">$80 Billion a Year Incarcerating 2.3 Million People</a>.*
Most of them could simply be released.
<p>
Many of them are in jail awaiting trial, and they entitled to vote, but
the system <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/denying-pre-trial-detainees-right-vote-must-stop">won't give them a way to vote</a>.


feed_id: e34981dba9780502296e466614f31d8d
title: Government acts and appointments made under the conman
uri: Government-acts-and-appointments-made-under-the-conman
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Government_acts_and_appointments_made_under_the_conman%29

content:
<p>

Congress can, and should, pass <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/damnatio-memoriae-first-step-recovery-post-trump-america">a law cancelling all federal government
acts and appointments made under the conman</a>, with a specific list of exceptions of course.
<p>
This would get rid of all the extremist judges that the conman
appointed, without the need to impeach each one on specific grounds.


feed_id: ee888e11fc4d8166608a140bad0142db
title: Mainstream Republicans
uri: Mainstream-Republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Mainstream_Republicans%29
content:
<p>

*[The conman] had us thinking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/24/trump-mainstream-republicans-moderate-mitt-romney">mainstream Republicans were moderate</a>. How naive.*


feed_id: 5898c85abf626d3dcbcb1d65b3b2f2ba
title: Pope Francis supports civil unions for same-sex couples
uri: Pope-Francis-supports-civil-unions-for-same-sex-couples
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Pope_Francis_supports_civil_unions_for_same-sex_couples%29

content:
<p>

*Pope Francis Signals 'Historic' Shift for Catholic Church, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/pope-francis-signals-historic-shift-catholic-church-publicly-supporting-civil-unions">Publicly
Supporting Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples</a>.*
<p>
If only he would endorse abortion and birth control, I would have
little quarrel with the Catholic Church.  (Though that would not
constitute evidence for the existence of a supernatural entity.)


feed_id: 3a3d6c1c2ecfa12c21456ef447673064
title: Google will provide AI to US border thugs
uri: Google-will-provide-AI-to-US-border-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Google_will_provide_AI_to_US_border_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Google will provide AI to the US border thugs for <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/21/google-cbp-border-contract-anduril/">total surveillance,
tracking and identification around the US border with Mexico</a>.
<p>
I have a hunch that this total tracking won't remain limited to areas close
to the border.  The US government, together with companies such as Anduril,
must be itching to apply it to the whole US territory.


feed_id: 0ee20a5c41658c4f20f988cddf4ceed7
title: Right-wing terrorism
uri: 2020-10-24-Right-wing-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Right-wing_terrorism%29
content:
<p>
2/3 of the terrorist attacks and plots this year <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/white-supremacists-rightwing-domestic-terror-2020">were by right-wing
extremists</a>.

<p>
A right-wing extremist has just been charged <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/texas-boogaloo-boi-minneapolis-police-building-george-floyd">with travelling to Minneapolis
to carry out a false-flag attack</a>,
   burning a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department building.

<p>
He is not the first right-wing provocateur to be charged over violence
at Black Lives Matter protests this summer.  I wonder if we will find
that provocateurs were chiefly responsible for the violence.  They
fooled a lot of people, including me.


feed_id: 9233246d266dc5153396a17f002b15b4
title: Voting intimidation plan
uri: Voting-intimidation-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Voting_intimidation_plan%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-campaign-reminds-supporters-to-make-voting-intimi-1845439559">satire</a>) *Trump Campaign Reminds Supporters To Make Voting Intimidation Plan.*


feed_id: efe88932f14de44bce547b309da044b9
title: Financing climate-wrecking companies
uri: Financing-climate-wrecking-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Financing_climate-wrecking_companies%29

content:
<p>
*'Stop Financing Climate-Wrecking Companies': <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/stop-financing-climate-wrecking-companies-campaigners-light-earth-fire-outside">Campaigners Light Earth on Fire
Outside European Central Bank HQ</a>.*


feed_id: 165d8505590c93e672ef5a1dded6ab81
title: Arrest of reporters
uri: Arrest-of-reporters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Arrest_of_reporters%29
content:
<p>
RSF: <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> have arrested TV reporters and fired rubber-coated steel
bullets at them, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/us-rsf-remains-deeply-concerned-journalists-safety-run-historic-election">showing not the slightest bit of shame over these
crimes</a>.


feed_id: bf0864c33b266f39a8fd9e41f5b21015
title: Voter intimidation
uri: 2020-10-24-Voter-intimidation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Voter_intimidation%29
content:
<p>
Suing the bully and other officials <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/21/citing-pattern-violently-suppressing-opposition-sabotaging-free-and-fair">for illegal voter intimidation</a>.


feed_id: 0103bd50658b6f0239c4b52bf5c3ab4d
title: Revenge budget cut
uri: Revenge-budget-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Revenge_budget_cut%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> is considering budget cuts for medical programs in cities,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/vote-these-monsters-out-trump-officials-weigh-deep-funding-cuts-covid-19-relief">because people there don't support him</a>.


feed_id: 41790371c954d1c5d00546c8a78a6965
title: Bill to protect oceans
uri: Bill-to-protect-oceans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Bill_to_protect_oceans%29
content:
<p>
A bill to protect US ocean areas from many causes of damage,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/20/new-blueprint-our-oceans-would-be-sea-change-marine-habitats-and-climate-change">and rebuild damaged ecosystems</a>.


feed_id: d3fa354de496f09d05f3f7207a76c8a2
title: Annoyed thugs
uri: Annoyed-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Annoyed_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Boston <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> felt annoyed by the antifascist woman who squeezed a
little rubber piggy towards them.  They tried to get her fired, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/20/business/boston-police-patrolmens-union-apologizes-after-posting-about-local-restaurant-ex-employee-twitter/">by
suggesting people boycott her employer because of her</a>.

<p>
They pusillanimously asserted that they were not calling for a
boycott, merely suggesting the possibility of not buying from there
because of her.  The difference is too subtle for me.

<p>
Then the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> found out she had not worked there for years.  Oops.


feed_id: 8c7b22b34d2c53a6dd46e89e40ccd605
title: Meatpacking and Covid
uri: Meatpacking-and-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Meatpacking_and_Covid%29
content:
<p>
*Here's How Meatpacking Corporations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/22/heres-how-meatpacking-corporations-could-protect-workers-covid-19-and-what-theyre">Could Protect Workers From COVID-19—and
What They're Doing Instead</a>.*

<p>
We should not allow so much concentration in that industry, or any
other industry.


feed_id: 3f25b1f9f50c7c2cf72d5c47ce80a8f1
title: Sick of specter
uri: Sick-of-specter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Sick_of_specter%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://entertainment.theonion.com/psychic-already-sick-of-spectral-james-randi-ragging-on-1845453086">satire</a>) *&hellip; local psychic Rosemary Shanley confirmed Thursday she
   was already sick of James Randi’s specter haunting her place of
   business and ragging on her from the afterlife.*


feed_id: f96ab062ccfb01333d3b3ede1344a416
title: Pumpkin slaughter
uri: Pumpkin-slaughter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Pumpkin_slaughter%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/farmer-s-child-forced-to-slaughter-pumpkin-they-spent-s-1845426805">satire</a>) *&hellip; local farmer’s child Owen Morrison, 10, was reportedly
   forced Thursday to slaughter a pumpkin he had spent all season
   caring for.*


feed_id: 33607b1c154ddbb0fe2a13177cc74be4
title: Supreme suppression
uri: Supreme-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Supreme_suppression%29
content:
<p>
The Supreme Court decided for voter suppression when it blocked
polling places in Alabama <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/22/forcing-vulnerable-alabama-choose-between-voting-and-staying-alive-scotus-upholds">from collecting ballots from people
waiting near the door in their cars</a>.

<p>
This voter-suppression measure originated from state officials who
ordered that no county in Alabama could do this.  A lower court
blocked the order; the Supreme Court reinstated it.

<p>
This will affect white voters as well as black voters.  However, the
Republican Party is now a mad cult, so Republican voters may refuse
to believe that there is any danger.


feed_id: 15e3f096eef8094109684bb829c9c9c7
title: Taiwan's civic platform
uri: Taiwan-s-civic-platform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Taiwan%27s_civic_platform%29
content:
<p>
Taiwan's civic platform, g0v, is effective at helping the people
make important policy decisions.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/taiwan-civic-hackers-polis-consensus-social-media-platform">It helps people come to agreement</a>.

<p>
The software it runs on is free/libre.


feed_id: 2164bc3399cb3d73dc62a4936328ba04
title: Can't afford worry
uri: Can-t-afford-worry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Can%27t_afford_worry%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/doctor-informs-patient-weird-lump-on-neck-nothing-he-ca-1845416103">satire</a>) *Dr. Ron Craig informed patient Tom Stossel Wednesday that the
   weird lump that appeared on his neck in July was in fact nothing he can
   afford to worry about.*


feed_id: a4eadddb347ae81612aef884694b8695
title: Prohibition of drugs
uri: Prohibition-of-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Prohibition_of_drugs%29
content:
<p>
The DEA proposes to eliminate the crime caused by prohibition of drugs
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/deas-project-safeguard-latest-salvo-failed-us-war-drugs">by more vigorous enforcement of the prohibition of drugs</a>.
  Some drugs degrade and damage whoever uses them, and should not
exist, but trying to wipe them out by repression <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jul-oct.html#16 October 2007 (UK police chief advocates end to prohibition of drugs)">causes more harm than
the drugs themselves</a>.

<p>
This, by the way, is the reason I do not advocate simple blanket
prohibition of nonfree software.  It is corrupting, harmful and
subjugating, and should not exist &mdash; but trying to enforce prohibition
of attractive things which are harmful tends to amount to repression.


feed_id: 0d9edba173ea4d658b5d48f392947d8d
title: Labeled "antisemitic" for criticizing Israel's occupation of Palestine
uri: 2020-10-25-Labeled-antisemitic-for-criticizing-Israel-s-occupation-of-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#24_October_2020_%28Labeled_antisemitic_for_criticizing_Israel%27s_occupation_of_Palestine%29

content:
<p>

The numskull is considering labeling Amnesty, Oxfam and Human Rights
Watch as "antisemitic" because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/donald-trump-considers-labelling-rights-groups-antisemitic-criticism-israel">they have criticized Israel's
occupation of Palestine</a>. If the numskull does this, it will be so absurd that only his
hard-core supporters will believe it.
<p>
Please, numskull, do it!
These bogus accusations, which have typically been made against
individuals and weak, obscure organizations, will cease to be
plausible and will become risible instead.
<p>
Please, everyone, don't campaign to stop this.  Let him fall into his
own trap first, and <em>then</em> criticize.
<p>
And let's limit accusations of antisemitism to people and organizations
that spread hatred of Jews.


feed_id: c8abe56c615ba115b0a66a6100276b7e
title: Abortions in Poland
uri: 2020-10-26-Abortions-in-Poland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Abortions_in_Poland%29
content:
<p>

Poland has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-24/polish-court-ruling-amounts-to-almost-total-ban-on-abortion/12809234">almost completely banned abortions</a>.
<p>
Right-wing extremists have basically taken over the country.
<p>
*Thousands join <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/thousands-join-poland-protests-against-strict-abortion-laws">Poland protests</a> against strict abortion laws.*


feed_id: aa5f574512e29b2ca9ce8c7e757e8979
title: Better antitrust enforcement
uri: Better-antitrust-enforcement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Better_antitrust_enforcement%29
content:
<p>

Better antitrust enforcement <a href="https://promarket.org/2020/10/19/antitrust-as-economic-stimulus-competition-help-workers/">creates an economic stimulus</a>.


feed_id: 6568c5c0b442d6d25f80d0ca59f6429e
title: Big banks siphon billions out of US states
uri: Big-banks-siphon-billions-out-of-US-states
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Big_banks_siphon_billions_out_of_US_states%29

content:
<p>

Big banks siphon billions out of US states and cities by <a href="media/2e337995.CancelWallStreet_4-Sep2020.pdf" data-original-source="https://acrecampaigns.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CancelWallStreet_4-Sep2020.pdf">underwriting
their bonds</a>.  The Federal Reserve could eliminate this drain by
lending to the states and cities directly.


feed_id: 80c67d4722d17a42586d8aea5056c5de
title: Proctorio silencing someone who criticized its software
uri: Proctorio-silencing-someone-who-criticized-its-software
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Proctorio_silencing_someone_who_criticized_its_software%29

content:
<p>

Proctorio is using a lawsuit to <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/7k9zjy/an-exam-surveillance-company-is-trying-to-silence-critics-with-lawsuits">silence someone</a> who criticized its
software. The company claims that its training videos are
"confidential information".
<p>
This dispute doesn't even the deepest issue here: that the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">software is nonfree</a>, which is itself an injustice, and that it snoops on the student who runs it.  It is sad to see
people treat that as normal and surrender to it.


feed_id: 52f70a4fe8fa515e21499cce36665d5d
title: Workers can help defeat a Trump coup
uri: Workers-can-help-defeat-a-Trump-coup
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Workers_can_help_defeat_a_Trump_coup%29

content:
<p>

*How Workers Can Help <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/how-workers-can-help-defeat-trump-coup">Defeat a Trump Coup</a>.*


feed_id: 849b994ef95321d5df318d743789efc5
title: youtube-dl
uri: youtube-dl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28youtube-dl%29
content:
<p>

The RIAA, which represents the unjust power of the three big record
companies, has made Github <a href="https://9to5google.com/2020/10/23/youtube-dl-github-riaa-takedown/">delete the source of youtube-dl</a>.
<p>
They won't be able to wipe it out, though.


feed_id: 38bdffba37d0b7ad1370269b64bbd84a
title: Conspiracy cultists
uri: Conspiracy-cultists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Conspiracy_cultists%29
content:
<p>

Thousands of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/police-disperse-fourth-anti-lockdown-march-in-london">conspiracy cultists marched in London</a>, trying to make
each other sick and endangering passersby as well by not wearing masks.
<p>
I would sympathize to some extent with their objections to rigid
lockdown rules, but they made it clear that we cannot trust them to
exercise good judgment to avoid spreading disease.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/cross-border-toilet-trips-at-chester-cinema-fall-foul-of-welsh-covid-rules">Here's an example</a> of the absurd rigidity with which the UK handles the
matter of avoiding transmission.


feed_id: 35cd356ec66a2e69c977a35969025b15
title: Culture wars
uri: 2020-10-26-Culture-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Culture_wars%29
content:
<p>

*‘Culture wars’ are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/24/culture-wars-are-fought-by-tiny-minority-uk-study">fought by tiny minority</a> &dash; UK study.*


feed_id: 12c9ac7bfa15ae22c715649423c3eb39
title: Republicans and labor unions
uri: Republicans-and-labor-unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Republicans_and_labor_unions%29
content:
<p>

*Why the Republican Party Wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/why-republican-party-wants-destroy-labor-unions">Destroy Labor Unions</a>.*


feed_id: adb627b98cd47dad75909ee74cb97e57
title: Spending on the climate crisis
uri: Spending-on-the-climate-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Spending_on_the_climate_crisis%29

content:
<p>

*We spent $2 trillion to keep Americans afloat in the pandemic. Putting
a similar amount <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/remember-next-time-someone-says-green-economy-would-be-too-expensive">toward the climate crisis</a> could be even more
pragmatic.*


feed_id: aaaaf203909ee8bc85bcb3254cd8a79d
title: Biden talking about fossil fuels
uri: Biden-talking-about-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Biden_talking_about_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>

*Biden is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/joe-biden-finally-talking-about-fossil-fuels-thats-good-thing">Finally Talking About Fossil Fuels</a> &mdash; That's a Good Thing.*


feed_id: 80507babc8095964e707e87eb7def5bc
title: The bully's latest act of sabotage
uri: The-bully-s-latest-act-of-sabotage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28The_bully%27s_latest_act_of_sabotage%29

content:
<p>

The bully's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/quietly-signed-trump-order-denounced-declaration-war-against-federal-employees">latest act of sabotage</a>: claiming the power to arbitrarily
fire many federal employees &mdash; in effect forcing them to participate
in any sort of injustice or else quit.


feed_id: e81bfe53830e71a3081186cdc527c7ca
title: New York's Strand bookstore
uri: New-York-s-Strand-bookstore
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28New_York%27s_Strand_bookstore%29
content:
<p>

*New York's Strand bookstore <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/24/the-strand-bookstore-new-york-plea-for-help">appeals for help</a>.*
<p>
I visit the Strand every time I go to New York City.  But it may be a
long time before I got here again.  Wherever you live, please do not
buy from Amazon.  If you want to order a book, go to a local physical
bookstore to do it.
<p>
A local physical bookstore may even allow you to pay cash in advance
anonymously and take away a receipt to claim it later.  I did this in August
in the Boston area.


feed_id: 6b80a8ba92bf86894c198ffb7c9ecf10
title: Increases in air pollution linked to rise in depression
uri: Increases-in-air-pollution-linked-to-rise-in-depression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Increases_in_air_pollution_linked_to_rise_in_depression%29

content:
<p>

*Small increases in air pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/24/small-increases-in-air-pollution-linked-to-rise-in-depression-finds-study">linked to rise in depression</a>, finds study.*


feed_id: 28d3d240d89df50c726e7a5552f0d936
title: Sunnis in Iraq
uri: Sunnis-in-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Sunnis_in_Iraq%29
content:
<p>

Half a million Sunnis in Iraq are still forced to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/the-militias-are-not-allowing-us-back-sunnis-languish-in-camps-years-after-recapture-of-mosul">live in refugee camps</a>.


feed_id: b8c440b62940b6ee37adc1eae80474da
title: Countries who kept their response to the pandemic in-house
uri: Countries-who-kept-their-response-to-the-pandemic-in-house
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Countries_who_kept_their_response_to_the_pandemic_in-house%29

content:
<p>

*Countries who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/24/efficient-private-sector-covid-pandemic-uk">kept their response to the pandemic in-house</a> have fared
much better.*


feed_id: 0b731bae24ee0ff9a9c8bc4c8430f6f1
title: Democracy lesson from Bolivia
uri: Democracy-lesson-from-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#25_October_2020_%28Democracy_lesson_from_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>

*What Bolivia Can <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/what-bolivia-can-teach-united-states-about-democracy">Teach the United States About Democracy</a>.*
<p>
I wonder if Bolivia can prosecute Elon Musk and other people in the US
for backing the coup.  Even if we expect that Bolivia will never be able
to bring him to justice, this could teach the world a useful lesson.


feed_id: a7c12ed44d83836a797168a02272d32b
title: Media outlets owned by Billionaires
uri: Media-outlets-owned-by-Billionaires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#25_October_2020_%28Media_outlets_owned_by_Billionaires%29

content:
<p>

*Media Outlets Owned by Billionaires Very Quick to Tell Readers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/media-outlets-owned-billionaires-very-quick-tell-readers-taxing-rich-bad-idea">Taxing the
Rich Is Bad Idea</a>.*
<p>
Taxing the rich better must include changes in how transfer of
ownership, trusts, etc., affects the taxes to be paid.


feed_id: 9b3dd198d3f30b52c385c3342d68bb44
title: Urgent: Oregon voters support measure 110
uri: Urgent-Oregon-voters-support-measure-110
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#25_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Oregon_voters_support_measure_110%29

content:
<p>

Oregon voters: <a href="https://drugpolicyaction.org/oregon-measure-110/">support Measure 110</a>, which will decriminalize
all drugs.


feed_id: 65805264f00be8f8cee4ff3a7b170cb0
title: Biden's transition from the oil industry
uri: Biden-s-transition-from-the-oil-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#25_October_2020_%28Biden%27s_transition_from_the_oil_industry%29

content:
<p>

Biden said he would "transition from the oil industry", then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/joe-biden-transition-from-oil-industry-rowing-back">later
said he didn't mean it</a>.
<p>
Since Massachusetts is not a swing state, I voted for Howie Hawkins
of the Green Party.


feed_id: 5d72ebd00598f105ca81fd1c3d7133d0
title: Greenhouse emissions from ships
uri: Greenhouse-emissions-from-ships
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Greenhouse_emissions_from_ships%29

content:
<p>
An international meeting intended to reduce greenhouse emissions from
ships is considering
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/23/green-groups-condemn-proposals-to-cut-shipping-emissions">rules
so weak that they would do harm</a> (by pretending that the issue was
being addressed).


feed_id: 6fc2653e273d97faaa6648a20051c432
title: Blacks in Chicago more likely to catch Covid-19 than whites
uri: Blacks-in-Chicago-more-likely-to-catch-Covid-19-than-whites
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Blacks_in_Chicago_more_likely_to_catch_Covid-19_than_whites%29

content:
<p>
On the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/covid-19-battering-black-chicagoans">factors
that cause blacks in Chicago to be more likely to catch Covid-19 than
whites</a>, and more likely to die from it once they get it.


feed_id: e5552e33d72a5ca7acf0047d61f3bf76
title: Sri Lanka's president changing constitution
uri: Sri-Lanka-s-president-changing-constitution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Sri_Lankas_president_changing_constitution%29

content:
<p>
Sri Lanka's president is changing the constitution to give the
president
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaska-parliament-reforms">power
over all activities of the government</a>.


feed_id: 80a83605f69e527e71685c4c911b3fbf
title: The spread of Covid-19
uri: The-spread-of-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28The_spread_of_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/coronavirus-half-a-million-deaths-study-forecasts">Half
a million Americans could die of Covid by end of February</a>, study
forecasts.*
<p>
If Biden wins the presidency, I suppose he will try to curb the spread
of Covid-19, but it would take till the end of February for this to
have much effect.
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/22/trump-seniors-drop-dead">Trump
to Seniors: Drop Dead</a>.*


feed_id: 15e2fb11ecbeee371ec85c732264e434
title: Young Thais demand freedom of speech
uri: Young-Thais-demand-freedom-of-speech
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Young_Thais_demand_freedom_of_speech%29

content:
<p>
Young Thais demand freedom of speech, even
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/23/young-protesters-monarchy-thailand-freedom-of-speech">the
freedom to criticize the monarch</a>.  In their protests, they defy
extreme repressive threats such as life in prison for some kinds of
nonviolent protests.


feed_id: 34f0ca4217f51c52421ca04fd50ea5f1
title: Impunity for War Criminals, War on Whistleblowers
uri: Impunity-for-War-Criminals-War-on-Whistleblowers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Impunity_for_War_Criminals%2C_War_on_Whistleblowers%29

content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/22/10-years-after-iraq-war-logs-its-impunity-war-criminals-war-whistleblowers">10
Years After Iraq War Logs</a>, It's Impunity for War Criminals, War on
Whistleblowers.*


feed_id: a799c8251282196997ba0486d8d0bbcb
title: Pharma billionaires set up for Covid-19 payday
uri: Pharma-billionaires-set-up-for-Covid-19-payday
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Pharma_billionaires_set_up_for_Covid-19_payday%29

content:
<p>
*Trump Sets Up Pharma Billionaires for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/23/trump-covid-19-pharma-regeneron-coronavirus-treatment/">Coronavirus
Payday</a>.*


feed_id: 8aee101c479125bfa8ee67172d7d98c6
title: Environmental activist Ntshangase assassinated
uri: Environmental-activist-Ntshangase-assassinated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Environmental_activist_Ntshangase_assassinated%29

content:
<p>
Fikile Ntshangase, an activist
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/south-african-environmental-activist-shot-dead-in-her-home">campaigning
against extension of a coal mine in South Africa</a>, was assassinated
by a team of four killers.


feed_id: a000795116894c8ef0ac0b71d5d617d7
title: BIBO: company reports tweets to thugs
uri: BIBO-company-reports-tweets-to-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28BIBO%3A_company_reports_tweets_to_thugs%29

content:
<p>
The company Dataminr tries to scan all posted tweets to find anything
suggestive of possible violent intent, and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/21/dataminr-twitter-surveillance-racial-profiling/">report
it to the thugs</a>.
<p>
Contrary to its name, the company doesn't seem to do this by data
mining.  Instead it hires a lot of people to make off-the-cuff
judgments, which naturally reflect racist presuppositions and generate
biased results.  (I call this phenomenon
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bibo">BIBO</a>, for "Bias
In, Bias Out.")
<p>
Identifying "gang members" by questionable criteria has a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jul-oct.html#23_October_2012_(Solitary_confinement_in_California)">long
and horrible history in California prisons</a>.


feed_id: 04a30f0f2c10bff5dec21c64317f265e
title: youtube-dl
uri: 2020-10-26-youtube-dl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28youtube-dl%29
content:
<p>

The RIAA, which represents the unjust power of the three big record
companies, has made Github <a href="https://9to5google.com/2020/10/23/youtube-dl-github-riaa-takedown/">delete the source of youtube-dl</a>.
<p>
They won't be able to wipe it out, though.

<p>
I think this takedown notice was invalid, because youtube-dl is not
mainly used to do forbidden copying.  It downloads things that are
publicly available on youtube, and the benefit it provides is to do
that without running the unjust nonfree software that youtube tries to
send to the user's browser.


feed_id: bc2e9fc989015cefc661455d85776853
title: Splitting states
uri: Splitting-states
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Splitting_states%29
content:
<p>
If Democrats win, they should quickly rebalance the Senate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/25/donald-trump-supreme-court-amy-coney-barrett-senate-joe-biden-democrats-republicans">by splitting
the populous states</a>.

<p>
Dare I suggest merging some of the states of low population?


feed_id: 07b0950c418e771d66db3c4ac453a7d5
title: Ban on nuclear weapons
uri: Ban-on-nuclear-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Ban_on_nuclear_weapons%29
content:
<p>
50 countries have signed the UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-made-official-with-50th-un-signatory">making the treaty officially valid</a>.


feed_id: 662f8efe8392fc2454f26a1ca904a8d7
title: Disregarding court order
uri: Disregarding-court-order
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Disregarding_court_order%29
content:
<p>
Portland antiracist/antifascist protesters have asked a court to
declare the city in contempt for disregarding a court order <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/25/portland-reckons-with-police-violence-on-protesters-after-months-of-unrest/">not to use
various sometimes-maiming weapons against the protesters</a>.


feed_id: de8fcb6e45be6c3980a83e2a97f63fd9
title: Pro-pesticide groups shaping oversight
uri: Pro-pesticide-groups-shaping-oversight
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Pro-pesticide_groups_shaping_oversight%29

content:
<p>
*Documents: Powerful Pro-Pesticide Groups Shaped U.S. Push <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/24/documents-powerful-pro-pesticide-groups-shaped-us-push-weaken-international">to Weaken
International Oversight of Medically Important Antibiotics</a>.*

<p>
Use of antibiotics in agriculture breeds resistance to
antibiotics, which has the potential to kill millions of people.
Resistant bacteria may kill you or me.

<p>
But what do pesticide companies care?  There will still be plenty
of people who want food to eat.


feed_id: 0387e2bf0dcacb7189cb7957f0b6c41c
title: Universal mask-wearing
uri: Universal-mask-wearing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Universal_mask-wearing%29
content:
<p>
*Universal Mask-Wearing [in the US] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/universal-mask-wearing-would-save-nearly-130000-lives-spring-2021-study-finds">Would Save Nearly 130,000 Lives by
Spring 2021, Study Finds</a>.*


feed_id: c6755ec309e0f2d228767dcf7d8966ea
title: Harassment in bathrooms
uri: Harassment-in-bathrooms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Harassment_in_bathrooms%29
content:
<p>
It appears that trans women do not ever harass anyone in women's
bathrooms, but there are several cases where trans women (and cis
women erroneously taken for trans) <a href="https://www.vox.com/2016/5/18/11690234/women-bathrooms-harassment">have been harassed or even attacked
by people who object to their presence in women's bathrooms</a>.


feed_id: 6de6d47fd763e26a7e35ccb33cb8500a
title: Thugs with dogs
uri: Thugs-with-dogs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Thugs_with_dogs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> equipped with dogs are especially dangerous to people they
encounter, especially people who are black and male.  <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/22/a-year-long-investigation-into-the-unaccountable-police-brutality-of-k9-units.html">Once a dog
attacks, it can easily maim</a>.


feed_id: d09a493ea2bb4bad44b9e4ee7b808cef
title: Armed men hired by campaign
uri: Armed-men-hired-by-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Armed_men_hired_by_campaign%29
content:
<p>
*Armed men outside St. Petersburg polling place <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/22/armed-men-guarding-st-petersburg-polling-place-said-trump-campaign-hired-them.html">said [the wrecker's]
campaign hired them</a>.*

<p>
The official campaign organization claims not to have hired them.  It
might be lying, as usual.  Or perhaps that is true in a narrow sense,
if they were hired by one of his unofficial campaign organizations.


feed_id: 3bf6c3f49acdc671aad79a58db592f82
title: Totalitarian tracking systems
uri: Totalitarian-tracking-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Totalitarian_tracking_systems%29
content:
<p>
US schools and companies <a href="https://mashable.com/article/privacy-in-the-age-of-coronavirus/">setting up totalitarian tracking systems already</a>.

<p>
Students are already organizing to fight them.  Fight hard &mdash; this will
make the difference between freedoms and tyranny.


feed_id: 44e28f78a25b4b8cfca91beb63f65d47
title: Faux News and the New York Post
uri: Faux-News-and-the-New-York-Post
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Faux_News_and_the_New_York_Post%29

content:
<p>
Faux News and the New York Post are owned <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/24/fox-news-murdoch-family-media/">by the same plutocratist
supporters of extremists, and they work together</a>.

<p>
*New York Post Insiders <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/10/new-york-post-insiders-slag-flimsy-hunter-biden-stories.html">Slag ‘Very Flimsy’ Hunter Biden Stories</a>.*


feed_id: 69c8b67efcd05ccb05a274c52b0de568
title: A gap in the defense of freedom
uri: A-gap-in-the-defense-of-freedom
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28A_gap_in_the_defense_of_freedom%29

content:
<p>
Ira Glasser, former head of the ACLU, warns that the ACLU today has
retreated from its defense of free speech for all views.  This leaves
a gap in the defense of freedom, <a href="https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/02/14/the-aclu-would-not-take-the-skokie-case-today/">just as plutocratists are even more
powerful and ready to exploit that gap</a>.

<p>
The US should provide good medical care to everyone, including the
poor.  I advocate a universal national medical system, recently often
called "Medicare for all."  I don't praise <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#28_November_2013_(The_Real_Fix_for_Obamacares_Flaws)">Obama's weak system much</a>,
  but it is better than nothing, so I am glad that lawyers work to
defend it.  But it should not be the ACLU that does that legal work;
some other organization that focuses on the rights of poor people to
government aid should do that.

<p>
The ACLU's defense of Obama's medical insurance program is an instance
of what I call "unionality" &mdash; where an organization that was set up
to focus on one particular cause starts to support various other
causes because the same people tend to support them.  If you judge by
the short term, it may seem great to have additional organizations
supporting all the causes you favor.  In the long term, it risks
alienating the supporters of one cause who disagree with the other
causes.

<p>
The article contains a powerful presentation of why anyone who
wishes to change an unjust system needs freedom of speech, and would
be a fool not to defend it to the utmost.


feed_id: 594d657f951412c69d6b989a21c10146
title: Leak debate
uri: Leak-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Leak_debate%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-threatens-to-leak-debate-video-online-if-moderato-1845455374">satire</a>) *Trump Threatens To Leak Debate Video Online If Moderator Keeps Asking Unfair
Questions.*


feed_id: fd11a70cfb4b94082eb2c76646f822c4
title: Cabinet post
uri: Cabinet-post
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Cabinet_post%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/miffed-biden-warns-trump-s-undignified-behavior-could-c-1845455528">satire</a>) *Miffed Biden Warns Trump’s Undignified Behavior Could Cost Him Cabinet Post.*


feed_id: 8c92731f8437cf57aba0a7f2f4dc5327
title: Term limits for Supreme Court
uri: Term-limits-for-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28Term_limits_for_Supreme_Court%29
content:
<p>
*Constitutional Law Experts Endorse Democrats' Bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/constitutional-law-experts-endorse-democrats-bill-create-18-year-term-limits-supreme">to Create 18-Year Term
Limits for Supreme Court Justices</a>.*

<p>
In the long term, this might be an improvement, but I like better the
ideas for making appointments non-partisan.


feed_id: 0ec91b9be35b11a258ea761ce93dca02
title: War on Terror
uri: 2020-10-26-War-on-Terror
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#26_October_2020_%28War_on_Terror%29
content:
<p>
*Only a Reckoning With the Disastrous Legacy of the So-called 'War on Terror'
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/only-reckoning-disastrous-legacy-so-called-war-terror-can-heal-united-states">Can Heal the United States</a>.*

<p>
The domestic political dysfunction mentioned in the article is, I
contend, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#21_April_2011_(Moyers_On_Plutocracy)">plutocracy</a>
                    and its consequences &mdash; and the imperialist
militarism of the past 20 years is one of those consequences.


feed_id: 4d2ddc994428bf730d073ebad33b94bf
title: Decriminalization framework
uri: Decriminalization-framework
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Decriminalization_framework%29
content:
<p>
The Drug Policy Alliance presents <a href="https://www.drugpolicy.org/resource/dismantling-federal-drug-war-comprehensive-drug-decriminalization-framework-drug-policy">its framework for decriminalization
of possession of drugs</a>.


feed_id: edc3f106bc5e768463ea92a3cf26fd01
title: Postal Service contract
uri: Postal-Service-contract
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Postal_Service_contract%29
content:
<p>
*[The US] Postal Service <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/24/epic-level-corruption-postal-service-quietly-awards-5-million-contract-dejoys-former">Quietly Awards $5 Million Contract
to DeJoy's Former Company</a>.*


feed_id: a1bbe9815dacfd1205d07f7593251ae4
title: Corporate criminal and NPR
uri: Corporate-criminal-and-NPR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Corporate_criminal_and_NPR%29
content:
<p>
*The corporate criminal element has infused NPR
   with millions of dollars of donations.*  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/24/npr-and-corporate-criminal-element">And it shows</a>.

<p>
I got fed up with NPR in the 1990s when I repeatedly heard one of All
Things Considered's main commentators attack Bill Clinton <em>from the
right</em>.


feed_id: a99cc4cecf14880f9777ad850e352894
title: Waiting for convoy to pass by
uri: Waiting-for-convoy-to-pass-by
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Waiting_for_convoy_to_pass_by%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/undecided-voter-silently-crouching-inside-drain-pipe-as-1845127570">satire</a>) *local undecided
   voter Jeff McNealy reportedly crouched inside a concrete drain pipe
   Thursday and remained completely silent as he waited for a convoy of
   political analysts and reporters to pass by on the road above.*


feed_id: 3c38e9b5f431b8355753a35c6f25bcb1
title: Salary cap
uri: Salary-cap
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Salary_cap%29
content:
<p>
Proposing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/out-uk-bold-pay-prescription-post-trump-america">a salary cap for executives</a>.

<p>
This is more complicated than it seems, because executives get paid
through bonuses and stock options, and through jacking up the stock
price on the shares they own.  A serious scheme needs to deal with all
of those.

<p>
Is a salary cap better than a 90% tax bracket?


feed_id: 13eb136c5ad9726299a8a01bf83951a2
title: Hiding for recognizing the coup
uri: Hiding-for-recognizing-the-coup
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Hiding_for_recognizing_the_coup%29

content:
<p>
There is still a tendency in major US newspapers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/after-socialist-victory-bolivia-media-still-whitewash-coup">to hide from recognizing
the ouster of President Morales, a year ago, as a coup</a>.

<p>
That may relate to support for the coup from powerful elements in the
US &mdash; whoever got the OAS to make a hasty and flawed claim of election
fraud.  This was done so well <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_(Morales_resignation)">that at first I didn't realize it was
false</a>.

<p>
Then I saw an article which explained the election system and results
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_(Morales_election)">and showed there was no fraud</a>.


feed_id: c97879c2714b769a6aff4ed10f144e1e
title: Tax avoiding
uri: Tax-avoiding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Tax_avoiding%29
content:
<p>
*Big tech accused of avoiding $2.8bn in tax <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/26/big-tech-accused-of-avoiding-28bn-in-tax-to-poorest-countries">to poorest countries</a>.*

<p>
That is in addition to the far larger amount of tax cheating that they
do to countries full of billionaire wealth, such as the US.
All of these countries suffer <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">from a lack of funds for governments
to use for important purposes</a>.


feed_id: 58bf33feaaa810b4ecbe063d77669d8d
title: Law on student debts
uri: Law-on-student-debts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Law_on_student_debts%29
content:
<p>
The laws that stop Americans from escaping unpayable student debts
don't cover the 9% or so which are uninsured predatory high-interest
private loans, and <a href="https://abovethelaw.com/2020/10/how-the-bankruptcy-code-protects-lenders-and-harms-student-debtors-and-what-one-lawyer-is-doing-about-it/">these are especially likely to wreck Americans'
lives</a>.


feed_id: 0fd80330c4f762609a34ef1e06b4a0bf
title: Foxconn's con
uri: Foxconn-s-con
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Foxconn%27s_con%29
content:
<p>
The conman's deal with Foxconn to "create jobs" in Wisconsin
<a href="https://www.theverge.com/21507966/foxconn-empty-factories-wisconsin-jobs-loophole-trump">was a con from the beginning</a>.


feed_id: ee13c86143c9bf491b79c924d17a4239
title: Protest against thug squad
uri: Protest-against-thug-squad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Protest_against_thug_squad%29
content:
<p>
Nigerians are protesting to demand justice <a href="https://www.themarysue.com/endsars-what-it-means-protesting-in-nigeria/">against a special thug squad
that has "turned into banditry."</a>


feed_id: f8f90459bfa1a9737bb790425ec1da44
title: Sanctions
uri: 2020-10-27-Sanctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Sanctions%29
content:
<p>
*Sanctions punished the Sudanese people, not their rulers. The US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/25/sudan-rewarded-revolution-blackmail-sanctions-us-compensation">extracting compensation is one more hypocritical act</a>.*

<p>
It reminds me of the indemnity that Haiti <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#16_May_2015_(Frances_debt_to_Haiti)">had to pay to France
for its independence</a>.
  Placing sanctions on a country is not the same thing as a claim to
rule a country as a colony, but the resemblance is there nonetheless.


feed_id: 24c82b11d14bad173b76aeea15639426
title: From protest to strike
uri: From-protest-to-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28From_protest_to_strike%29
content:
<p>
Protesters in Belarus are not giving up, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/belarus-peoples-ultimatum-protest-met-with-violent-police-crackdown">say that their next step
is a national strike</a>.


feed_id: 77b3128046f5411bf8b69fa378a3e1ec
title: Covid-19 patents
uri: Covid-19-patents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Covid-19_patents%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty International criticizes governments for blocking a proposal
in the World Trade Organization <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/wto-states-waiver-trade-rules-for-covid19-vaccine/">to waive patents on treatment for
Covid-19</a>.
  The governments which opposed it are evidently under the power of
plutocracy.

<p>
Approving that proposal would have been a step forward, but the WTO's
patent rules are unjust all the time &mdash; for poor countries especially, <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">but
ultimately for all countries</a>.

<p>
The parts of the TRIPES agreement (Trade-Restricting Impediments to
Production, Education and Science) concerning copyrights and patents
ought to be abolished.


feed_id: 9cc2936680c3dcdeaef3ed8246a4976d
title: Taking away right to challenge bureaucrats
uri: Taking-away-right-to-challenge-bureaucrats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#27_October_2020_%28Taking_away_right_to_challenge_bureaucrats%29

content:
<p>
The Tories want to take away people's right <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/26/restricting-judicial-review-undermine-democracy-panel-law-society">to challenge bureaucrats'
decisions by going to court</a>.

<p>
That way, a bureaucrat could shaft you illegally and you'd be screwed.


feed_id: ed9f56320a57a515521bb67700adbedb
title: Tory Party fighting against free lunch for poor children
uri: Tory-Party-fighting-against-free-lunch-for-poor-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Tory_Party_fighting_against_free_lunch_for_poor_children%29

content:
<p>

The Tory Party is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/27/government-free-school-meals-marcus-rashford-boris-johnson">fighting desperately against public demand</a>
to give lunch gratis to children whose families are poor.
<p>
One minister said that this refusal is a matter of principle.  Which
principle, I wonder? [Irony] Perhaps the principle of stinginess?  Or
maybe it is, "Each family must sink or swim on its own &mdash; no helping
others!"  Or maybe, "Never help the poor!  If the government helps a
poor person once. people will expect the government to give the poor
help <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">every time they need it</a>."[/irony]


feed_id: 3d5d1c3f1d7719017dddc0fd39721d1a
title: Arctic methane deposits
uri: Arctic-methane-deposits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Arctic_methane_deposits%29
content:
<p>

*'Sleeping giant' Arctic methane deposits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/27/sleeping-giant-arctic-methane-deposits-starting-to-release-scientists-find">starting to release</a>, scientists find.*
<p>
This could be a disastrous tipping point.
  


feed_id: d4a0482c371d9856bcf32fc8fa78751e
title: (satire) Still shoot missiles style ceasefire
uri: (satire)-Still-shoot-missiles-style-ceasefire
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Still_shoot_missiles_style_ceasefire%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Armenia, Azerbaijan Announce They Will <a href="https://www.theonion.com/armenia-azerbaijan-announce-they-will-only-agree-to-ce-1845484791">Only Agree To
Ceasefire</a> That Allows Them To Still Shoot Missiles At Each Other.*


feed_id: ac69ee3f204be00eba4de1d0342b2293
title: NYU research project on Facebook ads
uri: NYU-research-project-on-Facebook-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28NYU_research_project_on_Facebook_ads%29

content:
<p>

An NYU research project asks useds of Facebook to volunteer to run a
special browser extension so they can report data about the ads
Facebook shows them.  Facebook has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/26/facebook-demands-end-nyu-program-has-exposed-social-media-giants-failures-uphold">demanded NYU stop this research</a>
on the grounds that it constitutes forbidden "bulk data collection".
<p>
*The researchers discovered that numerous political advertisers were
violating Facebook's disclosure rules, yet the company has been
letting it happen.* People speculate that that's why Facebook wants to
shut down this research.


feed_id: 6e36544b961f0a98f48c9737385bd706
title: GM and Ford knew of global heating
uri: GM-and-Ford-knew-of-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28GM_and_Ford_knew_of_global_heating%29

content:
<p>

Scientists at GM and Ford knew in the 1970s that their cars and trucks
were contributing to dangerous <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.  Despite this knowledge,
they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/gm-and-ford-knew-too-reporting-reveals-auto-giants-recognized-looming-climate-crisis">campaigned against efforts</a> to shift the Earth off that path.


feed_id: 963d740948e4a07839ca80c3450b0690
title: (satire) Veterans Affairs Secretary struggling to profit
uri: (satire)-Veterans-Affairs-Secretary-struggling-to-profit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Veterans_Affairs_Secretary_struggling_to_profit%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Veterans Affairs Secretary <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/veterans-affairs-secretary-struggling-to-profit-off-of-1845484636">Struggling To Profit</a> Off Of
Underfunded Department.*


feed_id: db5e5a27f7cecaba1f55bf197fce80bb
title: Utah's intensive care capacity
uri: Utah-s-intensive-care-capacity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Utah%27s_intensive_care_capacity%29

content:
<p>

Utah will <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/10/25/with-coronavirus-cases/">run out of intensive care capacity</a> in a week or two.
At that point, hospitals will have to choose which patients to treat
and which to give up on.
<p>
People who glibly talk about herd immunity as a "solution" are opting
for this.  When the wrecker decided to spread Covid-19, he decided to
make this happen.


feed_id: 5b6819ae891bb60bc277c4dee2df70fd
title: (satire) Longstanding relationship with the moon
uri: (satire)-Longstanding-relationship-with-the-moon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Longstanding_relationship_with_the_moon%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *This is obviously a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-announces-moon-will-be-leaving-earth-s-orbit-to-ta-1845480528">bittersweet moment</a> since we've had such
a wonderful longstanding relationship with the moon, but we’re all
just really excited to see what it gets up to with a powerhouse
planet like Jupiter in its corner.*


feed_id: 922152b9d7395b4c091f6c4143069de3
title: Verkada employees subject to company made face-recognition
uri: Verkada-employees-subject-to-company-made-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Verkada_employees_subject_to_company_made_face-recognition%29

content:
<p>

Verkada makes face-recognition camera surveillance systems.  The
employees at work are <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkdyqm/surveillance-startup-used-own-cameras-to-harass-coworkers">subject to this surveillance themselves</a>.  A few
male employees used the system to watch attractive women and chat to each
other about them.
<p>
Verkada reacted firmly to make sure nothing like that will happen
again in that company, at least not for a few years.  But the company
will continue its efforts to convert society into a place where you
are always being watched, and you don't even know by whom.


feed_id: 359b6ec56faa0bfabbf979ab39ec0d32
title: Republican party is dramatically more illiberal
uri: Republican-party-is-dramatically-more-illiberal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Republican_party_is_dramatically_more_illiberal%29

content:
<p>

*The Republican party has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/26/republican-party-autocratic-hungary-turkey-study-trump">become dramatically more illiberal</a> in the past
two decades and now more closely resembles ruling parties in autocratic
societies than its former centre-right equivalents in Europe, according
to a new international study.*


feed_id: a50a82f86cf30b9653906ddf6c7ed0bc
title: Pinochet's constitution
uri: Pinochet-s-constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Pinochet%27s_constitution%29
content:
<p>

Chileans have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/chile-vote-scrap-pinochet-constitution">voted to replace Pinochet's constitution</a>.
The process of drafting a new constitution will be contentious.


feed_id: dad20b40acb8da9074602d5492cdced4
title: Rechargeable batteries
uri: Rechargeable-batteries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Rechargeable_batteries%29
content:
<p>

Throwing rechargeable batteries into ordinary trash can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/26/zombie-batteries-causing-hundreds-of-waste-fires-experts-warn">start fires</a>.


feed_id: 8d2a6ff440c647d83d84dae10040e220
title: Silencing garment workers in Burma
uri: Silencing-garment-workers-in-Burma
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Silencing_garment_workers_in_Burma%29

content:
<p>

*How Covid-19 laws are being used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/26/thrown-to-the-wolves-how-covid-19-laws-are-being-used-to-silence-garment-workers">silence garment workers</a> in Burma.*
<p>
Australia is also gratuitously repressing protests with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_July_2020_(Banning_protest_for_public_health)">Covid-19 as the excuse</a>, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_September_2020_(UK_thugs_arrest_extinction_rebellion_protesters)">so is the UK</a>.


feed_id: ef9378f88375ffaf2e507bba6dd12923
title: Population declines for insectivorous birds
uri: Population-declines-for-insectivorous-birds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Population_declines_for_insectivorous_birds%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/26/nine-insect-eating-bird-species-in-amazon-in-sharp-decline-scientists-find">Population declines</a> for insectivorous birds in the Amazon hint at
a big drop in the insect population, even far from civilization.
<p>
This could be very dangerous.


feed_id: 00f52b97694549401825a115318a171f
title: Islamist bullying's veiled threat to France
uri: Islamist-bullying-s-veiled-threat-to-France
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Islamist_bullying%27s_veiled_threat_to_France%29

content:
<p>

Islamist bullying's veiled threat to France: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/muslim-backlash-against-macron-gathers-pace-after-police-raids">refusing to yield to
censorship demands is "unwise"</a>.
<p>
People have a right to practice their religions, or other cultural
practices, but that does not convey the right to gag criticism, satire
or mockery of those practices.
<p>
It can be painful to stand up against bullies, but what is truly
unwise is to yield to them.  Vive la France !  A bas la répression
Islamiste !


feed_id: 859567e351df148271ecff5361f6aae6
title: Freedom-corroding ebooks
uri: Freedom-corroding-ebooks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Freedom-corroding_ebooks%29
content:
<p>

A British librarian swells with pride at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/lockdown-plot-twist-libraries-needed-ebooks">increased provision of
freedom-corroding ebooks</a> to readers.
<p>
Isn't it a pity that they are not aware that they are helping to
<a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">subjugate people</a>.  That is true for most librarians in the US, too.
<p>
You can help educate them by bringing up this issue when offered an
ebook "loan" &mdash; and then say, "Rather than accept the injustice of a
commercial ebook, I'll wait till I can borrow a physical copy."


feed_id: fa902e83bc17861787022fcf0b96d4be
title: France standing up to Muslim government censor demands
uri: France-standing-up-to-Muslim-government-censor-demands
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28France_standing_up_to_Muslim_government_censor_demands%29

content:
<p>

Bravo to France for standing firm against bullying from some Muslim
governments that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/france-islamic-end-boycott-french-goods-macron-muhammad-cartoons">demand France censor</a> using criteria they would impose.
<p>
The murdered teacher was not, as it happens, endorsing the
controversial cartoons' mocking of Mohammed; he said explicitly that
they were examples for a discussion of freedom of speech.  To murder
people for mockery would be an outrage, but he was murdered for
disobedience to would-be tyranny.  He deserves the medal he was
posthumously given.
<p>
France is not entirely consistent in its defense of freedom of speech.
It prohibits stating certain opinions on some historical questions,
such as whether Turkey carried out a genocide of the Armenians.  Since
I am not in France, I can freely say that I believe it did.  But
people in France, whatever their views on the question, cannot speak
freely about it.
<p>
Even though the view permitted by France agrees with the view I freely
hold, I follow the late <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/hrant-dink.html">Hrant Dink</a>
in rebuking France for prohibiting views
that disagree with his view (which is also mine).  France ought to
repeal that law.
<p>
France's censorship also includes <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#15_March_2013_(Activist_mocks_Sarkozy_gets_criminal_conviction)">criminalizing insults against
officials</a> (even mild ones). That too is wrong.
<p>
These flaws do not detract from the exemplary importance of France's
resistance to the decades-long global Islamist censorship bullying
campaign.  You don't need to be perfect to be a hero for a good cause.
<p>
You also don't have to try to threaten or <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> others
to be a good Muslim, or at least so say millions of Muslims.
<p>
If you dislike statements that criticize or mock certain views, you
don't have to make them, or look at them.  But anyone that tries to
impose censorship on people, or countries, is fighting against
everyone's freedom.
<p>
In the end, the tyranny of "you may not offend us" is hardly different
from any other tyranny.


feed_id: fcd05d140b1f509e2379cfb08e707469
title: Arbitrarily labeling people as "terrorists"
uri: Arbitrarily-labeling-people-as-terrorists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Arbitrarily_labeling_people_as_terrorists%29

content:
<p>

Amartya Sen reports on India's practice of arbitrarily labeling people
as "terrorists" and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/india-autocracy-nonviolent-protest-resistance">putting them in prison without trial</a>.
Ironically, people who are committed to Gandhian nonviolent
resistance are especially likely to be called "terrorists".
<p>
Sen eplains that authoritarian governments tend to equate
"anti-government" with "anti-national".


feed_id: d2236fc4e59bfd7d590316502ab053a3
title: Pope Francis' maskless meetings
uri: Pope-Francis-maskless-meetings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Pope_Francis%27_maskless_meetings%29

content:
<p>

Pope Francis is setting a bad example on one issue, by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/pope-francis-criticised-for-rarely-wearing-face-mask-covid">holding
maskless meetings</a>.
<p>
I agree that he should set a good example by insisting that everyone
wear masks.


feed_id: b39735ddf86e9a11882189b68223b0ce
title: European support for right-wing "populist" beliefs
uri: European-support-for-right-wing-populist-beliefs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28European_support_for_right-wing_populist_beliefs%29

content:
<p>

*European support for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/european-support-for-populist-beliefs-falls-yougov-survey-suggests">[right-wing "populist"] beliefs falls</a>, YouGov
survey suggests.*
<p>
Let's not forget that the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#8_September_2011_(Populist_Uprising)">original populists</a> campaigned to increase
people's democratic control over government, which had important
achievements.
<p>
Let's reclaim that word for its original meaning.


feed_id: db4e575365c058539d232c5e86ae8902
title: Paid Family Leave by Ballot Measure
uri: Paid-Family-Leave-by-Ballot-Measure
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Paid_Family_Leave_by_Ballot_Measure%29

content:
<p>

*Colorado Voters Could Be <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/26/colorado-paid-family-leave-vote-ballot/">First to Pass</a> Paid Family Leave by Ballot Measure.*
<p>
The state will pay the worker on leave, so people who have been compelled
to be "independent contractors" won't be left out.


feed_id: 0047e4b7913399bf502ec823be6be9e3
title: Urgent: Ban use of tear gas in peacetime
uri: Urgent-Ban-use-of-tear-gas-in-peacetime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_use_of_tear_gas_in_peacetime%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to cosponsor AOC's bill to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/ban-tear-gas-in-the-us">ban
use of tear gas in peacetime</a>.

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


feed_id: 28e4fd1b98d201ca7724bea7fad7f7a7
title: Urgent: Call on Nestle to give water sources back
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Nestle-to-give-water-sources-back
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Nestle_to_give_water_sources_back%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on Nestle to <a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/sign/nestles-troubled-waters/">give some US water sources back to the
public</a>.


feed_id: 6e5d15a9675db76629c676a5a2eddd3e
title: Very Urgent: Join a "protect the results rally"
uri: Very-Urgent-Join-a-protect-the-results-rally
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Very_Urgent%3A_Join_a_protect_the_results_rally%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: join a "protect the results" rally
on Nov 4, the day after election day.  The aim is to
demonstrate that the American people will not tolerate
discarding the results of the election.
<p>
The official protest organizing site doesn't let visitors find the
places and times of rallies without running nonfree Javascript code.  But
<a href="https://cadence.moe/misc/protect-the-results">this page</a>
presents all the necessary information without any Javascript.
It is in alphabetical order by two-letter state code;
within each state, events are listed in numeric order by zip code.
<p>
The page initially contained some "virtual events."
There is no way to participate in those in the Free World,
so I hope they will be deleted.
<p>
To understand why this issue is important, watch this <a href="fsf.org/tedx">14-minute video</a>
about the injustice of nonfree software, then read this article about how
that issue applies to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">Javascript code</a> sent by web sites.
<p>
I would like to ask the protest organizers to fix their site so as not
to require Javascript, which can be done simply by making a link to
the page that I have linked to, but I know of no way to contact them.
If you can contact them, please ask them to take a look at this
and to make their site freedom-accessible &mdash; next time, at least.
      


feed_id: a5131119f349e5fd4153018438b80ca7
title: Antibodies
uri: 2020-10-28-Antibodies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Antibodies%29
content:
<p>
The fraction of people in the UK displaying antibodies to Covid-19
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/proportion-of-people-in-england-with-covid-antibodies-has-fallen-study-says">has declined by 25% in three months</a>.

<p>
This could mean that those people have lost their immunity, but that
is not certain.  The article explains the details.


feed_id: 3a939b8145afb86336362777d76c9d25
title: Acting decisively to remove antisemites
uri: Acting-decisively-to-remove-antisemites
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Acting_decisively_to_remove_antisemites%29

content:
<p>
*I was Corbyn's chief of staff. We acted decisively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/jeremy-corbyn-chief-of-staff-labour-antisemites-karie-murphy">to remove Labour
antisemites</a>.*

<p>
I believe her, because Corbyn is the one person in UK politics that I
know is honest and committed to justice.  We know that plutocratists
in the Labour Party fought tooth and nail to prevent him from winning
an election with a progressive program.  We know that Jewish
supporters of Corbyn rejected the claim that he tolerated
antisemitism, while many of those that claimed he did had opposed him
before, for other reasons.


feed_id: 59e4c71a36f5071fb215679c1cfd72d7
title: Thwarting a coup
uri: Thwarting-a-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Thwarting_a_coup%29
content:
<p>
History suggests that we Americans can thwart a coup, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/preparing-protect-election-results">if we are
prepared to declare it a coup and oppose it before it can dig in</a>.


feed_id: 1e7662dce7d4e1c0096215844fc6dbc1
title: Control of the pandemic
uri: Control-of-the-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Control_of_the_pandemic%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker's chief of staff said, "<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/25/were-not-going-control-pandemic-trump-chief-staff-says-live-tv-covid-cases-surge">We're not going to control the
pandemic</a>."

<p>
You might interpret this as a frank statement of a hands-off policy of
letting the virus spread however it may.  But that would be a mistake.
The wrecker's actual policy is to spread Covid-19 as much as possible,
and the statement was therefore a lie.


feed_id: 7fd6452d4d7444b9ffee7292227169c1
title: Supreme court and global heating
uri: Supreme-court-and-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Supreme_court_and_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
*More than 70 science journalists [31]have signed an open letter warning
   that Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's [32]close ties to the
   fossil fuel industry and [33]refusal to publicly acknowledge the
   established science behind human-caused [global heating] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/25/70-climate-journalists-pen-open-letter-condemning-barrett-enabling-ecological-crisis">make her an
   enabler of "the ecological crisis of our times."</a>*

<p>
The Republicans, bent on sabotaging the election, rushed her onto the
Supreme Court on Monday.  Their haste to do this before election day
demonstrates that their intention is for the Supreme Court to throw
the election.


feed_id: 008e90b2865493a3de4e24184d391e3a
title: Writing to neighbor
uri: Writing-to-neighbor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Writing_to_neighbor%29
content:
<p>
A progressive woman writes to a neighbor that voted for the conman in
2016, but with whom she has some values in common, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/26/hello-neighbor-my-letter-trump-supporter">looking for a
meeting of the minds</a>.


feed_id: 55c4eb514eee152b8da413bc46dbc1ab
title: Carbon capture
uri: 2020-10-28-Carbon-capture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Carbon_capture%29
content:
<p>
Carbon capture and storage at significant scale <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/27/bp-leads-energy-companies-preparing-two-major-uk-carbon-capture-projects">may actually be
practical now</a>.

<p>
It is not guaranteed that scaling it up to this extent will work
without a hitch.  If it does, it will help avoid global disaster.
However, if these two projects succeed in burying 27 million tons of
CO2 per year, that will be a small fraction of the total annual UK
emissions, which amount to around 450 million tons per year.


feed_id: 84e583ae256f287c88e56f01e4de491e
title: Consolidation
uri: Consolidation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Consolidation%29
content:
<p>
Consolidation in the meat industry enabled giant, Chinese-owned
Smithfield to use its market power <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/27/how-does-one-of-the-worlds-biggest-pork-firms-go-bust-during-a-boom">to whipsaw its smaller giant
competitor, Maxwell Foods, into bankruptcy</a>.

<p>
Each bankruptcy is likely to lead to an acquisition which will
increase the consolidation and make the situation worse.

<p>
We need to make the big companies spit up into many smaller companies,
in this field and all fields.


feed_id: 783ef2c82d619220664e4b09b94a9145
title: Eliminating beaches
uri: 2020-10-28-Eliminating-beaches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_October_2020_%28Eliminating_beaches%29
content:
<p>
Sea-level rise is eliminating beaches <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/jamaica-hellshire-beach-climate-change">that used to be economic hubs
for tourism</a>.

<p>
It will get worse and worse unless we stop our greenhouse emissions
quickly.  But don't attach substantive importance to the Paris treaty,
which the wrecker is symbolically withdrawing the US from; it was
never more than symbolic itself, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#29_November_2015_(Sponsors_of_Paris_climate_conference)">since it was undermined in advance by
planet roasters</a>.


feed_id: eccf5520eb894631ef2c0c1605d336d2
title: Urgent: Orcas
uri: Urgent-Orcas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Orcas%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/23125/action/1">call on the National Marine Fisheries Service</a> to avoid
endangering the southern resident orcas.


feed_id: 4509a8e327ee31b28620d8ad200d7ac1
title: Massive outbreak of Covid-19
uri: Massive-outbreak-of-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Massive_outbreak_of_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Counting recent burials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/satellite-imagery-of-aden-indicates-scale-of-pandemic-in-yemen">shows Yemen has a massive outbreak of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
If the US had stopped intervening, and let the Houthis win the civil
war, Yemen would have no trouble now getting ventilators, medicines
and medical-quality masks for doctors.


feed_id: f41bc7627c51bfd281eda974e015a4b7
title: Looking for the mother
uri: Looking-for-the-mother
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Looking_for_the_mother%29
content:
<p>
Qatar <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> took all the women off a plane waiting to fly to Sydney
and strip-searched them, trying to determine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/australia-demands-answers-after-women-taken-from-qatar-airways-flight-and-strip-searched">if any of them was the mother
of a newborn found dead in the airport</a>.

<p>
More women were taken off other flights, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/women-10-flights-medical-examinations-doha-qatar-airways-australian-foreign-minister-says">to other countries</a>.

<p>
Why was Qatar trying so hard to find the mother?
I speculate that the purpose was to punish her;
right-wing religious extremists often like to punish women.


feed_id: ca41842a758d9b865a78570b4a99c021
title: Microplastics
uri: 2020-10-29-Microplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Microplastics%29
content:
<p>
An experiment captured juvenile ambon damselfish and fed microplastics
to some of them and not to others.  Then it released them in various areas
of the Great Barrier Reef.

<p>
The ones that ate microplastics took more risks, and those released in degraded
parts of the reef <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/28/fish-that-eat-microplastics-take-more-risks-and-die-younger-study-shows">were all eaten within 72 hours</a>.

<p>
One of the scientists says that this is because after the fish eat
what feels like enough, part of what they ate was microplastics, and
the part that was food was not sufficient.  This kind of problem
results from having large quantities of microplastics.

<p>
A few years from now, we can expect the whole reef to be degraded,
and fish species that microplastics make careless could go extinct.
Their extinction will be due to a combination of human actions:
those that cause <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, together with the making of plastic
that we can't recycle.


feed_id: f3a88e9c71dbfc7f19ba6ebebca47509
title: Urgent: refuse orders to interfere with the election
uri: Urgent-refuse-orders-to-interfere-with-the-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Urgent%3A_refuse_orders_to_interfere_with_the_election%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13997">call on the Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff</a> to
refuse any order by the wrecker to interfere with the election.


feed_id: d41613c92a3e71e6ec37441cb44d1255
title: Far-Right
uri: Far-Right
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Far-Right%29
content:
<p>
*A <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/well-armed-and-unpatriotic-far-right">Well-Armed and Unpatriotic Far Right</a>.*


feed_id: 29ca012cd98bcf2e9d75318b4cd007df
title: Resisting effort to steal the election
uri: Resisting-effort-to-steal-the-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Resisting_effort_to_steal_the_election%29

content:
<p>
Studying the factors that will aid or hamper the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/us-prepared-resist-coup">in resisting a Republican
effort to steal the election</a>.

<p>
I implore Protect the Results to set up and advertise a way for people
to receive instructions after November e without having to run any
nonfree software (including nonfree JavaScript code on web sites).  One way
is to use Telegram.  The organization most likely does not read this site,
so if you have any way to communicate with it, please pass along and support
this request.  You might also offer to do the work of setting it up,
if you know how.


feed_id: c1d72b4b74d2c0c99f8ea9da628fd1f6
title: Mask while in public places
uri: Mask-while-in-public-places
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Mask_while_in_public_places%29
content:
<p>
The US should require everyone <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/calls-nationwide-mask-mandate-continue-coronavirus-cases-rise/">to wear as mask while in public places</a>.

<p>
There are people who, for medical reasons, cannot wear masks.  The law
must permit them to do what their health requires.  However, it should
require people with a non-obvious disability that precludes their
wearing masks to carry and show a doctor's note to demonstrate that,
in order not to be fined.


feed_id: 39057887fb29893774238fdc58c93b7d
title: Poll watchers
uri: Poll-watchers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Poll_watchers%29
content:
<p>
Poll watchers in the US must follow strict rules.  You can't just show up
and say, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/real-deal-about-poll-watchers/">"I want to watch, so let me in."</a>


feed_id: ec2fac42d897a711546fe3cc3a0f4598
title: Election Day
uri: Election-Day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Election_Day%29
content:
<p>
*College students make a last-ditch effort <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/college-students-make-last-ditch-effort-make-election-day-an-academic-holiday/">to make Election Day an academic
holiday</a>.*

<p>
I am in favor of this.


feed_id: 1702bdd69a07d3023132950b0ae595ce
title: Locked handsets
uri: Locked-handsets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Locked_handsets%29
content:
<p>
*UK mobile phone firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/27/uk-mobile-phone-companies-to-be-banned-from-selling-locked-handsets">to be banned from selling locked handsets</a>.*

<p>
This doesn't alter the basic injustices of mobile phones &mdash; that the phone network tracks them and they can be converted into listening devices &mdash; so it
would not convince me to carry one.  But it does eliminate one common secondary
nastiness.


feed_id: 7d21f0b877743197598535dfbde04d80
title: Eviction spree
uri: Eviction-spree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Eviction_spree%29
content:
<p>
*Despite CDC Moratorium—and With Help From White House—Corporate Landlords
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/despite-cdc-moratorium-and-help-white-house-corporate-landlords-have-gone-eviction">Have Gone on Eviction Spree</a>.*

<p>
I think we should have a law putting a real-estate tax on corporations
owning more than a few rental houses, or more than a few apartment
buildings, and likewise on the corporations that own them, etc.


feed_id: 95a12fb35db53c0a762f7ef246b2a2ca
title: Violent wars resulting in extremism
uri: Violent-wars-resulting-in-extremism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Violent_wars_resulting_in_extremism%29

content:
<p>
Iran's UN ambassador: *"The eight violent wars that the United States
   initiated or joined since 2001, under the rubric of war on terror,
   have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of innocent
   lives, countless broken societies and families&hellip; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/un-irans-zarif-blames-us-war-terror-countless-broken-societies">and unprecedented
   extremism</a>."*

<p>
I would guess that these include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
Iran has also intervened to some extent in those countries during this
period.  In Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran intervened much less violently
than the US.  In Syria, Iran intervened more strongly and violently
than the US.  In Yemen, Iran intervened by proxy, which the US ls also
doing, but the US carried out direct bombings before that.


feed_id: aeec9619d78b798c727e62cd0b9d7b6b
title: Undo dirty court tricks
uri: Undo-dirty-court-tricks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Undo_dirty_court_tricks%29
content:
<p>
If Democrats win the election, and if the Republicans that have seized
the Supreme Court don't impose a Republican victory, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/prove-him-wrong-progressives-demand-democrats-accept-mcconnells-challenge-expand">the Democrats
must legislate to undo the dirty court tricks</a>.

<p>
Increasing the size of the court would do the job, but decreasing it might be even better.  Imagine reducing the court to six judges, based on seniority:
all three of the wrecker's appointees would be pushed off.

<p>
The constitution says that they remain federal judges for life.
But they can be judges in lower courts.

<p>
The same method could be used to remove many of the wrecker-appointed judges
from federal appeals courts.


feed_id: c563f99b05537d4c061027e7795a8f98
title: Private prison medical care
uri: Private-prison-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Private_prison_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
Most jails in the US use one of five companies to provide medical
"care" to prisoners, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/im-gonna-die-here-investigation-shows-how-jails-privatized-healthcare-places-profit">and those companies do a measurably bad job</a>.

<p>
These companies are successful because they charge less, and they
reduce costs by cutting corners &mdash; for instance, by being slow to
approve permitting a prisoner to be seen by a professional.  This is
the standard problem with privatizing all or part of a public
activity.

<p>
Therefore, I suggest that contracting a public function to a private
activity should be forbidden by law if the activity involves doing
things specifically for, or to, individual members of the public.


feed_id: 5dbe85fc40ebc197f90e274024980863
title: (satire) State's official voting pen
uri: (satire)-State-s-official-voting-pen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_State%27s_official_voting_pen%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Lines Come To Standstill Outside Wisconsin Polls After
State’s Official Voting Pen <a href="https://www.theonion.com/lines-come-to-standstill-outside-wisconsin-polls-after-1845509739">Rolls Under Vending Machine</a>.*


feed_id: 161d4327ab9f589de33508208dd113db
title: College campuses have amped up surveillance
uri: College-campuses-have-amped-up-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28College_campuses_have_amped_up_surveillance%29

content:
<p>

*From simple location-tracking apps to buttons that measure biometrics,
college campuses have <a href="https://onezero.medium.com/how-covid-19-turned-college-campuses-into-surveillance-machines-7b60d8356591">amped up surveillance</a> in response to Covid-19.*
<p>
The article lacks a sharp conception for judging whether these
systems are just or unjust and necessary or unnecessary, and for
separating those characteristics from painfulness.
<p>
The conditions Vassar students had to sign up to must be very painful,
and I might have taken a year off rather than accept them.  But they
are not unjust and may well be necessary to open the campus safely.
<p>
The PathCheck app's actions, assuming that the article describes them
fully and accurately, seem to be legitimate provided the college makes
proper commitments not to let any company or other organization handle
any of the data nor to save it nor use it for anything else.  But the
fact that it is a nonfree app running in a mobile phone makes it
unacceptable.
<p>
I'd apply the same criteria to reporting one's symptoms daily.  That
is ok, provided one doesn't have to do it via a portable phone or a
nonfree program, and the school won't let any other organization
handle the data, or save it for long.


feed_id: b40d3f6bdf76faf280329ee0be0044c2
title: (satire) Wrongly Accused Wing
uri: (satire)-Wrongly-Accused-Wing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28%28satire%29_Wrongly_Accused_Wing%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Following over two decades of incarceration, Louisiana
Penitentiary inmate Reggie Clark, a man falsely imprisoned for 24
years, was finally granted permission Wednesday to serve out the
remainder of his sentence in the prison’s new <a href="https://www.theonion.com/man-falsely-imprisoned-for-24-years-granted-permission-1845509406">Wrongly Accused Wing</a>.*


feed_id: 63969efd0481df71e41c1397be231807
title: Doing nothing about climate emergency
uri: Doing-nothing-about-climate-emergency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28Doing_nothing_about_climate_emergency%29

content:
<p>

*Doing Nothing About Climate Emergency Could
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/28/black-hole-depressions-doing-nothing-about-climate-emergency-could-cost-more-all">Cost More Than All the Wealth in the World</a>.*
<p>
That indicates the calculation is meaningless.  Because if we're
talking about the total destruction of humanity and a lot more, it is
impossible and unnecessary to measure that in economic terms.
<p>
Which supports the point that the article is making: it is idiotic
to say that avoiding total disaster is "too expensive".  And foolish to ask,
"If we save the world, will I still have a job?"


feed_id: fdefb092bc85e280edd727be2b852460
title: Voice of America
uri: Voice-of-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28Voice_of_America%29
content:
<p>

The bully's hatchet man in charge of Voice of America has officially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/trump-michael-pack-journalism-editorial-firewall">eliminated
its editorial independence</a>, making it the Voice of the US President.


feed_id: db7b097ff83561f1d265792640bec18b
title: The challenge of a global Green New Deal
uri: The-challenge-of-a-global-Green-New-Deal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28The_challenge_of_a_global_Green_New_Deal%29

content:
<p>

Studying the <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/an-effective-green-new-deal-must-be-global-this-is-what-it-could-look-like/">challenge of a global Green New Deal</a>: how to structure
it, how to fund it, and what won't help (nationalization and
GDP-reduction).
<p>
One flaw of the study is that it adopts the targets of the Paris Treaty,
which are too little and too late.  But I expect that the overall conclusions
will be the same with stronger targets.


feed_id: 7f16bac7ef0c4519fcbccce916cb3620
title: South Korea carbon neutral by 2050
uri: South-Korea-carbon-neutral-by-2050
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28South_Korea_carbon_neutral_by_2050%29

content:
<p>

*South Korea <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/south-korea-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2050-to-fight-climate-emergency">vows to go carbon neutral</a> by 2050 to fight climate emergency.*
<p>
This has the two usual flaws: a pledge about 2050 makes it easy to postpone
action until 2030, and "carbon-neutral" invites reliance on offsets that
amount to self-deception.


feed_id: 07544816d466de6d81f9d807e2e99435
title: The world's banks' funding of destruction
uri: The-world-s-banks-funding-of-destruction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#30_October_2020_%28The_world%27s_banks%27_funding_of_destruction%29

content:
<p>

*The world's banks [which are heavily funding extinction] must start
to value nature and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/the-worlds-banks-must-start-to-value-nature-and-stop-paying-for-its-destruction-aoe">stop paying for its destruction</a>.*


feed_id: eae7ed55fc0508b5018b522750610be1
title: Walter Wallace Jr.
uri: Walter-Wallace-Jr
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Walter_Wallace_Jr.%29
content:
<p>

Two Philadelphia cops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/walter-wallace-jr-hundreds-protest-philadelphia-second-night-police-killing">shot and killed</a> a black man, Walter Wallace Jr.
But it does not seem that they rushed to kill.
<p>
He walked towards two cops while carrying a knife.  They did not shoot
immediately; they shouted at him to drop the knife.  This is not a
fabricated excuse; the article says it was visible on video.
<p>
The article does not say how far he was from them when they shot.
Perhaps they didn't need to shoot.  Perhaps they could have used a
taser instead of a gun.  Perhaps they could have tackled him and
grabbed the knife, or talked him down.  Perhaps medical personnel
could have talked him down.
<p>
I think the death was probably avoidable, but that doesn't mean those
cops had no grounds to shoot.


feed_id: e25bed892be1d01b27c0509269cabd4d
title: St Augusting, Florida
uri: St-Augusting-Florida
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28St_Augusting%2C_Florida%29
content:
<p>

St Augustine, Florida, floods frequently and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/st-augustine-florida-floods-climate-crisis">can expect almost a meter
of sea-level rise</a> by 2060.
<p>
I think it would be wiser to move the city's landmarks to high ground,
even though that may be in Georgia.


feed_id: 34202d3aab126fa20cebc1e92ae0e165
title: Right-wing cult leaders
uri: Right-wing-cult-leaders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Right-wing_cult_leaders%29
content:
<p>

Right-wing cult leaders deal with weakness by scapegoating someone in
the name of some religious cult.  In Poland, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/poland-abortion-ban-kaczynski-catholic-church-protests">the targets are women
that are carrying dead fetuses</a>.


feed_id: d5697909bd6032b51650823dba1243c6
title: Automated decision-making programmes
uri: Automated-decision-making-programmes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Automated_decision-making_programmes%29

content:
<p>

*100 out of [the total of] 229 [UK local government] councils <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/28/nearly-half-of-councils-in-great-britain-use-algorithms-to-help-make-claims-decisions">have
used or are using</a> automated decision-making programmes, many
without consulting at all with the public on their use.*


feed_id: 81a93e13356c0329685e81b6791155b8
title: Conspiring to work on behalf of China's government
uri: Conspiring-to-work-on-behalf-of-China-s-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Conspiring_to_work_on_behalf_of_China%27s_government%29

content:
<p>

*Eight people have been charged with conspiring to work on behalf of
China’s government in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/chinese-plot-coerce-family-return-from-us">plot to coerce a Chinese family</a> in the US to
return to their home country to face charges.*
<p>
If the charges were real corruption, supported by real evidence, and
if China gave accused people fair trials, I hope the US government
would extradite the suspects when asked.  But it seems that the case
is political.


feed_id: 34db5035540d215db59d193aeb751752
title: Repressive Islamic rulers
uri: Repressive-Islamic-rulers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Repressive_Islamic_rulers%29
content:
<p>

Repressive Islamic rulers are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/turkey-threatens-legal-action-over-charlie-hebdos-caricature-of-president">revealing their agenda</a> of world-wide censorship.
<p>
The sad thing is that they have inflamed the fanaticism of their
followers to the point that these ravings win them more support at
home.  (The wrecker in the US is similar to them.)  But it is totally
wrong to appease them with any significant concession.
<p>
Rather, we need to teach people to recognize that Islamic rule
tramples the human rights of everyone, Muslim or not.


feed_id: 678ad2e84c221418b44032a289904597
title: Wisconsin's postal votes
uri: Wisconsin-s-postal-votes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Wisconsin%27s_postal_votes%29
content:
<p>

The Supreme Court ordered Wisconsin to stop counting postal votes at
the end of Tuesday, so Democrats are wisely calling on voters to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/democrats-urge-voters-to-hand-deliver-ballots-to-beat-court-deadline">drop
them off rather than mail them</a>.


feed_id: d140078700c61c7232b95844966ff4d5
title: Eco-friendly products
uri: Eco-friendly-products
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#29_October_2020_%28Eco-friendly_products%29
content:
<p>

Amazon has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/27/amazon-launches-eco-friendly-shopping-platform">special store</a> for selling "eco-friendly products".
<p>
This is sadly ironic, because buying them via Amazon is not eco-friendly.
And that's in addition to all the way <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon</a> harms society.


feed_id: bbda90f2165468f8f9b08baf18a3b70b
title: Searched 25 times
uri: Searched-25-times
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Searched_25_times%29
content:
<p>
Racism of the London cops: two brothers, who are black, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/29/brothers-stopped-and-searched-over-a-fist-bump-to-sue-met-police">are suing because
they have been searched on the street 25 times</a>.


feed_id: 96f07c19ff499d31f9fb9a305233db0f
title: Outbreak in forced labor factory
uri: Outbreak-in-forced-labor-factory
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Outbreak_in_forced_labor_factory%29

content:
<p>
China had an outbreak of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/large-covid-outbreak-in-china-linked-to-xinjiang-forced-labour">in a factory which uses Uighurs in
forced labor</a>.

<p>
I would not consider 180 people a "large" outbreak, though.  Not by US
standards.  But there is every likelihood that more people are infected
in the region now.


feed_id: ccc15a185289a9b5f644a5aef1971bcf
title: Police brutality during anti-racism protests
uri: Police-brutality-during-anti-racism-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Police_brutality_during_anti-racism_protests%29

content:
<p>
*Nearly 1,000 instances of police brutality [and other injustices by
thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/29/us-police-brutality-protest">recorded in US anti-racism protests</a>.*


feed_id: 90cf567b7ed7b13298c9652e26d2592c
title: Occasionally listening
uri: Occasionally-listening
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Occasionally_listening%29
content:
<p>
Belarusian dictator Lukachenko had several important political prisoners
brought to one room, then went there and talked to them for hours.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/alexander-lukashenko-surprise-meeting-with-his-critics-belarus">He also occasionally listened</a>.


feed_id: 8f6c9021972724102d4bb0402373ade4
title: Greatest tragedy of second wave
uri: Greatest-tragedy-of-second-wave
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Greatest_tragedy_of_second_wave%29

content:
<p>
*The greatest tragedy of England's second wave <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/29/england-second-wave-government-covid">is that it wasn't inevitable</a>.*

<p>
Bogus Johnson made the decisions, and he made them badly.


feed_id: 433b72ef378ddb8b97040c110dac75fa
title: Coal mining policy
uri: Coal-mining-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Coal_mining_policy%29
content:
<p>
A very large bank that operates in Australia and New Zealand has
announced a policy of coal mining and burning coal for heat or power.
Existing debtors with heavy involvement in coal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/29/nationals-call-for-anz-boycott-after-banks-push-for-net-zero-emissions">will have to make
plans to change</a>.

<p>
The extreme planet roaster party is calling for a boycott of that bank.


feed_id: 1f3984f8aad26bd477294ad2d9cc436f
title: Dicamba
uri: 2020-10-31-Dicamba
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Dicamba%29
content:
<p>
*Despite Court Ruling and Drift Concerns, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/despite-court-ruling-and-drift-concerns-epa-approves-use-dicamba-products-soybeans">EPA Approves Use of Dicamba
Products on Soybeans and Cotton for Five Years</a>.*


feed_id: ad26796c1f0b936954606790f85fbba0
title: Stop and search
uri: Stop-and-search
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Stop_and_search%29
content:
<p>
The London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department was investigated in regard to stopping people
to search them with no specific evidence of a crime, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/28/met-police-criticised-for-multiple-errors-in-stop-and-search-practice">and told to change
its practices to do that less</a>.


feed_id: 5ae298583b7463eabcd1fb9cae2cc6e8
title: Waiting period after election day
uri: Waiting-period-after-election-day
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Waiting_period_after_election_day%29

content:
<p>
Ralph Nader proposes an informal 14-day waiting period after election
day, during which candidates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/dont-rush-declare-victory-implementing-two-week-grace-period-after-november-3rd-so">should neither claim victory nor concede
defeat</a>.

<p>
I am not sure it is a good idea.


feed_id: cf04c5858b248f8aeb6e5e99512e5837
title: Going easy on fascists
uri: Going-easy-on-fascists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Going_easy_on_fascists%29
content:
<p>
To fully defeat fascist <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a>, we need to punish of the crimes of
today's fascists.  "Going easy" on the leaders of criminal movements
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/should-trump-be-held-accountable-harvard-academic-says-no">doesn't help defeat them</a>.


feed_id: 6ed149588f0f4caeec9bfe14bfd982e3
title: Student Data privacy
uri: Student-Data-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Student_Data_privacy%29
content:
<p>
The Principles for Student Data Privacy and Equity are good,
<a href="https://studentprivacycompass.org/pandemicprinciples/">as far as they go</a>.

<p>
However, they are not strict in standing up to a pressure to let
companies get their paws on students' classroom or medical data when
the pressure is because "This is the modern way, and all the other
schools are doing this."

<p>
If the principles say you can't use Zoom or Microsoft Teams or anything
comparable, they will be adequately strong.


feed_id: 2b024518410c2898801e0856bc64b5f3
title: Up to 100 years
uri: Up-to-100-years
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Up_to_100_years%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/new-parents-freaked-out-upon-learning-that-babies-can-l-1845496651">satire</a>) *&hellip; new parents Lindsey Conway and Michael Rhodes
reportedly freaked out Tuesday upon learning that babies can often
live up to 100 years.
  &hellip;Why don’t they tell you
all this before you bring them home?*


feed_id: b53a5da0e1b8dfd7ab24b2b954ad0d3b
title: Clean power
uri: Clean-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Clean_power%29
content:
<p>
*Polling Shows 82% of [US] Voters Believe <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/election-nears-polling-shows-82-voters-believe-100-clean-power-should-be-primary-us">100% Clean Power
Should Be Primary US Energy Goal</a>.*

<p>
Over 70% support switching to 100% renewable electric generation by
2035.  That's starting to approach the kind of intensity that may
avoid global disaster.


feed_id: ce6e6109405aaa9807f0a0f09a540b81
title: Virus-spreading
uri: Virus-spreading
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Virus-spreading%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker's maskless virus-spreading rallies are substantially
effective: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/where-president-goes-coronavirus-follows-analysis-shows-spike-covid-19-cases-after">half of them have been followed by local increases in
Covid-19 infection</a>.


feed_id: 87923359fd945dab1e78cd688b35ce2c
title: Poor people and vote
uri: Poor-people-and-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_October_2020_%28Poor_people_and_vote%29
content:
<p>
Poor people in the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/28/unleashing-power-poor-voters">often don't vote</a>.
  They may be demoralized and
cynical about the political system, or think that not voting is a protest.

<p>
There is a lot to be cynical about in the US political system, but the
only way to make it better is through the system itself.


feed_id: cdb3db545497747cd819df9cd2759ba6
title: Massachusetts Governor nomination for chief justice of Massachusetts' supreme court
uri: Massachusetts-Governor-nomination-for-chief-justice-of-Massachusetts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Massachusetts_Governor_nomination_for_chief_justice_of_Massachusetts%27_supreme_court%29

content:
<p>

Massachusetts Governor Baker has <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/28/metro/baker-nominate-kimberly-budd-chief-justice-source-says/">nominated one more former prosecutor</a>
to be the new chief justice of Massachusetts' supreme court.
<p>
The nominee is black and female.  So is Kamala Harris, another former
prosecutor, and her harshness towards defendants and convicts is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#10_March_2019_(Kamala_Harris)">one
of the things</a> I don't support about her. (She is also, like Biden,
not progressive.)  I hope this new judge in Massachusetts is not like
Harris.


feed_id: 79f0263c4270da7b3f2cd633e509dfa1
title: Urgent: Stop reading polls!!!
uri: Urgent-Stop-reading-polls
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_reading_polls%21%21%21%29

content:
<p>

Unless you're a campaign manager, stop reading polls!  And stop worrying
about things that might affect campaign strategy!
<p>
Reading those things wastes your time and makes you worry uselessly,
because you have no decisions to make which depend on them.
<p>
What is worth thinking about in regard to the US election?

<ul>
  Who and what to vote for (unless you've already decided).

  <ul>
    How and when to vote (unless you've already voted).

    <ul>
      How you can help a campaign.

      <ul>
	How you can help resist a possible coup attempt.
	<p>
	It may be useful to think about those topics because they may help you
	take action.  Anything else election-related is just a distraction --
	so you may as well do some other useful thing instead.
	<p>
	In the past, you could usually tell who won any race
	at some point in the evening.  I used to do this, like most
	Americans.  Then I realized that I had no need to learn the
	answer sooner.  The result, whether good or (more often) bad,
	would be the same in the morning,  Finding out earlier
	would not enable me to do any more good.
	<p>
	So I decided to ignore the results on election day and
	read about them later.
	
<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Slovakia_Covid-19_testing)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Slovakia_Covid-19_testing)">Slovakia Covid-19 testing</a>)
<p>

Slovakia plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/slovakia-to-test-all-citizens-over-age-of-10-for-coronavirus">test all citizens over age 10 for Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It seems foolish to omit non-citizens and children.
They could propagate Covid-19 past the effort
and thus negate it.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Introduced_peacocks_becoming_a_problem_in_New_Zealand)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Introduced_peacocks_becoming_a_problem_in_New_Zealand)">Introduced peacocks becoming a problem in New Zealand</a>)
<p>

Introduced peacocks, no longer checked by introduced mammalian predators,
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/no-predators-plenty-to-eat-new-zealand-struggles-with-plague-of-peacocks">becoming a big problem in New Zealand</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Hong_Kong_thugs_arrested_Tony_Chung)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Hong_Kong_thugs_arrested_Tony_Chung)">Hong Kong thugs arrested Tony Chung</a>)
<p>

Hong Kong thugs arrested Tony Chung as he tried to ask the US consulate
to shelter him, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/hong-kong-activist-who-sought-us-consulate-help-charged-with-secession">charged him with political opposition</a>.
<p>
The reason Chung could not simply leave Hong Kong is that the
government had taken his passport and accused him of advocating
independence for Hong Kong.
<p>
A number of others also facing political charges tried to leave
Hong Kong in a boat, but China caught the boat.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Preston_Kulkarni_support_for_the_RSS)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Preston_Kulkarni_support_for_the_RSS)">Preston Kulkarni support for the RSS</a>)
<p>

Preston Kulkarni, running for Congress in Houston, has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/sri-kulkarni-congress-indian-politics/">stated support
for the RSS</a>, a violent anti-non-Hindu hate group in India.
<p>
People should pressure Kulkarni and the Democratic Party hard about
this, but despite his connection to a hate group, he is clearly the
lesser evil this year.  After all, his opponent is a member of a
violent domestic hate group called the Republican Party.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Reversing_ballot_against_gerrymandering)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Reversing_ballot_against_gerrymandering)">Reversing ballot against gerrymandering</a>)
<p>

Missouri voters passed a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/missouri-amendment-3-redistricting/">ballot initiative against gerrymandering</a>.
Now Republicans are pushing another ballot initiative which would
reverse that one, and reduce the voting power of some minorities.
<p>
They  hoped they could mislead the voters into passing it.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(US_recessions)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(US_recessions)">US recessions</a>)
<p>

In the US, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/28/joe-biden-looks-like-a-safe-pair-of-hands-for-the-us-economy">recessions typically start when there is a Republican president</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Protest_for_abortion_rights_in_Poland)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Protest_for_abortion_rights_in_Poland)">Protest for abortion rights in Poland</a>)
<p>

Poland is seeing <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54694968">large protests for abortion rights</a> every day.
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/pro-choice-supporters-hold-biggest-ever-protest-against-polish-government">last protest</a> had 100,000 people.
<p>
Poland's latest attack on abortion rights affects women whose fetuses
are dead or so damaged that they cannot be born alive.  For Polish
Catholics, granting the fetus one more day of non-consciousness is
worth any amount of human grief caused.
<p>
Right-wing nasties organized for violent attacks against protesters,
which they consider legitimate because the protesters are not fetuses.
;-{.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Adani_private_investigators)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Adani_private_investigators)">Adani private investigators</a>)
<p>

Adani, which wants to build more coal mines in Australia, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/28/private-investigator-hired-by-adani-secretly-photographed-activists-family">used private
investigators</a> to study the private life of an anti-mine activist, and
his wife, and his preteen daughter.
<p>
I suppose they were looking for some irrelevant scandal to distract
public attention from the death that comes out of every coal mine
every day.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(US_president's_decree_powers)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(US_president's_decree_powers)">US president's decree powers</a>)
<p>

The president of the US has been given <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/2020/11/the-enemies-briefcase-secret-powers-of-the-presidency/">enormous decree powers</a> to
use in an "emergency."  Various officials have warned that this could
be dangerous some day.
<p>
"Some day" could very well be in December or January, if the wrecker
wants to prevent Biden's inauguration.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Microwave_beam_weapon)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Microwave_beam_weapon)">Microwave beam weapon</a>)
<p>

CIA sources say that the mysterious brain damage which has struct many
US agents and officials could be caused by a <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/cia-investigation-and-russian-microwave-attacks">microwave beam weapon</a>.
<p>
If that is the case, wearing a simple grid of wires around the head
could block the waves, and attaching a recording thermometer might
provide as way to detect the attack.  Purpose-built detectors might
give more information about the waves.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Vacant_San_Francisco_office_space)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Vacant_San_Francisco_office_space)">Vacant San Francisco office space</a>)
<p>

In San Francisco, over 11 million square feet of office space is <a href="http://socketsite.com/archives/2020/10/nearly-12-million-square-feet-of-vacant-office-space-in-s-f.html">now
vacant</a>.
<p>
We need to convert that space into small residence for poor people to
live in.  They could have a microwave and a fridge each, rather than a
real kitchen.  This would enable all the homeless people of San
Francisco to have a safe place to live and practice physical
distancing.  The rest of the space could be made into studio apartments
and offered for rent at amounts working people can actually afford.
<p.
It shouldn't take much payment to the building owners to get them
to accept, since otherwise they are likely to get nothing.
Also, unused space should pay a higher real estate tax.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Delta_Airlines_list_of_people_it_won't_sell_tickets_to)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Delta_Airlines_list_of_people_it_won't_sell_tickets_to)">Delta Airlines list of people it won't sell tickets to</a>)
<p>

Delta Airlines has put 460 people on a list it <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/25/business/delta-mask-ban/index.html">won't sell tickets to</a>
because they have refused to wear masks while on board,
<p>
Refusal to wear masks spreads coronavirus, and the continued refusal
of many Americans to wear masks will probably kill hundreds of
thousands more.  It is good that some organizations take firm steps
to make sure people wear masks.  Now stores and buses should start
protecting their staff and customers.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Right-wing_Texas_provocateur)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Right-wing_Texas_provocateur)">Right-wing Texas provocateur</a>)
<p>

It took just two days for right-wing Texas provocateur Ivan Hunter to
bring his rifle to Minneapolis and <a href="https://www.startribune.com/charges-boogaloo-bois-fired-on-mpls-precinct-shouted-justice-for-floyd/572843802/">start a false-flag</a> attack on the
thugs.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Republicans_priority_to_reopen_the_economy)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Republicans_priority_to_reopen_the_economy)">Republicans priority to "reopen the economy"</a>)
<p>

When Republicans found out that Americans dying from Covid-19, if they
were not old, were likely to be black, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/29/was-april-7-2020-day-sealed-fate-america">they quickly made it their
priority to "reopen the economy"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Whitehouse_Covid_Ad_Campaign)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Whitehouse_Covid_Ad_Campaign)">Whitehouse Covid Ad Campaign</a>)
<p>

*Documents Reveal WH Officials Tried to Use $250 Million in Taxpayer
Money on <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/documents-reveal-wh-officials-tried-use-250-million-taxpayer-money-covid-ad-campaign">Covid Ad Campaign</a> to Boost [wrecker's] Reelection.*
<p>
This sort of corruption is so frequent that it is hardly even news.
What is significant is that our government has no ability to do
anything to punish or prevent such corruption.  What was supposed to
restrain it was an expectaion that the voters would punish corruption
when they found it.  The wrecker has destroyed that expectation,
first for small corrupt acts, then for bigger and bigger ones.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(US_regime-change_interventions)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(US_regime-change_interventions)">US regime-change interventions</a>)
<p>

The US claims its regime-change interventions are meant to promote
democracy, but they tend to have the opposite result.  Bolivia shows
that the challenge for democracy is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/29/ending-regime-change-bolivia-and-world">overcome these US operations</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_((satire)_The_nation's_50_worst_states)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_((satire)_The_nation's_50_worst_states)">(satire) The nation's 50 worst states</a>)
<p>

(satire)
*The Onion’s State-By-State Election Guide.<br/>
A closer look at the nation’s <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/the-onions-state-by-state-election-guide-1845511152">50 worst states</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Grand_Jurors_for_Breonna_Taylor_case)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Grand_Jurors_for_Breonna_Taylor_case)">Grand Jurors for Breonna Taylor case</a>)
<p>

Two members of the grand jury that considered indicting the thugs that
killed Breonna Taylor say that the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/29/us/breonna-taylor-grand-jurors/index.html">case was presented in a strange way</a>,
so that it was only at the end that they found out they were not going
to be asked to vote on charging the thugs with killing Ms Taylor.
The jurors were shocked by that.
<p>
Usually, they report, cases are presented to the grand jury by first
stating what charges are to be considered.  This case and only this
case was handled differently.
<p>
I do get the impression that the prosecutor wanted to shield the thugs
and pretend not to have done so.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Republican_expansions_of_supreme_courts)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Republican_expansions_of_supreme_courts)">Republican expansions of supreme courts</a>)
<p>

Republicans have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-arizona-iowa-separation-of-powers-us-supreme-court-31f4996a200be4622361603aabf92302">expanded the supreme courts</a> of Arizona and Georgia
in recent years.  In Iowa they politicized the selection of judges.

<p>
<li><a name="1_November_2020_(Overturning_the_Affordable_Care_Act)" />1 November 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_November_2020_(Overturning_the_Affordable_Care_Act)">Overturning the Affordable Care Act</a>)
<p>

*Overturning the Affordable Care Act <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/affordable-care-act-supreme-court-case/">Could Result in 68,000 Deaths</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Searched_25_times)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Searched_25_times)">Searched 25 times</a>)
<p>
Racism of the London cops: two brothers, who are black, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/29/brothers-stopped-and-searched-over-a-fist-bump-to-sue-met-police">are suing because
they have been searched on the street 25 times</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Outbreak_in_forced_labor_factory)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Outbreak_in_forced_labor_factory)">Outbreak in forced labor factory</a>)
<p>
China had an outbreak of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/large-covid-outbreak-in-china-linked-to-xinjiang-forced-labour">in a factory which uses Uighurs in
forced labor</a>.

<p>
I would not consider 180 people a "large" outbreak, though.  Not by US
standards.  But there is every likelihood that more people are infected
in the region now.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Police_brutality_during_anti-racism_protests)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Police_brutality_during_anti-racism_protests)">Police brutality during anti-racism protests</a>)
<p>
*Nearly 1,000 instances of police brutality [and other injustices by
thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/29/us-police-brutality-protest">recorded in US anti-racism protests</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Occasionally_listening)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Occasionally_listening)">Occasionally listening</a>)
<p>
Belarusian dictator Lukachenko had several important political prisoners
brought to one room, then went there and talked to them for hours.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/alexander-lukashenko-surprise-meeting-with-his-critics-belarus">He also occasionally listened</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Greatest_tragedy_of_second_wave)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Greatest_tragedy_of_second_wave)">Greatest tragedy of second wave</a>)
<p>
*The greatest tragedy of England's second wave <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/29/england-second-wave-government-covid">is that it wasn't inevitable</a>.*

<p>
Bogus Johnson made the decisions, and he made them badly.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Coal_mining_policy)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Coal_mining_policy)">Coal mining policy</a>)
<p>
A very large bank that operates in Australia and New Zealand has
announced a policy of coal mining and burning coal for heat or power.
Existing debtors with heavy involvement in coal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/29/nationals-call-for-anz-boycott-after-banks-push-for-net-zero-emissions">will have to make
plans to change</a>.

<p>
The extreme planet roaster party is calling for a boycott of that bank.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Dicamba)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Dicamba)">Dicamba</a>)
<p>
*Despite Court Ruling and Drift Concerns, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/despite-court-ruling-and-drift-concerns-epa-approves-use-dicamba-products-soybeans">EPA Approves Use of Dicamba
Products on Soybeans and Cotton for Five Years</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Stop_and_search)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Stop_and_search)">Stop and search</a>)
<p>
The London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department was investigated in regard to stopping people
to search them with no specific evidence of a crime, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/28/met-police-criticised-for-multiple-errors-in-stop-and-search-practice">and told to change
its practices to do that less</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Waiting_period_after_election_day)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Waiting_period_after_election_day)">Waiting period after election day</a>)
<p>
Ralph Nader proposes an informal 14-day waiting period after election
day, during which candidates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/dont-rush-declare-victory-implementing-two-week-grace-period-after-november-3rd-so">should neither claim victory nor concede
defeat</a>.

<p>
I am not sure it is a good idea.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Going_easy_on_fascists)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Going_easy_on_fascists)">Going easy on fascists</a>)
<p>
To fully defeat fascist <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a>, we need to punish of the crimes of
today's fascists.  "Going easy" on the leaders of criminal movements
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/should-trump-be-held-accountable-harvard-academic-says-no">doesn't help defeat them</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Student_Data_privacy)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Student_Data_privacy)">Student Data privacy</a>)
<p>
The Principles for Student Data Privacy and Equity are good,
<a href="https://studentprivacycompass.org/pandemicprinciples/">as far as they go</a>.

<p>
However, they are not strict in standing up to a pressure to let
companies get their paws on students' classroom or medical data when
the pressure is because "This is the modern way, and all the other
schools are doing this."

<p>
If the principles say you can't use Zoom or Microsoft Teams or anything
comparable, they will be adequately strong.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Up_to_100_years)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Up_to_100_years)">Up to 100 years</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/new-parents-freaked-out-upon-learning-that-babies-can-l-1845496651">satire</a>) *&hellip; new parents Lindsey Conway and Michael Rhodes
reportedly freaked out Tuesday upon learning that babies can often
live up to 100 years.
  &hellip;Why don’t they tell you
all this before you bring them home?*


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Clean_power)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Clean_power)">Clean power</a>)
<p>
*Polling Shows 82% of [US] Voters Believe <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/election-nears-polling-shows-82-voters-believe-100-clean-power-should-be-primary-us">100% Clean Power
Should Be Primary US Energy Goal</a>.*

<p>
Over 70% support switching to 100% renewable electric generation by
2035.  That's starting to approach the kind of intensity that may
avoid global disaster.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Virus-spreading)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Virus-spreading)">Virus-spreading</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's maskless virus-spreading rallies are substantially
effective: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/27/where-president-goes-coronavirus-follows-analysis-shows-spike-covid-19-cases-after">half of them have been followed by local increases in
Covid-19 infection</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="31_October_2020_(Poor_people_and_vote)"/>31 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_October_2020_(Poor_people_and_vote)">Poor people and vote</a>)
<p>
Poor people in the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/28/unleashing-power-poor-voters">often don't vote</a>.
  They may be demoralized and
cynical about the political system, or think that not voting is a protest.

<p>
There is a lot to be cynical about in the US political system, but the
only way to make it better is through the system itself.


<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_((satire)_State's_official_voting_pen)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_((satire)_State's_official_voting_pen)">(satire) State's official voting pen</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Lines Come To Standstill Outside Wisconsin Polls After
State’s Official Voting Pen <a href="https://www.theonion.com/lines-come-to-standstill-outside-wisconsin-polls-after-1845509739">Rolls Under Vending Machine</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(College_campuses_have_amped_up_surveillance)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(College_campuses_have_amped_up_surveillance)">College campuses have amped up surveillance</a>)
<p>

*From simple location-tracking apps to buttons that measure biometrics,
college campuses have <a href="https://onezero.medium.com/how-covid-19-turned-college-campuses-into-surveillance-machines-7b60d8356591">amped up surveillance</a> in response to Covid-19.*
<p>
The article lacks a sharp conception for judging whether these
systems are just or unjust and necessary or unnecessary, and for
separating those characteristics from painfulness.
<p>
The conditions Vassar students had to sign up to must be very painful,
and I might have taken a year off rather than accept them.  But they
are not unjust and may well be necessary to open the campus safely.
<p>
The PathCheck app's actions, assuming that the article describes them
fully and accurately, seem to be legitimate provided the college makes
proper commitments not to let any company or other organization handle
any of the data nor to save it nor use it for anything else.  But the
fact that it is a nonfree app running in a mobile phone makes it
unacceptable.
<p>
I'd apply the same criteria to reporting one's symptoms daily.  That
is ok, provided one doesn't have to do it via a portable phone or a
nonfree program, and the school won't let any other organization
handle the data, or save it for long.

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_((satire)_Wrongly_Accused_Wing)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_((satire)_Wrongly_Accused_Wing)">(satire) Wrongly Accused Wing</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Following over two decades of incarceration, Louisiana
Penitentiary inmate Reggie Clark, a man falsely imprisoned for 24
years, was finally granted permission Wednesday to serve out the
remainder of his sentence in the prison’s new <a href="https://www.theonion.com/man-falsely-imprisoned-for-24-years-granted-permission-1845509406">Wrongly Accused Wing</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(Doing_nothing_about_climate_emergency)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(Doing_nothing_about_climate_emergency)">Doing nothing about climate emergency</a>)
<p>

*Doing Nothing About Climate Emergency Could
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/28/black-hole-depressions-doing-nothing-about-climate-emergency-could-cost-more-all">Cost More Than All the Wealth in the World</a>.*
<p>
That indicates the calculation is meaningless.  Because if we're
talking about the total destruction of humanity and a lot more, it is
impossible and unnecessary to measure that in economic terms.
<p>
Which supports the point that the article is making: it is idiotic
to say that avoiding total disaster is "too expensive".  And foolish to ask,
"If we save the world, will I still have a job?"

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(Voice_of_America)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(Voice_of_America)">Voice of America</a>)
<p>

The bully's hatchet man in charge of Voice of America has officially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/trump-michael-pack-journalism-editorial-firewall">eliminated
its editorial independence</a>, making it the Voice of the US President.

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(The_challenge_of_a_global_Green_New_Deal)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(The_challenge_of_a_global_Green_New_Deal)">The challenge of a global Green New Deal</a>)
<p>

Studying the <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/an-effective-green-new-deal-must-be-global-this-is-what-it-could-look-like/">challenge of a global Green New Deal</a>: how to structure
it, how to fund it, and what won't help (nationalization and
GDP-reduction).
<p>
One flaw of the study is that it adopts the targets of the Paris Treaty,
which are too little and too late.  But I expect that the overall conclusions
will be the same with stronger targets.

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(South_Korea_carbon_neutral_by_2050)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(South_Korea_carbon_neutral_by_2050)">South Korea carbon neutral by 2050</a>)
<p>

*South Korea <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/south-korea-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2050-to-fight-climate-emergency">vows to go carbon neutral</a> by 2050 to fight climate emergency.*
<p>
This has the two usual flaws: a pledge about 2050 makes it easy to postpone
action until 2030, and "carbon-neutral" invites reliance on offsets that
amount to self-deception.

<p>
<li><a name="30_October_2020_(The_world's_banks'_funding_of_destruction)" />30 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_October_2020_(The_world's_banks'_funding_of_destruction)">The world's banks' funding of destruction</a>)
<p>

*The world's banks [which are heavily funding extinction] must start
to value nature and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/the-worlds-banks-must-start-to-value-nature-and-stop-paying-for-its-destruction-aoe">stop paying for its destruction</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Walter_Wallace_Jr.)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Walter_Wallace_Jr.)">Walter Wallace Jr.</a>)
<p>

Two Philadelphia cops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/walter-wallace-jr-hundreds-protest-philadelphia-second-night-police-killing">shot and killed</a> a black man, Walter Wallace Jr.
But it does not seem that they rushed to kill.
<p>
He walked towards two cops while carrying a knife.  They did not shoot
immediately; they shouted at him to drop the knife.  This is not a
fabricated excuse; the article says it was visible on video.
<p>
The article does not say how far he was from them when they shot.
Perhaps they didn't need to shoot.  Perhaps they could have used a
taser instead of a gun.  Perhaps they could have tackled him and
grabbed the knife, or talked him down.  Perhaps medical personnel
could have talked him down.
<p>
I think the death was probably avoidable, but that doesn't mean those
cops had no grounds to shoot.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(St_Augusting,_Florida)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(St_Augusting,_Florida)">St Augusting, Florida</a>)
<p>

St Augustine, Florida, floods frequently and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/st-augustine-florida-floods-climate-crisis">can expect almost a meter
of sea-level rise</a> by 2060.
<p>
I think it would be wiser to move the city's landmarks to high ground,
even though that may be in Georgia.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Right-wing_cult_leaders)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Right-wing_cult_leaders)">Right-wing cult leaders</a>)
<p>

Right-wing cult leaders deal with weakness by scapegoating someone in
the name of some religious cult.  In Poland, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/poland-abortion-ban-kaczynski-catholic-church-protests">the targets are women
that are carrying dead fetuses</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Automated_decision-making_programmes)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Automated_decision-making_programmes)">Automated decision-making programmes</a>)
<p>

*100 out of [the total of] 229 [UK local government] councils <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/28/nearly-half-of-councils-in-great-britain-use-algorithms-to-help-make-claims-decisions">have
used or are using</a> automated decision-making programmes, many
without consulting at all with the public on their use.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Conspiring_to_work_on_behalf_of_China's_government)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Conspiring_to_work_on_behalf_of_China's_government)">Conspiring to work on behalf of China's government</a>)
<p>

*Eight people have been charged with conspiring to work on behalf of
China’s government in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/28/chinese-plot-coerce-family-return-from-us">plot to coerce a Chinese family</a> in the US to
return to their home country to face charges.*
<p>
If the charges were real corruption, supported by real evidence, and
if China gave accused people fair trials, I hope the US government
would extradite the suspects when asked.  But it seems that the case
is political.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Repressive_Islamic_rulers)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Repressive_Islamic_rulers)">Repressive Islamic rulers</a>)
<p>

Repressive Islamic rulers are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/turkey-threatens-legal-action-over-charlie-hebdos-caricature-of-president">revealing their agenda</a> of world-wide censorship.
<p>
The sad thing is that they have inflamed the fanaticism of their
followers to the point that these ravings win them more support at
home.  (The wrecker in the US is similar to them.)  But it is totally
wrong to appease them with any significant concession.
<p>
Rather, we need to teach people to recognize that Islamic rule
tramples the human rights of everyone, Muslim or not.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Wisconsin's_postal_votes)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Wisconsin's_postal_votes)">Wisconsin's postal votes</a>)
<p>

The Supreme Court ordered Wisconsin to stop counting postal votes at
the end of Tuesday, so Democrats are wisely calling on voters to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/democrats-urge-voters-to-hand-deliver-ballots-to-beat-court-deadline">drop
them off rather than mail them</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Eco-friendly_products)" />29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Eco-friendly_products)">Eco-friendly products</a>)
<p>

Amazon has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/27/amazon-launches-eco-friendly-shopping-platform">special store</a> for selling "eco-friendly products".
<p>
This is sadly ironic, because buying them via Amazon is not eco-friendly.
And that's in addition to all the way <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon</a> harms society.

<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Urgent:_Orcas)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Urgent:_Orcas)">Urgent: Orcas</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/23125/action/1">call on the National Marine Fisheries Service</a> to avoid
endangering the southern resident orcas.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Massive_outbreak_of_Covid-19)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Massive_outbreak_of_Covid-19)">Massive outbreak of Covid-19</a>)
<p>
Counting recent burials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/satellite-imagery-of-aden-indicates-scale-of-pandemic-in-yemen">shows Yemen has a massive outbreak of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
If the US had stopped intervening, and let the Houthis win the civil
war, Yemen would have no trouble now getting ventilators, medicines
and medical-quality masks for doctors.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Looking_for_the_mother)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Looking_for_the_mother)">Looking for the mother</a>)
<p>
Qatar <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> took all the women off a plane waiting to fly to Sydney
and strip-searched them, trying to determine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/australia-demands-answers-after-women-taken-from-qatar-airways-flight-and-strip-searched">if any of them was the mother
of a newborn found dead in the airport</a>.

<p>
More women were taken off other flights, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/28/women-10-flights-medical-examinations-doha-qatar-airways-australian-foreign-minister-says">to other countries</a>.

<p>
Why was Qatar trying so hard to find the mother?
I speculate that the purpose was to punish her;
right-wing religious extremists often like to punish women.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Microplastics)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Microplastics)">Microplastics</a>)
<p>
An experiment captured juvenile ambon damselfish and fed microplastics
to some of them and not to others.  Then it released them in various areas
of the Great Barrier Reef.

<p>
The ones that ate microplastics took more risks, and those released in degraded
parts of the reef <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/28/fish-that-eat-microplastics-take-more-risks-and-die-younger-study-shows">were all eaten within 72 hours</a>.

<p>
One of the scientists says that this is because after the fish eat
what feels like enough, part of what they ate was microplastics, and
the part that was food was not sufficient.  This kind of problem
results from having large quantities of microplastics.

<p>
A few years from now, we can expect the whole reef to be degraded,
and fish species that microplastics make careless could go extinct.
Their extinction will be due to a combination of human actions:
those that cause <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, together with the making of plastic
that we can't recycle.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Urgent:_refuse_orders_to_interfere_with_the_election)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Urgent:_refuse_orders_to_interfere_with_the_election)">Urgent: refuse orders to interfere with the election</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13997">call on the Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff</a> to
refuse any order by the wrecker to interfere with the election.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Far-Right)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Far-Right)">Far-Right</a>)
<p>
*A <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/well-armed-and-unpatriotic-far-right">Well-Armed and Unpatriotic Far Right</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Resisting_effort_to_steal_the_election)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Resisting_effort_to_steal_the_election)">Resisting effort to steal the election</a>)
<p>
Studying the factors that will aid or hamper the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/27/us-prepared-resist-coup">in resisting a Republican
effort to steal the election</a>.

<p>
I implore Protect the Results to set up and advertise a way for people
to receive instructions after November e without having to run any
nonfree software (including nonfree JavaScript code on web sites).  One way
is to use Telegram.  The organization most likely does not read this site,
so if you have any way to communicate with it, please pass along and support
this request.  You might also offer to do the work of setting it up,
if you know how.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Mask_while_in_public_places)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Mask_while_in_public_places)">Mask while in public places</a>)
<p>
The US should require everyone <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/calls-nationwide-mask-mandate-continue-coronavirus-cases-rise/">to wear as mask while in public places</a>.

<p>
There are people who, for medical reasons, cannot wear masks.  The law
must permit them to do what their health requires.  However, it should
require people with a non-obvious disability that precludes their
wearing masks to carry and show a doctor's note to demonstrate that,
in order not to be fined.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Poll_watchers)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Poll_watchers)">Poll watchers</a>)
<p>
Poll watchers in the US must follow strict rules.  You can't just show up
and say, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/real-deal-about-poll-watchers/">"I want to watch, so let me in."</a>


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Election_Day)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Election_Day)">Election Day</a>)
<p>
*College students make a last-ditch effort <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/26/metro/college-students-make-last-ditch-effort-make-election-day-an-academic-holiday/">to make Election Day an academic
holiday</a>.*

<p>
I am in favor of this.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Locked_handsets)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Locked_handsets)">Locked handsets</a>)
<p>
*UK mobile phone firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/27/uk-mobile-phone-companies-to-be-banned-from-selling-locked-handsets">to be banned from selling locked handsets</a>.*

<p>
This doesn't alter the basic injustices of mobile phones &mdash; that the phone network tracks them and they can be converted into listening devices &mdash; so it
would not convince me to carry one.  But it does eliminate one common secondary
nastiness.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Eviction_spree)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Eviction_spree)">Eviction spree</a>)
<p>
*Despite CDC Moratorium—and With Help From White House—Corporate Landlords
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/despite-cdc-moratorium-and-help-white-house-corporate-landlords-have-gone-eviction">Have Gone on Eviction Spree</a>.*

<p>
I think we should have a law putting a real-estate tax on corporations
owning more than a few rental houses, or more than a few apartment
buildings, and likewise on the corporations that own them, etc.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Violent_wars_resulting_in_extremism)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Violent_wars_resulting_in_extremism)">Violent wars resulting in extremism</a>)
<p>
Iran's UN ambassador: *"The eight violent wars that the United States
   initiated or joined since 2001, under the rubric of war on terror,
   have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of innocent
   lives, countless broken societies and families&hellip; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/un-irans-zarif-blames-us-war-terror-countless-broken-societies">and unprecedented
   extremism</a>."*

<p>
I would guess that these include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
Iran has also intervened to some extent in those countries during this
period.  In Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran intervened much less violently
than the US.  In Syria, Iran intervened more strongly and violently
than the US.  In Yemen, Iran intervened by proxy, which the US ls also
doing, but the US carried out direct bombings before that.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Undo_dirty_court_tricks)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Undo_dirty_court_tricks)">Undo dirty court tricks</a>)
<p>
If Democrats win the election, and if the Republicans that have seized
the Supreme Court don't impose a Republican victory, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/prove-him-wrong-progressives-demand-democrats-accept-mcconnells-challenge-expand">the Democrats
must legislate to undo the dirty court tricks</a>.

<p>
Increasing the size of the court would do the job, but decreasing it might be even better.  Imagine reducing the court to six judges, based on seniority:
all three of the wrecker's appointees would be pushed off.

<p>
The constitution says that they remain federal judges for life.
But they can be judges in lower courts.

<p>
The same method could be used to remove many of the wrecker-appointed judges
from federal appeals courts.


<p>
<li><a name="29_October_2020_(Private_prison_medical_care)"/>29 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_October_2020_(Private_prison_medical_care)">Private prison medical care</a>)
<p>
Most jails in the US use one of five companies to provide medical
"care" to prisoners, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/im-gonna-die-here-investigation-shows-how-jails-privatized-healthcare-places-profit">and those companies do a measurably bad job</a>.

<p>
These companies are successful because they charge less, and they
reduce costs by cutting corners &mdash; for instance, by being slow to
approve permitting a prisoner to be seen by a professional.  This is
the standard problem with privatizing all or part of a public
activity.

<p>
Therefore, I suggest that contracting a public function to a private
activity should be forbidden by law if the activity involves doing
things specifically for, or to, individual members of the public.



<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Antibodies)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Antibodies)">Antibodies</a>)
<p>
The fraction of people in the UK displaying antibodies to Covid-19
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/proportion-of-people-in-england-with-covid-antibodies-has-fallen-study-says">has declined by 25% in three months</a>.

<p>
This could mean that those people have lost their immunity, but that
is not certain.  The article explains the details.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Acting_decisively_to_remove_antisemites)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Acting_decisively_to_remove_antisemites)">Acting decisively to remove antisemites</a>)
<p>
*I was Corbyn's chief of staff. We acted decisively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/jeremy-corbyn-chief-of-staff-labour-antisemites-karie-murphy">to remove Labour
antisemites</a>.*

<p>
I believe her, because Corbyn is the one person in UK politics that I
know is honest and committed to justice.  We know that plutocratists
in the Labour Party fought tooth and nail to prevent him from winning
an election with a progressive program.  We know that Jewish
supporters of Corbyn rejected the claim that he tolerated
antisemitism, while many of those that claimed he did had opposed him
before, for other reasons.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Thwarting_a_coup)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Thwarting_a_coup)">Thwarting a coup</a>)
<p>
History suggests that we Americans can thwart a coup, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/preparing-protect-election-results">if we are
prepared to declare it a coup and oppose it before it can dig in</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Control_of_the_pandemic)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Control_of_the_pandemic)">Control of the pandemic</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's chief of staff said, "<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/25/were-not-going-control-pandemic-trump-chief-staff-says-live-tv-covid-cases-surge">We're not going to control the
pandemic</a>."

<p>
You might interpret this as a frank statement of a hands-off policy of
letting the virus spread however it may.  But that would be a mistake.
The wrecker's actual policy is to spread Covid-19 as much as possible,
and the statement was therefore a lie.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Supreme_court_and_global_heating)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Supreme_court_and_global_heating)">Supreme court and global heating</a>)
<p>
*More than 70 science journalists [31]have signed an open letter warning
   that Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's [32]close ties to the
   fossil fuel industry and [33]refusal to publicly acknowledge the
   established science behind human-caused [global heating] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/25/70-climate-journalists-pen-open-letter-condemning-barrett-enabling-ecological-crisis">make her an
   enabler of "the ecological crisis of our times."</a>*

<p>
The Republicans, bent on sabotaging the election, rushed her onto the
Supreme Court on Monday.  Their haste to do this before election day
demonstrates that their intention is for the Supreme Court to throw
the election.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Writing_to_neighbor)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Writing_to_neighbor)">Writing to neighbor</a>)
<p>
A progressive woman writes to a neighbor that voted for the conman in
2016, but with whom she has some values in common, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/26/hello-neighbor-my-letter-trump-supporter">looking for a
meeting of the minds</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Carbon_capture)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Carbon_capture)">Carbon capture</a>)
<p>
Carbon capture and storage at significant scale <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/27/bp-leads-energy-companies-preparing-two-major-uk-carbon-capture-projects">may actually be
practical now</a>.

<p>
It is not guaranteed that scaling it up to this extent will work
without a hitch.  If it does, it will help avoid global disaster.
However, if these two projects succeed in burying 27 million tons of
CO2 per year, that will be a small fraction of the total annual UK
emissions, which amount to around 450 million tons per year.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Consolidation)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Consolidation)">Consolidation</a>)
<p>
Consolidation in the meat industry enabled giant, Chinese-owned
Smithfield to use its market power <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/27/how-does-one-of-the-worlds-biggest-pork-firms-go-bust-during-a-boom">to whipsaw its smaller giant
competitor, Maxwell Foods, into bankruptcy</a>.

<p>
Each bankruptcy is likely to lead to an acquisition which will
increase the consolidation and make the situation worse.

<p>
We need to make the big companies spit up into many smaller companies,
in this field and all fields.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Eliminating_beaches)"/>28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Eliminating_beaches)">Eliminating beaches</a>)
<p>
Sea-level rise is eliminating beaches <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/jamaica-hellshire-beach-climate-change">that used to be economic hubs
for tourism</a>.

<p>
It will get worse and worse unless we stop our greenhouse emissions
quickly.  But don't attach substantive importance to the Paris treaty,
which the wrecker is symbolically withdrawing the US from; it was
never more than symbolic itself, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#29_November_2015_(Sponsors_of_Paris_climate_conference)">since it was undermined in advance by
planet roasters</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Tory_Party_fighting_against_free_lunch_for_poor_children)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Tory_Party_fighting_against_free_lunch_for_poor_children)">Tory Party fighting against free lunch for poor children</a>)
<p>

The Tory Party is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/27/government-free-school-meals-marcus-rashford-boris-johnson">fighting desperately against public demand</a>
to give lunch gratis to children whose families are poor.
<p>
One minister said that this refusal is a matter of principle.  Which
principle, I wonder? [Irony] Perhaps the principle of stinginess?  Or
maybe it is, "Each family must sink or swim on its own &mdash; no helping
others!"  Or maybe, "Never help the poor!  If the government helps a
poor person once. people will expect the government to give the poor
help <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">every time they need it</a>."[/irony]

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Arctic_methane_deposits)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Arctic_methane_deposits)">Arctic methane deposits</a>)
<p>

*'Sleeping giant' Arctic methane deposits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/27/sleeping-giant-arctic-methane-deposits-starting-to-release-scientists-find">starting to release</a>, scientists find.*
<p>
This could be a disastrous tipping point.
  
<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_((satire)_Still_shoot_missiles_style_ceasefire)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_((satire)_Still_shoot_missiles_style_ceasefire)">(satire) Still shoot missiles style ceasefire</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Armenia, Azerbaijan Announce They Will <a href="https://www.theonion.com/armenia-azerbaijan-announce-they-will-only-agree-to-ce-1845484791">Only Agree To
Ceasefire</a> That Allows Them To Still Shoot Missiles At Each Other.*

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(NYU_research_project_on_Facebook_ads)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(NYU_research_project_on_Facebook_ads)">NYU research project on Facebook ads</a>)
<p>

An NYU research project asks useds of Facebook to volunteer to run a
special browser extension so they can report data about the ads
Facebook shows them.  Facebook has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/26/facebook-demands-end-nyu-program-has-exposed-social-media-giants-failures-uphold">demanded NYU stop this research</a>
on the grounds that it constitutes forbidden "bulk data collection".
<p>
*The researchers discovered that numerous political advertisers were
violating Facebook's disclosure rules, yet the company has been
letting it happen.* People speculate that that's why Facebook wants to
shut down this research.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(GM_and_Ford_knew_of_global_heating)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(GM_and_Ford_knew_of_global_heating)">GM and Ford knew of global heating</a>)
<p>

Scientists at GM and Ford knew in the 1970s that their cars and trucks
were contributing to dangerous <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.  Despite this knowledge,
they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/26/gm-and-ford-knew-too-reporting-reveals-auto-giants-recognized-looming-climate-crisis">campaigned against efforts</a> to shift the Earth off that path.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_((satire)_Veterans_Affairs_Secretary_struggling_to_profit)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_((satire)_Veterans_Affairs_Secretary_struggling_to_profit)">(satire) Veterans Affairs Secretary struggling to profit</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Veterans Affairs Secretary <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/veterans-affairs-secretary-struggling-to-profit-off-of-1845484636">Struggling To Profit</a> Off Of
Underfunded Department.*

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Utah's_intensive_care_capacity)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Utah's_intensive_care_capacity)">Utah's intensive care capacity</a>)
<p>

Utah will <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/10/25/with-coronavirus-cases/">run out of intensive care capacity</a> in a week or two.
At that point, hospitals will have to choose which patients to treat
and which to give up on.
<p>
People who glibly talk about herd immunity as a "solution" are opting
for this.  When the wrecker decided to spread Covid-19, he decided to
make this happen.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_((satire)_Longstanding_relationship_with_the_moon)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_((satire)_Longstanding_relationship_with_the_moon)">(satire) Longstanding relationship with the moon</a>)
<p>

(satire) *This is obviously a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-announces-moon-will-be-leaving-earth-s-orbit-to-ta-1845480528">bittersweet moment</a> since we've had such
a wonderful longstanding relationship with the moon, but we’re all
just really excited to see what it gets up to with a powerhouse
planet like Jupiter in its corner.*

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Verkada_employees_subject_to_company_made_face-recognition)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Verkada_employees_subject_to_company_made_face-recognition)">Verkada employees subject to company made face-recognition</a>)
<p>

Verkada makes face-recognition camera surveillance systems.  The
employees at work are <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkdyqm/surveillance-startup-used-own-cameras-to-harass-coworkers">subject to this surveillance themselves</a>.  A few
male employees used the system to watch attractive women and chat to each
other about them.
<p>
Verkada reacted firmly to make sure nothing like that will happen
again in that company, at least not for a few years.  But the company
will continue its efforts to convert society into a place where you
are always being watched, and you don't even know by whom.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Republican_party_is_dramatically_more_illiberal)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Republican_party_is_dramatically_more_illiberal)">Republican party is dramatically more illiberal</a>)
<p>

*The Republican party has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/26/republican-party-autocratic-hungary-turkey-study-trump">become dramatically more illiberal</a> in the past
two decades and now more closely resembles ruling parties in autocratic
societies than its former centre-right equivalents in Europe, according
to a new international study.*

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Pinochet's_constitution)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Pinochet's_constitution)">Pinochet's constitution</a>)
<p>

Chileans have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/chile-vote-scrap-pinochet-constitution">voted to replace Pinochet's constitution</a>.
The process of drafting a new constitution will be contentious.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Rechargeable_batteries)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Rechargeable_batteries)">Rechargeable batteries</a>)
<p>

Throwing rechargeable batteries into ordinary trash can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/26/zombie-batteries-causing-hundreds-of-waste-fires-experts-warn">start fires</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Silencing_garment_workers_in_Burma)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Silencing_garment_workers_in_Burma)">Silencing garment workers in Burma</a>)
<p>

*How Covid-19 laws are being used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/26/thrown-to-the-wolves-how-covid-19-laws-are-being-used-to-silence-garment-workers">silence garment workers</a> in Burma.*
<p>
Australia is also gratuitously repressing protests with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_July_2020_(Banning_protest_for_public_health)">Covid-19 as the excuse</a>, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#7_September_2020_(UK_thugs_arrest_extinction_rebellion_protesters)">so is the UK</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Population_declines_for_insectivorous_birds)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Population_declines_for_insectivorous_birds)">Population declines for insectivorous birds</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/26/nine-insect-eating-bird-species-in-amazon-in-sharp-decline-scientists-find">Population declines</a> for insectivorous birds in the Amazon hint at
a big drop in the insect population, even far from civilization.
<p>
This could be very dangerous.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Islamist_bullying's_veiled_threat_to_France)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Islamist_bullying's_veiled_threat_to_France)">Islamist bullying's veiled threat to France</a>)
<p>

Islamist bullying's veiled threat to France: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/muslim-backlash-against-macron-gathers-pace-after-police-raids">refusing to yield to
censorship demands is "unwise"</a>.
<p>
People have a right to practice their religions, or other cultural
practices, but that does not convey the right to gag criticism, satire
or mockery of those practices.
<p>
It can be painful to stand up against bullies, but what is truly
unwise is to yield to them.  Vive la France !  A bas la répression
Islamiste !

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Freedom-corroding_ebooks)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Freedom-corroding_ebooks)">Freedom-corroding ebooks</a>)
<p>

A British librarian swells with pride at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/lockdown-plot-twist-libraries-needed-ebooks">increased provision of
freedom-corroding ebooks</a> to readers.
<p>
Isn't it a pity that they are not aware that they are helping to
<a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">subjugate people</a>.  That is true for most librarians in the US, too.
<p>
You can help educate them by bringing up this issue when offered an
ebook "loan" &mdash; and then say, "Rather than accept the injustice of a
commercial ebook, I'll wait till I can borrow a physical copy."

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(France_standing_up_to_Muslim_government_censor_demands)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(France_standing_up_to_Muslim_government_censor_demands)">France standing up to Muslim government censor demands</a>)
<p>

Bravo to France for standing firm against bullying from some Muslim
governments that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/france-islamic-end-boycott-french-goods-macron-muhammad-cartoons">demand France censor</a> using criteria they would impose.
<p>
The murdered teacher was not, as it happens, endorsing the
controversial cartoons' mocking of Mohammed; he said explicitly that
they were examples for a discussion of freedom of speech.  To murder
people for mockery would be an outrage, but he was murdered for
disobedience to would-be tyranny.  He deserves the medal he was
posthumously given.
<p>
France is not entirely consistent in its defense of freedom of speech.
It prohibits stating certain opinions on some historical questions,
such as whether Turkey carried out a genocide of the Armenians.  Since
I am not in France, I can freely say that I believe it did.  But
people in France, whatever their views on the question, cannot speak
freely about it.
<p>
Even though the view permitted by France agrees with the view I freely
hold, I follow the late <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/hrant-dink.html">Hrant Dink</a>
in rebuking France for prohibiting views
that disagree with his view (which is also mine).  France ought to
repeal that law.
<p>
France's censorship also includes <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#15_March_2013_(Activist_mocks_Sarkozy_gets_criminal_conviction)">criminalizing insults against
officials</a> (even mild ones). That too is wrong.
<p>
These flaws do not detract from the exemplary importance of France's
resistance to the decades-long global Islamist censorship bullying
campaign.  You don't need to be perfect to be a hero for a good cause.
<p>
You also don't have to try to threaten or <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> others
to be a good Muslim, or at least so say millions of Muslims.
<p>
If you dislike statements that criticize or mock certain views, you
don't have to make them, or look at them.  But anyone that tries to
impose censorship on people, or countries, is fighting against
everyone's freedom.
<p>
In the end, the tyranny of "you may not offend us" is hardly different
from any other tyranny.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Arbitrarily_labeling_people_as_terrorists)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Arbitrarily_labeling_people_as_terrorists)">Arbitrarily labeling people as "terrorists"</a>)
<p>

Amartya Sen reports on India's practice of arbitrarily labeling people
as "terrorists" and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/26/india-autocracy-nonviolent-protest-resistance">putting them in prison without trial</a>.
Ironically, people who are committed to Gandhian nonviolent
resistance are especially likely to be called "terrorists".
<p>
Sen eplains that authoritarian governments tend to equate
"anti-government" with "anti-national".

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Pope_Francis'_maskless_meetings)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Pope_Francis'_maskless_meetings)">Pope Francis' maskless meetings</a>)
<p>

Pope Francis is setting a bad example on one issue, by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/pope-francis-criticised-for-rarely-wearing-face-mask-covid">holding
maskless meetings</a>.
<p>
I agree that he should set a good example by insisting that everyone
wear masks.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(European_support_for_right-wing_populist_beliefs)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(European_support_for_right-wing_populist_beliefs)">European support for right-wing "populist" beliefs</a>)
<p>

*European support for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/european-support-for-populist-beliefs-falls-yougov-survey-suggests">[right-wing "populist"] beliefs falls</a>, YouGov
survey suggests.*
<p>
Let's not forget that the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#8_September_2011_(Populist_Uprising)">original populists</a> campaigned to increase
people's democratic control over government, which had important
achievements.
<p>
Let's reclaim that word for its original meaning.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Paid_Family_Leave_by_Ballot_Measure)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Paid_Family_Leave_by_Ballot_Measure)">Paid Family Leave by Ballot Measure</a>)
<p>

*Colorado Voters Could Be <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/26/colorado-paid-family-leave-vote-ballot/">First to Pass</a> Paid Family Leave by Ballot Measure.*
<p>
The state will pay the worker on leave, so people who have been compelled
to be "independent contractors" won't be left out.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Urgent:_Ban_use_of_tear_gas_in_peacetime)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Urgent:_Ban_use_of_tear_gas_in_peacetime)">Urgent: Ban use of tear gas in peacetime</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to cosponsor AOC's bill to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/ban-tear-gas-in-the-us">ban
use of tear gas in peacetime</a>.

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

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_Nestle_to_give_water_sources_back)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_Nestle_to_give_water_sources_back)">Urgent: Call on Nestle to give water sources back</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on Nestle to <a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/sign/nestles-troubled-waters/">give some US water sources back to the
public</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_October_2020_(Very_Urgent:_Join_a_protect_the_results_rally)" />28 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_October_2020_(Very_Urgent:_Join_a_protect_the_results_rally)">Very Urgent: Join a "protect the results rally"</a>)
<p>

US citizens: join a "protect the results" rally
on Nov 4, the day after election day.  The aim is to
demonstrate that the American people will not tolerate
discarding the results of the election.
<p>
The official protest organizing site doesn't let visitors find the
places and times of rallies without running nonfree Javascript code.  But
<a href="https://cadence.moe/misc/protect-the-results">this page</a>
presents all the necessary information without any Javascript.
It is in alphabetical order by two-letter state code;
within each state, events are listed in numeric order by zip code.
<p>
The page initially contained some "virtual events."
There is no way to participate in those in the Free World,
so I hope they will be deleted.
<p>
To understand why this issue is important, watch this <a href="fsf.org/tedx">14-minute video</a>
about the injustice of nonfree software, then read this article about how
that issue applies to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">Javascript code</a> sent by web sites.
<p>
I would like to ask the protest organizers to fix their site so as not
to require Javascript, which can be done simply by making a link to
the page that I have linked to, but I know of no way to contact them.
If you can contact them, please ask them to take a look at this
and to make their site freedom-accessible &mdash; next time, at least.
      
<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Decriminalization_framework)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Decriminalization_framework)">Decriminalization framework</a>)
<p>
The Drug Policy Alliance presents <a href="https://www.drugpolicy.org/resource/dismantling-federal-drug-war-comprehensive-drug-decriminalization-framework-drug-policy">its framework for decriminalization
of possession of drugs</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Postal_Service_contract)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Postal_Service_contract)">Postal Service contract</a>)
<p>
*[The US] Postal Service <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/24/epic-level-corruption-postal-service-quietly-awards-5-million-contract-dejoys-former">Quietly Awards $5 Million Contract
to DeJoy's Former Company</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Corporate_criminal_and_NPR)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Corporate_criminal_and_NPR)">Corporate criminal and NPR</a>)
<p>
*The corporate criminal element has infused NPR
   with millions of dollars of donations.*  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/24/npr-and-corporate-criminal-element">And it shows</a>.

<p>
I got fed up with NPR in the 1990s when I repeatedly heard one of All
Things Considered's main commentators attack Bill Clinton <em>from the
right</em>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Waiting_for_convoy_to_pass_by)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Waiting_for_convoy_to_pass_by)">Waiting for convoy to pass by</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/undecided-voter-silently-crouching-inside-drain-pipe-as-1845127570">satire</a>) *local undecided
   voter Jeff McNealy reportedly crouched inside a concrete drain pipe
   Thursday and remained completely silent as he waited for a convoy of
   political analysts and reporters to pass by on the road above.*


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Salary_cap)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Salary_cap)">Salary cap</a>)
<p>
Proposing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/out-uk-bold-pay-prescription-post-trump-america">a salary cap for executives</a>.

<p>
This is more complicated than it seems, because executives get paid
through bonuses and stock options, and through jacking up the stock
price on the shares they own.  A serious scheme needs to deal with all
of those.

<p>
Is a salary cap better than a 90% tax bracket?


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Hiding_for_recognizing_the_coup)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Hiding_for_recognizing_the_coup)">Hiding for recognizing the coup</a>)
<p>
There is still a tendency in major US newspapers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/25/after-socialist-victory-bolivia-media-still-whitewash-coup">to hide from recognizing
the ouster of President Morales, a year ago, as a coup</a>.

<p>
That may relate to support for the coup from powerful elements in the
US &mdash; whoever got the OAS to make a hasty and flawed claim of election
fraud.  This was done so well <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_(Morales_resignation)">that at first I didn't realize it was
false</a>.

<p>
Then I saw an article which explained the election system and results
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_(Morales_election)">and showed there was no fraud</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Tax_avoiding)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Tax_avoiding)">Tax avoiding</a>)
<p>
*Big tech accused of avoiding $2.8bn in tax <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/26/big-tech-accused-of-avoiding-28bn-in-tax-to-poorest-countries">to poorest countries</a>.*

<p>
That is in addition to the far larger amount of tax cheating that they
do to countries full of billionaire wealth, such as the US.
All of these countries suffer <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">from a lack of funds for governments
to use for important purposes</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Law_on_student_debts)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Law_on_student_debts)">Law on student debts</a>)
<p>
The laws that stop Americans from escaping unpayable student debts
don't cover the 9% or so which are uninsured predatory high-interest
private loans, and <a href="https://abovethelaw.com/2020/10/how-the-bankruptcy-code-protects-lenders-and-harms-student-debtors-and-what-one-lawyer-is-doing-about-it/">these are especially likely to wreck Americans'
lives</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Foxconn's_con)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Foxconn's_con)">Foxconn's con</a>)
<p>
The conman's deal with Foxconn to "create jobs" in Wisconsin
<a href="https://www.theverge.com/21507966/foxconn-empty-factories-wisconsin-jobs-loophole-trump">was a con from the beginning</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Protest_against_thug_squad)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Protest_against_thug_squad)">Protest against thug squad</a>)
<p>
Nigerians are protesting to demand justice <a href="https://www.themarysue.com/endsars-what-it-means-protesting-in-nigeria/">against a special thug squad
that has "turned into banditry."</a>


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Sanctions)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Sanctions)">Sanctions</a>)
<p>
*Sanctions punished the Sudanese people, not their rulers. The US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/25/sudan-rewarded-revolution-blackmail-sanctions-us-compensation">extracting compensation is one more hypocritical act</a>.*

<p>
It reminds me of the indemnity that Haiti <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#16_May_2015_(Frances_debt_to_Haiti)">had to pay to France
for its independence</a>.
  Placing sanctions on a country is not the same thing as a claim to
rule a country as a colony, but the resemblance is there nonetheless.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(From_protest_to_strike)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(From_protest_to_strike)">From protest to strike</a>)
<p>
Protesters in Belarus are not giving up, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/belarus-peoples-ultimatum-protest-met-with-violent-police-crackdown">say that their next step
is a national strike</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Covid-19_patents)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Covid-19_patents)">Covid-19 patents</a>)
<p>
Amnesty International criticizes governments for blocking a proposal
in the World Trade Organization <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/wto-states-waiver-trade-rules-for-covid19-vaccine/">to waive patents on treatment for
Covid-19</a>.
  The governments which opposed it are evidently under the power of
plutocracy.

<p>
Approving that proposal would have been a step forward, but the WTO's
patent rules are unjust all the time &mdash; for poor countries especially, <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">but
ultimately for all countries</a>.

<p>
The parts of the TRIPES agreement (Trade-Restricting Impediments to
Production, Education and Science) concerning copyrights and patents
ought to be abolished.


<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Latest_slogan)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Latest_slogan)">Latest slogan</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's latest slogan:<br/>
Make America a Grave Again.

<p>
<li><a name="27_October_2020_(Taking_away_right_to_challenge_bureaucrats)"/>27 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_October_2020_(Taking_away_right_to_challenge_bureaucrats)">Taking away right to challenge bureaucrats</a>)
<p>
The Tories want to take away people's right <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/26/restricting-judicial-review-undermine-democracy-panel-law-society">to challenge bureaucrats'
decisions by going to court</a>.

<p>
That way, a bureaucrat could shaft you illegally and you'd be screwed.



<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Splitting_states)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Splitting_states)">Splitting states</a>)
<p>
If Democrats win, they should quickly rebalance the Senate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/25/donald-trump-supreme-court-amy-coney-barrett-senate-joe-biden-democrats-republicans">by splitting
the populous states</a>.

<p>
Dare I suggest merging some of the states of low population?


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Ban_on_nuclear_weapons)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Ban_on_nuclear_weapons)">Ban on nuclear weapons</a>)
<p>
50 countries have signed the UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/25/treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-made-official-with-50th-un-signatory">making the treaty officially valid</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Disregarding_court_order)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Disregarding_court_order)">Disregarding court order</a>)
<p>
Portland antiracist/antifascist protesters have asked a court to
declare the city in contempt for disregarding a court order <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/25/portland-reckons-with-police-violence-on-protesters-after-months-of-unrest/">not to use
various sometimes-maiming weapons against the protesters</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Pro-pesticide_groups_shaping_oversight)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Pro-pesticide_groups_shaping_oversight)">Pro-pesticide groups shaping oversight</a>)
<p>
*Documents: Powerful Pro-Pesticide Groups Shaped U.S. Push <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/24/documents-powerful-pro-pesticide-groups-shaped-us-push-weaken-international">to Weaken
International Oversight of Medically Important Antibiotics</a>.*

<p>
Use of antibiotics in agriculture breeds resistance to
antibiotics, which has the potential to kill millions of people.
Resistant bacteria may kill you or me.

<p>
But what do pesticide companies care?  There will still be plenty
of people who want food to eat.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Universal_mask-wearing)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Universal_mask-wearing)">Universal mask-wearing</a>)
<p>
*Universal Mask-Wearing [in the US] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/universal-mask-wearing-would-save-nearly-130000-lives-spring-2021-study-finds">Would Save Nearly 130,000 Lives by
Spring 2021, Study Finds</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Harassment_in_bathrooms)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Harassment_in_bathrooms)">Harassment in bathrooms</a>)
<p>
It appears that trans women do not ever harass anyone in women's
bathrooms, but there are several cases where trans women (and cis
women erroneously taken for trans) <a href="https://www.vox.com/2016/5/18/11690234/women-bathrooms-harassment">have been harassed or even attacked
by people who object to their presence in women's bathrooms</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Thugs_with_dogs)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Thugs_with_dogs)">Thugs with dogs</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> equipped with dogs are especially dangerous to people they
encounter, especially people who are black and male.  <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/22/a-year-long-investigation-into-the-unaccountable-police-brutality-of-k9-units.html">Once a dog
attacks, it can easily maim</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Armed_men_hired_by_campaign)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Armed_men_hired_by_campaign)">Armed men hired by campaign</a>)
<p>
*Armed men outside St. Petersburg polling place <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/22/armed-men-guarding-st-petersburg-polling-place-said-trump-campaign-hired-them.html">said [the wrecker's]
campaign hired them</a>.*

<p>
The official campaign organization claims not to have hired them.  It
might be lying, as usual.  Or perhaps that is true in a narrow sense,
if they were hired by one of his unofficial campaign organizations.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Totalitarian_tracking_systems)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Totalitarian_tracking_systems)">Totalitarian tracking systems</a>)
<p>
US schools and companies <a href="https://mashable.com/article/privacy-in-the-age-of-coronavirus/">setting up totalitarian tracking systems already</a>.

<p>
Students are already organizing to fight them.  Fight hard &mdash; this will
make the difference between freedoms and tyranny.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Faux_News_and_the_New_York_Post)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Faux_News_and_the_New_York_Post)">Faux News and the New York Post</a>)
<p>
Faux News and the New York Post are owned <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/24/fox-news-murdoch-family-media/">by the same plutocratist
supporters of extremists, and they work together</a>.

<p>
*New York Post Insiders <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/10/new-york-post-insiders-slag-flimsy-hunter-biden-stories.html">Slag ‘Very Flimsy’ Hunter Biden Stories</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(A_gap_in_the_defense_of_freedom)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(A_gap_in_the_defense_of_freedom)">A gap in the defense of freedom</a>)
<p>
Ira Glasser, former head of the ACLU, warns that the ACLU today has
retreated from its defense of free speech for all views.  This leaves
a gap in the defense of freedom, <a href="https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/02/14/the-aclu-would-not-take-the-skokie-case-today/">just as plutocratists are even more
powerful and ready to exploit that gap</a>.

<p>
The US should provide good medical care to everyone, including the
poor.  I advocate a universal national medical system, recently often
called "Medicare for all."  I don't praise <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#28_November_2013_(The_Real_Fix_for_Obamacares_Flaws)">Obama's weak system much</a>,
  but it is better than nothing, so I am glad that lawyers work to
defend it.  But it should not be the ACLU that does that legal work;
some other organization that focuses on the rights of poor people to
government aid should do that.

<p>
The ACLU's defense of Obama's medical insurance program is an instance
of what I call "unionality" &mdash; where an organization that was set up
to focus on one particular cause starts to support various other
causes because the same people tend to support them.  If you judge by
the short term, it may seem great to have additional organizations
supporting all the causes you favor.  In the long term, it risks
alienating the supporters of one cause who disagree with the other
causes.

<p>
The article contains a powerful presentation of why anyone who
wishes to change an unjust system needs freedom of speech, and would
be a fool not to defend it to the utmost.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Leak_debate)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Leak_debate)">Leak debate</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-threatens-to-leak-debate-video-online-if-moderato-1845455374">satire</a>) *Trump Threatens To Leak Debate Video Online If Moderator Keeps Asking Unfair
Questions.*


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Cabinet_post)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Cabinet_post)">Cabinet post</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/miffed-biden-warns-trump-s-undignified-behavior-could-c-1845455528">satire</a>) *Miffed Biden Warns Trump’s Undignified Behavior Could Cost Him Cabinet Post.*


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Term_limits_for_Supreme_Court)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Term_limits_for_Supreme_Court)">Term limits for Supreme Court</a>)
<p>
*Constitutional Law Experts Endorse Democrats' Bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/constitutional-law-experts-endorse-democrats-bill-create-18-year-term-limits-supreme">to Create 18-Year Term
Limits for Supreme Court Justices</a>.*

<p>
In the long term, this might be an improvement, but I like better the
ideas for making appointments non-partisan.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(War_on_Terror)"/>26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(War_on_Terror)">War on Terror</a>)
<p>
*Only a Reckoning With the Disastrous Legacy of the So-called 'War on Terror'
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/only-reckoning-disastrous-legacy-so-called-war-terror-can-heal-united-states">Can Heal the United States</a>.*

<p>
The domestic political dysfunction mentioned in the article is, I
contend, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#21_April_2011_(Moyers_On_Plutocracy)">plutocracy</a>
                    and its consequences &mdash; and the imperialist
militarism of the past 20 years is one of those consequences.



<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Greenhouse_emissions_from_ships)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Greenhouse_emissions_from_ships)">Greenhouse emissions from ships</a>)
<p>
An international meeting intended to reduce greenhouse emissions from
ships is considering
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/23/green-groups-condemn-proposals-to-cut-shipping-emissions">rules
so weak that they would do harm</a> (by pretending that the issue was
being addressed).

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Blacks_in_Chicago_more_likely_to_catch_Covid-19_than_whites)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Blacks_in_Chicago_more_likely_to_catch_Covid-19_than_whites)">Blacks in Chicago more likely to catch Covid-19 than whites</a>)
<p>
On the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/covid-19-battering-black-chicagoans">factors
that cause blacks in Chicago to be more likely to catch Covid-19 than
whites</a>, and more likely to die from it once they get it.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Sri_Lankas_president_changing_constitution)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Sri_Lankas_president_changing_constitution)">Sri Lanka's president changing constitution</a>)
<p>
Sri Lanka's president is changing the constitution to give the
president
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaska-parliament-reforms">power
over all activities of the government</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(The_spread_of_Covid-19)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(The_spread_of_Covid-19)">The spread of Covid-19</a>)
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/coronavirus-half-a-million-deaths-study-forecasts">Half
a million Americans could die of Covid by end of February</a>, study
forecasts.*
<p>
If Biden wins the presidency, I suppose he will try to curb the spread
of Covid-19, but it would take till the end of February for this to
have much effect.
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/22/trump-seniors-drop-dead">Trump
to Seniors: Drop Dead</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Young_Thais_demand_freedom_of_speech)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Young_Thais_demand_freedom_of_speech)">Young Thais demand freedom of speech</a>)
<p>
Young Thais demand freedom of speech, even
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/23/young-protesters-monarchy-thailand-freedom-of-speech">the
freedom to criticize the monarch</a>.  In their protests, they defy
extreme repressive threats such as life in prison for some kinds of
nonviolent protests.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Impunity_for_War_Criminals,_War_on_Whistleblowers)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Impunity_for_War_Criminals,_War_on_Whistleblowers)">Impunity for War Criminals, War on Whistleblowers</a>)
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/22/10-years-after-iraq-war-logs-its-impunity-war-criminals-war-whistleblowers">10
Years After Iraq War Logs</a>, It's Impunity for War Criminals, War on
Whistleblowers.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Pharma_billionaires_set_up_for_Covid-19_payday)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Pharma_billionaires_set_up_for_Covid-19_payday)">Pharma billionaires set up for Covid-19 payday</a>)
<p>
*Trump Sets Up Pharma Billionaires for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/23/trump-covid-19-pharma-regeneron-coronavirus-treatment/">Coronavirus
Payday</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Environmental_activist_Ntshangase_assassinated)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Environmental_activist_Ntshangase_assassinated)">Environmental activist Ntshangase assassinated</a>)
<p>
Fikile Ntshangase, an activist
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/south-african-environmental-activist-shot-dead-in-her-home">campaigning
against extension of a coal mine in South Africa</a>, was assassinated
by a team of four killers.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(BIBO:_company_reports_tweets_to_thugs)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(BIBO:_company_reports_tweets_to_thugs)">BIBO: company reports tweets to thugs</a>)
<p>
The company Dataminr tries to scan all posted tweets to find anything
suggestive of possible violent intent, and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/21/dataminr-twitter-surveillance-racial-profiling/">report
it to the thugs</a>.
<p>
Contrary to its name, the company doesn't seem to do this by data
mining.  Instead it hires a lot of people to make off-the-cuff
judgments, which naturally reflect racist presuppositions and generate
biased results.  (I call this phenomenon
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bibo">BIBO</a>, for "Bias
In, Bias Out.")
<p>
Identifying "gang members" by questionable criteria has a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jul-oct.html#23_October_2012_(Solitary_confinement_in_California)">long
and horrible history in California prisons</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Abortions_in_Poland)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Abortions_in_Poland)">Abortions in Poland</a>)
<p>

Poland has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-24/polish-court-ruling-amounts-to-almost-total-ban-on-abortion/12809234">almost completely banned abortions</a>.
<p>
Right-wing extremists have basically taken over the country.
<p>
*Thousands join <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/thousands-join-poland-protests-against-strict-abortion-laws">Poland protests</a> against strict abortion laws.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Better_antitrust_enforcement)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Better_antitrust_enforcement)">Better antitrust enforcement</a>)
<p>

Better antitrust enforcement <a href="https://promarket.org/2020/10/19/antitrust-as-economic-stimulus-competition-help-workers/">creates an economic stimulus</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Big_banks_siphon_billions_out_of_US_states)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Big_banks_siphon_billions_out_of_US_states)">Big banks siphon billions out of US states</a>)
<p>

Big banks siphon billions out of US states and cities by <a href="media/2e337995.CancelWallStreet_4-Sep2020.pdf" data-original-source="https://acrecampaigns.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CancelWallStreet_4-Sep2020.pdf">underwriting
their bonds</a>.  The Federal Reserve could eliminate this drain by
lending to the states and cities directly.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Proctorio_silencing_someone_who_criticized_its_software)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Proctorio_silencing_someone_who_criticized_its_software)">Proctorio silencing someone who criticized its software</a>)
<p>

Proctorio is using a lawsuit to <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/7k9zjy/an-exam-surveillance-company-is-trying-to-silence-critics-with-lawsuits">silence someone</a> who criticized its
software. The company claims that its training videos are
"confidential information".
<p>
This dispute doesn't even the deepest issue here: that the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">software is nonfree</a>, which is itself an injustice, and that it snoops on the student who runs it.  It is sad to see
people treat that as normal and surrender to it.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Workers_can_help_defeat_a_Trump_coup)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Workers_can_help_defeat_a_Trump_coup)">Workers can help defeat a Trump coup</a>)
<p>

*How Workers Can Help <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/how-workers-can-help-defeat-trump-coup">Defeat a Trump Coup</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(youtube-dl)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(youtube-dl)">youtube-dl</a>)
<p>

The RIAA, which represents the unjust power of the three big record
companies, has made Github <a href="https://9to5google.com/2020/10/23/youtube-dl-github-riaa-takedown/">delete the source of youtube-dl</a>.
<p>
They won't be able to wipe it out, though.

<p>
I think this takedown notice was invalid, because youtube-dl is not
mainly used to do forbidden copying.  It downloads things that are
publicly available on youtube, and the benefit it provides is to do
that without running the unjust nonfree software that youtube tries to
send to the user's browser.


<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Conspiracy_cultists)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Conspiracy_cultists)">Conspiracy cultists</a>)
<p>

Thousands of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/police-disperse-fourth-anti-lockdown-march-in-london">conspiracy cultists marched in London</a>, trying to make
each other sick and endangering passersby as well by not wearing masks.
<p>
I would sympathize to some extent with their objections to rigid
lockdown rules, but they made it clear that we cannot trust them to
exercise good judgment to avoid spreading disease.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/cross-border-toilet-trips-at-chester-cinema-fall-foul-of-welsh-covid-rules">Here's an example</a> of the absurd rigidity with which the UK handles the
matter of avoiding transmission.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Culture_wars)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Culture_wars)">Culture wars</a>)
<p>

*‘Culture wars’ are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/24/culture-wars-are-fought-by-tiny-minority-uk-study">fought by tiny minority</a> &dash; UK study.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Republicans_and_labor_unions)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Republicans_and_labor_unions)">Republicans and labor unions</a>)
<p>

*Why the Republican Party Wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/why-republican-party-wants-destroy-labor-unions">Destroy Labor Unions</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Spending_on_the_climate_crisis)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Spending_on_the_climate_crisis)">Spending on the climate crisis</a>)
<p>

*We spent $2 trillion to keep Americans afloat in the pandemic. Putting
a similar amount <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/remember-next-time-someone-says-green-economy-would-be-too-expensive">toward the climate crisis</a> could be even more
pragmatic.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Biden_talking_about_fossil_fuels)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Biden_talking_about_fossil_fuels)">Biden talking about fossil fuels</a>)
<p>

*Biden is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/joe-biden-finally-talking-about-fossil-fuels-thats-good-thing">Finally Talking About Fossil Fuels</a> &mdash; That's a Good Thing.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(The_bully's_latest_act_of_sabotage)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(The_bully's_latest_act_of_sabotage)">The bully's latest act of sabotage</a>)
<p>

The bully's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/23/quietly-signed-trump-order-denounced-declaration-war-against-federal-employees">latest act of sabotage</a>: claiming the power to arbitrarily
fire many federal employees &mdash; in effect forcing them to participate
in any sort of injustice or else quit.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(New_York's_Strand_bookstore)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(New_York's_Strand_bookstore)">New York's Strand bookstore</a>)
<p>

*New York's Strand bookstore <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/24/the-strand-bookstore-new-york-plea-for-help">appeals for help</a>.*
<p>
I visit the Strand every time I go to New York City.  But it may be a
long time before I got here again.  Wherever you live, please do not
buy from Amazon.  If you want to order a book, go to a local physical
bookstore to do it.
<p>
A local physical bookstore may even allow you to pay cash in advance
anonymously and take away a receipt to claim it later.  I did this in August
in the Boston area.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Increases_in_air_pollution_linked_to_rise_in_depression)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Increases_in_air_pollution_linked_to_rise_in_depression)">Increases in air pollution linked to rise in depression</a>)
<p>

*Small increases in air pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/24/small-increases-in-air-pollution-linked-to-rise-in-depression-finds-study">linked to rise in depression</a>, finds study.*

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Sunnis_in_Iraq)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Sunnis_in_Iraq)">Sunnis in Iraq</a>)
<p>

Half a million Sunnis in Iraq are still forced to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/24/the-militias-are-not-allowing-us-back-sunnis-languish-in-camps-years-after-recapture-of-mosul">live in refugee camps</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_October_2020_(Countries_who_kept_their_response_to_the_pandemic_in-house)" />26 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_October_2020_(Countries_who_kept_their_response_to_the_pandemic_in-house)">Countries who kept their response to the pandemic in-house</a>)
<p>

*Countries who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/24/efficient-private-sector-covid-pandemic-uk">kept their response to the pandemic in-house</a> have fared
much better.*

<p>
<li><a name="25_October_2020_(Democracy_lesson_from_Bolivia)" />25 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_October_2020_(Democracy_lesson_from_Bolivia)">Democracy lesson from Bolivia</a>)
<p>

*What Bolivia Can <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/what-bolivia-can-teach-united-states-about-democracy">Teach the United States About Democracy</a>.*
<p>
I wonder if Bolivia can prosecute Elon Musk and other people in the US
for backing the coup.  Even if we expect that Bolivia will never be able
to bring him to justice, this could teach the world a useful lesson.

<p>
<li><a name="25_October_2020_(Media_outlets_owned_by_Billionaires)" />25 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_October_2020_(Media_outlets_owned_by_Billionaires)">Media outlets owned by Billionaires</a>)
<p>

*Media Outlets Owned by Billionaires Very Quick to Tell Readers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/23/media-outlets-owned-billionaires-very-quick-tell-readers-taxing-rich-bad-idea">Taxing the
Rich Is Bad Idea</a>.*
<p>
Taxing the rich better must include changes in how transfer of
ownership, trusts, etc., affects the taxes to be paid.

<p>
<li><a name="25_October_2020_(Urgent:_Oregon_voters_support_measure_110)" />25 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_October_2020_(Urgent:_Oregon_voters_support_measure_110)">Urgent: Oregon voters support measure 110</a>)
<p>

Oregon voters: <a href="https://drugpolicyaction.org/oregon-measure-110/">support Measure 110</a>, which will decriminalize
all drugs.

<p>
<li><a name="25_October_2020_(Biden's_transition_from_the_oil_industry)" />25 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_October_2020_(Biden's_transition_from_the_oil_industry)">Biden's transition from the oil industry</a>)
<p>

Biden said he would "transition from the oil industry", then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/joe-biden-transition-from-oil-industry-rowing-back">later
said he didn't mean it</a>.
<p>
Since Massachusetts is not a swing state, I voted for Howie Hawkins
of the Green Party.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Right-wing_terrorism)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Right-wing_terrorism)">Right-wing terrorism</a>)
<p>
2/3 of the terrorist attacks and plots this year <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/white-supremacists-rightwing-domestic-terror-2020">were by right-wing
extremists</a>.

<p>
A right-wing extremist has just been charged <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/texas-boogaloo-boi-minneapolis-police-building-george-floyd">with travelling to Minneapolis
to carry out a false-flag attack</a>,
   burning a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department building.

<p>
He is not the first right-wing provocateur to be charged over violence
at Black Lives Matter protests this summer.  I wonder if we will find
that provocateurs were chiefly responsible for the violence.  They
fooled a lot of people, including me.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Voting_intimidation_plan)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Voting_intimidation_plan)">Voting intimidation plan</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-campaign-reminds-supporters-to-make-voting-intimi-1845439559">satire</a>) *Trump Campaign Reminds Supporters To Make Voting Intimidation Plan.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Financing_climate-wrecking_companies)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Financing_climate-wrecking_companies)">Financing climate-wrecking companies</a>)
<p>
*'Stop Financing Climate-Wrecking Companies': <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/stop-financing-climate-wrecking-companies-campaigners-light-earth-fire-outside">Campaigners Light Earth on Fire
Outside European Central Bank HQ</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Arrest_of_reporters)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Arrest_of_reporters)">Arrest of reporters</a>)
<p>
RSF: <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> have arrested TV reporters and fired rubber-coated steel
bullets at them, <a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/us-rsf-remains-deeply-concerned-journalists-safety-run-historic-election">showing not the slightest bit of shame over these
crimes</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Voter_intimidation)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Voter_intimidation)">Voter intimidation</a>)
<p>
Suing the bully and other officials <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/21/citing-pattern-violently-suppressing-opposition-sabotaging-free-and-fair">for illegal voter intimidation</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Revenge_budget_cut)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Revenge_budget_cut)">Revenge budget cut</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> is considering budget cuts for medical programs in cities,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/vote-these-monsters-out-trump-officials-weigh-deep-funding-cuts-covid-19-relief">because people there don't support him</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Bill_to_protect_oceans)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Bill_to_protect_oceans)">Bill to protect oceans</a>)
<p>
A bill to protect US ocean areas from many causes of damage,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/20/new-blueprint-our-oceans-would-be-sea-change-marine-habitats-and-climate-change">and rebuild damaged ecosystems</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Annoyed_thugs)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Annoyed_thugs)">Annoyed thugs</a>)
<p>
Boston <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> felt annoyed by the antifascist woman who squeezed a
little rubber piggy towards them.  They tried to get her fired, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/20/business/boston-police-patrolmens-union-apologizes-after-posting-about-local-restaurant-ex-employee-twitter/">by
suggesting people boycott her employer because of her</a>.

<p>
They pusillanimously asserted that they were not calling for a
boycott, merely suggesting the possibility of not buying from there
because of her.  The difference is too subtle for me.

<p>
Then the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> found out she had not worked there for years.  Oops.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Meatpacking_and_Covid)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Meatpacking_and_Covid)">Meatpacking and Covid</a>)
<p>
*Here's How Meatpacking Corporations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/22/heres-how-meatpacking-corporations-could-protect-workers-covid-19-and-what-theyre">Could Protect Workers From COVID-19—and
What They're Doing Instead</a>.*

<p>
We should not allow so much concentration in that industry, or any
other industry.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Sick_of_specter)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Sick_of_specter)">Sick of specter</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://entertainment.theonion.com/psychic-already-sick-of-spectral-james-randi-ragging-on-1845453086">satire</a>) *&hellip; local psychic Rosemary Shanley confirmed Thursday she
   was already sick of James Randi’s specter haunting her place of
   business and ragging on her from the afterlife.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Pumpkin_slaughter)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Pumpkin_slaughter)">Pumpkin slaughter</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/farmer-s-child-forced-to-slaughter-pumpkin-they-spent-s-1845426805">satire</a>) *&hellip; local farmer’s child Owen Morrison, 10, was reportedly
   forced Thursday to slaughter a pumpkin he had spent all season
   caring for.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Supreme_suppression)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Supreme_suppression)">Supreme suppression</a>)
<p>
The Supreme Court decided for voter suppression when it blocked
polling places in Alabama <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/22/forcing-vulnerable-alabama-choose-between-voting-and-staying-alive-scotus-upholds">from collecting ballots from people
waiting near the door in their cars</a>.

<p>
This voter-suppression measure originated from state officials who
ordered that no county in Alabama could do this.  A lower court
blocked the order; the Supreme Court reinstated it.

<p>
This will affect white voters as well as black voters.  However, the
Republican Party is now a mad cult, so Republican voters may refuse
to believe that there is any danger.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Taiwan's_civic_platform)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Taiwan's_civic_platform)">Taiwan's civic platform</a>)
<p>
Taiwan's civic platform, g0v, is effective at helping the people
make important policy decisions.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/taiwan-civic-hackers-polis-consensus-social-media-platform">It helps people come to agreement</a>.

<p>
The software it runs on is free/libre.


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Can't_afford_worry)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Can't_afford_worry)">Can't afford worry</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/doctor-informs-patient-weird-lump-on-neck-nothing-he-ca-1845416103">satire</a>) *Dr. Ron Craig informed patient Tom Stossel Wednesday that the
   weird lump that appeared on his neck in July was in fact nothing he can
   afford to worry about.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Prohibition_of_drugs)"/>24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Prohibition_of_drugs)">Prohibition of drugs</a>)
<p>
The DEA proposes to eliminate the crime caused by prohibition of drugs
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/deas-project-safeguard-latest-salvo-failed-us-war-drugs">by more vigorous enforcement of the prohibition of drugs</a>.
  Some drugs degrade and damage whoever uses them, and should not
exist, but trying to wipe them out by repression <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jul-oct.html#16 October 2007 (UK police chief advocates end to prohibition of drugs)">causes more harm than
the drugs themselves</a>.

<p>
This, by the way, is the reason I do not advocate simple blanket
prohibition of nonfree software.  It is corrupting, harmful and
subjugating, and should not exist &mdash; but trying to enforce prohibition
of attractive things which are harmful tends to amount to repression.



<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Helping_employees_avoid_catching_Covid-19)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Helping_employees_avoid_catching_Covid-19)">Helping employees avoid catching Covid-19</a>)
<p>

The Australian state of Victoria will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/23/victoria-to-conduct-covert-surveillance-of-businesses-to-ensure-covid-compliance">investigate employers with a view to punishing</a> those that if they fail to help employees avoid
catching Covid-19.
<p>
If the state really does this, it will be an admirable contrast
with all the governments that allow employers to pressure their workers
to spread disease.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(San_Quentin_prison_population)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(San_Quentin_prison_population)">San Quentin prison population</a>)
<p>

*California must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/california-san-quentin-prison-population-court-covid">cut San Quentin prison population</a> amid pandemic, court rules.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(The_first_organized_anti-fascists)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(The_first_organized_anti-fascists)">The first organized anti-fascists</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/oct/22/the-contested-legacy-of-the-anti-fascist-international-brigades">first organized anti-fascists fought in Spain</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Indigenous_workers_in_Western_Australia)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Indigenous_workers_in_Western_Australia)">Indigenous workers in Western Australia</a>)
<p>

Indigenous workers in Western Australia worked for wages, but Western
Australia <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-19/wa-government-faces-class-action-over-stolen-wages/12737046">kept their wages</a>, so it was effectively slavery.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Americans_could_save_energy_costs_by_switching_to_renewable_energy)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Americans_could_save_energy_costs_by_switching_to_renewable_energy)">Americans could save energy costs by switching to renewable energy</a>)
<p>

Americans could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/22/us-renewable-energy-costs-savings-study-report">save up to $321bn in energy costs</a> by switching to
renewable energy, including for cars and heating buildings. Plus trillions from all the unnatural disasters that this will avoid.
<p>
However, it is not the case that we can do with a smaller electrical
grid just by installing rooftop solar on all buildings.  Houses will
still need the grid for times when the region is dark or cloudy.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Labeled_antisemitic_for_criticizing_Israel's_occupation_of_Palestine)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Labeled_antisemitic_for_criticizing_Israel's_occupation_of_Palestine)">Labeled "antisemitic" for criticizing Israel's occupation of Palestine</a>)
<p>

The numskull is considering labeling Amnesty, Oxfam and Human Rights
Watch as "antisemitic" because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/donald-trump-considers-labelling-rights-groups-antisemitic-criticism-israel">they have criticized Israel's
occupation of Palestine</a>. If the numskull does this, it will be so absurd that only his
hard-core supporters will believe it.
<p>
Please, numskull, do it!
These bogus accusations, which have typically been made against
individuals and weak, obscure organizations, will cease to be
plausible and will become risible instead.
<p>
Please, everyone, don't campaign to stop this.  Let him fall into his
own trap first, and <em>then</em> criticize.
<p>
And let's limit accusations of antisemitism to people and organizations
that spread hatred of Jews.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Torture_used_to_make_Africans_sign_deportation_orders)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Torture_used_to_make_Africans_sign_deportation_orders)">Torture used to make Africans sign deportation orders</a>)
<p>

US deportation thugs *'used torture to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/22/us-ice-officers-allegedly-used-torture-to-make-africans-sign-own-deportation-orders">make Africans sign own
deportation orders</a>'.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Glitter_is_an_environmental_abomination)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Glitter_is_an_environmental_abomination)">Glitter is an environmental abomination</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/22/glitter-environment-microplastics-hazard">Glitter is an environmental abomination</a>. It's time to stop using it.*
<p>
We should do this with a comprehensive law designed to cut down
the production of plastic objects that cannot be feasibly recycled
or broken down.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(The_Arctic_Ocean_has_not_started_to_freeze)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(The_Arctic_Ocean_has_not_started_to_freeze)">The Arctic Ocean has not started to freeze</a>)
<p>

It's almost November and the Arctic Ocean has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/alarm-as-arctic-sea-ice-not-yet-freezing-at-latest-date-on-record">not started to freeze</a>!

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Human_rights_sanctions_against_Turkish_prosecutors)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Human_rights_sanctions_against_Turkish_prosecutors)">Human rights sanctions against Turkish prosecutors</a>)
<p>

*   Campaigners are seeking to use the UK’s Magnitsky-style human rights
sanctions against Turkish prosecutors and officials responsible for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/rights-group-seeks-uk-sanctions-stop-abuse-turkish-lawyers">arresting and imprisoning thousands of lawyers</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Mental_health_first_responder_units)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Mental_health_first_responder_units)">Mental health first responder units</a>)
<p>

A House bill proposes a step in defunding the police: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/20/proposal-katie-porter-house-dems-would-fund-mental-health-first-responders-reduce">federal funding
for "mental health first responder units."</a>
<p>
They would handle some 9-1-1 calls so that people who are upset, but
not dangerous, don't have to face armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who might get triggered
and pull the trigger.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Fracking_Ban's_'Risk'_to_the_Democrats)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Fracking_Ban's_'Risk'_to_the_Democrats)">Fracking Ban's 'Risk' to the Democrats</a>)
<p>

*Press Worries About a Fracking Ban’s <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/press-worries-about-fracking-bans-risk-democrats-not-frackings-threat-planet">'Risk' to Democrats—Not Fracking's
Threat to Planet</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(US_spending_on_incarceration)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(US_spending_on_incarceration)">US spending on incarceration</a>)
<p>

*The US Spends More Than <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/us-spends-more-80-billion-year-incarcerating-23-million-people">$80 Billion a Year Incarcerating 2.3 Million People</a>.*
Most of them could simply be released.
<p>
Many of them are in jail awaiting trial, and they entitled to vote, but
the system <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/denying-pre-trial-detainees-right-vote-must-stop">won't give them a way to vote</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Government_acts_and_appointments_made_under_the_conman)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Government_acts_and_appointments_made_under_the_conman)">Government acts and appointments made under the conman</a>)
<p>

Congress can, and should, pass <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/21/damnatio-memoriae-first-step-recovery-post-trump-america">a law cancelling all federal government
acts and appointments made under the conman</a>, with a specific list of exceptions of course.
<p>
This would get rid of all the extremist judges that the conman
appointed, without the need to impeach each one on specific grounds.

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Mainstream_Republicans)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Mainstream_Republicans)">Mainstream Republicans</a>)
<p>

*[The conman] had us thinking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/24/trump-mainstream-republicans-moderate-mitt-romney">mainstream Republicans were moderate</a>. How naive.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Pope_Francis_supports_civil_unions_for_same-sex_couples)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Pope_Francis_supports_civil_unions_for_same-sex_couples)">Pope Francis supports civil unions for same-sex couples</a>)
<p>

*Pope Francis Signals 'Historic' Shift for Catholic Church, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/pope-francis-signals-historic-shift-catholic-church-publicly-supporting-civil-unions">Publicly
Supporting Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples</a>.*
<p>
If only he would endorse abortion and birth control, I would have
little quarrel with the Catholic Church.  (Though that would not
constitute evidence for the existence of a supernatural entity.)

<p>
<li><a name="24_October_2020_(Google_will_provide_AI_to_US_border_thugs)" />24 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_October_2020_(Google_will_provide_AI_to_US_border_thugs)">Google will provide AI to US border thugs</a>)
<p>

Google will provide AI to the US border thugs for <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/21/google-cbp-border-contract-anduril/">total surveillance,
tracking and identification around the US border with Mexico</a>.
<p>
I have a hunch that this total tracking won't remain limited to areas close
to the border.  The US government, together with companies such as Anduril,
must be itching to apply it to the whole US territory.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Living_in_terror)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Living_in_terror)">Living in terror</a>)
<p>
*Pakistani Shias live in terror* &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/pakistani-shias-live-in-terror-as-sectarian-violence-increases">they may be lynched or executed by
the majority Sunnis</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Nuclear_deal)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Nuclear_deal)">Nuclear deal</a>)
<p>
*Even if Biden wins US election, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/even-if-biden-wins-us-election-time-is-running-out-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal">time is running out to save Iran
 nuclear deal</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Russian_spy_claims)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Russian_spy_claims)">Russian spy claims</a>)
<p>
*Trump’s false ‘Russian spy’ claims put me in danger, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/trumps-false-russian-spy-claims-put-me-in-danger-says-steele-dossier-source">says Steele dossier
source</a>.*

<p>
He claims that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s falsehoods wiped out his career and put his
life in danger.


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Assaults_on_migrants)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Assaults_on_migrants)">Assaults on migrants</a>)
<p>
*Croatian police accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/21/croatian-police-accused-of-sickening-assaults-on-migrants-on-balkans-trail-bosnia">'sickening' assaults on migrants on
 Balkans trail</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Catastrophic_failure_of_test_and_trace)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Catastrophic_failure_of_test_and_trace)">Catastrophic failure of test and trace</a>)
<p>
George Monbiot: *Bypassing the NHS and handing crucial services to
corporate executives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/government-covid-contracts-britain-nhs-corporate-executives-test-and-trace">has led to the catastrophic failure of test and
trace [in the UK]</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Discouraged_to_vote)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Discouraged_to_vote)">Discouraged to vote</a>)
<p>
A Republican official in Florida sent voters a confusing letter
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/florida-voting-changes-felony-convictions-drop-boxes">designed to discourage them from voting</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Socialist_party_victory)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Socialist_party_victory)">Socialist party victory</a>)
<p>
Analyzing the reasons for the Bolivian Socialist Party's victory, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/bolivian-left-election-win-covid-luis-arce-bolivia">and the challenges it must face now</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Mass_lead_poisoning)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Mass_lead_poisoning)">Mass lead poisoning</a>)
<p>
*Anglo American sued over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/anglo-american-sued-over-alleged-mass-lead-poisoning-of-children-in-zambia">alleged mass lead poisoning of children in Zambia</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Missing_parents)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Missing_parents)">Missing parents</a>)
<p>
Three years ago, obeying the orders of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>, the US rushed to
deport parents of 1030 children, without bothering to ask how to find
them again.  The children remained in the US.  Since then, the ACLU
has been trying to find their parents, but it has found parents of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/21/trump-separation-policy-545-children-parents-still-not-found">only 465 of the children</a>.
  That's the Department of Hatred and Sadism for you.

<p>
Some of those parents may have been killed &mdash; after all, they were
fleeing from the danger of violence.  Perhaps, as they died, they were
glad that they had sent their children to a place of safety.

<p>
But is it really a place of safety?  Will the US let them stay and
become citizens?  Or will it deport them when they get older to a
country they don't remember?


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Suing_acting_king)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Suing_acting_king)">Suing acting king</a>)
<p>
Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/jamal-khashoggi-fiancee-sues-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman">has sued the acting king of
Salafi Arabia and 28 henchmen in US court</a>.

<p>
The goal is to "compel US agencies and officials to disclose new
information about what happened to Khashoggi."


<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Subventions_without_requirements_for_the_environment)"/>22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Subventions_without_requirements_for_the_environment)">Subventions without requirements for the environment</a>)
<p>
The European Parliament continued its system of payments to farm owners
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/greta-thunberg-accuses-meps-of-surrender-on-climate-and-environment">with only weak requirements to make farms clean up their treatment of the
environment</a>.

    
<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(The_fatal_fire_in_a_London_public_housing_building)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(The_fatal_fire_in_a_London_public_housing_building)">The fatal fire in a London public housing building</a>)
<p>

The fatal fire in a large London public housing building was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/21/grenfell-fire-inquiry-landlord">caused by
bad design choices</a>, secretly and illegally made by the Tory-run local
council, which was aiming to save money at all costs.
<p>
The council was trying so hard to save money because of
squash-the-poor Tory policies.
<p>
Austerity kills in many ways, but usually it kills people one by one
and there is no inquiry into the specific causes.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Venezuelan_oil_tanker)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Venezuelan_oil_tanker)">Venezuelan oil tanker</a>)
<p>

The owners of a Venezuelan oil tanker have kept it near the coast
since Feb 2019 waiting for the US to let them pump the oil out.
If it leaks, it could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/19/amid-us-sanctions-venezuelan-oil-tanker-risk-spilling-13-million-barrels-and">kill a large part of the Caribbean Sea</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Facebook's_right-wing_bias)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Facebook's_right-wing_bias)">Facebook's right-wing bias</a>)
<p>

Facebook bent over backwards for right-wing sites, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/sensitive-claims-bias-facebook-relaxed-misinformation-rules-conservative-pages-n1236182">relaxing its rules
against misinformation</a> and thus implementing right-wing bias.
<p>
Right-wing extremists have learned to lie without a qualm.
That includes telling the lie that media are biased against them,
as a cynical means of pressuring media to shift to bias for them.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Drones_in_the_Mediterranean)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Drones_in_the_Mediterranean)">Drones in the Mediterranean</a>)
<p>

The EU will operate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/20/airbus-to-operate-drones-searching-for-migrants-crossing-the-mediterranean">drones in the Mediterranean</a> searching for refugees
in boats.
<p>
When the drone spots a boat full of people, it won't have guns to
shoot them with, but what will European countries do to them?

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_((satire)_Mail_the_government_a_$1,200_check)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_((satire)_Mail_the_government_a_$1,200_check)">(satire) Mail the government a $1,200 check</a>)
<p>

(satire) *New Stimulus Bill Would <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/new-stimulus-bill-would-require-all-americans-to-mail-g-1845426121">Require All Americans To Mail Government $1,200 Check</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(The_rise_of_carbon_dioxide_252_million_years_ago)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(The_rise_of_carbon_dioxide_252_million_years_ago)">The rise of carbon dioxide 252 million years ago</a>)
<p>

252 million years ago, *the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
set off a chain of events that successively <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/comprehensive-reconstruction-end-permian-mass-extinction-08965.html">extinguished almost all
life in the seas</a>.*
<p>
That rise of CO2, caused by a supervolcano in Siberia, was not
terribly fast.  We are now increasing the CO2 level 14 times as fast.
<p>
The article does not state an estimate for the peak atmospheric CO2
level in the end-Permian.  Can anyone find an estimate for that?
It would be interesting to compare that with where we are heading.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_((satire)_Jason_Momoa's_scene_double)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_((satire)_Jason_Momoa's_scene_double)">(satire) Jason Momoa's scene double</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Jason Momoa, star of the forthcoming Aquaman 2, told reporters
Monday he and the film’s producers had brought in a scene double to
<a href="https://entertainment.theonion.com/jason-momoa-brings-in-scene-double-for-challenging-faci-1845414172">help execute a particularly challenging facial expression</a> required of
his character.*

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(The_wrecker_spread_Covid-19_and_covered_up_how_it_spread)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(The_wrecker_spread_Covid-19_and_covered_up_how_it_spread)">The wrecker spread Covid-19 and covered up how it spread</a>)
<p>

The wrecker simultaneously acted to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/20/trump-called-mass-murderer-after-white-house-docs-show-he-lied-about-recent-covid-19">spread Covid-19 and cover up how
it was spreading</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Twitter_and_Facebook_blocked_Craig_Murray_and_Wikileaks)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Twitter_and_Facebook_blocked_Craig_Murray_and_Wikileaks)">Twitter and Facebook blocked Craig Murray and Wikileaks</a>)
<p>

During the Assange hearing, Craig Murray and Wikileaks found that
Twitter and Facebook <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/people-need-to-reclaim-the-internet/">blocked their posts</a> from reaching most of their
followers.
<p>
Those sites did not inform Murray or Wikileaks, nor the people who
posted about them, nor their followers, that their messages were
reaching hardly any of those followers.
<p>
As regards Hunter Biden and Ukraine, there may be something fishy
there, but if so it is minor compared with the plutocratist acts Biden
is likely to commit overtly (and lawfully) if he wins, which in turn
are less dangerous than the wrecker's practice of seizing every
opportunity to corrupt and ruin.
<p>
Move to Amend (<a href="movetoamend.org">movetoamend.org</a>) says that Facebook searches for "Move
to Amend" gets a warning that the search is associated with
QAnonsense.  <a href="movetoamend.org">Move to Amend</a> advocates a constitutional amendment to
reverse the "Citizens United" decision.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(QAnonsense_spreader_smeared_some_museums_in_Berlin)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(QAnonsense_spreader_smeared_some_museums_in_Berlin)">QAnonsense spreader smeared some museums in Berlin</a>)
<p>

A QAnonsense spreader <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/berlin-vandalism-of-museum-artefacts-linked-to-conspiracy-theorists">smeared some museums in Berlin</a>, and then someone
smeared oil on antiquities and art in the museums.
<p>
I encourage you to visit the Pergamon Museum if you ever have the chance.

<p>
<li><a name="22_October_2020_(Polluting_the_environment_with_tear_gas)" />22 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_October_2020_(Polluting_the_environment_with_tear_gas)">Polluting the environment with tear gas</a>)
<p>

Environmentalists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/20/teargas-portland-protests-may-pose-grave-health-hazards-lawsuit">suing the Department of Hatred and Sadism</a> for
harming human health and polluting the environment with tear gas.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Attorney_general_lying)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Attorney_general_lying)">Attorney general lying</a>)
<p>
One of the Breonna Taylor grand jurors has accused the attorney general
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/20/breonna-taylor-grand-juror-homicide-charges">of lying about what he said to the grand jury</a>.
  He did not offer them the chance to indict for her killing.

<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid that bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
an exception for articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Preventing_second_wave)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Preventing_second_wave)">Preventing second wave</a>)
<p>
Vietnam appears to have prevented <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/20/vietnam-covid-economic-growth-public-health-coronavirus">a second wave of Covid-19
while protecting the economy too</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(OSHA)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(OSHA)">OSHA</a>)
<p>
*How [the wrecker] <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/20/trump-osha-workplace-safety-covid/">Gutted OSHA and Workplace Safety Rules</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Quasi-monopoly)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Quasi-monopoly)">Quasi-monopoly</a>)
<p>
How Google <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/20/google-doj-antitrust-suit-yelp/">used its quasi-monopoly power against Yelp</a>.

<p>
It is ironic that Yelp itself is using its market power <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#22_September_2020_(Yelp_is_screwing_over_restaurants)">to help
GrubHub cheat restaurants</a>.

<p>
We should not try to understand this in terms of "good companies" and
"bad companies".  Rather, we need to prevent any companies from using
their market power to get bigger.  More generally, we need to make
large companies split up so as to greatly increase the number of
competitors in every field.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My tax proposal might help</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Prisoners_suffering)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Prisoners_suffering)">Prisoners suffering</a>)
<p>
Prisoners in the UK are suffering greatly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/20/covid-19-prison-staff-say-restrictions-creating-a-mental-health-timebomb">from not seeing their
families or their counselors</a>.

<p>
Bad though it is, having Covid-19 spread <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_July_2020_(When_prisoners_in_US_immigration_prisons_catch_Covid-19)">through the prison
and into the surrounding community</a>
                                   would be worse.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Monitoring_crackers)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Monitoring_crackers)">Monitoring crackers</a>)
<p>
The US indictment of crackers working for the Russian spy agency GRU
shows that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/19/russian-hackers-cyber-attack-spree-tactics">the US is deeply monitoring their activities</a>.

<p>
It also shows that the group's attacks have caused people to suffer
and perhaps even die, in Ukraine and maybe Pennsylvania.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Overreaction)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Overreaction)">Overreaction</a>)
<p>
A wildly foolish overreaction: the New Yorker has "suspended" writer
Jeffrey Toobin and is "investigating" him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/oct/19/jeffrey-toobin-zoom-call-new-yorker-suspended">for masturbating while
thinking his camera was turned off</a>.

<p>
Hey, New Yorker, instead of "investigating" this mistake as if it were
a crime, you should have your meetings with Mumble (freedom-respecting
software which does only audio) rather than with proprietary Zoom.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Legalization)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Legalization)">Legalization</a>)
<p>
A new initiative in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/20/government-urged-to-sell-cocaine-and-ecstasy-in-pharmacies">demands legalization of cocaine and ecstasy
with controlled sale in pharmacies</a>.

<p>
This would eliminate the dangers that result from black market sale:
unexpected overdoses, and mixture with unknown other drugs.
It would reduce drug-fueled gangsterism by taking away its most
regular customers.

<p>
I am surprised and cheered to see that the former president of
Colombia, Santos, is campaigning for legalization of cocaine.
Prohibition of cocaine has been devastating for Colombia.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Cathedral_of_militaristic_nationalism)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Cathedral_of_militaristic_nationalism)">Cathedral of militaristic nationalism</a>)
<p>
Russia has built <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/20/orthodox-cathedral-of-the-armed-force-russian-national-identity-military-disneyland">a literal cathedral of militaristic nationalism</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Collective_racism_and_sexism)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Collective_racism_and_sexism)">Collective racism and sexism</a>)
<p>
A special thug unit in the UK is being formally investigated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/19/toxic-hampshire-police-unit-recorded-racist-sexist-remarks-hearing-told">for
engaging in gross collective racism and sexism in its office</a>.

<p>
To make such talk a crime would be repressive, but we cannot let such
attitudes fester among cops; they will certainly translate it into
their exercise of their power.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(World_domination)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(World_domination)">World domination</a>)
<p>
How the US turned in 1940 to a foreign policy of trying to
dominate the world, how Biden will probably ramp it up, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/19/reframing-americas-role-world">why
the US continues it despite ever worse results</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Romantic-sexual_desire)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Romantic-sexual_desire)">Romantic-sexual desire</a>)
<p>
Finally, insight about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/19/what-i-learned-about-male-desire-in-a-sex-doll-factory">what romantic-sexual desire is like for many men</a>.

<p>
*One of the therapists she quotes in her book,
Daring Greatly, asserts, “I guess the secret is that sex is terrifying
for most men.”*


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(True_thing)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(True_thing)">True thing</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/man-hasn-t-heard-or-read-single-true-thing-in-6-years-1845396715">satire</a>) *Man Hasn’t Heard Or Read Single True Thing In 6 Years.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Discovering_autism)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Discovering_autism)">Discovering autism</a>)
<p>
*At 47, I discovered I am autistic &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/20/at-47-i-discovered-i-am-autistic-suddenly-so-many-things-made-sense">suddenly so many things made sense</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Hardly_any_pressure)"/>21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Hardly_any_pressure)">Hardly any pressure</a>)
<p>
The EPA has adopted the airline industry's proposal for how to make
air travel emit less CO2.  Which means, hardly any pressure.
Instead it should make requirements for reduced emissions,
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/19/efficient-electric-report-offers-path-us-aviation-climate-pollution-cuts">convert the whole airline fleet to electric power by 2045</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Ending_Corporate_Impunity)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Ending_Corporate_Impunity)">Ending Corporate Impunity</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/19/ending-corporate-impunity-heart-sustainable-post-pandemic-global-recovery">Ending Corporate Impunity</a> Is at the Heart of a Sustainable Post-Pandemic
Global Recovery.*

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Dairy_company_in_France)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Dairy_company_in_France)">Dairy company in France</a>)
<p>

The largest dairy company in France is accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/19/french-dairy-giant-accused-of-polluting-countrys-famous-rivers-for-years">dumping waste into rivers</a>,
thus killing fish and harming other species.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(US_removes_Sudan_from_terrorism_blacklist)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(US_removes_Sudan_from_terrorism_blacklist)">US removes Sudan from terrorism blacklist</a>)
<p>

*US removes Sudan from terrorism blacklist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/us-removes-sudan-from-terrorism-blacklist-in-return-for-335m">in return for $335m</a>.*
<p>
If Sudan was involved in the terrorist attack in 1998, it ought to be
penalized.  However, Sudan is desperately poor and needs aid.  For
that country to pay so much money to the US will be a great burden.
<p>
So I think a different penalty would be morally superior.
For instance, leaving some of its oil in the ground.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(The_conman's_legal_trouble)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(The_conman's_legal_trouble)">The conman's legal trouble</a>)
<p>

If the conman does not hold on to the presidency, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/trump-election-legal-reckoning/index.html">he faces lots of legal trouble</a>.
<p>
This article does not include possible criminal charges for crimes
while in office, including <a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/04/mueller-report-proves-trump-obstructed-justice.html">obstruction of justice</a> (which Mueller found
the evidence for).
<p>
I expect he will have Air Force One drop him off on Jan 18 or so
in a country he expects to will him from US justice.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Urgent:_Repeal_the_authorization_for_use_of_military_force)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Urgent:_Repeal_the_authorization_for_use_of_military_force)">Urgent: Repeal the authorization for use of military force</a>)
<p>

US citizens: tell your congresscritter to push to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/repeal-2002-aumf">repeal the authorization
for use of military force</a>.
<p>
It won't hurt to say this by phone, too.

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

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(David_Hume)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(David_Hume)">David Hume</a>)
<p>

*David Hume was a complex man. Erasing his name is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/david-hume-was-a-complex-man-erasing-his-name-is-too-simplistic-a-gesture">too simplistic a gesture</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Australia's_spy_agency's_power_to_interrogate)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Australia's_spy_agency's_power_to_interrogate)">Australia's spy agency's power to interrogate</a>)
<p>

Australia is moving to give its spy agency the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/oct/20/chilling-attack-on-democracy-proposed-asio-powers-could-be-used-against-journalists">power to interrogate
journalists and activists</a> under very loose conditions.  Journalists could
be ordered to disclose confidential sources.  Activists could be interrogated
if they cooperate with any foreign allies.
<p>
Experience shows that such repression will be used mainly against those
who report on or oppose the actions of the powerful.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Digital_sabotage_of_the_2018_Olympic_games)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Digital_sabotage_of_the_2018_Olympic_games)">Digital sabotage of the 2018 Olympic games</a>)
<p>

The UK announced that Russia carried out digital sabotage of the 2018
Olympic Games and its sponsors, and was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/russia-planned-cyber-attack-on-tokyo-olympics-says-uk">planning sabotage</a> of the 2020
games (which did not take place, since they were postponed).
<p>
Please do not use the word "hackers" to mean "people who attack
computer security."  That gives people an erroneous negative
impression of us <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">hackers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Climate_change_doubt)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Climate_change_doubt)">Climate change doubt</a>)
<p>

*How the oil industry <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-53640382">made us doubt</a> climate change.*
<p>
Ironically, the term "climate change" was encouraged so the public
would not recognize that it refers to something dangerous.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Chinese_diplomats_attacked_a_Taiwanese_official)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Chinese_diplomats_attacked_a_Taiwanese_official)">Chinese diplomats attacked a Taiwanese official</a>)
<p>

Chinese diplomats in Fiji <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/taiwan-official-in-hospital-after-alleged-violent-attack-by-chinese-diplomats-in-fiji">attacked a Taiwanese official</a>, causing a
head injury.
<p>
I theorize that this is a probe to see how much aggression the world
will let China get away with.  Fiji will probably let China get away
with this, as China has bought its submission.
<p>
I think it is important for powerful countries to recognize Taiwan as
an independent country &mdash; but not as the legitimate government of
China &mdash; and tell China that it can either have diplomatic relations
noneless, or do without.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Torture_inside_Sudan's_Islamic_schools)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Torture_inside_Sudan's_Islamic_schools)">Torture inside Sudan's Islamic schools</a>)
<p>

*Revealed: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/19/revealed-chaining-beatings-and-torture-inside-sudans-islamic-schools">chaining, beatings and torture inside Sudan's Islamic schools</a>.*
<p>
There is a history of policies of such cruelty in Christian schools in
Europe and North America.

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Impact_of_privatising_vital_services)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Impact_of_privatising_vital_services)">Impact of privatising vital services</a>)
<p>

*Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/19/covid-19-exposed-catastrophic-impact-privatising-vital-services">exposed the catastrophic impact</a> of privatising vital services.*

<p>
<li><a name="21_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_impeach_Attorney_General_Barr)" />21 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_impeach_Attorney_General_Barr)">Urgent: Call on Congress to impeach Attorney General Barr</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/impeach-barr/">impeach Attorney General Barr</a>.
<p>
The idea is that even though we know the Senate will not remove Barr
from office, the impeachment will hamper the Senate from confirming
Judge Barrett for the Supreme Court.
<p>
After signing, you can follow up by phoning your congresscritter.

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

<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Landslide_in_election)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Landslide_in_election)">Landslide in election</a>)
<p>
The Socialist Party <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/19/democracy-has-won-year-after-right-wing-coup-against-evo-morales-socialist-luis-arce">won a landslide in Bolivia's election</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Microplastics-fed_babies)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Microplastics-fed_babies)">Microplastics-fed babies</a>)
<p>
*Bottle-fed babies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/19/bottle-fed-babies-swallow-millions-microplastics-day-study">swallow millions of microplastics a day, study finds</a>.*

<p>
We don't know whether microplastics hurt humans, and it may take
years to gather the data to determine this.  But it is unlikely they
do any good, and it would be wise to avoid them.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Covid_and_lung_cancer)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Covid_and_lung_cancer)">Covid and lung cancer</a>)
<p>
*Lung cancer cases could be mistaken for Covid.*  Some have been,
and people can die <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/19/lung-cancer-cases-could-be-mistaken-for-covid-charities-warn">from the delay in diagnosing the cancer</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Investigating_Islamist_organizations)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Investigating_Islamist_organizations)">Investigating Islamist organizations</a>)
<p>
France is investigating 50 Islamist organizations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/samuel-paty-french-police-raid-dozens-of-islamist-groups">on the suspicion that they
promote hatred and violence</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Torture_to_force_confessions)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Torture_to_force_confessions)">Torture to force confessions</a>)
<p>
People who were prisoners in North Korea describe violent torture
including rape, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/19/north-korea-detainees-subjected-to-ritual-torture-and-sexual-assault-rights-group">used to force confessions</a>.

<p>
One of the reasons the US must eradicate <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#30_September_2015_(Insulting_Shaker_Aamer_in_the_media)">its own torture</a>
                                                         is so that it
can speak with moral authority when condemning torture by North Korea
and other countries.

<p>
The US has not taken steps adequate to ensure that the CIA doesn't
torture prisoners in the future.  On the contrary, appointing Gina
Haspel to head it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#16_March_2018_(Gina_Haspel_proving_herself)">was an indirect but clear endorsement of torture</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Facebook_quietly_stymied_traffic)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Facebook_quietly_stymied_traffic)">Facebook quietly stymied traffic</a>)
<p>
*With Zuck's Blessing, Facebook <a href="https://gizmodo.com/with-zucks-blessing-facebook-quietly-stymied-traffic-t-1845403484">Quietly Stymied Traffic to Left-Leaning News
Outlets</a>.*

<p>
The sites that suffered were not very leftist.  One example cited was
Mother Jones.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Threatening_to_kidnap,_kill_mayor)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Threatening_to_kidnap,_kill_mayor)">Threatening to kidnap, kill mayor</a>)
<p>
*Wichita man arrested for threatening to kidnap, kill mayor <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/521535-wichita-man-arrested-for-threatening-to-kidnap-kill-mayor-over-mask">over mask
 mandate</a>.*

<p>
Some of the kooks who would murder because of hatred for masks are
also nuts enough to say so.  But we cannot expect that to protect us
from all of them.  We need to stop officials from inciting violence.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(James_Bond)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(James_Bond)">James Bond</a>)
<p>
The company that makes James Bond films gets millions in subsidies
from the UK and pays no tax in the UK, since the profit from the
films <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/oct/18/for-your-eyes-only-tale-of-the-superspy-the-taxman-and-a-very-british-brand">is all assigned to other companies in other countries</a>.

<p>
If the UK wants to pay, in normal times, for people to do work, why
not pay them to do work that the public needs, such as medical care
for the NHS and home assistance for people who are sick or handicapped?

<p>
Under <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">my global progressive tax scheme</a>,
                                        those companies would be treated as one
entity for computing its tax rate, and the UK part would pay that rate
on its gross income.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(In_the_trash)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(In_the_trash)">In the trash</a>)
<p>
When people return products to Amazon, in many cases Amazon doesn't
bother to unpack them and put them on the shelf.  <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-amazon-returns-1.5753714">It puts them in the
trash</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Freely_share_collections)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Freely_share_collections)">Freely share collections</a>)
<p>
Wikimedia calls on museums to digitize their collections and to allow
the digital works, when not restricted by private copyrights, <a href="https://ppmanifesto.hcommons.org/">to be
freely shared</a>.

<p>
Those that are restricted by private copyrights should be shared too,
because forbidden sharing is better than no sharing.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Electoral_Coup)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Electoral_Coup)">Electoral Coup</a>)
<p>
*To Stop an Electoral Coup, <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/trump-coup-florida-2000-recount">Study What Went Wrong in the 2000 Florida Recount</a>.*

<p>
Keep in mind that the only reason this recount was necessary is
because the Republicans had cheated massively through voter
suppression, as revealed by Greg Palast.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Attack_on_human_rights)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Attack_on_human_rights)">Attack on human rights</a>)
<p>
Covid-19 has provided an opportunity and excuse for many countries
<a href="https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2020/pandemics-digital-shadow">to attack traditional human rights on the Internet</a>.

<p>
This is in addition to the subjugating effect of pushing people
to use nonfree software.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Crimes)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Crimes)">Crimes</a>)
<p>
Various crimes the conman could be prosecuted for, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/18/trump-election-crimes-prosecution/">if he can't retain
his grip on the presidency</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Coral_reefs)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Coral_reefs)">Coral reefs</a>)
<p>
People are working hard to protect coral reefs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/17/why-there-is-hope-that-the-worlds-coral-reefs-can-be-saved">from the danger of the
current level of global heating</a>.

<p>
Will this help the long-term survival of coral?  It can, if we curb
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> before it goes much further.  However, breeding
heat-tolerance into corals would have to be done to every species
and variety if it is to protect them all.

<p>
If we keep increasing the CO2 level, that will eventually kill all
corals <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#24 January 2008 (Global warming is destroying coral reefs)">due to ocean acidification</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_October_2020_(Disregard_of_poor_people)"/>20 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_October_2020_(Disregard_of_poor_people)">Disregard of poor people</a>)
<p>
The failure of the UK's handling of Covid-19 is due to its disregard
for poor people, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/pitched-battle-lockdowns-covid-19-uk-coronavirus-crisis-inequalities">who live many to a house and cannot self-isolate nor
stay home from work</a>.

<p>
*Alarming new data shows the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/alarming-data-britain-sick-man-europe-before-covid">was the 'sick man' of Europe even
before Covid</a>.*
  This is caused by greater economic inequality.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(India_accused_an_old_man_of_terrorism)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(India_accused_an_old_man_of_terrorism)">India accused an old man of terrorism</a>)
<p>

India has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/india-arrest-83-year-old-priest-terrorism-charges-stan-swamy-indigenous">accused an old man of terrorism</a> for helping poor people
organize nonviolent resistance against mining companies.
<p>
It happens that the man is a Catholic priest, so Catholics are
protesting his arrest.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#5_March_2019_(Jailed_arbitrarily)">Jailing opposition leaders</a> has become standard practice for India's
repressive right-wing government.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_Stalinist_Trial_of_Julian_Assange)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_Stalinist_Trial_of_Julian_Assange)">The Stalinist Trial of Julian Assange</a>)
<p>

John Pilger: *The Stalinist Trial of Julian Assange.  <a href="http://johnpilger.com/articles/the-stalinist-trial-of-julian-assange-whose-side-are-you-on-">Whose Side Are You On?</a>*
<p>
I note that he published this on his own site.  Apparently there is no
newspaper which would touch it.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Sanctions_against_'rogue_states')" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Sanctions_against_'rogue_states')">Sanctions against 'rogue states'</a>)
<p>

*In the age of Covid, sanctions against ‘rogue states’ just <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/in-the-age-of-covid-sanctions-against-rogue-states-just-spread-the-misery">spread the misery</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Grandma_Wong)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Grandma_Wong)">Grandma Wong</a>)
<p>

*Hong Kong protester 'Grandma Wong’: I was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/18/hong-kong-protester-grandma-wong-i-was-held-in-mainland-china-for-14-months">held in mainland China for 14
months</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_freedom_to_offend)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_freedom_to_offend)">The freedom to offend</a>)
<p>

*The freedom to offend <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/the-freedom-to-offend-is-a-priceless-commodity">is a priceless commodity</a>.*
<p>
No group should have the right to silence those who disagree with it,
criticize it. or oppose it.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Collapsing_mountains_in_Alaska)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Collapsing_mountains_in_Alaska)">Collapsing mountains in Alaska</a>)
<p>

*[In Alaska], mountains are collapsing as the permafrost that
holds them together melts, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/18/alaska-climate-change-tsunamis-melting-permafrost">threatening tsunamis</a> if they fall into the sea.*
<p>
There would be no time to evacuate the town of Whittier if a nearby
slope slides into the ocean.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Auditing_earned_income_tax_credit)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Auditing_earned_income_tax_credit)">Auditing earned income tax credit</a>)
<p>

*   Tax authorities find it easier to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/18/tax-audit-earned-income-tax-credit-mississippi">audit earned income tax credit</a>, which disproportionately affects poor communities of color, than to target
billionaires.*
<p>
The question is, what's the purpose of income tax audits?
Is it to treat poor people almost like criminals, or is it
to recover millions from rich cheaters?

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_idea_of_overthrowing_the_US_government)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_idea_of_overthrowing_the_US_government)">The idea of overthrowing the US government</a>)
<p>

*How the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/18/guns-are-a-way-to-exercise-power-how-the-idea-of-overthrowing-the-government-became-mainstream">idea of overthrowing the [US] government</a> became mainstream
[among the right-wing].*
<p>
They see guns as giving them power over everyone else, and it led them
into a power trip.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(EU's_timetable_for_dismantling_End-to-End_encryption)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(EU's_timetable_for_dismantling_End-to-End_encryption)">EU's timetable for dismantling End-to-End encryption</a>)
<p>

EFF: *Orders from the Top: The EU’s <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/10/orders-top-eus-timetable-dismantling-end-end-encryption">Timetable for Dismantling End-to-End Encryption</a>.*
<p>
The plan could include prohibiting the use of free software to encrypt,
or prohibiting computers that can run solely free software.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Fanatical_French_Muslim)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Fanatical_French_Muslim)">Fanatical French Muslim</a>)
<p>

A fanatical French Muslim murdered a teacher who had presented in
class a cartoon mocking Muhammad, as an example in a discussion
of freedom of speech.
<p>
In response, teachers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/we-will-still-teach-difficult-subjects-french-teachers-defiant-after-of-colleague">vow to teach "difficult subjects" and encourage
students' "critical spirit"</a>.
<p>
Imagine if that were in the US: the student would claim that showing
him the cartoon was "violence" and demand firing the teacher.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Victoria_nearly_finished_eliminating_Covid-19)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Victoria_nearly_finished_eliminating_Covid-19)">Victoria nearly finished eliminating Covid-19</a>)
<p>

A strict lock-down has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/18/victoria-covid-restrictions-ease-hairdressers-daniel-andrews-reveals-25km-travel-bubble-and-scraps-exercise-time-limit">nearly finished eliminating Covid-19</a> in
Victoria (a state of Australia), and Melbourne is starting to relax
its isolation rules.
<p>
Australia is in a position to eradicate Covid-19 and keep it out,
if it proceeds carefully and continues a high rate of testing.
<p>
Arguing that Victoria could have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/19/victoria-could-have-eliminated-covid-in-six-weeks-by-entering-stage-four-lockdown-in-july-analysis-shows">eliminated Covid-19 in 6 weeks</a>
with a more strict lockdown.
<p>
That conclusion is from modeling, and we don't have enough real experience
with Covid-19 to be sure of the conclusions.  But if they are valid,
I think that strict restrictions for 6 weeks would be better than
4 weeks of dithering followed by 10 weeks of increasing strictness.
<p>
However, we shouldn't criticize Victoria's officials too much.
Perhaps they could have done better, but they did get the job done
while so many countries are messing it up.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Cabinet_departments_are_scrambling_to_finish_new_rules)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Cabinet_departments_are_scrambling_to_finish_new_rules)">Cabinet departments are scrambling to finish new rules</a>)
<p>

*With the president’s re-election in doubt, cabinet departments are
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/us/politics/regulatory-rush-federal-agencies-trump.html">scrambling to finish</a> dozens of new rules.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_wrecker's_anti-mask_campaign_rally)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_wrecker's_anti-mask_campaign_rally)">The wrecker's anti-mask campaign rally</a>)
<p>

Wisconsin has a high level of Covid-19, but the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/17/despite-warnings-otherwise-preventable-deaths-trump-heads-wisconsin-super-spreader">plans to
increase it</a> with an anti-mask campaign rally.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_escalating_its_war_in_Yemen)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_escalating_its_war_in_Yemen)">Salafi Arabia escalating its war in Yemen</a>)
<p>

Salafi Arabia is escalating its war in Yemen at the same time that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/america-complicit-yemen-spirals-toward-mass-starvation">food aid
for that country is decreasing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Dianne_Feinstein_on_Amy_Coney_Barrett)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Dianne_Feinstein_on_Amy_Coney_Barrett)">Dianne Feinstein on Amy Coney Barrett</a>)
<p>

*Dianne Feinstein Was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/dianne-feinstein-was-harder-preteen-climate-activists-she-was-amy-coney-barrett">Harder on Preteen Climate Activists</a> Than She Was on Amy
Coney Barrett.*
<p>
This shows the convergence between Democratic plutocratists and
Republican plutocratists.  I hope we get Feinstein out of the Senate
soon.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Store_chains_lobby_to_imprison_shoplifters)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Store_chains_lobby_to_imprison_shoplifters)">Store chains lobby to imprison shoplifters</a>)
<p>

Many major US store chains <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/16/report-retail-industry-opposed-criminal-justice-reform-least-18-states">lobby to imprison shoplifters</a> and keep them in prison for longer.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Industrial-scale_forgery)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Industrial-scale_forgery)">Industrial-scale forgery</a>)
<p>
The UK is investigating charges that banks are committing
"industrial-scale forgery" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/17/mps-pursue-claims-bank-signatures-were-faked-on-uk-court-papers">for fraudulent foreclosures</a>.

<p>
Why wouldn't they?  Billionaire banks got away with it in the US 10
years ago <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#17_September_2018_(Financial_crisis_of_2008)">because Obama protected them from charges</a>.
  Why wouldn't British banks try it too?

<p>
I hope that the UK shows more courage than Obama did.  I hope it
convicts individual <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bankster">banksters</a> and puts them in prison for this.

<p>
In the US, blacks were more likely to have their homes stolen in this
way than whites.  That was due to the injustice of racism, one effect
of which is to make blacks poorer in general than whites.

<p>
I condemn racism, for that aspect as well as others.  But this matter
is not about racism.  The criminal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bankster">banksters</a> didn't know the victims,
or what race they were.  The victims were just names on a list to
them.  Their employers had nothing to do with making the loans to
those homeowners, years before &mdash; they had bought the loans en masse.

<p>
I do not condemn the banks' giant fraud <em>because</em> many victims were
black.  I condemn it because it was an enormous crime against millions
of innocent poor people.  Many of them, whether black or white or
other, couldn't replace what was taken from them.

<p>
The banks got away with the crime through corruption at the highest
level, and that is why I keep referring to it, even 10 years later.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Presiding_over_murder_and_torture)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Presiding_over_murder_and_torture)">Presiding over murder and torture</a>)
<p>
A UN report accuses President Maduro of Venezuela <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/16/venezuela-un-report-crimes-against-humanity-maduro-government">of knowingly
presiding over murder and torture</a>.

<p>
I would not put it past him.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Interference)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Interference)">Interference</a>)
<p>
The new prosecutor of Portland, Oregon, said he will ignore the minor
charges such as "interference with a police officer" <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/16/portland-protests-prosecutor-police/">that thugs like 
to make to harass protesters</a>.

<p>
In revenge, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are making even more such accusations.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Ecological_sabotage)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Ecological_sabotage)">Ecological sabotage</a>)
<p>
Releasing species from another region into the wild <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/17/new-york-eels-release-exotic-species-brooklyn">is ecological sabotage</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_()"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_()"></a>)
<p>
*Nigeria's anti-police brutality protests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/17/nigerias-anti-police-brutality-protests-bring-lagos-to-standstill">bring Lagos to standstill</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Public_symbols_of_the_Confederacy)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Public_symbols_of_the_Confederacy)">Public symbols of the Confederacy</a>)
<p>
Since the white supremacist attack in Charleston, around 100 public
symbols of the Confederacy have been taken down.  <a href="https://www.splcenter.org/20190201/whose-heritage-public-symbols-confederacy">Over 1700 remain in
place</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Replace_Feinstein)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Replace_Feinstein)">Replace Feinstein</a>)
<p>
Calling on Senate Democrats to replace Feinstein as the leader of their
contingent in the Judiciary.  She pals around with the Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/arms-over-failed-barrett-hearings-watchdog-calls-feinsteins-removal-ranking-member">and 
acts to support them</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Invited_to_visit)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Invited_to_visit)">Invited to visit</a>)
<p>
The commander of an Indonesian military unit whose mission was
repression and atrocities is now the minister of the military.  He has
been banned from the US for 20 years, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/critics-call-upcoming-pentagon-visit-indonesian-defense-minister-accused-horrific">but the sadist has invited him
to visit</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Secretary_of_the_Treasury)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Secretary_of_the_Treasury)">Secretary of the Treasury</a>)
<p>
Biden's choice for Secretary of the Treasury is a plutocratist.  We
cannot expect him to do the most important things we need, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/bidens-treasury-could-fight-climate-change-would-lael-brainards">such as
helping to reduce fossil fuel use</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Reversing_sabotage)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Reversing_sabotage)">Reversing sabotage</a>)
<p>
The USPS, responding to a lawsuit, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/applause-all-who-never-gave-fight-us-postal-service-agrees-reverse-changes-slowed">agreed to reverse DeJoy's sabotage
of mail delivery</a>.

<p>
I wonder whether they will get it all fixed in the 18 days before the
election.  This job includes installing sorting machines where sorting
machines were removed &mdash; but they destroyed the old sorting machines.
The USPS could easily fail to acquire replacements, especially if
DeJoy gives orders designed to cause failure.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Symbolic_damage)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Symbolic_damage)">Symbolic damage</a>)
<p>
The US has sentenced protesters against nuclear weapons to years in prison
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/kings-bay-plowshares-7-activists-sentenced-2018-anti-nuclear-protest-georgia-naval">for the symbolic "damage" that they did on a missile base</a>.

<p>
I wonder what could possibly justify keeping them jailed for years
awaiting trial.  There was no chance they would fail to show up for
the trial, if physically capable of doing so.  It would have been
right and proper to release them in their own recognizance.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Creative_destruction)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Creative_destruction)">Creative destruction</a>)
<p>
Plutcratist economists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/trumps-millionaire-economic-adviser-celebrates-gales-creative-destruction-millions">call unemployment "creative destruction."</a>

<p>
In the 80s and 90s, plutcratist politicians said the solution for
unemployment in the US was to teach Americans to be "more
entrepreneurial".  Kudlow is saying the same thing in different words.
What they disregard is that starting a business typically requires an
investment of capital, that investment is a gamble, and you shouldn't
gamble what you can't afford to lose.  Most people in the US can't
even scrape together 400 dollars for an emergency; they can't afford
to invest in the risk of starting a business.

<p>
Starting a business with a good chance of success also requires
knowing all aspects of that business.  Most people don't have suitable
knowledge.  And success for the business requires superiority or unmet
demand.

<p>
The same Kudlow told the public in February that the novel coronavirus
was no problem, while telling rich Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/trump-advisers-privately-warned-gop-donors-about-covid-19-february-while-telling">that no one knew
how dangerous it was</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Not_possible)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Not_possible)">Not possible</a>)
<p>
*As Big Oil Ups Donations to Dems, Biden Says
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/these-two-things-are-related-big-oil-ups-donations-dems-biden-says-banning-fossil">Banning Fossil Fuels Within Next Decade 'Not Possible'</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Regulation_of_communication_platforms)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Regulation_of_communication_platforms)">Regulation of communication platforms</a>)
<p>
The FCC proposes to regulate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/16/fcc-chairman-moves-regulate-internet-sites-and-social-media-refuse-amplify-trump">what social (or antisocial) communication
platforms can publish</a>.

<p>
The FCC is obeying the orders of the wrecker.  Some of those platforms
do great harm, but the wrecker benefits from that harm, so I expect
the FCC under his domination to try to aggravate the problems.
However, I would not trust Biden on this issue either &mdash; nor any
politician, except one with a very strong commitment to freedom of
speech.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Blocking_rule)"/>19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Blocking_rule)">Blocking rule</a>)
<p>
Twitter has retreated from a rule blocking people from pointing at
published material <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/16/twitter-reverses-policy-on-hacking-after-backlash-over-block-on-new-york-post-story">that was obtained by cracking computer systems</a>.

<p>
Please <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">do not refer to that practice as "hacking."</a>
   That insults us hackers.  Please call it "cracking."

<p>
The policy Twitter has dropped was very dangerous.  Even though the
material about Hunter Biden in that NY Post article was neither new
nor significant, in other cases the information may be very important.


<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Veiled_threat_to_Hong_Kong-based_Canadians)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Veiled_threat_to_Hong_Kong-based_Canadians)">Veiled threat to Hong Kong-based Canadians</a>)
<p>

*China ambassador <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/16/china-ambassador-makes-veiled-threat-to-hong-kong-based-canadians">makes veiled threat</a> to Hong Kong-based Canadians.*
<p>
This confirms that China is intentionally using visitors as hostages.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(CDC_ban_on_evictions)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(CDC_ban_on_evictions)">CDC ban on evictions</a>)
<p>

The CDC ordered a ban on evictions until Dec 31, but the wrecker
is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/issued-when-no-one-was-looking-critics-warn-new-trump-guidance-eviction-moratorium">reinterpreting it</a> so as to help landlords chase people out sooner.
<p>
This is not necessarily motivated by a desire to kick people when they
are down.  Its motive might instead be to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#8_October_2020_(The_herd_immunity_strategy)">increase the spread of Covid-19</a>; we know he wants to do that.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Russia_increasing_its_level_of_sexual_repression)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Russia_increasing_its_level_of_sexual_repression)">Russia increasing its level of sexual repression</a>)
<p>

Russia, increasing its level of sexual repression, is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/single-fathers-in-russia-with-surrogate-babies-become-official-target">arrest
single men who used surrogate mothers</a> to have children, based on presuming
that they are homosexual.
<p>
The government claims it is illegal for homosexual men
to use surrogate mothers, although there is no such law.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Thirty-year_failure_to_tackle_preventable_disease)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Thirty-year_failure_to_tackle_preventable_disease)">Thirty-year failure to tackle preventable disease</a>)
<p>

*Thirty-year failure to tackle preventable disease <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/15/thirty-year-failure-to-tackle-preventable-disease-fuelling-global-covid-pandemic">fueling global
Covid pandemic</a>.*   Said disease includes *high blood pressure, cholesterol,
blood sugar and obesity, all risk factors for Covid-19.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(How_to_fix_the_problem_of_homelessness)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(How_to_fix_the_problem_of_homelessness)">How to fix the problem of homelessness</a>)
<p>

How to fix the problem of homelessness; how to <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/10/11/means-testing-conundrum/#ubi-v-bi">have a universal basic
income without wasting a large part on people who are well-off</a>.
<p>
Trying to teach homeless people to use their money more wisely does
not usually enable them to find and keep housing, but giving them
homes often enables them to use their money more wisely.
<p>
With a well-designed progressive income tax, rich people will return
as taxes a large part of their universal basic income.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_Democratic_party_in_many_cities_and_neighborhoods)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_Democratic_party_in_many_cities_and_neighborhoods)">The Democratic party in many cities and neighborhoods</a>)
<p>

The Democratic Party in many cities and neighborhoods is <a href="https://thebulwark.com/the-other-democratic-party/">led by local
bosses</a> that are "crass, thin-skinned, and nepotistic," but promise to
take care of their supporters' needs.
<p>
With this standard of comparison, their supporters did not find
the bullshitter outrageous.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Governments_are_not_doing_enough_to_avoid_rebound_in_greenhouse_gas_emissions)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Governments_are_not_doing_enough_to_avoid_rebound_in_greenhouse_gas_emissions)">Governments are not doing enough to avoid rebound in greenhouse gas emissions</a>)
<p>

Governments are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/13/co2-emissions-covid-iea">not doing enough</a> to avoid a rebound in greenhouse gas emissions if and when we eliminate Covid-19.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_((satire)_Liberal_Man_Worried_Biden_Victory_Would_Immediately_Reignite_Discussions_About_Having_Kids)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_((satire)_Liberal_Man_Worried_Biden_Victory_Would_Immediately_Reignite_Discussions_About_Having_Kids)">(satire) Liberal Man Worried Biden Victory Would Immediately Reignite Discussions About Having Kids</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Liberal Man Worried Biden Victory Would Immediately <a href="https://local.theonion.com/liberal-man-worried-biden-victory-would-immediately-rei-1845371040">Reignite
Discussions About Having Kids</a>.*
<p>
He doesn't need to worry.  Even if we did our utmost to reduce the
coming climate disaster, it would not be a kindness to give birth to
someone these days.
<p>
Ideally the human population should be considerably smaller, so that
we can protect nature without having to live in poverty.  So if you
are <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html ">thinking of having no children</a>, please go ahead!

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Sen._Warren_slams_Disney)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Sen._Warren_slams_Disney)">Sen. Warren slams Disney</a>)
<p>

*Sen. Warren <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/sen-warren-slams-disney-28000-fired-workers-amid-stock-buyback-spree">Slams Disney</a> for 28,000 Fired Workers Amid Stock Buyback Spree.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(IMF_urges_wealthy_countries_to_borrow_to_support_people_hurt_by_Covid-19)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(IMF_urges_wealthy_countries_to_borrow_to_support_people_hurt_by_Covid-19)">IMF urges wealthy countries to borrow to support people hurt by Covid-19</a>)
<p>

The IMF urges wealthy countries to borrow to support people hurt or
unemployed by Covid-19, but it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/14/imf-right-about-keeping-covid-support-going-but-on-debt-relief-its-crumbs">imposes crushing conditions</a> on other
countries that also need to support people.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(The_Taliban_are_besieging_some_Afghan_government_forces)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(The_Taliban_are_besieging_some_Afghan_government_forces)">The Taliban are besieging some Afghan government forces</a>)
<p>

The Taliban are besieging some Afghan government forces in Lashkar
Gah, and they have mined the road out of the city.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/14/trapped-civilians-afghanistan-must-be-allowed-out-laskhkar-gah-amid-heavy">Tens of thousands
of civilians are trapped there</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Suggestions_for_how_to_make_appointments_to_the_US_supreme_court)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Suggestions_for_how_to_make_appointments_to_the_US_supreme_court)">Suggestions for how to make appointments to the US supreme court</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/14/heres-one-good-way-reform-battered-us-supreme-court">Several suggestions</a> for how to make appointments to the US supreme court
less partisan and less contentious.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Mexico's_top_military_official_during_2012-2018)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Mexico's_top_military_official_during_2012-2018)">Mexico's top military official during 2012-2018</a>)
<p>

Mexico's top military official during 2012-2018 has been arrested in the US
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/16/mexico-former-defence-minister-salvador-cienfuegos-arrested-drug-charges">charged with corruption with a drug syndicate during that time</a>.
<p>
Prohibition of drugs tend to have this result.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(A_meeting_of_Republican_heavyweights)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(A_meeting_of_Republican_heavyweights)">A meeting of Republican heavyweights</a>)
<p>

A meeting of Republican heavyweights to discuss voter suppression <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/council-national-policy-video/2020/10/14/367f24c2-f793-11ea-a510-f57d8ce76e11_story.html">was
recorded</a>.  Someone said, "Be not afraid of the accusations that you’re
a voter suppressor."

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(US_journalists'_coverage_of_the_Green_New_Deal)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(US_journalists'_coverage_of_the_Green_New_Deal)">US journalists' coverage of the Green New Deal</a>)
<p>

US journalists are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/journalists-must-demystify-green-new-deal">doing little to cover</a> the idea of the Green New Deal.  Most Americans only see that Republicans say it is bad, and
Biden seems to agree, so Republicans attack him for not rejecting it
hard enough.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Under_Biden_leadership)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Under_Biden_leadership)">Under Biden leadership</a>)
<p>

*Biden has recently stated that under his leadership he would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/15/how-future-biden-white-house-can-end-war-yemen">end U.S. support for Saudi military intervention in Yemen</a>, a move supported by
Congress, and reassess the current close U.S.-Saudi relationship.*
<p>
That would be a real change for the better.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_not_to_allow_private_security_heavies_at_polling_places)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Urgent:_Call_not_to_allow_private_security_heavies_at_polling_places)">Urgent: Call not to allow private "security" heavies at polling places</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on secretaries of state of all states <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/private-security-election">not to allow
private "security" heavies</a> at polling places.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Urgent:_California_voters:_reject_Proposition_22)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Urgent:_California_voters:_reject_Proposition_22)">Urgent: California voters: reject Proposition 22</a>)
<p>

California voters: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/17/vote-no-ca-prop-22-reject-corporate-power-grab">reject Proposition 22</a>, the bow-down-to-Guber exception.
<p>
If we win on this, and eventually Uber accepts the requirement to pay
its workers better, that will not make <a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">Uber</a> (or <a href="https://stallman.org/lyft.html">Lyft</a>) acceptable
&mdash; it won't change their injustice to their customers.  Nor the <a href="https://stallman.org/grubhub.html">food
delivery gig companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_October_2020_(Urgent:_Pro-democracy_advocate_website_requires_non-free_Javascript)" />19 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_October_2020_(Urgent:_Pro-democracy_advocate_website_requires_non-free_Javascript)">Urgent: Pro-democracy advocate website requires non-free Javascript</a>)
<p>

*Pro-democracy advocates are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/16/170-protect-results-events-planned-nov-4-pro-democracy-groups-vow-ensure-voters-have">organizing more than 170 events</a> [on Nov
4] in anticipation of President Donald Trump illegitimately declaring
victory in the Nov. 3 election.*
That's a good idea, but they have messed up the web site where they
publish the details: it depends on nonfree Javascript code, and it is
totally inaccessible in the Free World.  I can't see even one word of
the contents of their site, only a message saying "Enable Javascript."
No way!
<p>
It is a shame that I can't (without sacrificing my freedom and
principles) find an event near me, and neither can you, nor can I in
good conscience post an urgent note asking everyone to look at the
site and find an event to join.
<p>
This time, we have considerable notice &mdash; 18 days to go before Nov 4.
Maybe this is enough time to correct the deficiency, rather than
merely bemoan it.
<p>
If you are a skilled web developer, and you have a web site where you
can make a page without Javascript, and run an hourly cron job on the
net, please try it.  See if you can scrape the data from their site
and make a simple HTML file listing all the events, sorted in some
natural way.  Put that that page on your site, with a brief
introduction saying what these events are for.
<p>
Then please email me about it, and I will post a reference to your
curved mirror.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Illegal_solicitation_of_campaign_donations)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Illegal_solicitation_of_campaign_donations)">Illegal solicitation of campaign donations</a>)
<p>
Senator Lindsey Graham
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/15/crime-plain-sight-lindsey-graham-under-fire-soliciting-campaign-donations-senate">asked
for campaign donations in an interview while in the judiciary
committee's meeting room</a>.  It is illegal to do that.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Eco_glitter_harms_plants)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Eco_glitter_harms_plants)">"Eco" glitter harms plants</a>)
<p>
An experiment found that "eco" glitter, after ending up in a river,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/15/eco-glitter-causes-same-damage-to-rivers-as-ordinary-product-study">harms
plants just like ordinary glitter</a>.
<p>
We need to regulate plastic in a way that will eliminate most
microplastics.  Probably anything like glitter should be prohibited
entirely.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Simultaneous_interviews_of_Biden_and_the_wrecker)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Simultaneous_interviews_of_Biden_and_the_wrecker)">Simultaneous interviews of Biden and the wrecker</a>)
<p>
Comparing the two
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/trump-biden-town-halls-two-channels-two-candidates-two-planets">simultaneous
interviews of Biden and the wrecker</a>.
<p>
NBC did wrong to hold the wrecker's interview at the same time that
Biden's town hall had already been announced for.  We can see that the
wrecker's goal was to prevent his supporters from hearing Biden.
<p>
The article puts this backward, suggesting (though not actually
asserting) that the wrecker's program was scheduled first and Biden's
was then run alongside it.
<p>
However, it appears that the wrecker's interviewer pressed him hard
for answers, and and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/savannah-guthrie-trump-town-hall-moderator">didn't
accept his usual wandering evasions</a>.
<p>
So he came off looking very bad.
<p>
I did not watch either of them, because I did not need to.  I know
enough about the two candidates and I've made up my mind about how to
vote, so reading these articles was enough information for me.
<p>
My recommendation is: in a swing state, vote for Biden; otherwise,
vote for Howie Hawkins of the Green Party.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(The_killing_of_Michael_Reinoehl_by_thugs)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(The_killing_of_Michael_Reinoehl_by_thugs)">The killing of Michael Reinoehl by thugs</a>)
<p>
*Eyewitnesses have said that [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/activist-portland-shooting-michael-reinoehl-police">did
not identify themselves before opening fire on Michael Reinoehl while
he was in his car</a>.* It appears that they shot as soon as they had
identified him.
<p>
In other words, they were supposed to arrest him, but it looks like
they murdered him instead.
<p>
Reinoehl acknowledged he had shot and killed a right-wing protester,
but claimed that he did so in self-defense.  He was entitled have
trial to present his case.
<p>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/us/michael-reinoehl-antifa-portland-shooting.html">More
info</a> about the killing.
<p>
The wrecker
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/15/trump-boasts-federal-task-force-killing-antifascist-wanted-murder-portland/">boasted
about this killing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Money_behind_GOP_Supreme_Court_Takeover)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Money_behind_GOP_Supreme_Court_Takeover)">Money behind GOP Supreme Court Takeover</a>)
<p>
*'Look for Power in the Shadows': Watch Sheldon Whitehouse Shine Light on
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/14/look-power-shadows-watch-sheldon-whitehouse-shine-light-dark-money-operation-behind">'Dark
Money Operation' Behind GOP Supreme Court Takeover</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Lasting_debilities_from_Covid-19)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Lasting_debilities_from_Covid-19)">Lasting debilities from Covid-19</a>)
<p>
Various lasting debilities affect around
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/long-covid-what-we-know-so-far">2%
of the people who get Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It follows that if we let the virus run rampant through the US and
infect around 70% of the population, so that herd immunity stops it,
we will have about 5 million newly disabled Americans.  That's in
addition to the 2 million or so who would die.
<p>
That's
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/10/white-house-informally-endorses-letting-pandemic-spread-unchecked/">what
the wrecker is now in favor of</a>.
<p>
It could be more than 5 million.
<p>
Given the possibility of being infected twice, once with each of the
two principal strains of the virus, it's conceivable that each one
would spread until 70% of Americans have had it.  So we might end up
with a 10 million newly disabled Americans.
<p>
In the identified cases of reinfection, the second infection was more
grave.  Perhaps that is a real phenomenon.  Or perhaps it is an
artifact of the way this is studied: I suspect the analysis to detect
reinfection is done only on patients that need to be hospitalized.
<p>
The push to let the virus run rampant is a
<a href="https://medium.com/@jmfeldman/the-herd-immunity-strategy-isnt-part-of-a-scientific-debate-about-covid-19-abddf6bc7c13">fake
scientific controversy bankrolled by rich people</a>.
<p>
Thus it is comparable to the planet roaster's campaign to generate
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#24_June_2014_(Fossil-fuel_company_denialists)">fake
controversy about human-caused global heating</a>, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#23_March_2017_(Tobacco_industry)">fake
doubt about whether tobacco kills</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(The_demand_for_efficiency)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(The_demand_for_efficiency)">The demand for efficiency</a>)
<p>
Demand for efficiency has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/covid-care-crisis-humanity-efficiency-money">"crushed
the humanity" out</a> of the activity and profession of taking care of
someone else.
<p>
I have a feeling that the use of "to care" to mean an action rather
than an attitude is part of that change.

<p>
<li><a name="17_October_2020_(Autonomous_weapons)" />17 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_October_2020_(Autonomous_weapons)">Autonomous weapons</a>)
<p>
*"Do we
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/oct/15/dangerous-rise-of-military-ai-drone-swarm-autonomous-weapons">not
see the ascent of control over compassion, security over support,
capital over care, and war over welfare</a>?"*

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(The_district_attorney_of_Los_Angeles)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(The_district_attorney_of_Los_Angeles)">The district attorney of Los Angeles</a>)
<p>

The district attorney of Los Angeles faces a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/15/los-angeles-district-attorney-black-lives-matter">challenge from a candidate</a>
who has learned to push for less imprisonment of minor criminals,
and more prosecution of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
<p>
The incumbent seems like another Kamala Harris, pushing for being
harsher on criminals rather than on rebuilding peace in society.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(New_York_State's_working_families_party)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(New_York_State's_working_families_party)">New York State's working families party</a>)
<p>

Governor Cuomo is trying hard to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/15/new-york-working-families-party-biden-harris-ballot/">wipe out</a> New York State's Working
Families Party.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Personal_sanctions_on_Putin's_cronies)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Personal_sanctions_on_Putin's_cronies)">Personal sanctions on Putin's cronies</a>)
<p>

The EU has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/eu-announces-sanctions-against-kremlin-chiefs-over-alexei-navalny-poisoning">placed personal sanctions</a> on some of Putin's cronies
for poisoning Alexei Navalny.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Australia's_electoral_and_political_system)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Australia's_electoral_and_political_system)">Australia's electoral and political system</a>)
<p>

Australia's electoral and political system <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/the-us-electoral-system-is-not-a-pretty-sight-australia-should-take-heed">could use some changes</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Ohio_voter_suppression)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Ohio_voter_suppression)">Ohio voter suppression</a>)
<p>

Ohio is doing voter suppression by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/15/ohio-us-election-voter-suppression">having too few polling places in
cities</a>.  Cities are where people are likely to vote Democratic.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Deadly_legionella_bacteria)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Deadly_legionella_bacteria)">Deadly legionella bacteria</a>)
<p>

When buildings have been shut for a long time, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/legionella-water-killing-americans-pandemic">deadly legionella
bacteria can multiply</a> in the water pipes.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(YouTube_will_ban_contradicting_WHO's_recommendations_about_vaccination)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(YouTube_will_ban_contradicting_WHO's_recommendations_about_vaccination)">YouTube will ban contradicting WHO's recommendations about vaccination</a>)
<p>

YouTube will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/14/youtube-bans-misinformation-about-covid-vaccinations">ban contradicting WHO's recommendations</a> about vaccination.
<p>
Anti-vax fantasies, when presented as fact, threaten people's lives.
It is useful to do something to weaken the conspiracies that make and
spread them.  However, censorship is dangerous too.
<p>
It would be better to avoid promoting such material when people don't
explicitly ask for it.  For instance, to label each one with "anti-vax",
and not recommend anything with that label, nor find it in searches unless
"anti-vax" is one of the search terms.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Sicilian_Giuseppe_Piraino)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Sicilian_Giuseppe_Piraino)">Sicilian Giuseppe Piraino</a>)
<p>

Sicilian Giuseppe Piraino responded to a mafia demand for money by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/sicilian-businessman-secret-film-leads-to-arrest-of-alleged-mafiosi-italy">showing the mafioso photos of murdered judges</a> &mdash; then showing the
recording to the state, and getting 20 mafiosi arrested and charged.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Raid_on_campaign_office_of_opposition_leader_Bobi_Wine)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Raid_on_campaign_office_of_opposition_leader_Bobi_Wine)">Raid on campaign office of opposition leader Bobi Wine</a>)
<p>

*Ugandan security forces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/ugandan-security-forces-raid-campaign-office-of-opposition-leader-bobi-wine">raid campaign office</a> of opposition leader Bobi Wine.*

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Rewilding_and_land_restoration)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Rewilding_and_land_restoration)">Rewilding and land restoration</a>)
<p>

Massive rewilding and land restoration would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/re-wild-to-mitigate-the-climate-crisis-urge-leading-scientists">absorb a lot of the CO2</a>
that we are adding to the atmosphere, in a natural way.
<p>
Perhaps this could be done a more effective method of offsetting
emissions.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Boost_in_children's_immune_systems)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Boost_in_children's_immune_systems)">Boost in children's immune systems</a>)
<p>

*Greener play areas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/greener-play-areas-boost-childrens-immune-systems-research-finds">boost children’s immune systems</a>, research finds.*
<p>
The effect is visible after just a month.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Thugs_did_not_try_to_save_Breonna_Taylor)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Thugs_did_not_try_to_save_Breonna_Taylor)">Thugs did not try to save Breonna Taylor</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that searched the apartment where Breonna Taylor lay dying
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/breonna-taylor-boyfriend-police-didnt-try-to-save-her">did not try to save her</a>.
<p>
The article does not say whether they were the same ones that killed
her.  Either way, it shows the callous disregard of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for human
life.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(European_countries'_dealing_with_Covid-19)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(European_countries'_dealing_with_Covid-19)">European countries' dealing with Covid-19</a>)
<p>

European countries are trying to deal with an increase in Covid-19
by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/european-roundup-french-cities-face-curfews-italy-breaks-march-record">putting off increasing their distancing measures</a>.
<p>
The idea of "apply firm measures if the fraction of people newly
infected rises above a certain amount" is a mistake.  The time to
apply firm measures is whenever the fraction of people newly infected
is <em>rising</em>.  That is the time to apply measures that are sure to
drive R down below 1, and drive the number of people infected down to
a low level.  Delaying the firm measures will require firmer measures,
for a longer period.
<p>
After that, it is possible to return to the status quo ante <em>provided</em>
contact tracing and isolation are stronger than before.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(New_Zealand_referendum_to_help_in_dying)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(New_Zealand_referendum_to_help_in_dying)">New Zealand referendum to help in dying</a>)
<p>

New Zealand is having a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/new-zealand-euthanasia-vote-polls-point-to-yes-amid-campaign-of-fear-and-doubt">referendum to approve a very limited right to
help in dying</a>. I urge people to vote yes.
<p>
However, the limitations don't make sense.  People undergoing
unbearable suffering which is sure to end within 6 months will be
allowed this right, but those whose suffering might continue for
decades will be required to keep suffering.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Thai_government_prohibiting_protests)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Thai_government_prohibiting_protests)">Thai government prohibiting protests</a>)
<p>

The Thai government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/thailand-uses-emergency-decree-to-ban-gatherings-after-bangkok-protests">prohibited protests, arrested leaders, and increased
censorship</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Barrett's_testimony)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Barrett's_testimony)">Barrett's testimony</a>)
<p>

Barrett's testimony implies that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/dog-whistle-barrett-condemned-implying-being-lgbtq-choice-and-saying-working-anti">she thinks all people can simply
choose their sexual orientation</a>.
<p>
I don't investigate all the associations and attitudes of an
organization before I give a talk for it.  I don't have time.
(Indeed, I expect, when I give a talk for a university, that it is
doing some harmful things that I publicly condemn, such as developing
nonfree software, obtaining software patents, and teaching that it is
wrong to share copies of published works.)
<p>
So I think it is possible that Barrett did not know about those
specific positions of the ADF when she gave talks for its fellowship
program.
<p>
But it is also possible that she knew them and agreed with them, and
is now covering it up.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Barrett's_confirmation_to_the_Supreme_court)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Barrett's_confirmation_to_the_Supreme_court)">Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme court</a>)
<p>

*Barrett's Confirmation to the Supreme Court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/14/amy-coney-barretts-confirmation-supreme-court-would-be-catastrophe-climate">"Would Be a Catastrophe
for the Climate."</a>*

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Los_Angeles_County_thugs_attacked_then_arrested_reporter)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Los_Angeles_County_thugs_attacked_then_arrested_reporter)">Los Angeles County thugs attacked then arrested reporter</a>)
<p>

Los Angeles County <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked then arrested reporter Josie Huang
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/14/were-you-aclu-press-freedom-advocates-denounce-attack-journalist-la-sheriffs">as she was reporting outside a hospital</a>.  Then they gave a reason
which was an obvious lie and brought charges against her.
<p>
I've heard that the charges against Ms Huang have been dropped, but
there is no sign of an investigation of the attack on her.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Individual_rewilders)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Individual_rewilders)">Individual rewilders</a>)
<p>

Individual rewilders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/maverick-rewilders-endangered-species-extinction-conservation-uk-wildlife">release locally lost species to try to preserve them</a>,
and occasionally it works.  But usually it does not.
<p>
It seems that the conclusion is that what we really need is government support
for restoring damaged nature.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(German_parliament_sued_over_anti-BDS_resolution)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(German_parliament_sued_over_anti-BDS_resolution)">German parliament sued over anti-BDS resolution</a>)
<p>

*Human rights defenders <a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/adri-nieuwhof/human-rights-defenders-sue-german-parliament-over-anti-bds-resolution">sue German parliament</a> over anti-BDS resolution.*
<p>
The resolution equates boycotting Israeli companies with boycotting
Jews &mdash; in effect equating criticism of Israel's occupation practices
with antisemitism.
<p>
The Israeli government <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_February_2020_(Criticism_of_Israels_occupation_policies)">pushes to establish that those two are the same</a>,
as a weapon against those who criticize the crimes of the occupation.
Meanwhile, its leaders are friends with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_December_2019_(Labour_antisemitism)">people who really are antisemitic.
<p>
I support the existence of Israel, and I condemn antisemitism.
However, Palestinians have rights too, like everyone else, and Israel
must respect their rights.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Governments_made_the_London_thug_department_less_racist)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Governments_made_the_London_thug_department_less_racist)">Governments made the London thug department less racist</a>)
<p>

The first head of the Black Police Association of London said that
governments made the London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department less racist, but this
stopped in 2016 and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/13/office-met-police-racist-macpherson-stephen-lawrence-inquiry-black-people">racism is coming back</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_((satire)_Galaxies_mating)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_((satire)_Galaxies_mating)">(satire) Galaxies mating</a>)
<p>

(satire) *NASA officials announced Tuesday
that the Hubble Space Telescope had recently given scientists the <a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-s-hubble-telescope-captures-rare-sight-of-2-galaxi-1845350401">rare opportunity to observe</a> a pair of galaxies mating.*

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Monopoly_of_privatized_water)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Monopoly_of_privatized_water)">Monopoly of privatized water</a>)
<p>

A giant <a href="https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/merger-water-privatization-flint-veolia/">international monopoly of privatized water</a> is being formed.
<p>
Privatization of water for residential use should not be allowed.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Chile's_national_police_force)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Chile's_national_police_force)">Chile's national police force</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/calls-grow-for-radical-reform-of-chiles-national-police-force">Calls grow for radical reform</a> of Chile's national police force.
The Carabineros face 8,500 allegations of human rights abuses in the
past year.*

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Canada's_last_ice_shelf)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Canada's_last_ice_shelf)">Canada's last ice shelf</a>)
<p>

Canada's last ice shelf <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/14/canadas-last-intact-ice-shelf-broke-off-it-took-our-research-station-with-it">broke up and disappeared</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_October_2020_(Great_Barrier_Reef_corals)" />16 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_October_2020_(Great_Barrier_Reef_corals)">Great Barrier Reef corals</a>)
<p>

*Great Barrier Reef corals have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/great-barrier-reef-corals-have-more-than-halved-in-past-25-years-study-shows">more than halved</a> in past 25 years,
study shows.*

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(University_of_Sydney_law_professor)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(University_of_Sydney_law_professor)">University of Sydney law professor</a>)
<p>

*University of Sydney law professor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/14/sydney-university-professor-who-teaches-law-of-protest-arrested-while-watching-student-protest">arrested while watching student protest</a>.*
<p>
He sent his students to watch, because they were studying law and
protest.  It appears that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> went semi-berserk, thinking
"Wheee, lots of people we can beat up!"

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Smart_meters_in_Australia)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Smart_meters_in_Australia)">"Smart" meters in Australia</a>)
<p>

"Smart" meters in Australia will enable the company to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-07/amazon-will-soon-see-inside-millions-of-aussie-homes/12582776">report when users</a> turn certain appliances on or off by noticing momentary increases
or decreases in total current used.
<p>
For "smart", read "snoop".
<p>
The worst thing is that people will have no choice about having their homes
connected to these meters.
<p>
Snooping meters should be restricted by law about how fine grained
their reports can be.  I contend that informing the customer of per
moment-by-moment current use, plus telling the electric utility the
moment-by-moment current use of a block or neighborhood, is enough
data.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Undermining_the_census)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Undermining_the_census)">Undermining the census</a>)
<p>

The Supreme Court, now with right-wing bias, has allowed the wrecker to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/13/trump-administration-can-end-census-count-early-supreme-court-rules">undermine the census count by stopping it early</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Homeless_man_pulled_by_leash_from_horseback)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Homeless_man_pulled_by_leash_from_horseback)">Homeless man pulled by leash from horseback</a>)
<p>

Galveston thugs <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-13/black-man-led-through-texas-town-by-police-sues-for-$us1m/12760222">tied a leash to a homeless man and pulled him from horseback</a>.
<p>
This is not only humiliating, it is dangerous.  It can be hard to keep
up with horses, so the person being pulled can easily fall and be
dragged.  That can cause all sorts of injuries.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Rio_Tinto_contracts_with_Australian_indigenous_groups)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Rio_Tinto_contracts_with_Australian_indigenous_groups)">Rio Tinto contracts with Australian indigenous groups</a>)
<p>

The Rio Tinto mining company signed contracts with Australian
indigenous groups, paying them money but demanding they remain silent
about possible destruction of their ancient sites by mining.  When
some found out that a site was likely to be destroyed, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-12/juukan-gorge-blast-inquiry-told-of-rio-tinto-gag-clauses-warning/12754100">they dared not
complain</a> to the government for fear of losing that income.
<p>
This confirms my view that these sites should have absolute protected status.
No one should have the power to allow their destruction.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Twitter_suspended_apparently_fake_accounts)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Twitter_suspended_apparently_fake_accounts)">Twitter suspended apparently fake accounts</a>)
<p>

Twitter suspended <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/13/twitter-suspends-accounts-for-posing-as-black-trump-supporters">apparently fake accounts</a> which claimed to belong
to people that were black and planned to vote for the wrecker.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Israeli_combat_drones)" />15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Israeli_combat_drones)">Israeli combat drones</a>)
<p>

Israeli combat drones that were battle-tested by bombing Gaza may be
bought by the UK and used to <a href="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201010-the-israeli-merchants-of-death-flying-drones-off-britains-coastline/">track (and kill?)</a> asylum seekers in the
channel.

<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Museum_censorship)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Museum_censorship)">Museum censorship</a>)
<p>
A French museum had to defer plans for an exhibit about Mongol emperor
Genghis Khan because China demanded <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/14/china-insists-genghis-khan-exhibit-not-use-words-genghis-khan">that the exhibit not use the words
"Mongol", "Empire" or "Genghis Khan"</a>.

<p>
Now that China has started a long-term plan to assimilate Mongols that
live in China, it apparently would like to make the rest of the world
forget that Mongols are ethnically different from Han Chinese.  That
will be difficult to entirely accomplish, since the rest of the world
is well aware of the Mongol empire.  Russia and the Middle East were
conquered by it and they remember.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Bending_rules_against_hate)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Bending_rules_against_hate)">Bending rules against hate</a>)
<p>
Right-wing sites pressure Facebook into bending its rules against hate
and disinformation for them.  An employee who collected a list of instances
<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/facebook-zuckerberg-what-if-trump-disputes-election-results">was fired for this</a>.

<p>
Five things Facebook should do <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/13/five-things-mark-zuckerberg-must-do-if-hes-serious-about-preventing-election">to avoid encouraging election violence</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Conversion_to_renewable)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Conversion_to_renewable)">Conversion to renewable</a>)
<p>
Queensland (part of Australia) could convert completely to renewable generation
in 15 years, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/14/queensland-transition-to-renewables-would-generate-almost-10000-jobs-analysis-shows">generating around 10,000 permanent jobs</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Looking_and_looting)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Looking_and_looting)">Looking and looting</a>)
<p>
Gideon Spiro writes <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=82476">of the looking of Arabs' houses
and the looting of Jews' houses</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Hunger_strike)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Hunger_strike)">Hunger strike</a>)
<p>
Israel has imprisoned Maher al-Akhras without charges, <a href="https://www.atzuma.co.il/maheralahras">and his response
is a hunger strike</a>.

<p>
Imprisoning people without charges is a fundamental injustice, so
Israel should free him immediately, or else state the charges against
him so he can have a trial.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Exploiting_COVID)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Exploiting_COVID)">Exploiting COVID</a>)
<p>
Naomi Klein: *I fear Trump will exploit his COVID infection <a href="https://www.alternet.org/2020/10/naomi-klein-i-fear-trump-will-exploit-his-covid-infection-to-further-destabilize-the-election/">to further
destabilize the election</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Definition_of_antisemitism)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Definition_of_antisemitism)">Definition of antisemitism</a>)
<p>
Prominent academics warn that the IHRA "definition" of antisemitism
lends itself <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/10/1/repression-of-speech-and-scholarship-on-palestine-needs-to-end/">to repression and censorship of defense of Palestinians'
rights</a>.

<p>
Even the author of that criterion warns it should not be used this way.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Partial_shutdown)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Partial_shutdown)">Partial shutdown</a>)
<p>
Proposing to confront Covid-19 with a form of partial shutdown of
society, <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/Hy00v00CZUw">with firm enforcement of the rules</a>.

<p>
The cameras proposed here threaten oppression, but if the purpose of the system
is simply and only to measure how many people are in a place and in general
what they are doing, it could be designed not to identify people.  Then it
would be safe.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Sabotage)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Sabotage)">Sabotage</a>)
<p>
Virginia's voter registration site crashed shortly before the deadline
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/virginia-online-registration-portal-left-unworkable-just-hours-deadline-after-cable">because a cable was cut</a>.

<p>
The same thing happened in 2016.  Do you think this was an accident?
Once may have been; twice is not likely.  It looks like sabotage to me.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Hypocritical)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Hypocritical)">Hypocritical</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-offers-new-blank-box-upcharge-for-progressive-me-1845359214">satire</a>) *"For just $3 per shipment, Amazon users who are
   outwardly critical of our company can have their packages delivered in
   a blank cardboard box without any logos or branding so they’ll never
   get called out for being hypocritical."*


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Voter_suppression)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Voter_suppression)">Voter suppression</a>)
<p>
After Republicans stacked the appeals court, it approved the Texas
voter-suppression measure <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/stacked-trump-appointees-federal-appeals-court-upholds-texas-gops-rule-restricting">of allowing only one ballot drop-off per
county</a>.

<p>
I am curious to see their rationale, but I suspect it is based on
taking at face value the pretense that this is a measure to prevent
fraud, and disregarding the question of what effect it will really
have.

<p>
That gives officials a free hand to oppress people: just fabricate a
motive that would have been legitimate, no matter how absurd.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Social_Security's_Cost_of_Living)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Social_Security's_Cost_of_Living)">Social Security's Cost of Living</a>)
<p>
*Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment Is Inadequate. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/13/social-securitys-cost-living-adjustment-inadequate-democrats-have-plan-fix">Democrats Have a
Plan to Fix That</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Barrett's_side)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Barrett's_side)">Barrett's side</a>)
<p>
*New Analysis Finds Barrett Sides <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/13/new-analysis-finds-barrett-sides-against-consumers-immigrants-workers-and-more">Against Consumers, Immigrants, Workers, and
More</a>.*

<p>
Barrett is willing to consider letting the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/13/asked-about-trump-effort-unilaterally-delay-election-barrett-says-she-would-approach">unilaterally delay
the election</a>.
  That would be quite a stretch to the US Constitution, and shows that
she is prepared to go to great lengths to help the wrecker seize
unconstitutional power.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Emissions_policies)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Emissions_policies)">Emissions policies</a>)
<p>
*IMF warns emissions policies 'grossly insufficient' and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/13/imf-warns-emissions-policies-grossly-insufficient-and-urges-green-recovery">urges green recovery</a>.*

<p>
It is noteworthy that an organization which in general serves
plutocracy says this.  It seems that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> have lost out
to other interests in one important contest.


<p>
<li><a name="15_October_2020_(Undermining_Covid-19_response)"/>15 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_October_2020_(Undermining_Covid-19_response)">Undermining Covid-19 response</a>)
<p>
*USDA and Meatpacking Industry <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/usda-and-meatpacking-industry-collaborated-undermine-covid-19-response-documents">Collaborated to Undermine Covid-19 Response,
Documents Show</a>.*

<p>
I don't know whether that was illegal, but it is corruption.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Small_Mexican_border_town_of_Sasabe)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Small_Mexican_border_town_of_Sasabe)">Small Mexican border town of Sasabe</a>)
<p>

US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> deport large numbers of people to the small
Mexican border town of Sasabe, perhaps because they know it cannot
process so many immigrants that fast and has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/13/border-patrol-migrants-deaths/">no place for them to stay</a>.
<p>
This <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#19_December_2016_(US_Border_Patrol)">sadism</a> is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#16_July_2014_(US_border_patrol_thugs_brutalize_people)">typical</a> of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#23_July_2012_(Cruelty_in_US_border_patrol)">US border thugs</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Cost_of_ending_world_hunger_by_2030)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Cost_of_ending_world_hunger_by_2030)">Cost of ending world hunger by 2030</a>)
<p>

*Ending world hunger by 2030 would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/13/ending-world-hunger-by-2030-would-cost-330bn-study-finds">cost $330bn</a>, study finds.*
<p>
That is much less than one would expect.  Just $33 billion a year would
be peanuts for the US government.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Cyprus_scraps_'golden_passport'_scheme)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Cyprus_scraps_'golden_passport'_scheme)">Cyprus scraps 'golden passport' scheme</a>)
<p>

*Cyprus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/cyprus-scraps-golden-passport-scheme-after-politicians-caught-in-undercover-sting">scraps 'golden passport'</a> scheme after politicians caught in undercover
sting.*

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Protest_movement_led_by_a_Thai_student)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Protest_movement_led_by_a_Thai_student)">Protest movement led by a Thai student</a>)
<p>

A Thai student leads a protest movement <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/panusaya-sithijirawattanakul-the-student-taking-on-thailands-monarchy-">demanding reduction of the power
of the king</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Fracking_releases_radioactive_polonium)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Fracking_releases_radioactive_polonium)">Fracking releases radioactive polonium</a>)
<p>

Fracking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/airborne-radioactivity-increases-downwind-of-fracking-study-finds">releases radioactive polonium</a> into the air.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Proposed_law_in_Germany_using_feminine_word_endings)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Proposed_law_in_Germany_using_feminine_word_endings)">Proposed law in Germany using feminine word endings</a>)
<p>

A proposed law in Germany is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/13/never-say-die-german-bill-using-feminine-word-forms-sparks-row">causing consternation</a> because it uses
feminine word endings throughout instead of the usual masculine endings.
<p>
Any doubts about the meaning and legitimacy of this draft text could
be resolved easily by adding a note saying that "In this law, words
with feminine endings that refer to human beings include all humans,
whether female or not."

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Has_the_Labour_Party_still_got_a_conscience_)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Has_the_Labour_Party_still_got_a_conscience_)">Has the Labour Party still got a conscience?</a>)
<p>

Has the Labour Party still got a conscience?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/13/joint-momentum-and-unite-letter-calls-on-starmer-to-oppose-informants-bill">Will it vote against</a> a
bill to permit infiltrating undercover <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to commit crimes without
limit, even murder?

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Facebook_greatest_source_of_Covid-19_disinformation)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Facebook_greatest_source_of_Covid-19_disinformation)">Facebook greatest source of Covid-19 disinformation</a>)
<p>

*Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/14/facebook-greatest-source-of-covid-19-disinformation-journalists-say">greatest source</a> of Covid-19 disinformation, journalists say.*

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Koch-Funded_group_pushes_for_mass_evictions)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Koch-Funded_group_pushes_for_mass_evictions)">Koch-Funded group pushes for mass evictions</a>)
<p>

*Koch-Funded Legal Group <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/10/13/koch-funded-legal-group-pushes-allow-mass-evictions-during-pandemic/">Pushes to Allow Mass Evictions</a> During Pandemic.*
<p>
The greatest danger of putting Barrett on the Supreme Court is that it
could adopt that philosophy &mdash; that "civil liberties" means there
cannot be any limit on the power to evict tenants.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Showing_Britain_what_real_democracy_could_look_like)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Showing_Britain_what_real_democracy_could_look_like)">Showing Britain what real democracy could look like</a>)
<p>

*Extinction Rebellion is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/16/extinction-rebellion-britain-democracy-protest-westminster">showing Britain</a> what real democracy could look like.*
Big business gets to demand change in government policies at any
moment, whereas the people get to do so only at intervals of years.
<p>
One of the reasons for Extinction Rebellion effectiveness is that it
is absolutely, totally nonviolent (though its protests are sometimes
disruptive).

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(China_still_allowing_use_of_pangolin_scales)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(China_still_allowing_use_of_pangolin_scales)">China still allowing use of pangolin scales</a>)
<p>

*China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/china-still-allowing-use-of-pangolin-scales-in-traditional-medicine">still allowing</a> use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine.*
<p>
China is not egregious in failing to adequately protect endangered
species.  Many countries, perhaps most, fall short on that dimension.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Infiltrating_real_terrorist_groups_to_stop_terrorism)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Infiltrating_real_terrorist_groups_to_stop_terrorism)">Infiltrating real terrorist groups to stop terrorism</a>)
<p>

State infiltrators are bad when they infiltrate peaceful dissident
groups.  However, infiltrating real terrorist groups is legitimate
and can be very effective for stopping terrorism.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/12/scottish-mi5-spy-crown-key-witness-new-ira-terror-trial">Here</a> is an example.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Tractors_used_to_demolish_Palestinian_homes)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Tractors_used_to_demolish_Palestinian_homes)">Tractors used to demolish Palestinian homes</a>)
<p>

JCB, which sells construction equipment, is under legal pressure
for selling tractors to an Israeli company and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/12/jcb-challenged-over-machinery-used-to-demolish-palestinian-homes">not taking steps</a>
to prevent their use in forcible demolition of Palestinian homes.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(The_size_of_the_Supreme_Court)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(The_size_of_the_Supreme_Court)">The size of the Supreme Court</a>)
<p>

The US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/its-time-unpack-court">increased the size of the Supreme Court before</a>, and for good
reasons.

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Faithfully_serve_the_Constitution)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Faithfully_serve_the_Constitution)">Faithfully serve the Constitution</a>)
<p>

*   Biden must call on federal workers to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/modest-proposal-prevent-sabotage-trump-regime">ignore illegal orders</a> and faithfully serve the Constitution.*

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(The_Broken_Trust_Model_of_Policing_Police)" />14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(The_Broken_Trust_Model_of_Policing_Police)">The Broken Trust Model of Policing Police</a>)
<p>

Announcing a new political article, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/policing-police.html">"The Broken Trust Model of Policing Police"</a>

<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(A_few_weeks_to_provoke)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(A_few_weeks_to_provoke)">A few weeks to provoke</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> still has a few weeks to provoke Iran into war.
The provocations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/trump-aims-fresh-us-aggression-iran-how-many-surprises-can-october-hold">are already killing Iranian civilians</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Protect_your_students)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Protect_your_students)">Protect your students</a>)
<p>
Academics call for universities to join to protect their students from
persecution by China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/12/academics-warn-of-chilling-effect-of-hong-kong-security-law">over criticism of China in their classes and
academic work</a>.

<p>
Students are afraid of being imprisoned if and when they go to China,
even over what is said by others in the same class.

To get the US to imprison you for what you publish, you have to do something
heroic, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#20 June 2010 (Bradley Manning arrested)">such as exposing secret crimes</a>.

<p>
  China, by contrast, will imprison people merely for criticizing China,
  or even for nothing at all if they are useful as hostages.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Total_collapse)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Total_collapse)">Total collapse</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/total-collapse-of-democracy-so-horrifying-america-decid-1845348175">satire</a>) *several reports indicated
   Monday that the idea of the total collapse of democracy was so
   horrifying that America decided it hadn’t happened yet.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Not_interfering)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Not_interfering)">Not interfering</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/amy-coney-barrett-promises-catholic-faith-won-t-interfe-1845347859">satire</a>) *Judge Amy Coney Barrett
   promised Monday that her Catholic faith’s tenets of generosity and
   humanity would not interfere with her duty on the court to crush the
   nation’s poorest and most downtrodden citizens.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Avoiding_exposure)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Avoiding_exposure)">Avoiding exposure</a>)
<p>
*Trump desperately needs to avoid another withering exposure that
   another debate would cement. That is why, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/12/trump-plato-and-wizard-oz">true to the coward that he
   is, he’s hiding from it</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Public_banks)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Public_banks)">Public banks</a>)
<p>
An additional advantage of public banks is that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/12/after-all-its-our-money-global-climate-campaigners-call-public-banks-fund-just">governments could directly
make them stop investing in fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
For the other reasons public entities should put their money in public
banks, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_October_2014_(Public_banks)">see here</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Spy_drones)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Spy_drones)">Spy drones</a>)
<p>
General Atomics has developed spy drones that can track everyone in a
substantial area &mdash; such as a big city &mdash; at once.  The initial
application for them was for war, but now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/15/persistent-eye-sky-coming-city-near-you">it is making thinly veiled attempts
to fly them over American cities</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Myths_and_lies_about_poverty)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Myths_and_lies_about_poverty)">Myths and lies about poverty</a>)
<p>
Jesse Jackson: *<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/15/myths-and-lies-about-poverty">Myths and Lies About Poverty</a>.*

<p>
I take issue with Jackson on one point: most Americans do support the
laws that would eliminate most poverty.  But plutocats have used (<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#11 September 2010 (Dismantling civil rights in America)">and
created</a>)
         flaws in our democracy to keep control of our government and
defeat candidates such as Sanders that stand for the policies most
Americans support.

<p>
CEPR: The US Census Bureau underestimates poverty in the US because it uses
too low a value for the poverty line, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/us-poverty-measure-fails-meet-government-standards-reliability-accuracy">one that doesn't relate to today's life</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Insults_and_denunciation)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Insults_and_denunciation)">Insults and denunciation</a>)
<p>
Here's how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denounced a Republican
congresscritter that first insulted her on the capital steps, then
tried to claim that <a href="https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rep-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-floor-speech-about-yoho-remarks-july-23">we shouldn't blame him for that because he has
daughters</a>.

<p>
I was so moved by her strength and dignity that I found a recording to
listen to via invidious.  Her speech is even more impressive as spoken
word.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Antibodies)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Antibodies)">Antibodies</a>)
<p>
*   To make experimental antibodies [for Covid-19] affordable will cost billions. If they
   are shown to work, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/covid-19-treatable-vaccines-treatments">it will be money well spent</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Prosecuted_for_journalism)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Prosecuted_for_journalism)">Prosecuted for journalism</a>)
<p>
Rafał Gaweł, who was prosecuted in Poland for journalism, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/norway-grants-asylum-to-polish-man-who-fled-prison-sentence">has won
asylum in Norway</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Herd_immunity)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Herd_immunity)">Herd immunity</a>)
<p>
*WHO chief says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/who-chief-says-herd-immunity-approach-to-pandemic-unethical">herd immunity approach to pandemic 'unethical'</a>.*

<p>
The reasons he cites are the simple, evident reasons that we can all
see if we look.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Unauthorized_ballot_boxes)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Unauthorized_ballot_boxes)">Unauthorized ballot boxes</a>)
<p>
*California investigates <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/republicans-election-2020-unauthorized-ballot-boxes">unauthorized ballot boxes installed by Republicans</a>.*

<p>
Setting  up an unauthorized ballot drop-off box is electoral fraud
and I hope those Republicans get punished.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Time_to_take_strong_measures)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Time_to_take_strong_measures)">Time to take strong measures</a>)
<p>
Scientific advisers warned the UK government three weeks ago that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/ministers-rejected-four-out-five-proposals-from-sage-to-avert-covid-second-wave">it was time to take strong measures to avoid a "large epidemic"</a>.

<p>
Either the ministers are timid and weak, or they are playing a game of
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_October_2020_(Cutting_off_coal_importation)"/>14 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_October_2020_(Cutting_off_coal_importation)">Cutting off coal importation</a>)
<p>
China has cut off its importation of Australian coal.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/12/china-orders-halt-to-imports-of-australian-coal">It will presumably burn Chinese coal instead</a>.

<p>
This could teach Australia to invest in something less damaging than
coal mining.  But I fear that the Australian government will be so
desperate for China to resume buying coal that it will break and bow
down to China.  That would be very bad for freedom in the world.

<p>
The Australian government has a few oppressive policies &mdash; towards
immigrants,
            towards software developers.
                                         Towards whistleblowers that
reveal its dishonesty and crimes.
                                   However, in general it is much
better than China.

<p>
In regard to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, to the first order this makes no
difference.  Australian coal and Chinese coal are both very damaging.




<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Sifting_for_food)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Sifting_for_food)">Sifting for food</a>)
<p>
*People in Gaza <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/people-in-gaza-sifting-through-rubbish-for-food-un-head-says">sifting through rubbish for food, UN head says</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Senate_democrats_have_failed_us)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Senate_democrats_have_failed_us)">Senate democrats have failed us</a>)
<p>
Senate Democrats have failed us by not going to the mat <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court-confirmation-hearing-partisan-clash">to block
confirmation of Barrett as a Supreme Court Justice</a>.

<p>
The hearings are useless.  Democrats could show she shot someone on
Fifth Avenue and the Republicans would still confirm her, just as they
confirmed Kavanaugh.

<p>
With her, the court will find it easy to use some excuse to set aside
the election and make the wrecker president again.

<p>
*Judges' politics absolutely sway how they decide cases. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/supreme-court-judges-amy-coney-barrett">I crunched the
numbers</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Unimportant)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Unimportant)">Unimportant</a>)
<p>
President Xi is showing the people who served as his puppet government
in Hong Kong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/hong-kong-chief-executive-postpones-major-policy-speech-carrie-lam-china">just how unimportant they are to him</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Official_state_payment_app)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Official_state_payment_app)">Official state payment app</a>)
<p>
China is luring Chinese people to adopt the official state payment
app, which is even more Big Brotherish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/chinese-city-giving-away-10m-yuan-in-lottery-trial-of-digital-currency">than the private payment apps
they mostly use now</a>.

<p>
Protect your country from going down that path &mdash; insist on paying
for products and transportation with cash, anonymously.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Your_civilization_is_killing_life_on_Earth)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Your_civilization_is_killing_life_on_Earth)">Your civilization is killing life on Earth</a>)
<p>
*This is my message to the western world &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/12/western-worldyour-civilisation-killing-life-on-earth-indigenous-amazon-planet">your civilisation is killing life
on Earth</a>.*

<p>
It is a justified rebuke to civilization, but limiting it to "western"
is not fair.  Civilization is global; civilization in Asia is involved
too.

<p>
*[One] fifth of nations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/12/fifth-of-nations-at-risk-of-ecosystem-collapse-analysis-finds">at risk of ecosystem collapse, analysis finds</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Punished_for_getting_pregnant)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Punished_for_getting_pregnant)">Punished for getting pregnant</a>)
<p>
The UAE punishes foreign workers that get pregnant, and their children,
with homelessness and starvation, and the children with denial of education.
This punishment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/12/they-have-to-be-punished-the-mothers-trapped-in-the-uae-by-love-crimes">lasts for an indefinite term; it could be years</a>.

<p>
Many religions support injustice to women.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Lung_cancer)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Lung_cancer)">Lung cancer</a>)
<p>
*Covid coughing link '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/12/covid-coughing-link-may-be-stopping-people-with-lung-cancer-coming-forward">may be stopping people with lung cancer coming forward</a>'.*

<p>
The delay in detecting and treating lung cancer can be fatal.

<p>
The UK's National Health Service has also caused delays in testing for
and treating cancer, by being slow.  People are dying from that.
Covid-19 made this a lot worse, but it was starting before.

<p>
The NHS did a pretty good job, given the inadequate funding that
governments gave it.  However, plutocratist governments <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#29_December_2012_(Thatchers_secret_proposal)">have cut its
funds step by step over many years</a>.
  Under those conditions, it will become less and less effective &mdash; but
don't blame the NHS for that.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Shooting_attacking_protester)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Shooting_attacking_protester)">Shooting attacking protester</a>)
<p>
A right-wing protester in Denver attacked a journalist's bodyguard,
first with a punch, then with pepper spray.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/12/far-right-twitter-trolls-wont-admit-wrong-killing-patriot-denver/">The bodyguard shot him
dead</a>.
I am concerned by the fact that the bodyguard was arrested for
defending himself.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Charged_for_attacking_journalist)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Charged_for_attacking_journalist)">Charged for attacking journalist</a>)
<p>
The anti-distancing activist who attacked a journalist in Brooklyn
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/12/brooklyn-leader-protest-covid-coronavirus-arrest">faces criminal charges for doing that</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(In_Favor_of_deforestation)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(In_Favor_of_deforestation)">In Favor of deforestation</a>)
<p>
*   Rainforests face unprecedented fires, yet BlackRock, State Street and
   Vanguard <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/largest-us-investors-undermine-efforts-halt-rainforest-destruction-new-report">have consistently voted in favor of deforestation</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Report_on_climate_risks)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Report_on_climate_risks)">Report on climate risks</a>)
<p>
*New Zealand Becomes First Country in the World <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/15/new-zealand-becomes-first-country-world-require-financial-sector-report-climate">To Require Financial Sector To
Report on Climate Risks</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Not_endorsing_bullshit)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Not_endorsing_bullshit)">Not endorsing bullshit</a>)
<p>
*Anthony Fauci criticises Donald Trump for using his words out of context.*
The bullshitter's campaign <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/11/anthony-fauci-criticises-donald-trump-for-using-his-words-out-of-context">made it appear that Fauci was endorsing
some bullshit</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Blocking_coups)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Blocking_coups)">Blocking coups</a>)
<p>
The wrecker may try to seize power after the US election.  How can
Americans stop him?  Here are methods <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/11/get-ready-resist-trump-coup-attempt">that succeeded for blocking
coups in several other countries</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Stretched_to_the_limit)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Stretched_to_the_limit)">Stretched to the limit</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/overwhelmed-white-nationalist-militia-spread-way-too-th-1845326351">satire</a>) *&hellip; members of a local white nationalist militia stated
   Friday they were stretched to the limit trying to attack everyone the
   president wants them to.*


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Voter_suppression)"/>13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Voter_suppression)">Voter suppression</a>)
<p>
Georgia kicked over 310,000 voters off the registration list on the
grounds that they had moved.  Supposedly it did this based on data
from the USPS.  Greg Palast's team checked properly with the USPS and
found out that <a href="media/6b71bcdd.georgia_voter_roll_purge_errors_report.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/georgia_voter_roll_purge_errors_report.pdf">197,000 of them should not have been deleted</a>.

<p>
This is an example of voter suppression.  The current governor of
Georgia <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#28_October_2018_(Voter_suppression_in_Georgia)">stole the election in 2018 by voter suppression like this</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Amazon_bullies_partners_and_vendors)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Amazon_bullies_partners_and_vendors)">Amazon bullies partners and vendors</a>)
<p>

*Amazon <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/06/amazon-bullies-partners-and-vendors-says-antitrust-subcommittee.html">bullies partners and vendors</a>, says antitrust subcommittee.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Facebook_buys,_copies_or_kills_competitors)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Facebook_buys,_copies_or_kills_competitors)">Facebook buys, copies or kills competitors</a>)
<p>

*Facebook is a social network monopoly that <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/06/house-antitrust-committee-facebook-monopoly-buys-kills-competitors.html">buys, copies or kills competitors</a>, antitrust committee finds.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Costa_Rica_Anti-IMF_protests)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Costa_Rica_Anti-IMF_protests)">Costa Rica Anti-IMF protests</a>)
<p>

*Costa Rica Holds Anti-IMF Protests for <a href="https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Costa-Rica-Holds-Anti-IMF-Protests-for-Tenth-Consecutive-Day--20201009-0010.html">Tenth Day in a Row</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Campaign_to_block_China_seat_in_the_UN_Human_Rights_Council)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Campaign_to_block_China_seat_in_the_UN_Human_Rights_Council)">Campaign to block China seat in the UN Human Rights Council</a>)
<p>

There is a campaign for the UK to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/10/block-chinas-seat-on-human-rights-council-over-uighurs-urges-lisa-nandy">block China</a> from having a seat in the
UN Human Rights Council.
<p>
The very idea of China's presence in that group illustrates the fact
that it has been taken over by the enemies of human rights.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Animal_agriculture_surveils_and_punishes_critics)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Animal_agriculture_surveils_and_punishes_critics)">Animal agriculture surveils and punishes critics</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/10/new-documents-reveal-how-the-animal-agriculture-industry-surveils-and-punishes-critics/">New Documents Reveal</a> How the Animal Agriculture Industry Surveils and
Punishes Critics.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Texas_order_to_shut_down_ballot_drop-off_sites)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Texas_order_to_shut_down_ballot_drop-off_sites)">Texas order to shut down ballot drop-off sites</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/10/texas-mail-in-ballot-drop-off-sites-judge">Federal judge blocks</a> Texas governor's order to shut down ballot drop-off sites.*
<p>
I suppose this will go through two appeals and reach the Supreme Court.
I wonder what it will say.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Toxic_chemical_smoke_grenades)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Toxic_chemical_smoke_grenades)">Toxic chemical smoke grenades</a>)
<p>

*Federal Agents Used <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/10/portland-tear-gas-chemical-grenades-protests/">Toxic Chemical Smoke Grenades</a> in Portland.*
<p>
Some protesters were sick for a long time after being attacked in this way.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Farming_salmon_on_a_large_scale)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Farming_salmon_on_a_large_scale)">Farming salmon on a large scale</a>)
<p>

Farming salmon on a large scale, as today, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/15/net-loss-the-high-price-of-salmon-farming">causes a number of ecological dangers</a>, and can also incubate diseases as well as
parasites.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Charles_Koch_buying_credibility)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Charles_Koch_buying_credibility)">Charles Koch buying credibility</a>)
<p>

*How Charles Koch Is <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2020/09/12/charles-koch-academic-george-mason-utah-state-university">Buying Credibility With Academic Investments</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Persistently_harassing_possible_future_criminals)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Persistently_harassing_possible_future_criminals)">Persistently harassing possible future criminals</a>)
<p>

Pasco, Florida, tries to prevent crime by <a href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2020/investigations/police-pasco-sheriff-targeted/intelligence-led-policing/">persistently harassing</a> people thought to be possible future criminals until they move out of
town.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(US_response_to_Covid-19_driven_by_various_wrong_intuitions)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(US_response_to_Covid-19_driven_by_various_wrong_intuitions)">US response to Covid-19 driven by various wrong intuitions</a>)
<p>

The US response to Covid-19 has been driven by various <a hrer="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/09/pandemic-intuition-nightmare-spiral-winter/616204/">wrong intuitions</a> so that it has been purely planned.
<p>
The article does not mention that the wrecker and Republicans
intentionally undermined the effort so he could use the disease for
his reelection.  (I think we did not yet have proof of that when it
was written.)  However, I don't think that invalidates the article.
The Republicans took advantage of these erroneous tendencies, and they
are still doing so.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(New_York_thug_department_patterns_of_injustice)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(New_York_thug_department_patterns_of_injustice)">New York thug department patterns of injustice</a>)
<p>

1/5 of the high-ranking officers of the New York Thug Department have
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/over-a-dozen-black-and-latino-men-accused-a-cop-of-humiliating-invasive-strip-searches-the-nypd-kept-promoting-him">substantiated patterns of injustice</a> to the public. Substantiated to the department's satisfaction, that is.
The department works hard to cover them up.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid that bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
an exception for articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Masks_in_public_transportation)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Masks_in_public_transportation)">Masks in public transportation</a>)
<p>

The CDC wanted to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/health/coronavirus-covid-masks-cdc.html">order people to use masks in public transportation</a>, but the wrecker's political officials blocked it.
<p>
If our state and local officials were on our side and getting good
advice, all trying to do the best thing to protect people from
Covid-19 and bring it to an end, it might be better for these
decisions to be made locally.  Alas, led by the wrecker, many of them
are on the virus's side, and this decision helped them spread it.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(UK_thug_violence_against_anti-fracking_and_anti-HS2_protesters)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(UK_thug_violence_against_anti-fracking_and_anti-HS2_protesters)">UK thug violence against anti-fracking and anti-HS2 protesters</a>)
<p>

UK thugs display a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/10/chilling-police-tactics-used-on-hs2-protesters-claims-report">pattern of violence</a> and bodily harm against
anti-fracking and anti-HS2 protesters.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Thug_union_faces_criminal_charges_for_pepper-spraying_a_person_who_was_handcuffed)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Thug_union_faces_criminal_charges_for_pepper-spraying_a_person_who_was_handcuffed)">Thug union faces criminal charges for pepper-spraying a person who was handcuffed</a>)
<p>

The head of the Somerville, Massachusetts, thug union now <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/09/metro/somerville-cop-charged-criminally-allegedly-pepper-spraying-handcuffed-man/">faces
criminal charges</a> for pepper-spraying a person who was handcuffed.
<p>
It appears that the most thuggish of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> feel drawn to becoming
officials of the unions that protect thuggishness.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(The_saboteur_is_sabotaging_science)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(The_saboteur_is_sabotaging_science)">The saboteur is sabotaging science</a>)
<p>

The saboteur is sabotaging science by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/blatant-hypocrisy-trump-heralds-covid-19-drugs-he-took-made-possible-fetal-cell">forbidding research using fetal
cells culture</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> did the same thing.  In the 2000s, a friend of mine hoped that
research would find a way to prevent his developing blindness.  Due to
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s policy, that research was not done.  Now he is completely
blind.
<p>
A fetus is not a baby, and a culture of human cells is not a human
being.  There is absolutely nothing wrong (barring unusual
circumstances) with an abortion, and absolutely nothing wrong with
using fetal cells (or their cultures) for research (medical or
otherwise).  When anyone acts less than proud of using the results of
such research, we should speak up and say, "Be proud!"

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Rust_belt_plant_closures)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Rust_belt_plant_closures)">Rust belt plant closures</a>)
<p>

*Despite Trump's 'Jobs, Jobs, Jobs' Bluster, the Rust Belt Is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/despite-trumps-jobs-jobs-jobs-bluster-rust-belt-still-reeling-plant-closures">Still Reeling</a> from Plant Closures.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Covid-19_in_the_Czech_Republic)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Covid-19_in_the_Czech_Republic)">Covid-19 in the Czech Republic</a>)
<p>

Covid-19 transmission has been rising in the Czech Republic since August,
and has reached the point where it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/11/czech-republic-goes-from-model-covid-19-response-to-brink-of-second-lockdown">overload the medical system</a>.
<p>
This demonstrates yet again that trying to trim the settings in the rules
is a mistake.  Once transmission starts accelerating, you must take
firm action without delay.  You're only safe if the number of new
cases is decreasing.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Greenhouse_emissions_reduction)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Greenhouse_emissions_reduction)">Greenhouse emissions reduction</a>)
<p>

Even a weak target for greenhouse emissions reduction can create
many jobs and a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/12/net-zero-emissions-target-for-australia-could-launch-63bn-investment-boom">booming economy</a>.
<p>
It could slow down disaster, and pave the way for stronger steps.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Corporations_entitled_to_human_rights)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Corporations_entitled_to_human_rights)">Corporations entitled to human rights</a>)
<p>

See <a href="https://www.movetoamend.org/pledge-amend-candidate-responses">which candidates</a> have pledged to amend the Constitution to reject
the idea that corporations are entitled to human rights.
<p>
I was disappointed to see that not one candidate in my state
has endorsed it.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Sunken_British_slave_ship)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Sunken_British_slave_ship)">Sunken British slave ship</a>)
<p>

A sunken British slave ship, of great archaeological interest, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/11/wreck-of-the-worlds-oldest-slave-ship-at-risk-of-destruction">being
destroyed</a> by unrestricted trawling.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Arguing_for_herd_immunity)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Arguing_for_herd_immunity)">Arguing for herd immunity</a>)
<p>

A few dissident scientists purport to be arguing for letting Covid-19
spread to produce herd immunity.  Superficial news coverage makes it
look like a serious scientific dispute, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/11/the-rebel-scientists-cause-would-be-more-persuasive-if-it-werent-so-half-baked">their position is not
clear enough to make sense</a>.  And its supposedly scientific supporters
are not all real scientists.
<p>
In other fields, such "skepticism" has been funded by businesses with
something to gain by creating a false impression of uncertainty.
There is no shortage of businesses that might want to create the
appearance of doubt about whether we should try to wipe out Covid-19.
And there are rich supporters of the conman who might do this.
<p>
I wonder if someone who knows how to investigate could check for such
connections.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(British_practice_of_raising_large_numbers_of_birds)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(British_practice_of_raising_large_numbers_of_birds)">British practice of raising large numbers of birds</a>)
<p>

The British practice of raising large numbers of birds to release them
for wealthy people to shoot is causing ecological damage; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/11/rspb-calls-for-new-laws-on-game-bird-shooting">stricter laws are needed</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Political_officials_alter_the_CDC's_weekly_reports)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Political_officials_alter_the_CDC's_weekly_reports)">Political officials alter the CDC's weekly reports</a>)
<p>

Political officials <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/11/exclusive-trump-officials-interfered-with-cdc-reports-on-covid-19-412809">alter the CDC's weekly reports</a> for political
purposes. They are pushing the head of the CDC to modify old reports too.
<p>
Dr. Rick Bright resigned from the National Institute of Health after
he was sidelined for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/laying-tens-thousands-preventable-deaths-foot-trump-failures-top-us-health-official">insisting on doing</a> what was scientifically and
medically called for.

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(World_left_unprepared_for_pandemic)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(World_left_unprepared_for_pandemic)">World left unprepared for pandemic</a>)
<p>

*'Catastrophic Failure to Tackle Inequality' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/catastrophic-failure-tackle-inequality-left-world-unprepared-pandemic-global-index">Left World Unprepared for
Pandemic</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Political_Article:_An_Extinction_Rebellion_activist_comments_about_the_London_police_by_Clark_Killick)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Political_Article:_An_Extinction_Rebellion_activist_comments_about_the_London_police_by_Clark_Killick)">Political Article: An Extinction Rebellion activist comments about the London police by Clark Killick</a>)
<p>

New political article: <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/clark-killick.html">An Extinction Rebellion activist comments about the London police
              by Clark Killick</a>

<p>
<li><a name="13_October_2020_(Urgent:_Keep_the_Roadless_Rule_for_the_Tongass_National_forest)" />13 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_October_2020_(Urgent:_Keep_the_Roadless_Rule_for_the_Tongass_National_forest)">Urgent: Keep the Roadless Rule for the Tongass National forest</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on the Department of Agriculture to <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/22942/action/1">keep the Roadless Rule</a>
for the Tongass National forest.

<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Urgent:_no_vote_on_nomination_of_Supreme_Court_seat)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Urgent:_no_vote_on_nomination_of_Supreme_Court_seat)">Urgent: no vote on nomination of Supreme Court seat</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-201001-scotus/?t=1001&refcode=g-SCOTUS1008.d-20201008.m-25196.s-157955&akid=25196%2E1906019%2ErkEW5G">call on Congress</a> to have no vote on any nomination to
fill Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat until the winner of this
election is inaugurated.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Urgent:_Save_Europe_from_Software_Patents)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Urgent:_Save_Europe_from_Software_Patents)">Urgent: Save Europe from Software Patents</a>)
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://ffii.org/donate-now-to-save-europe-from-software-patents-says-ffii">Donate now</a> to save Europe from Software Patents, says FFII.

<p>
If you are German, contact your representative in the Bundestag
to oppose the "unitary patent".


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Profiting_from_disinformation)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Profiting_from_disinformation)">Profiting from disinformation</a>)
<p>
*Facebook Profited From Climate [Dis]information <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/facebook-profited-climate-misinformation-even-after-vowing-fight-it-report-shows">Even After Vowing to
Fight It, Report Shows</a>.*

<p>
These ads were not mere errors, they were intentional deception.
Thus I call them "disinformation".


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Not_appealing_enough)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Not_appealing_enough)">Not appealing enough</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/american-populace-worried-theyre-not-likable-enough-to-1845313933">satire</a>) *&hellip; millions of Americans worried that they weren’t appealing enough to
   land any potential commander in chief who didn’t constantly lie, steal,
   and cheat on them by having secret relations with numerous other
   countries."



<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(One_person_attack)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(One_person_attack)">One person attack</a>)
<p>
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: the US should not allow any one person
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/08/trumps-covid-infection-shows-why-its-time-retire-nuclear-football">to have the power to launch a nuclear attack unilaterally</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(The_hard_problem_of_solidarity)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(The_hard_problem_of_solidarity)">The hard problem of solidarity</a>)
<p>
Interesting article: *Binary Oppositions <a href="https://anileklavya.net/2020/09/19/binary-oppositions-and-the-hard-hard-problem-of-solidarity/">and the Hard Hard Problem of
Solidarity</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(White_supremacists_monitoring_polling_places)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(White_supremacists_monitoring_polling_places)">White supremacists monitoring polling places</a>)
<p>
Republicans are sending armed white supremacists to "monitor" polling
places <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/threat-fair-election-experts-warn-danger-posed-armed-pro-trump-poll-watchers">and try to intimidate blacks other marginalized people from
voting</a>.

<p>
Their supposed excuse for the intimidation is to discourage fraud in
voting, but even if there were fraud, they would be unable to stop it. 

(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/wisconsin-reports-zero-evidence-of-voter-fraud-in-ballo-1845326405">satire</a>) Wisconsin Reports Zero Evidence Of Voter Fraud In Ballots
They’ve Thrown Out So Far.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Fabrication_of_reason)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Fabrication_of_reason)">Fabrication of reason</a>)
<p>
Bianca Williams rebukes the investigation of the incident where she
was stopped by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, because it will consider only whether they treated 
her courteously, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/09/bianca-williams-threatens-to-boycott-watered-down-inquiry-into-police">not whether they fabricated a disguise of a reason</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Stopping_pipeline)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Stopping_pipeline)">Stopping pipeline</a>)
<p>
How people in New York City <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/eleven-reasons-why-we-stopped-massive-fracked-gas-pipeline-new-york-city">stopped a pipeline for fracked gas</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Fundamental_rights_at_stake)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Fundamental_rights_at_stake)">Fundamental rights at stake</a>)
<p>
*Warning Fundamental Rights and American Lives at Stake, 5,000+ Lawyers Urge
Senate to Reject Barrett.*

<p>
They wrote, "Rushing to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett will cause
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/warning-fundamental-rights-and-american-lives-stake-5000-lawyers-urge-senate-reject">irreparable damage to the public's faith in the Supreme Court, the
rule of law, and our democracy</a>."


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Plexiglass_around_building)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Plexiglass_around_building)">Plexiglass around building</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/south-carolina-protecting-voters-from-covid-19-by-erect-1845293139">satire</a>) *&hellip; the South Carolina Election Commission announced
   Friday that urban polling places would feature large plexiglass
   barriers around the entire building.*


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Delivery_drone)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Delivery_drone)">Delivery drone</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/frisky-housewife-lets-revealing-robe-slip-after-opening-1845256403">satire</a>) *Frisky Housewife Lets Revealing Robe Slip After Opening Door
To Amazon Delivery Drone.*


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Resisting_coups)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Resisting_coups)">Resisting coups</a>)
<p>
Guidelines and examples for resisting coups carried out
by heads of government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/how-we-should-defend-against-impending-trump-coup">that refused to leave after losing an election</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Intentionally_inciting_violence)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Intentionally_inciting_violence)">Intentionally inciting violence</a>)
<p>
It is clear that the would-be tyrant intentionally incited violence
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/09/donald-trump-must-be-held-responsible-michigan-terrorist-plot">including the planned plot to kidnap or assassinate Governor Whitmer
of Michigan</a>.

<p>
What I don't know is whether there is any way to hold him legally
responsible &mdash; with criminal charges.  I don't know where the line
is for incitement of violence or other crimes this might possibly be.


<p>
<li><a name="12_October_2020_(Cult_infection)"/>12 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_October_2020_(Cult_infection)">Cult infection</a>)
<p>
The cult leader is almost certainly still infected with coronavirus,
but <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/09/health-experts-stunned-trump-says-he-will-resume-person-rallies-while-infected-covid">he is holding rallies at which he will surely not wear a mask</a>.

<p>
From a rational perspective, this may seem crazy, but I think it makes
sense psychologically, He inviting cult members to demonstrate their
loyalty and faith in him by letting him expose them to coronavirus.

<p>
Next year there will be interviews with adults in the prime of their
lives who suffer persistent medical problems stemming from this
display of faith.


<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Senator_Lee's_opposition_to_democracy)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Senator_Lee's_opposition_to_democracy)">Senator Lee's opposition to democracy</a>)
<p>

Senator Lee, a Republican, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/republican-us-senator-mike-lee-democracy">declared his opposition to democracy</a>.
<p>
He refuses to clarify who he thinks should rule, but I think the
answer would be "billionaires and Republicans."
<p>
Pence, in the debate, repeated the wrecker's veiled <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/their-desperate-attempt-cling-power-pence-joins-trump-refusing-commit-peaceful">threat to seize
power</a> if they cannot pretend to have won.
<p>
I say "pretend" because their voter-suppression efforts will be
included in the count.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(India's_tea_workers_strike)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(India's_tea_workers_strike)">India's tea workers strike</a>)
<p>

*India's tea workers strike as government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/09/indias-tea-workers-strike-as-government-fails-to-deliver-wage-increase">fails to deliver wage increase</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Plot_to_kidnap_or_kill_Michigan_governor)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Plot_to_kidnap_or_kill_Michigan_governor)">Plot to kidnap or kill Michigan governor</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-kidnap-plot">plot to kidnap or kill</a> Michigan Governor Whitmer has been planned
since June.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Barret,_as_a_judge,_sends_asylum_seekers_back_to_danger)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Barret,_as_a_judge,_sends_asylum_seekers_back_to_danger)">Barret, as a judge, sends asylum seekers back to danger</a>)
<p>

Barrett, as a judge, has been happy to seize on technicalities to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/09/amy-coney-barrett-immigration/">send
asylum seekers back to danger</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Electric_sockets_for_stoves_and_electric_cars)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Electric_sockets_for_stoves_and_electric_cars)">Electric sockets for stoves and electric cars</a>)
<p>

A plan to require houses to be built with electric sockets to aid in
replacing gas stoves with electric stoves in the future, and for
recharging cars in the garage, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/09/climate-change-building-code-emissions-us">facing a big fight from gas companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Covid-19's_crippling_brain_fog)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Covid-19's_crippling_brain_fog)">Covid-19's crippling brain fog</a>)
<p>

Some people who have "recovered" from Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/brain-fog-the-people-struggling-to-think-clearly-months-after-covid">experience crippling
"brain fog"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Amnesty_International_reports_of_activists_murdered_in_Colombia)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Amnesty_International_reports_of_activists_murdered_in_Colombia)">Amnesty International reports of activists murdered in Colombia</a>)
<p>

Amnesty International reports that over 220 activists for human,
environmental, and land rights have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/08/colombia-activists-murder-amnesty-international">murdered in Colombia</a> this
year.
<p>
The government is right-wing, thus allied to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jan-apr.html#15%20March%202007%20(Paramilitaries%20of%20Colombia)">paramilitaries</a>, who
are surely responsible for most of the murdering.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Portland_thugs_targeted_medics)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Portland_thugs_targeted_medics)">Portland thugs targeted medics</a>)
<p>

*Portland: [thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/portland-protests-medics-police">targeted medics</a> [at Black Lives Matter protests]
with teargas and projectiles, report finds.*
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> also kept ambulances away from the injured people at the
protest.  This is what Israeli soldiers do to injured Palestinians,
and on a number of occasions has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#7_November_2012_(Gaza)">resulted in their death</a>.
<p>
The city <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were bad, and the federal thugs were even worse.
They should all be prosecuted.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(The_US_and_UK_will_break_any_rule_and_tell_any_lie_to_get_Assange)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(The_US_and_UK_will_break_any_rule_and_tell_any_lie_to_get_Assange)">The US and UK will break any rule and tell any lie to get Assange</a>)
<p>

Julian Assange's extradition hearing demonstrated that the US and UK
governments <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/06/julian-assange-trial-extradition/">will break any rule and tell any lie to get Assange</a>.
<p>
The article recounts how his supporters' computers were stolen,
as well as how his basic rights as a person accused were violated.
<p>
This follows a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_June_2019_(Procedural_abuses_in_Julian_Assange_case)">legal campaign</a> in which procedures and laws were
trashed again and again, and which demonstrated that the Swedish state was only using the
original charges against Assange as an excuse, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_January_2020_(Assange)">had no interest
in seriously investigating them</a>.
<p>
If Assange is thinking of suicide, I do not think that represents any
sort of mental derangement on his part.  Under Assange's
circumstances, suicide would be a rational act, an act of courage,
avoiding a fate worse than death.
<p>
A few days ago I said that no one ever really deserves to die.  If you
are facing a fate worse than death, what you really deserve is to
avoid it and live.  But if that is impossible, I still hope that you
avoid it.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Covid-19_has_unmasked_what_the_Republican_Party_stands_for)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Covid-19_has_unmasked_what_the_Republican_Party_stands_for)">Covid-19 has unmasked what the Republican Party stands for</a>)
<p>

Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/covid-19-unmasked-true-nature-donald-trump-trumpism">unmasked what the Republican Party stands for</a>.
<p>
This statement in the article includes an erroneous presupposition.

<blockquote>
  Similarly, Trumpism adapts the traditional Republican attachment to
  individual freedom and mutates it into a darker, Darwinian belief that
  the strong individual can and should do whatever they like, and to hell
  with the "suckers and losers" who might suffer as a result.
</blockquote>
<p>
The latter is what the Republican Party has really stood for since
decades ago, but it tried to disguise that stand until recently.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Letter_that_urged_UK_to_let_Covid-19_spread)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Letter_that_urged_UK_to_let_Covid-19_spread)">Letter that urged UK to let Covid-19 spread</a>)
<p>

A letter supposedly signed by scientists that urged the UK to let
Covid-19 spread and aim for herd immunity seems to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/09/herd-immunity-letter-signed-fake-experts-dr-johnny-bananas-covid">at least
partly a hoax</a>.
<p>
That "solution" would mean lots of people die or develop lasting organ
damage.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Government_spending_is_preserving_most_UK_jobs)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Government_spending_is_preserving_most_UK_jobs)">Government spending is preserving most UK jobs</a>)
<p>

The UK is (reluctantly) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/the-guardian-view-on-sunaks-u-turn-bad-for-him-but-good-for-the-country">using government spending to preserve most
jobs</a> and the workers who have them, even if there is currently no work
for them to do.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Covid_drug_developed_using_cells_from_aborted_fetus)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Covid_drug_developed_using_cells_from_aborted_fetus)">Covid drug developed using cells from aborted fetus</a>)
<p>

*Covid drug given to Trump developed using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/trump-covid-drug-developed-using-cells-derived-from-abortion">cells derived from aborted fetus</a>.*
<p>
There is nothing wrong with that &mdash; fetuses are not human beings.  But
the bullshitter will need to excuse himself to the Christian extremists
that support him.
<p>
I suppose he will plead hypocrisy again: "Never mind that I
never live by your principles; you know I have no conscience."

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Crimes_the_conman_could_be_prosecuted_for)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Crimes_the_conman_could_be_prosecuted_for)">Crimes the conman could be prosecuted for</a>)
<p>

Describing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/trump-will-we-ever-lock-him">some of the crimes</a> the conman could be prosecuted for,
if he can't hold on to the presidency.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Subjection_of_Palestinians_in_exchange_for_subjection_of_Western_Sahara)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Subjection_of_Palestinians_in_exchange_for_subjection_of_Western_Sahara)">Subjection of Palestinians in exchange for subjection of Western Sahara</a>)
<p>

The US proposes a deal to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/us-poised-flout-intl-law-part-potential-morocco-israel-normalization-deal">support the subjection of Palestinians in exchange
for the subjection of Western Sahara</a>.
<p>
Two injustices at once &mdash; no wonder the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> loves it.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Texas_thug_charged_with_murder_for_killing_Jonathan_Price)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Texas_thug_charged_with_murder_for_killing_Jonathan_Price)">Texas thug charged with murder for killing Jonathan Price</a>)
<p>

A Texas thug has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/texas-cop-shaun-lucas-charged-murder-hometown-hero-and-unarmed-black-man-jonathan">been charged with murder</a> for killing Jonathan Price
as the latter was trying to break up a fight between other people.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(US_economy_needs_stimulus)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(US_economy_needs_stimulus)">US economy needs stimulus</a>)
<p>

Even the head of the Federal Reserve acknowledges that the US economy
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/bolstering-progressive-demand-fed-chair-says-more-stimulus-crucial-avoid-even-more">needs stimulus</a>.
<p>
Only Republicans deny it.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Violent_anti-mask_protest)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Violent_anti-mask_protest)">Violent anti-mask protest</a>)
<p>

Hasidic Jews in New York City held a violent anti-mask protest
and <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/journalist-jacob-kornbluh-attacked-in-borough-park-during-second-night-of-covid-19-rage">attacked a journalist</a> who was doing nothing but making a video.
One of them recognized him and knew he might criticize them later in
his writing.
<p>
To those who shouted "Jewish Lives Matter," I agree &mdash; they do.
So protect other Jewish lives (and non-Jewish lives) by wearing masks!

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Preventing_Iran_from_buying_medicine)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Preventing_Iran_from_buying_medicine)">Preventing Iran from buying medicine</a>)
<p>

The bully plans to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/08/outright-genocidal-even-iran-reels-covid-19-pandemic-trump-unveil-punishing-new">impose sanctions</a> on the rest of Iran's banks and
money transfer systems with the aim of preventing Iran from buying
medicine and other products for humanitarian needs.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(America_the_terrible_emerging_from_the_shadows)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(America_the_terrible_emerging_from_the_shadows)">America the terrible emerging from the shadows</a>)
<p>

*The bulk of the chaos [of the wrecker's antigovernance] is simply
America the Terrible emerging from the shadows: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/08/what-comes-next-us">our real history
suddenly visible</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_((satire)_Donations_for_terrorist_group_go_to_cover_administrative_costs)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_((satire)_Donations_for_terrorist_group_go_to_cover_administrative_costs)">(satire) Donations for terrorist group go to cover administrative costs</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; local terrorist group benefactor Ahmad al-Yasin was
reportedly disappointed to learn Thursday that most of his
donations go to <a href="https://local.theonion.com/terrorist-group-benefactor-disappointed-to-learn-most-o-1845301873">covering administrative costs</a>.  "&hellip; these
funds should go toward suicide vests and stocking up on AK-47s &hellip;."*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(The_market_power_of_big_tech_companies)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(The_market_power_of_big_tech_companies)">The market power of big tech companies</a>)
<p>

A House subcommittee calls for new laws to <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/congress-unveils-plan-curb-big-tech-power/">reduce the market power</a>
of the big tech companies.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Feral_pigs_in_the_US)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Feral_pigs_in_the_US)">Feral pigs in the US</a>)
<p>

Feral pigs are <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/09/wild-pigs-are-everywhere/616389/">overrunning the US</a> and causing a lot of damage.
The problem is difficult because letting individuals hunt them makes them
more wary.
<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Directives_restricting_discussion_of_race,_discrimination)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Directives_restricting_discussion_of_race,_discrimination)">Directives restricting discussion of race, discrimination</a>)
<p>

*[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s] Directives Restricting Discussion of Race,
Discrimination <a href="https://pen.org/press-release/trump-directives-on-race-discrimination-in-education-are-censorship/">Are Censorship</a>.*
<p>
They are very broad, and could
restrict teaching in public schools, even universities that receive
federal funds.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_((satire)_Mike_Pence_during_Wednesday_night's_debate)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_((satire)_Mike_Pence_during_Wednesday_night's_debate)">(satire) Mike Pence during Wednesday night's debate</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Vice President Mike Pence appeared to
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/pence-instinctively-addresses-harris-husband-in-audien-1845289633">instinctively address his responses</a> to Sen. Kamala Harris’ husband
during Wednesday night’s vice-presidential debate.*
<p>
Meanwhile, Harris demonstrated yet again her <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/fracking-bad-actually-ocasio-cortez-interjects-after-harris-falters-over-pence">weakness on confronting the
danger of global heating</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Legal_ramifications_of_distance_learning)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Legal_ramifications_of_distance_learning)">Legal ramifications of distance learning</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.nheld.com/parents-beware">A lawyer warns that parents</a> who accept distance learning from a public
school may be construed by courts as giving the school officials
permission to look through the computer's camera at any time during
school hours, and report whatever they see.
<p>
Unlike many other injustices of distance learning, this possible
injustice does not depend on having malware in the computer.
But malware can potentiate it.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Legal_offensive_against_people_linked_to_Morales)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Legal_offensive_against_people_linked_to_Morales)">Legal offensive against people linked to Morales</a>)
<p>

* Human Rights Watch report accuses [Bolivia's] administration &hellip; of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/11/bolivia-justice-system-evo-morales-allies-human-rights-watch-report">overseeing legal offensive</a> against people linked to
Morales*, the president expelled by the coup in 2019.
<p>
To construe launching a nonviolent protest as "terrorism" is tyranny,
and reveals the nature of the coup-installed government.
<p>
Evo Morales Tells Jacobin: We’re <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/evo-morales-interview-bolivia-mas-election">Still Fighting the Multinationals Who
Drove the Coup</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(The_hottest_September_ever_recorded)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(The_hottest_September_ever_recorded)">The hottest September ever recorded</a>)
<p>

Last month was the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/07/september-saw-hottest-temperatures-on-record-globally-and-in-europe">hottest September ever recorded</a>,
as California found out, to its peril.
<p>
I've read that 2020 is likely to be the hottest year ever recorded.
But this record will not last many years.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Misery_Super-Spreaders)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Misery_Super-Spreaders)">Misery Super-Spreaders</a>)
<p>

*‘Successful’ People Are <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/10/08/successful-people-are-misery-super-spreaders/">Misery Super-Spreaders</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Oklahoma_Jail_guards_accused_of_torture)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Oklahoma_Jail_guards_accused_of_torture)">Oklahoma Jail guards accused of torture</a>)
<p>

*'On the Level of Guantánamo': Oklahoma Jail Guards Accused of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/level-guantanamo-oklahoma-jail-guards-accused-torturing-inmates-baby-shark-song">Torturing
Inmates With 'Baby Shark' Song</a>.*
<p>
The idea of torture by repeatedly playing a childish song seems like a
joke.  Indeed, it was a joke, in the movie One, Two, Three (1961).
<p>
But that headline is misleading.  Shackling prisoners to a wall for
hours is real torture, music or no music.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(UK_ministry_broke_GDPR)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(UK_ministry_broke_GDPR)">UK ministry broke GDPR</a>)
<p>

*[UK] Data watchdog finds [education] ministry broke GDPR by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/07/department-for-educations-handling-of-pupil-data-illegal">mishandling national database for [all pupils in] England</a>.*
<p>
It is interesting to see that in some cases the GDPR can prohibit
construction of a database.  Now we will see whether it can in practice
get rid of the prohibited database.
<p>
Perhaps in January the GDPR will cease to have any force in the UK,
as its commitment to follow EU directives will cease then.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Activists_sue_San_Francisco_fro_Surveillance)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Activists_sue_San_Francisco_fro_Surveillance)">Activists sue San Francisco fro Surveillance</a>)
<p>

*Activists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/07/activists-sue-san-francisco-wide-ranging-surveillance-black-led-protests-against">Sue San Francisco</a> for Wide-Ranging Surveillance of Black-Led
Protests Against Police Violence.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Climate_research_gives_us_a_basis_for_hope__)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Climate_research_gives_us_a_basis_for_hope__)">Climate research gives us a basis for hope  </a>)
<p>

Michael Mann reports that the last ten years of climate research
give us a basis for hope: it takes only five years for a reduction
in CO2 emissions to result in a reduction in <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
So we still have a chance to avoid <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster, if we
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/07/60-minutes-guardian-and-game-changing-new-science">start promptly and work hard</a>.
<p>
*EU parliament votes for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/eu-parliament-votes-carbon-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-2030">60% greenhouse gas</a> emissions cut by 2030.*
<p>
This is starting to be in the range of what is really necessary.
<p>
*Chase Climate Pledge 'Shows the Power of Relentless Environmental Activism'
But <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/chase-climate-pledge-shows-power-relentless-environmental-activism-not-aggressive">'Not Aggressive Enough'</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Insecurity_of_the_white_so-called_middle_class)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Insecurity_of_the_white_so-called_middle_class)">Insecurity of the white so-called middle class</a>)
<p>

*As climate catastrophes worsen the insecurity of the white
so-called middle class will only intensify as well, and for good
reason. As it does an even <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/07/no-lives-matter">greater number of white folks</a> will choose
from a fascist movement that speaks to their loss of power and invites
them to reclaim it (from the wrong people) by force, or a Black Lives
Matter movement that literally ignores their existence. Which will they
choose?*
<p>
I'm going to oppose fascism (a form of illiberal plutocracy) no matter
what, just as I am going to oppose racism no matter what.  The violence
of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> against blacks is vicious, so I will oppose that no matter
what.  This is because of my adherence in a universal standard of
justice, one that has nothing to do with identity.
<p>
I hope that those who campaign against those forms of evil will
recognize the need for a universal standard of justice.  Without that,
their campaigns will undermine their own moral foundation as well as
their chances to win general support.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Attorney_General_Sessions_and_his_deputy_behind_prosecutions_of_unauthorized_immigrants)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Attorney_General_Sessions_and_his_deputy_behind_prosecutions_of_unauthorized_immigrants)">Attorney General Sessions and his deputy behind prosecutions of unauthorized immigrants</a>)
<p>

The inspector general of the Department of Justice reports that
Attorney General Sessions and his deputy were <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/07/crimes-against-humanity-inspector-generals-report-reveals-top-trump-doj-officials">directly behind the
decisions</a> to prosecute every unauthorized immigrant and separate
families.  They pressured subordinate officials to do this.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_((satire)_Trumps_struggle_to_yell_racial_slurs)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_((satire)_Trumps_struggle_to_yell_racial_slurs)">(satire) Trumps struggle to yell racial slurs</a>)
<p>

(satire) *White House Staff Heartbroken By Sight Of <a href="https://www.theonion.com/white-house-staff-heartbroken-by-sight-of-weak-trump-st-1845298690">Weak Trump Struggling</a> To Yell
Racial Slurs At TV.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(People_in_UK_being_evicted_from_emergency_shelter)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(People_in_UK_being_evicted_from_emergency_shelter)">People in UK being evicted from emergency shelter</a>)
<p>

*Thousands of people given emergency shelter [in the UK] at start of
pandemic are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/07/home-office-urged-to-halt-evictions-of-refused-asylum-seekers">being evicted</a>.*
<p>
Ironically, this is happening just as Covid-19 is spreading again
and it is cold outside &mdash; like the situation that motivated giving them
housing earlier this year.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_((satire)_Big_blue_cable_connected_to_the_country)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_((satire)_Big_blue_cable_connected_to_the_country)">(satire) Big blue cable connected to the country</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip;a
division of confused U.S. Army Corps of Engineers members were
reportedly trying Wednesday to <a href="https://www.theonion.com/confused-army-corp-of-engineers-trying-to-find-out-what-1845246641">figure out what the big blue cable</a>
connected to the country does.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Climate_denial_ads_on_Facebook)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Climate_denial_ads_on_Facebook)">Climate denial ads on Facebook</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/climate-denial-ads-on-facebook-seen-by-millions-report-finds">Climate denial ads on Facebook seen by millions</a>, report finds.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Golden_Dawn_carried_out_crimes_for_20_years_before_prosecution)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Golden_Dawn_carried_out_crimes_for_20_years_before_prosecution)">Golden Dawn carried out crimes for 20 years before prosecution</a>)
<p>

Golden Dawn organized a quasimilitary militia and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/08/golden-dawn-neo-nazi-violence-greece-political-class">carried out
crimes of violence for 20 years before it was prosecuted</a>.
Why did the Greek state take so long to prosecute it?

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Fed_lending_could_save_cities_and_states)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Fed_lending_could_save_cities_and_states)">Fed lending could save cities and states</a>)
<p>

*Fed Lending Saved Corporate America. It Could <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/08/city-state-budget-crisis-fed-coronavirus/">Do the Same</a> for Cities and
States.*

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Dutch_Rijksmuseum_thinking_about_returning_objects_from_territory_now_Indonesia)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Dutch_Rijksmuseum_thinking_about_returning_objects_from_territory_now_Indonesia)">Dutch Rijksmuseum thinking about returning objects from territory now Indonesia</a>)
<p>

The Dutch Rijksmuseum is thinking about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/dutch-museums-vow-to-return-art-looted-by-colonialists">returning objects</a> that were
collected over a century ago from territory that is now Indonesia.
What does it mean to "return" those objects?
<p>
Consider the diamond mentioned in the article, which the Dutch took
from the Sultan of Banjarmasin.  If the Netherlands ought to return
that, to whom should it be returned?  Today's Republic of Indonesia
has nothing to do with that diamond's history; it succeeded the
Netherlands as the sovereign power for most of Borneo but not directly
from the Sultan's government.  It makes no sense to "return" the
diamond to the republic.  The sultan of Banjarmasin would hardly have
demanded the return of his diamond to a polity based on Java unless
it was ruled by his descendants.
<p>
The diamond could be returned to the sultan's last heir (who might
that be?), but is there really a moral obligation to do that?
<p>
The diamond may be worth a lot of money, but I'd expect it has less
non-monitary value than other objects in the museum.  Each one raises
the questions, "Was this stolen?" and "If so, from whom?" and "Who is
the heir today of that person or entity?"

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(FBI_shut_down_right-wing_terrorist_kidnapping_plot)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(FBI_shut_down_right-wing_terrorist_kidnapping_plot)">FBI shut down right-wing terrorist kidnapping plot</a>)
<p>

The FBI shut down a real right-wing terrorist plot to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/six-people-charged-plot-kidnap-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer">kidnap the
governor</a> of Michigan.
<p>
I hope that after January we can prosecute the extremist that encouraged
this plot.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(Urgent:_Hold_Amazon_accountable_for_its_abuses_of_workers_in_California)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(Urgent:_Hold_Amazon_accountable_for_its_abuses_of_workers_in_California)">Urgent: Hold Amazon accountable for its abuses of workers in California</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on Attorney General Becerra to <a href="https://act.couragecampaign.org/sign/stop-amazons-abuse-workers/">hold Amazon
accountable</a> for its abuses of its workers in California.

<p>
<li><a name="10_October_2020_(The_bully's_contempt_for_the_deceased)" />10 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_October_2020_(The_bully's_contempt_for_the_deceased)">The bully's contempt for the deceased</a>)
<p>

Relatives of people who died from Covid-19 feel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/loved-ones-covid-victims-appalled-trump-tweet">intensley offended</a>
by the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s contempt for the deceased.
<p>
The New England Journal of Medicine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/08/new-england-journal-of-medicine-coronavirus-pandemic-trump-administration">called for voting out the bully</a>,
for the "recklessly squandered lives" of people who died from Covid-19
due to his crazy policies.

<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Urgent:_Don't_facilitate_extracting_fossil_fuels)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Urgent:_Don't_facilitate_extracting_fossil_fuels)">Urgent: Don't facilitate extracting fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.defenders.org/page/22902/action/1">call on the US Forest Service</a> to reject proposed new regulations
to facilitate extracting fossil fuels from public lands.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Quarantine_for_generals)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Quarantine_for_generals)">Quarantine for generals</a>)
<p>
General Milley and other top US generals are in quarantine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/06/us-military-chiefs-coronavirus-quarantine-mark-milley-trump">in case the
spreader in chief transmitted coronavirus to them</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Banning_QAnonsense)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Banning_QAnonsense)">Banning QAnonsense</a>)
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/06/qanon-facebook-ban-conspiracy-theory-groups">is banning most sorts of presentations of QAnonsense</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Protecting_thugs)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Protecting_thugs)">Protecting thugs</a>)
<p>
The Boston thug department protects its <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, even from the district
attorney.  It drags its feet on handing over information <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/30/metro/dark-suffolk-da-rollins-wants-more-information-troubled-boston-officers/">about thugs
that have been accused of violence</a>.

<p>
She is threatening (though not with an aggressive tone) to use a
subpoena to get the information.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Toward_Christian_Fascism)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Toward_Christian_Fascism)">Toward Christian Fascism</a>)
<p>
*[The corrupter]’s Barrett Nomination <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/trumps-barrett-nomination-another-step-toward-christian-fascism">Another Step Toward Christian Fascism</a>.*

<p>
The "prosperity gospel" is a perversion of Christianity.  (Don't the
gospels quote Jesus as saying, "Sell all thou hast and give to the
poor"?)  Just as the middle ages twisted Christianity into the divine
right of kings, plutocracy has twisted it into the divine right of
billionaires.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Protesting_is_now_illegal)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Protesting_is_now_illegal)">Protesting is now illegal</a>)
<p>
Israel's thug chief: Protesting is now illegal <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/defending-cops-handling-of-protests-acting-police-chief-vows-to-keep-enforcing/">so we will continue
breaking up protests, even violently</a>.

<p>
Morally, the situation is clear.  People have a right to protest, so
they should be allowed to protest as long as they wear masks and keep
well apart.  But Israel does not have a written constitution that
could be used to argue legally that the law must not violate people's
constitutional rights.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Community_policing)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Community_policing)">Community policing</a>)
<p>
Deputy Chief Tingirides has set up <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/07/emada-tingirides-lapd-deputy-police-chief-interview">very successful community policing
in Watts, in Los Angeles</a>.

<p>
All <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments should do what Tingirides is doing in Watts, but
that does not conflict with the goal of defunding.  What that means is
to transfer funds to an agency set up to respond to many kinds of
9-1-1 calls by sending people trained for counseling rather than
confronting criminals.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Physical_strength_of_politicians)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Physical_strength_of_politicians)">Physical strength of politicians</a>)
<p>
Don't make the mistake of choosing politicians for their physical strength
or the mistake of imagining that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/07/fit-for-office-from-trump-to-abbott-vitality-is-too-often-conflated-with-character-in-politics">recovering from an infection is a test
of physical strength</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Neo-nazi_considered_criminal)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Neo-nazi_considered_criminal)">Neo-nazi considered criminal</a>)
<p>
The leaders of the Greek right-wing hatred party Golden Dawn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/golden-dawn-leader-and-ex-mps-found-guilty-in-landmark-trial">have been
convicted of participating in a criminal gang</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Taking_power_away_from_Parliament)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Taking_power_away_from_Parliament)">Taking power away from Parliament</a>)
<p>
Bogus Johnson is trying to take the effective legislative power away
from Parliament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/07/boris-johnson-covid-power-grab">and give it to people under the Prime Minister's
command</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Still_deported)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Still_deported)">Still deported</a>)
<p>
The US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> admit that they acted illegally by deporting
Cesar Marroquín while he was waiting for an immigration hearing.
But <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/07/ice-wrongful-deportation-guatemala/">that may not enable him to get back</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Agriculture_and_global_heating)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Agriculture_and_global_heating)">Agriculture and global heating</a>)
<p>
Intensification of agriculture <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/07/intensive-farming-worldwide-threatens-paris-climate-accord-report-says">is pushing global heating</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Thinning_forests)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Thinning_forests)">Thinning forests</a>)
<p>
Thinning some forests in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/08/thinning-forests-doesnt-reduce-bushfire-risk-and-could-make-some-blazes-worse-study-finds">led to worse fires</a>.

<p>
It is possible that this was due to other effects of the machines used
to do the thinning.


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Gold,_silver_and_copper_mine)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Gold,_silver_and_copper_mine)">Gold, silver and copper mine</a>)
<p>
* The Chinese-backed gold, silver and copper mine [in Papua New
Guinea] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/plan-for-largest-mine-in-png-history-appears-to-disregard-human-rights-un-says">risks catastrophic environmental destruction, [UN] special
rapporteurs argue</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="9_October_2020_(Plans_to_increase_greenhouse_gas_emissions)"/>9 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_October_2020_(Plans_to_increase_greenhouse_gas_emissions)">Plans to increase greenhouse gas emissions</a>)
<p>
Exxon plans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/leaked-docs-inside-omnicidal-exxonmobil-reveal-plan-increase-climate-killing">to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 17%, as of 2025</a>.

<p>
That is a plan for mass murder.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Two_British_PISSI_recruits_use_borrowed_American_torture_techniques)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Two_British_PISSI_recruits_use_borrowed_American_torture_techniques)">Two British PISSI recruits use borrowed American torture techniques</a>)
<p>

Two British PISSI recruits <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/charges-against-uk-born-isis-pair-shed-light-on-brutality-of-terror-group">tortured captives</a> using techniques borrowed
from US torture, including waterboarding and "stress positions".
<p>
We warned that US torture would inspire revenge torture. 
<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_herd_immunity_strategy)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_herd_immunity_strategy)">The herd immunity strategy</a>)
<p>

*William Hanage, professor of epidemiology at Harvard, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/07/why-herd-immunity-strategy-is-regarded-as-fringe-viewpoint">likens the [herd
immunity] strategy</a> to protecting antiques in a house fire by putting
them all in one room, standing guard with a fire extinguisher, but
simultaneously fanning the flames [in the rest of the house].*

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_Save_Our_Seas_Act)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_Save_Our_Seas_Act)">The Save Our Seas Act</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/07/save-our-seas-bill-plastics-pollution/">Save Our Seas Act</a> proposes funds to encourage research on removing
plastic waste from the sea, and on ways to recycle it.

It can be seen as an effort to avoid doing anything to reduce the production
of plastic objects that are difficult to recycle.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Republican_disinformation_operatives_intimidating_voters)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Republican_disinformation_operatives_intimidating_voters)">Republican disinformation operatives intimidating voters</a>)
<p>

Two Republican disinformation operatives face criminal charges of trying
to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/politics/jacob-wohl-jack-burkman-voter-suppression-operation/index.html">intimidate voters</a> with frightening lies.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_LA_thug_department_makes_use_of_facial_recognition)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_LA_thug_department_makes_use_of_facial_recognition)">The LA thug department makes use of facial recognition</a>)
<p>

The Los Angeles thug department makes <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-09-21/lapd-controversial-facial-recognition-software">massive use of face recognition</a>.

It tries to weasel out of this by saying it does not have a face
recognition system.  Which is true, strictly speaking, but does not
change anything.
<p>
It is a strategic mistake to argue based on the absence of some photos
from the database.  Their most obvious reply would be, "So let us put
everyone in it; then it will be unbiased."  That is the opposite of
what we want; we want limitations on who they <em>can</em> include in that
database, and which captured faces they can search it for.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_((satire)_President's_used_tissues)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_((satire)_President's_used_tissues)">(satire) President's used tissues</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Trump Supporters <a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-supporters-fighting-over-used-tissues-president-t-1845276433">Fighting Over Used Tissues</a> President Tossed From SUV.*

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_bullshitter_lied_when_he_said_jobs_were_staying_in_the_US)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_bullshitter_lied_when_he_said_jobs_were_staying_in_the_US)">The bullshitter lied when he said jobs were staying in the US</a>)
<p>

*[The bullshitter] lied to America's workers when he told them jobs were staying in
the United States. Under his watch jobs have left while he continues
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/during-trump-presidency-200000-jobs-offshored-and-corporations-involved-awarded">rewarding outsourcing corporations</a> with millions of dollars in
lucrative government contracts &mdash; in the middle of a pandemic.*

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Calling_on_US_hotels_to_stop_serving_as_deportation_prisons)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Calling_on_US_hotels_to_stop_serving_as_deportation_prisons)">Calling on US hotels to stop serving as deportation prisons</a>)
<p>

Calling on US hotels to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/open-letter-american-hotels">stop serving as deportation prisons</a>.

Keeping people in hotels as prisons has facilitated deporting them
quickly and denying them their right to a hearing.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Protest_of_Illegal_and_Inhumane_Remote_Killing_by_US_Drones)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Protest_of_Illegal_and_Inhumane_Remote_Killing_by_US_Drones)">Protest of Illegal and Inhumane Remote Killing by US Drones</a>)
<p>

*Peace Groups <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/peace-groups-blockade-creech-air-force-base-protest-illegal-and-inhumane-remote">Blockade Creech Air Force Base</a> to Protest 'Illegal and Inhumane
Remote Killing' by US Drones.*

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_district_attorney_who_asked_for_prosecution_of_the_thug_that_killed_Breonna_Taylor)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_district_attorney_who_asked_for_prosecution_of_the_thug_that_killed_Breonna_Taylor)">The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the thug that killed Breonna Taylor</a>)
<p>

The district attorney who asked for prosecution of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> that killed
Breonna Taylor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/05/grand-jury-recordings-reveal-how-kentucky-ag-let-cops-get-away-murder-breonna">lied about what happened</a> in the grand jury.
Recordings show he never asked the grand jury to consider murder
charges.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Press_Secretary_Kayleigh_McEnany_recklessly_endangered_reporters'_lives)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Press_Secretary_Kayleigh_McEnany_recklessly_endangered_reporters'_lives)">Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany recklessly endangered reporters' lives</a>)
<p>

Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany recklessly endangered reporters' lives
by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/05/she-has-recklessly-endangered-lives-trump-press-secretary-tests-positive-covid-day">refusing to wear a mask</a> while talking to them.
<p>
When she got infected, she did not know right away.  In general, you
don't know you are infected until some days after you start spreading
virus &mdash; or perhaps you never find out.  This is why you should always
protect others by wearing a mask.  Her failure to do so was reckless.
<p>
Surely the superspreader had told her to follow his example, but that
is no excuse.
<p>
(satire) *John Bolton
was reportedly <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/john-bolton-seething-with-jealousy-after-trump-gets-to-1845288525">seething with jealousy</a> Tuesday that President Trump got
to become a real-life living, breathing biological weapon.*

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Workers_in_the_White_House_contracting_coronavirus)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Workers_in_the_White_House_contracting_coronavirus)">Workers in the White House contracting coronavirus</a>)
<p>

90 people work doing housekeeping jobs in the White House.  At least
two of them have contracted coronavirus, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/06/trump-enjoys-balcony-photo-op-white-house-cleaning-staff-sick-covid-19-told-use">were told to hush it up</a>.
<p>
It is not a safe place to work.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Use_of_low-paid_throw-away_migrant_labor)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Use_of_low-paid_throw-away_migrant_labor)">Use of low-paid throw-away migrant labor</a>)
<p>

The use of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/06/covid-19-and-global-addiction-cheap-migrant-labour">low-paid throw-away migrant labor</a> in agriculture has spread
around the world. Covid-19 has made many of them suffer more, but it will do nothing to improve
the way agricultural workers are treated.
<p>
Giving them better treatment, including better pay, will make food
more expensive.  But that will be a good thing, if the wealthy
countries support poor people better.  It will make agricultural jobs
good enough that citizens will work in them, and make farming more
profitable in poor countries so that not so many people will be
desperate to migrate for work.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Divesting_from_companies_that_are_involved_in_Israel's_occupation_of_Palestine)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Divesting_from_companies_that_are_involved_in_Israel's_occupation_of_Palestine)">Divesting from companies that are involved in Israel's occupation of Palestine</a>)
<p>

Columbia University students <a href="https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/9/29/bds-win-columbia-university-votes-to-boycott-israeli-companies">voted for divesting</a> from companies that
are involved in Israel's occupation of Palestine.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Israel_planning_on_building_additional_housing_units_on_Palestinian_territory)" />8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Israel_planning_on_building_additional_housing_units_on_Palestinian_territory)">Israel planning on building additional housing units on Palestinian territory</a>)
<p>

Israel is planning to <a href="https://news.antiwar.com/2020/10/05/israel-to-advance-plans-for-4400-new-settlement-homes/">build an additional 4,400 housing units</a> on
Palestinian territory.

<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Ban_on_phone_calls)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Ban_on_phone_calls)">Ban on phone calls</a>)
<p>
*Israeli prison ban on phone calls <a href="https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-prisoners-minors-phone-calls/">risks ‘breaking spirits’ of Palestinian
minors</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Agreeing_on_holding_elections)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Agreeing_on_holding_elections)">Agreeing on holding elections</a>)
<p>
*Hamas, Fatah agree <a href="https://mondoweiss.net/2020/09/hamas-fatah-agree-to-hold-elections-in-the-coming-months/">to hold elections in the coming months</a>.*

<p>
Palestinians have been weakened by this disunity, but given the
different conditions in parts of Palestine (in the West Bank, military
occupation; in Gaza, siege) it is difficult for one government to
govern both properly.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Multinational_Tax_Transparency)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Multinational_Tax_Transparency)">Multinational Tax Transparency</a>)
<p>
*Poll Shows Small Business Owners <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/06/poll-shows-small-business-owners-support-multinational-tax-transparency">Support Multinational Tax Transparency</a>.*

<p>
I don't think that small business owners should be more important than
the rest of us, but they have plenty of opportunities to get screwed
by big businesses they are compelled to deal with.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Dumping_debt)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Dumping_debt)">Dumping debt</a>)
<p>
The California Resources Corporation owns almost 18,000 oil wells in
California.  Most of them are exhausted and must be plugged, for
safety's sake.  The corporation is broke, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/06/new-report-crcs-failure-could-leave-california-taxpayers-900-million-burden">so it will cost the state
almost a billion dollars to plug these wells</a>.

<p>
I have a hunch that this corporation did not own the wells when they
were profitable.  I have a hunch it did not exist then.  My hunch is
that profitable oil companies sold off subsidiaries programmed for
bankruptcy making them the owners of these wells, and those
subsidiaries became the California Resources Corporation.

<p>
We know that a big coal company <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#8_October_2015_(Patriot_Coal)">did this to escape its pension obligation
to workers</a>.
  The owners kept their wealth, and the workers were thrown back on
Social Security. Which Republicans are now planning to destroy.
  If a coal company could do it, oil companies could do it.

<p>
Whether or not this is an instance of that form of cheating, it
illustrates the tendency of businesses to run off with "profits" made
by dumping debt on the public.

<p>
Remember this next time a rich person says, "I made this (all by
myself)."


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Repaying_compassion)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Repaying_compassion)">Repaying compassion</a>)
<p>
*Americans showed [the contemptuous leader] compassion. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/05/americans-showed-trump-compassion-he-repaid-us-with-contempt/">He repaid us
with contempt</a>.*

<p>
Even I showed some compassion to him personally, though without letting this
override my greater duties as an American and as a human being.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Pediatrician_qualified_immunity)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Pediatrician_qualified_immunity)">Pediatrician qualified immunity</a>)
<p>
A pediatrician asks why thugs should get qualified immunity <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/i-dont-have-qualified-immunity-why-should-police">when they
injure people, and not doctors</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Creeping_apartheid)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Creeping_apartheid)">Creeping apartheid</a>)
<p>
*More and more people are being excluded from British democracy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/british-democracy-democratic-values">in a creeping
apartheid</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(The_case_against_use_of_sarin)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(The_case_against_use_of_sarin)">The case against use of sarin</a>)
<p>
A German court is considering the case against Assad and his government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/criminal-complaint-submitted-to-german-court-over-sarin-gas-attacks-in-syria">for use of sarin</a>.

<p>
I have doubts about whether Assad used Sarin.  I would not put it past
him; he did plenty of killing, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_October_2019_(Assad_and_torture)">and plenty of torture of prisoners</a>.
  I suppose he would not have had scruples about using nerve gas.

<p>
But I can't see why he would have used it only twice.  Using poison
gas even once, one assumes the full odium of having used poison gas,
but gain little military advantage.  Since he does not seem to be
insane, why would he pay so much for so little?

<p>
In addition, Seymour Hirsh said that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#4_July_2017_(Assertion_that_Assad_didnt_launch_sarin_attack)">there was no sarin attack
in Khan Sheikhun</a>.

<p>
This is a doubt, not a certainty.  I am not in a position to reach any
conclusion about this.  Meanwhile, it makes no difference to what I
think of Assad.  He is guilty of plenty of other crimes.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Pope_on_neoliberal_politics)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Pope_on_neoliberal_politics)">Pope on neoliberal politics</a>)
<p>
Pope Francis has spoken <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/pope-francis-encyclical-us-election-biden-trump-catholic-vote">against neoliberal trickle-down politics</a>.

<p>
Will this lead Biden to reconsider his rejection of Medicare for All?


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Annulment_of_election)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Annulment_of_election)">Annulment of election</a>)
<p>
Protesters won the annulment of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/kyrgyzstan-election-result-declared-invalid-after-mass-protests">evidently rigged Kyrgyzstan election</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(State_violence_against_citizens)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(State_violence_against_citizens)">State violence against citizens</a>)
<p>
*Labour is staying neutral as the [Tory] government sanctions state
violence against its citizens.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/labour-state-violence-opposition-bill-undercover-agents">This includes violence up to and
including rape or murder</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Transmitting_the_virus)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Transmitting_the_virus)">Transmitting the virus</a>)
<p>
People who work in the White House are angry with the wrecker
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/06/white-house-likened-to-ghost-town-as-anxiety-over-coronavirus-cluster-grows">for not warning them he was transmitting virus and doing nothing
to protect them or reduce the spread</a>.

<p>
Got Covid-19?  [The conman] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/06/got-covid-19-trump-wants-bleach-for-others-and-the-best-treatment-for-himself">wants bleach for others and the best
treatment for himself</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Thug_charged_with_murder)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Thug_charged_with_murder)">Thug charged with murder</a>)
<p>
A Texas <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been charged with murder for killing Jonathan Price.
When Jonathan was tased, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/06/texas-police-shooting-jonathan-price-shaun-lucas">he started twitching and the thug interpreted this
as a threat</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Classified_as_temporary)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Classified_as_temporary)">Classified as temporary</a>)
<p>
The Department of Harshness and Sadism wants its documents of abuses
to be classified as "temporary", <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/06/homeland-security-dhs-misconduct-records-erasure/">which means they will be destroyed
in a few years</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_October_2020_(Harm_to_science)"/>8 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_October_2020_(Harm_to_science)">Harm to science</a>)
<p>
The wrecker has done broad harm to science in the US, and to public
respect for scientists.  Some kinds of damage <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02800-9">could take a long time
to repair</a>.



<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Urgent:_H.R._2529)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Urgent:_H.R._2529)">Urgent: H.R. 2529</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/write-rep-extend-new-start?source=em20201003&t=1006&akid=6524%2E223515%2Eiv6bYI">call on your congresscritter</a> to sponsor H.R. 2529, a bill
to continue the New START arms limitation treaty with Russia.



<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Generating_residential_electricity_by_wind_power)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Generating_residential_electricity_by_wind_power)">Generating residential electricity by wind power</a>)
<p>
The UK is considering a massive investment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/06/powering-all-uk-homes-via-offshore-wind-by-2030-would-cost-50bn">to generate all residential
electricity by wind power</a>.

<p>
Examples like these can get the rest of the world moving.  The return
on this investment, in terms of towns and farms not flooded, could be
enormous.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Aftermarket_hacks)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Aftermarket_hacks)">Aftermarket hacks</a>)
<p>
*Tesla Can Detect Aftermarket Hacks
<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/35946/tesla-can-detect-aftermarket-hacks-designed-to-defeat-ev-performance-paywalls">Designed
to Defeat EV Performance Paywalls</a>.*
<p>
In general, it is the car owner's <em>right</em> to make changes in
the car, and manufacturers should not be allowed to implement measures
to interfere.  Devices, including cars, should not require
subscriptions and should not record where the car goes.
<p>
But there is an exception: measures to reduce pollution.  These are
vital for public health &mdash;
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_(Effects_of_air_pollution_on_Covid-19_sicknes)">air
pollution causes a lot of sickness and death</a> &mdash; and "defeat
devices" installed by car owners are just as dangerous as defeat
devices installed by manufacturers.
<p>
My solution would be to put those systems into separate computers
whose software cannot be changed by any digital activity.  If the
manufacturer can't change it, it is ok that the owner can't.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Suing_clerk_refusing_to_marry)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Suing_clerk_refusing_to_marry)">Suing clerk refusing to marry</a>)
<p>
The Supreme Court accepted a lower court decision that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/supreme-court-kentucky-same-sex-marriage-kim-davis">a clerk who
refused to register a same-sex marriage can be sued</a>.

<p>
I think the concern showed by Thomas and Alito exaggerates the
situation.  Few jobs require taking actions specifically related to a
same-sex marriage.  If you don't want to do that part of the job, you
can let someone else have the job.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Replacing_experienced_workers)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Replacing_experienced_workers)">Replacing experienced workers</a>)
<p>
AT&amp;T has replaced tens of thousands of experienced union workers with
subcontracted temps, chosen for cheapness.  They obviously can't have
the same level of skill, <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3zye7/report-says-atandts-cheap-contracted-labor-puts-the-public-at-risk">and the results cause damage, even danger</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Gig_support_workers)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Gig_support_workers)">Gig support workers</a>)
<p>
A company called "Arise" outsources customer service for other
companies to gig workers, <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/meet-the-customer-service-reps-for-disney-and-airbnb-who-have-to-pay-to-talk-to-you">and treats them as badly as one would expect</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Small_pieces_of_plastic)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Small_pieces_of_plastic)">Small pieces of plastic</a>)
<p>
A study estimates that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/06/more-than-14m-tonnes-of-plastic-believed-to-be-at-the-bottom-of-the-ocean">there are 14 million tons of small pieces of plastic
on the ocean floor</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Conflict_of_interest)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Conflict_of_interest)">Conflict of interest</a>)
<p>
*[The bullshitter's] Appointee to VOA Reporters: <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/05/voa-reporters-conflict-of-interest-memo/">Criticizing [the
bullshitter] Is a Conflict of Interest</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Clean_Electricity_Plan)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Clean_Electricity_Plan)">Clean Electricity Plan</a>)
<p>
*Clean Electricity Plan Would Free US Economy of Carbon Dependence in 15
Years.*  <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/clean-electricity-plan-would-free-us-economy-of-carbon-dependence-in-15-years/">It would also create millions of good jobs in the US</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Sell_out_to_big_business)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Sell_out_to_big_business)">Sell out to big business</a>)
<p>
Indonesia has found in Covid-19 the opportunity to sell out big to
business, undermining many environmental protections and workers'
rights.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/06/indonesia-mass-strikes-loom-over-cuts-to-environmental-safeguards-and-workers-rights">Workers are organizing a strike and a protest</a>.

<p>
Our problems are the result of letting business have too much clout already.
We cannot correct them by giving business more clout.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Covid-Positive_GOP_Politicians)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Covid-Positive_GOP_Politicians)">Covid-Positive GOP Politicians</a>)
<p>
*As Covid-Positive GOP Politicians Enjoy Healthcare They 'Would Deny Others,'
Coronavirus Pandemic <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/04/covid-positive-gop-politicians-enjoy-healthcare-they-would-deny-others-coronavirus">Again Makes Case for Medicare for All</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Faux_News)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Faux_News)">Faux News</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#faux">Faux News</a> teaches its cultists to speak and think in a different
language with a different way of thinking.  Its words are drawn from
English, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200926155026/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/09/fox-news-trump-language-stelter-hoax/616309/">but speakers of ordinary English can't communicate with them</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(Source_of_misinformation)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(Source_of_misinformation)">Source of misinformation</a>)
<p>
The bullshitter has been <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201003053947/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/us/elections/a-study-found-the-single-largest-driver-of-coronavirus-misinformation-it-was-the-president.html">the biggest single source of misinformation
about Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I think the term "disinformation" fits better than "misinformation."


<p>
<li><a name="7_October_2020_(IMF_giving_aid)"/>7 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_October_2020_(IMF_giving_aid)">IMF giving aid</a>)
<p>
The US Senate is blocking the IMF from giving (for once, not lending)
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/05/if-you-could-save-million-lives-would-you-do-it">aid to many poor countries to deal with Covid-19</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Food_shortages)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Food_shortages)">Food shortages</a>)
<p>
Syria is suffering from food shortages, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/05/syria-introduces-limits-on-subsidised-bread-as-economic-crisis-bites">and has rationed give-aways of
bread</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Turning_away_opioid_patients)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Turning_away_opioid_patients)">Turning away opioid patients</a>)
<p>
Many opioid treatment centers in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/us-coronavirus-pandemic-opioid-addiction">are turning away patients
for reasons related to Covid-19</a>.



<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Slowly_adapting)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Slowly_adapting)">Slowly adapting</a>)
<p>
European countries keep slowly increasing their anti-transmission
measures, but too slowly to get in front of Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/05/europe-struggles-to-contain-surge-of-coronavirus-cases">so it keeps
on increasing</a>.

<p>
Australia and New Zealand got it right: they took strong steps and
drove the case numbers way down.  I expect that the timid governments
will end up with a much longer period of lockdown.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(When_do_you_leave)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(When_do_you_leave)">When do you leave</a>)
<p>
Cops (not extremely thuggish, it seems) broke up an 18-person vigil
for Julian Assange, then <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/how-a-police-state-starts/">apparently knocked on Craig Murray's hotel
room door at night to ask when he was leaving</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(4_0.000000e+00rritory_burned)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(4_0.000000e+00rritory_burned)">4% territory burned</a>)
<p>
The fires in California this year have burned over 4% of California's
territory, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/05/california-fires-4m-acres-wildfires-burn">and the fire season is far from over</a>.

<p>
In a decade or two, most years will be like this year, and a few will
be worse.  I have a feeling that life in California will be difficult,
and farming even more so.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Can't_tweet_wishing_death)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Can't_tweet_wishing_death)">Can't tweet wishing death</a>)
<p>
Twitter has all of a sudden decided <a href="https://gizmodo.com/with-trump-in-hospital-with-covid-19-twitter-suddenly-1845265269">not to allow tweets to wish for
someone's death</a>.
  Will that apply to everyone?

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Nihilist_behavior)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Nihilist_behavior)">Nihilist behavior</a>)
<p>
The nihilist's behavior does more than ruin debates.  It makes
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/03/first-debate-calls-more-cutting-mics">the idea of a debate an absurdity</a>.

<p>
However, US presidential debates have not been sincere confrontations
of ideas for a long time.  Since only the two major parties are included,
we always got soft right wing vs hard right wing.


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Simulation_emitting_CO2)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Simulation_emitting_CO2)">Simulation emitting CO2</a>)
<p>
Video game simulated airplanes emit real CO2, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/oct/05/video-game-planes-emit-real-carbon-why-gaming-is-not-merely-guilt-free-escapism">due to data centers
and network transmission</a>.
  The programmed obsolescence of game platforms also damages the
environment.

<p>
It is never difficult for me to decide not to play a video game.  I
simply remember that the game is nonfree software, and the idea of
running it makes me shudder.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(PPP_loans)"/>6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(PPP_loans)">PPP loans</a>)
<p>
*Tens of Millions in PPP Loans Went to Corporate Polluters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/04/tens-millions-ppp-loans-went-corporate-polluters-after-companies-were-fined-52">After Companies
Were Fined $52 Million, Analysis Shows</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Tories_want_to_turn_off_the_right_of_asylum)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Tories_want_to_turn_off_the_right_of_asylum)">Tories want to turn off the right of asylum</a>)
<p>

The Tories plan to find new ways to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/04/priti-patel-bring-in-new-laws-for-broken-uk-asylum-system-channel-boats">turn off the right of asylum</a>.
<p>
One of the causes of the repeated legal claims from asylum seekers in
the UK is that agents keep disregarding the law and the government's
policies, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#29_November_2019_(UKs_hostile_environment_for_foreigners)">deporting people in despite of their rights</a>.
<p>
Surely this is not an accident.  If the minister in charge taught her department
not to take shortcuts, not to deport people illegally, they would not
have the need or the valid grounds to make these claims.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(The_nonviolent_Medicaid_army_is_rallying)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(The_nonviolent_Medicaid_army_is_rallying)">The nonviolent "Medicaid army" is rallying</a>)
<p>

The nonviolent "Medicaid army" is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/new-nonviolent-medicaid-army-march">rallying around the US to demand medical care for everyone</a>.
<p>
Can anyone tell me of a site where people can find the locations of these
rallies, without having to run nonfree Javascript code?
I would like to post it, and maybe I can go to one.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(To_call_violent_right-wing_extremists_vigilantes)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(To_call_violent_right-wing_extremists_vigilantes)">To call violent right-wing extremists "vigilantes"</a>)
<p>

To call violent right-wing extremists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/why-far-right-paramilitaries-are-not-just-vigilantes">"vigilantes"</a> understates their
actions and their danger.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Administration_of_US_elections)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Administration_of_US_elections)">Administration of US elections</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/04/how-avoid-banana-republic-elections">Proposing reforms</a> to the administration of US elections.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Meritocracy_is_not_a_good_society_for_most_people)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Meritocracy_is_not_a_good_society_for_most_people)">Meritocracy is not a good society for most people</a>)
<p>

Pointing out that a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/06/michael-sandel-the-populist-backlash-has-been-a-revolt-against-the-tyranny-of-merit">meritocracy is not a good society</a> for most people.
<p>
"Meritocracy" encourages people to compete to climb the ladder, but
ascending one rung pushes another down one.  If you have to be above
average to win a decent life, half the people won't get one.  What we
really should aim to do is to bring the runs closer together and pull
the whole ladder up.  We need to reverse the concentration of wealth.
<p>
There is a role in a well-organized society for judging people by
comparing how well they would do a certain job.  We want to put the
best people in charge of important decisions.  But what does it mean
to be "best"?  It's not just a matter of <em>ability</em> &mdash; making good
decisions requires good values, too.
<p>
We have seen the bad results of choosing managers solely for ability
to succeed.  When Boeing ceased to be run by people with a career
commitment to making safe planes, and was instead run by people with a
career commitment to success, it started <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#30_December_2019_(Shooting_the_messenger)">covering up</a> possible problems rather than fixing them.
When medical insurance companies and hospital
companies started to be run by people who didn't have decades of
commitment to doing medicine, they made it their goal to get <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#19_June_2014_(For-profit_health_care)">more
profit</a> for less medicine.
<p>
The word "merit" is not the way to express what we should seek.  We
should call this something else.  "Menschness"?

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Intense_misogyny_on_antisocial_media)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Intense_misogyny_on_antisocial_media)">Intense misogyny on antisocial media</a>)
<p>

Antisocial media, and especially Facebook, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/05/online-violence-against-women-flourishing-and-most-common-on-facebook-survey-finds">host intense misogyny</a>.
<p>
The article's explicit point is valid and important, but (I expect)
not really news to readers of stallman.org.  You know how nasty
antisocial media get, and that generally females receive more
hostility there than males.
<p>
My main reason for citing this article is to highlight a campaign to
change our use of language: the article describes verbal abuse as
"violence".
<p>
The insults and threats described are nasty, and they can hurt.  But
they are not "violence" (though threatening violence is but one step
away from doing it).  To stretch "violence" to include verbal abuse is
an abuse of language, and a dangerous one.
<p>
The frontier between words and violence is an important barrier to
escalation of fights.  Respect for this line helps people restrain
themselves from moving from verbal attacks to punches or shots.  It is
not always effective, but if we weaken it by redefining "violence" to
include mere words, we will learn the hard way how important that
restraint was.  Erasing the border will lead to more censorship on the
one hand, and more physical attacks on the other.
<p>
Hatred can be expressed through words, and through physical acts.  We
can condemn both without erasing the distinction.
<p>
There is a lot of hatred on Facebook, and a lot of disinformation, and
a lot of manipulation.  Why so much?  As I gather, it is because
Facebook's business model gives Facebook an incentive to promote these
things.  It designs its algorithm to maximize "engagement" and the
algorithm promotes various kinds of harmful postings because they
achieve that goal.
<p>
Facebook is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/oct/04/rebels-within-the-facebook-staff-openly-challenging-zuckerberg">under pressure to curb the hatred</a>, but if its profits depend on pushing hatred (along with
disinformation and manipulation), its efforts to reduce them are
likely to change little.
<p>
Rather than trying to fix these problems by imposing various kinds of
censorship, I think we should forcibly change Facebook's algorithm,
and its business model.  Businesses are not entitled to human rights,
and regulating business models is not unjust like censorship.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Not_enough_drones_for_fighting_wildfires)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Not_enough_drones_for_fighting_wildfires)">Not enough drones for fighting wildfires</a>)
<p>

The Interior Department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/06/wildfires-trump-ban-chinese-drones">stopped buying drones</a> a year ago, for concern that China will spy through them.  Now the US does
not have enough drones for fighting wildfires.
<p>
There is danger that China will spy through Chinese-made drones,
just as there is danger that companies and other government will
spy through drones made elsewhere.  But I don't think China will
learn many important secrets from looking at wildfires.
<p>
The first step to making sure that a drone can't be used to spy (by
some party other than its owner) is to make sure that the software in
it is free, and is being checked by people for quality and honesty.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(If_you_know_Jolie_O'Dell)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(If_you_know_Jolie_O'Dell)">If you know Jolie O'Dell</a>)
<p>

If you know Jolie O'Dell, would you please tell her that when I phone
her number I get "This number is no longer in service"?  Please ask
her to send me email to get back in touch.

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Limited_default_search_engines_on_Android_in_the_EU)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Limited_default_search_engines_on_Android_in_the_EU)">Limited default search engines on Android in the EU</a>)
<p>

Android in the EU offers users a limited selection of default search
engines, which got onto the list by bidding in an auction.  As a result,
DuckDuckGo <a href="https://spreadprivacy.com/search-preference-menu-duckduckgo-elimination/">did not make it</a> into the list.
<p>
I have no way of seeing what search engines do appear.
Is there any that we think does not track users?

<p>
<li><a name="6_October_2020_(Amnesty_specializes_in_hard_truths)" />6 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_October_2020_(Amnesty_specializes_in_hard_truths)">Amnesty specializes in hard truths</a>)
<p>

*Amnesty specializes in hard truths. No wonder Modi <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/04/amnesty-specialises-in-hard-truths-no-wonder-modi-froze-it-out-of-india">froze it out</a> of India.*
<p>
What worries me is that the advance of tyranny in so many countries
will dilute the strength of efforts to hold tyrants accountable,
which are being weakened by disunity and by conversions to tyranny.

<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Urgent:_confirmation_of_Supreme_Court_justice)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Urgent:_confirmation_of_Supreme_Court_justice)">Urgent: confirmation of Supreme Court justice</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://go.peoplepower.org/go/22211?t=1001&akid=83827%2E19097%2ESIyfWK">phone your senators</a> <em>again</em> at 1-844-335-4855 and implore
them to do everything they can to prevent confirmation of a new
Supreme Court justice before the presidential inauguration on Jan 20.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Risking_infection)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Risking_infection)">Risking infection</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> pressured his closest associates and big financial
sponsors to risk infection by meeting with him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/trump-covid-new-jersey-campaign-event-perilous-neglect-staff-supporters-himself">when he had reason to know
Hope Hicks might have infected him</a>.

<p>
Will any of them learn a lesson about him from this?

<p>
People that work in the White House <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/trump-covid-white-house-panic-confusion">are worried, too</a>.

<p>
Will <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a>'s hospitalization hinder the malfunctioning of
government?  Let's hope so.  Nothing causes more malfunction than
having <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> actively intervening ;-!.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(One_of_the_reason_of_Hitler_defeat)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(One_of_the_reason_of_Hitler_defeat)">One of the reason of Hitler defeat</a>)
<p>
A book reports that the defeat of Hitler is owed partially to
homosexual members of the British parliament, who frequented Berlin
because of its loose sexual life.  They saw Hitler's repression in 1934,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/04/the-glamour-boys-gay-mps-who-gave-early-warning-of-nazi-threat">and began teaching others how bad he was</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Devastated)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Devastated)">Devastated</a>)
<p>
The bullshitter's ghostwriter says that the bullshitter must be devastated
now that people know <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/04/donald-trump-tony-schwartz-interview-art-of-the-deal">he isn't as rich as he pretended to be</a>.

<p>
The idea that he sought to embody the poor person's idea of what it
means to be rich makes sense to me.  I have a feeling that he was trying
to prove that he was a success, to himself above all.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Cancel_culture)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Cancel_culture)">Cancel culture</a>)
<p>
"Cancel culture" can be found in various political camps.  One target
is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/04/israel-palestine-blacklists-canary-mission/">anyone that advocates the human rights of Palestinians or the end
of Israel's occupation/siege of Palestine</a>.

<p>
To be clear, Israel occupies the West Bank and besieges Gaza.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Can't_leave_prison)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Can't_leave_prison)">Can't leave prison</a>)
<p>
Prisoners are being held longer in the UK because to obtain release
they have to participate in rehabilitation activities, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/04/covid-rules-in-prisons-blocking-rehabilitation-say-uk-campaigners">those
activities are not available due to Covid-19</a>.

<p>
Ironically, keeping them in prison tends to increase the spread
of Covid-19.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Bankruptcy_of_Purdue_Pharma)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Bankruptcy_of_Purdue_Pharma)">Bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma</a>)
<p>
The US government has worked out an agreement for the bankruptcy of
Purdue Pharma <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-sackler-familys-plan-to-keep-its-billions">that lets the individuals that own it off the hook</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(War_crimes_on_trial)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(War_crimes_on_trial)">War crimes on trial</a>)
<p>
*With Focus on Assange, Belmarsh Tribunal Puts '<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/focus-assange-belmarsh-tribunal-puts-us-war-crimes-trial-0">US War Crimes on Trial</a>'.*

<p>
This is a private activity, modeled after the Russell Tribunal in 1966.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Protest_against_banks_funding_fossil_fuels)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Protest_against_banks_funding_fossil_fuels)">Protest against banks funding fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
There were protests on Oct 2 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/solidarity-frontline-communities-day-action-demands-end-funding-tar-sands">against various banks that fund fossil
fuels</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Surveillance_planes_and_snipers_to_funeral)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Surveillance_planes_and_snipers_to_funeral)">Surveillance planes and snipers to funeral</a>)
<p>
The US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/02/docs-show-us-agents-including-sniper-teams-shoot-kill-authorization-deployed-george">sent surveillance planes and snipers to George
Floyd's funeral</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Obvious_patent)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Obvious_patent)">Obvious patent</a>)
<p>
Sony has got a patent on the obvious idea that a computer system
(specifically, a game console) might use a camera to recognize all
users, <a href="https://segmentnext.com/2020/08/21/playstation-5-identify-users-dualsense/">so no one needs to explicitly log in</a>.

<p>
This patent would give Sony a basis to sue any other company that
implements this idea.  It does not necessarily mean that Sony itself
will implement this idea, or even that it knows how to implement it
reliably, but perhaps it will.

<p>
Would you want every Sony-made game console to be able to recognize
you using biometrics?  I would not.

<p>
On the other hand, given a game console powered by free software, I
might be willing to give my friend's console some biometrics to
recognize me by.  But I'd want to be sure that they wouldn't be usable
for recognizing me when I pass by a camera in the street, and that
might be difficult to implement.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Tips)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Tips)">Tips</a>)
<p>
"Tips" to Doordash and Amazon food delivery workers go to the company
rather than to the worker, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20703434/delivery-app-tip-pay-theft-doordash-amazon-flex-instacart">they cancel out the whole of the worker's
base pay</a>.

<p>
The article seems to err in equating this to tipping of waiters.  They
are not the same system.  Yes, the waiter's base pay is below minimum
wage &mdash; but the restaurant does not claw back that base pay when the
waiter gets a tip, as Doordash and Amazon do.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Threat_to_republic)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Threat_to_republic)">Threat to republic</a>)
<p>
   Joseph Stiglitz: *How the Republican party <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/03/how-the-republican-party-threatens-the-us-republic">threatens the US republic</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Violence_against_protesters)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Violence_against_protesters)">Violence against protesters</a>)
<p>
The violence of Chilean thugs against protesters reached the point <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/03/chilean-police-throw-boy-16-off-bridge-during-protests">of
throwing a teenager protester off a bridge</a>.

<p>
The protester survived, but that was only luck.


<p>
<li><a name="5_October_2020_(Tyranny)"/>5 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_October_2020_(Tyranny)">Tyranny</a>)
<p>
Polish expat Wojciech Sadurski is facing criminal prosecution for
accusing the Polish ruling party and national broadcaster <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/04/long-arm-of-law-and-justice-the-sydney-professor-under-attack-from-polands-ruling-party">for supporting
right-wing extremists</a>.

<p>
To prosecute people for saying things like that (whether true or not)
is tyranny.  The fact that this prosecution is occurring proves the
injustice of the Polish government.

<p>
The sad thing is that it is not alone.  President
Sarkozy of France prosecuted several people for insulting him.


<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Indigenous_Activists_Target_Liberty_Mutual's_Boston_Headquarters)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Indigenous_Activists_Target_Liberty_Mutual's_Boston_Headquarters)">Indigenous Activists Target Liberty Mutual's Boston Headquarters</a>)
<p>

*Indigenous Activists Target Liberty Mutual's Boston Headquarters Demanding
They <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/02/indigenous-activists-target-liberty-mutuals-boston-headquarters-demanding-they">Stop Insuring</a> Tar Sands Projects.*
<p>
Getting oil by mining tar sands is an especially bad form of fossil fuel;
its <a href="
">emissions are higher</a> than most others.

The world should not only stop investing that, it should shut that down
immediately.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Torres_Strait_Islanders)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Torres_Strait_Islanders)">Torres Strait Islanders</a>)
<p>

Torres Strait Islanders <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-30/torres-strait-islanders-fight-government-over-climate-change/12714644">have complained</a> to the UN that Australia is
endangering their way of life by failing to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
Their islands are in danger of flooding, and eventually permanent
inundation.
<p>
That damage lies in the the future, but Australia's current actions
are causing it, and they must be changed now.  Of course, Australia is
not solely responsible for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, but its part can be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_(Northern_Peru_global_heating)">identified and measured</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Investors_extracted_$400_million_from_a_hospital_chain)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Investors_extracted_$400_million_from_a_hospital_chain)">Investors extracted $400 million from a hospital chain</a>)
<p>

*Investors <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/investors-extracted-400-million-from-a-hospital-chain-that-sometimes-couldnt-pay-for-medical-supplies-or-gas-fo
r-ambulances">Extracted $400 Million</a> From a Hospital Chain That Sometimes
Couldn’t Pay for Medical Supplies or Gas for Ambulances.*
<p>
This is an example of how the US economic system's encouragement of
predatory businesses.  I think there should not be any for-profit
hospitals.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Should_we_wish_the_bullshitter_a_speedy_recovery_)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Should_we_wish_the_bullshitter_a_speedy_recovery_)">Should we wish the bullshitter a speedy recovery?</a>)
<p>

Should we wish Trump, the bullshitter, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/03/democrats-liberals-donald-trump-infection-coronavirus">speedy recovery</a>?
<p>
All else being equal, I do.  But I think it is more important to wish
my country a speedy recovery from the influence of the bullshitter.
<p>
I do not wish him to die.  No person deserves to die, and the death of
any person is always something to regret.  I would not rejoice that he
is dead.
<p>
However, I would rejoice that he can do no more damage.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Industrialization_is_destroying_the_mangroves_of_Kutch,_in_India)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Industrialization_is_destroying_the_mangroves_of_Kutch,_in_India)">Industrialization is destroying the mangroves of Kutch, in India</a>)
<p>

Industrialization is destroying the mangroves of Kutch, in India, and
with them the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/03/high-and-dry-will-india-swimming-camels-be-the-last-of-their-kind-aoe">unique breed of camels</a> that swim around them.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(China_has_made_molecular_hydrogen_by_electrolysis_very_cheap)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(China_has_made_molecular_hydrogen_by_electrolysis_very_cheap)">China has made molecular hydrogen by electrolysis very cheap</a>)
<p>

China has made the production of molecular hydrogen using electrolysis
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/03/green-hydrogen-from-renewables-could-become-cheapest-transformative-fuel-within-a-decade">so cheap</a> that the oil companies' dream of production hydrogen by burning
fossil fuels is already obsolete.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Breonna_Taylor_Grand_Jury_proceedings)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Breonna_Taylor_Grand_Jury_proceedings)">Breonna Taylor Grand Jury proceedings</a>)
<p>

*A judge has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/09/30/so-truth-may-prevail-heroic-lone-juror-sues-release-breonna-taylor-grand-jury">granted the request</a> of an anonymous juror in the [Breonna
Taylor] case that their Grand Jury proceedings be made public.*
<p>
After studying the transcript, lawyers will be able to tell us whether
the prosecutor tried properly to secure other indictments.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(What_we_have_learned_from_the_conman's_tax_returns)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(What_we_have_learned_from_the_conman's_tax_returns)">What we have learned from the conman's tax returns</a>)
<p>

A <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/donald-trump-did-not-pay-income-tax-in-10-of-last-15-years-894048.html">thorough report</a> on what we have learned from the conman's tax returns.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(A_strong_start,_but_not_the_end_of_the_road)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(A_strong_start,_but_not_the_end_of_the_road)">A strong start, but not the end of the road</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/strong-start-not-end-road-says-greenpeace-biden-vows-bar-fossil-fuel-leaders">'Strong Start' But 'Not the End of the Road,'</a> Says Greenpeace as Biden Vows
to Bar Fossil Fuel Leaders From Transition Team.*

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Analysis_reveals_how_law_firms_accelerate_the_climate_crisis)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Analysis_reveals_how_law_firms_accelerate_the_climate_crisis)">Analysis reveals how law firms accelerate the climate crisis</a>)
<p>

*First-Ever Analysis Reveals How America's Top 100 Law Firms Are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/first-ever-analysis-reveals-how-americas-top-100-law-firms-are-accelerating-climate">'Accelerating
the Climate Crisis'</a>.* The study gives a grade to each of those law firms based on the work
it has done.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(A_Texas_sheriff_charged_with_destroying_video_evidence_of_Javier_Ambler's_death)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(A_Texas_sheriff_charged_with_destroying_video_evidence_of_Javier_Ambler's_death)">A Texas sheriff charged with destroying video evidence of Javier Ambler's death</a>)
<p>

A Texas sheriff has been charged with <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/09/29/texas-sheriff-charged-with-destroying-footage-of-officers-killing-black-suspect.html">destroying video evidence</a>
showing how <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> tased Javier Ambler to death.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Fines_for_not_wearing_a_gratis_mask_in_New_York_City)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Fines_for_not_wearing_a_gratis_mask_in_New_York_City)">Fines for not wearing a gratis mask in New York City</a>)
<p>

From now on, New York City will <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/01/new-york-city-will-aggressively-issue-1000-fines-for-not-wearing-a-face-mask.html">fine people</a> up to a thousand dollars
if they refuse to accept a gratis mask and wear it.
<p>
The article says "aggressively", but I think that starting with the
offer makes it a rather kind and gentle manner of enforcement:
"Please let us help you do what is needed to stamp out disease."

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(The_1880s_counterpart_to_today's_Amazon)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(The_1880s_counterpart_to_today's_Amazon)">The 1880s counterpart to today's Amazon</a>)
<p>

The 1880s counterpart to today's Amazon was the railroads: a monopoly
of intermediation which could exploit producers and end-users.  One of
the anti-monopoly parties had <a href="http://www.protestsonglyrics.net/Anti_Capitalism_Songs/Anti-Monopoly-War.phtml">this song</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(We_should_break_up_monopolies_in_lots_of_fields)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(We_should_break_up_monopolies_in_lots_of_fields)">We should break up monopolies in lots of fields</a>)
<p>

Cory Doctorow: we should <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/29/betcha-cant-eat-just-one/#pwnage">break up monopolies</a> in lots of fields.
<p>
And not only those involved in digital activities.  Many fields are
too concentrated now in the US: some that come to my mind instantly
include pesticides, seeds, meat, pharmacies, book publishing, and
airlines.
<p>
Every area needs to have many competitors, or become a regulated
monopoly and perhaps not for profit.
<p>
My <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">tax scheme</a>
could be part of the solution.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Australia's_offshore_asylum_centres)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Australia's_offshore_asylum_centres)">Australia's offshore asylum centres</a>)
<p>

*Australia's offshore asylum centres have been a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/02/australias-offshore-asylum-centres-have-been-a-cruel-disaster-they-must-not-be-replicated-by-the-uk">cruel disaster</a>. They must not
be replicated by the UK.*

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Some_Maori_activists)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Some_Maori_activists)">Some Maori activists</a>)
<p>

Some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/the-maori-partys-vision-of-self-determination-is-not-to-be-ignored">Maori activists</a>
<p>
Maori have common interests, and in a democratic state such as New
Zealand there are well-established ways to pursue those interests.
One is to have a political party, and indeed the author is part of
one.  New Zealand's governmental system enables smaller parties to
have some influence, rather than next to zero influence as in the US.
<p>
However, a separate parliament &mdash; which implies separate laws &mdash; for a
subset of people that live dispersed around New Zealand would be
conflict with the principle that everyone is equal under the law.
<p>
The article cites the UK as an example to follow.  I contend it is
exactly the opposite.
<p>
I gather that people considered the UK too centralized.  Setting up
regional administrations and devolving some powers to them was perhaps
a wise idea.  However, doing this based on the historical "nations"
that were merged three centuries years ago to form the United Kingdom
was utterly foolish: each of those "nations" now has an influential
secessionist party.
<p>
Meanwhile, people in England (meaning most of the UK's population) got
none of the benefit of decentralization, because the UK did not set up
a national administration for England.  In effect, the UK acted to
boost separatism while remaining, for the most part, too centralized.
<p>
I suggest that the right way for the UK to decentralize would be to
divide its whole territory into a workable number of smaller regions,
perhaps roughly one million people in each, avoid aligning them with
old historical grudges, then devolve the same powers to each of them.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(The_next_target_of_Chinese_imperialism)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(The_next_target_of_Chinese_imperialism)">The next target of Chinese imperialism</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/after-hong-kong-china-taiwan-invasion-armed-forces">next target</a> of Chinese imperialism is Taiwan.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Covid-19_has_legitimized_once-radical_ideas_in_UK)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Covid-19_has_legitimized_once-radical_ideas_in_UK)">Covid-19 has legitimized once-radical ideas in UK</a>)
<p>

*Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/02/covid-19-legitimised-once-radical-ideas-uk-green-party-conference">legitimized once-radical ideas</a> in UK, say Green leaders.*

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Ivanka_Trump_is_now_caught_in_a_financial_scandal)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Ivanka_Trump_is_now_caught_in_a_financial_scandal)">Ivanka Trump is now caught in a financial scandal</a>)
<p>

Ivanka Trump is now caught in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/ivanka-trump-donald-trump-tax-affairs">financial scandal</a> that may be criminal.
<p>
Please don't use the term <a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#firstdaughter">"first daughter."</a>

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(The_bullshitter_was_close_enough_to_Biden_to_infect_him)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(The_bullshitter_was_close_enough_to_Biden_to_infect_him)">The bullshitter was close enough to Biden to infect him</a>)
<p>

The bullshitter was close enough to Biden during the debate to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/02/trump-tests-positive-covid-48-hours-mocking-biden-wearing-mask/">possibly infect</a> him.  His family members were present, without masks,
trying hard to infect other people in the audience.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/fears-joe-biden-may-have-been-exposed-after-trump-tests-positive-for-covid">More</a> about this danger.
<p>
Such events should invite people in the audience to ask the staff for
help in dealing with others near them not wearing masks, to tell them
to put on masks or move away.
<p>
The governor of Wisconsin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/01/coronavirus-us-trump-wisconsin-rallies-cases-surge">begged the disease-spreader</a> to please not
come there for a disease-spreading event.
<p>
Now perhaps he won't.
<p>
What are the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/donald-trump-positive-test-covid-19-surprise-many-saw-coming-coronavirus">implications</a> of this event for the campaign?  Whatever
happens, the bullshitter will lie about it and try to turn it to his
advantage.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_exiles_call_for_democracy)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_exiles_call_for_democracy)">Salafi Arabia exiles call for democracy</a>)
<p>

Exiles from Salafi Arabia have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/saudi-expats-launch-opposition-party-on-anniversary-of-jamal-kashoggis-death">started a party</a> calling for democracy
there.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Russian_critical_journalist_burnt_herself_to_death)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Russian_critical_journalist_burnt_herself_to_death)">Russian critical journalist burnt herself to death</a>)
<p>

Russian critical journalist Irina Slavina <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/irina-slavina-russian-journalist-sets-herself-on-fire-after-apartment-searched-by-police">burnt herself to death</a>
after state agents seized her computers.
<p>
I wonder why she could not face life after that.  Was it simply that
one more act of harassment was more than she could bear?  Were there
things on the computers that were going to enable the state to ruin
other people's lives?

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(The_coronavirus_was_not_intimidated_by_the_bullshitter)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(The_coronavirus_was_not_intimidated_by_the_bullshitter)">The coronavirus was not intimidated by the bullshitter</a>)
<p>

It seems that coronavirus was not intimidated by the bullshitter.
He <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/trump-quarantine-covid-diagnosis-coronavirus-news">got infected</a> despite all his boasts that he would not. He has probably infected many of his cronies.  He could have
avoided that by wearing a mask.
<p>
Will his supporters feel honored to have received a virus from
their leader?

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Syrian_mercenaries_sent_by_Turkey)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Syrian_mercenaries_sent_by_Turkey)">Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey</a>)
<p>

More about the Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/02/syrian-recruit-describes-role-of-foreign-fighters-in-nagorno-karabakh">fight against Armenia</a>. It seems they were told they would be guards, and were surprised to find that their job was fighting a war.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Supporters_of_QAnon-Supporting_extremist_candidates)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Supporters_of_QAnon-Supporting_extremist_candidates)">Supporters of QAnon-Supporting extremist candidates</a>)
<p>

*[Republican] Megadonors, Freedom Caucus, and CEOs <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/10/01/trump-megadonors-freedom-caucus-and-ceos-bankroll-qanon-supporting-extremist-candidates/">Bankroll</a>
QAnon-Supporting, Extremist Candidates.*

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Governor_of_Texas_ordered_reduction_in_places_to_drop_off_ballots)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Governor_of_Texas_ordered_reduction_in_places_to_drop_off_ballots)">Governor of Texas ordered reduction in places to drop off ballots</a>)
<p>

The governor of Texas ordered counties to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/01/texas-governor-greg-abbott-ballot-votes-election">reduce the number of places
to drop off ballots</a>.
<p>
This is a new method, but it continues the Republican pattern of voter
suppression.  If you can't win honestly, cheat, is their motto.
<p>
If Republicans were loyal to the idea of democracy, they would not
seek to stop people who disagree with them from voting.  Their use of
voter suppression demonstrates that they are opposed to the basic ideas
of the United States.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Seismic_blasting_halted_in_Atlantic)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Seismic_blasting_halted_in_Atlantic)">Seismic blasting halted in Atlantic</a>)
<p>

*Huge Victory for Ocean Defenders as <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/huge-victory-ocean-defenders-seismic-blasting-halted-atlantic">Seismic Blasting Halted in Atlantic</a>.*
<p>
It seems there is no quick way to authorize the activity,
and by the time such a thing could be tried, we may have a
better chance of rejecting them.

<p>
<li><a name="4_October_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_your_congresscritter_to_cosponsor_the_CIVIL_Act.)" />4 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_October_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_your_congresscritter_to_cosponsor_the_CIVIL_Act.)">Urgent: call on your congresscritter to cosponsor the CIVIL Act.</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/support-the-CIVIL-act">cosponsor the CIVIL Act</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>
     
<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_((satire)_The_bullshitter_stoked_fears_surrounding_crime)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_((satire)_The_bullshitter_stoked_fears_surrounding_crime)">(satire) The bullshitter stoked fears surrounding crime</a>)
<p>

(satire) *[the bullshitter] stoked fears surrounding crime Tuesday by having &hellip; Mike Pompeo disguise himself as a cat burglar and rob him on
the debate stage. "Oh no, look, it’s a violent Antifa <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> sent here by
Joe Biden to rob me!"*

https://politics.theonion.com/trump-stokes-crime-fears-by-having-mike-pompeo-disguise-1845216464

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(ACLU_litigation_ends_Trump_Administration_prohibiting_immigrant_minors_from_accessing_abortion)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(ACLU_litigation_ends_Trump_Administration_prohibiting_immigrant_minors_from_accessing_abortion)">ACLU litigation ends Trump Administration prohibiting immigrant minors from accessing abortion</a>)
<p>

*As a Result of ACLU Litigation, Trump Administration <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/29/result-aclu-litigation-trump-administration-ends-policy-prohibiting-immigrant">Ends Policy Prohibiting
Immigrant Minors From Accessing Abortion</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(New_Jersey_increased_taxes_for_incomes_over_a_million_dollars_a_year)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(New_Jersey_increased_taxes_for_incomes_over_a_million_dollars_a_year)">New Jersey increased taxes for incomes over a million dollars a year</a>)
<p>

New Jersey has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/29/fight-covid-19-address-inequality-and-boost-recovery-nj-gov-signs-millionaires-tax">increased taxes</a> on people and businesses with incomes over
a million dollars a year.
<p>
It is a small step, but it's a start!

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Amy_Barrett's_legal_philosophy_disqualifies_her_from_being_on_the_Supreme_Court)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Amy_Barrett's_legal_philosophy_disqualifies_her_from_being_on_the_Supreme_Court)">Amy Barrett's legal philosophy disqualifies her from being on the Supreme Court</a>)
<p>

Amy Barrett's legal philosophy, to apply her religion to every decision,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/30/amy-coney-barrett-not-qualified-be-supreme-court-justice">disqualifies her from being on the Supreme Court</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Cambridge_University_has_agreed_to_divest_fully_from_fossil_fuels)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Cambridge_University_has_agreed_to_divest_fully_from_fossil_fuels)">Cambridge University has agreed to divest fully from fossil fuels</a>)
<p>

Cambridge University has agreed to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/01/cambridge-university-makes-historic-break-fossil-fuel-industry-and-commits-full">divest fully from fossil fuels</a>.
<p>
The easiest part of the divestment will be done this year,
another part by 2025.  The divestment will be completed by 2030.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/02/cambridge-fossil-fuels-divestment-fossil-fuels-climate-emergency">Divestment</a> is an important step, but there are limits to what it can
achieve.  We need laws to turn off the fossil fuel industry.
<p>
The Federal Reserve has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/100-billion-lifeline-while-most-americans-are-being-left-behind-report-details">bought $355 million in bonds</a> of fossil fuel
companies since March.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(DHS_handed_out_PR_instructions_to_be_sympathetic)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(DHS_handed_out_PR_instructions_to_be_sympathetic)">DHS handed out PR instructions to be sympathetic</a>)
<p>

The DHS handed out PR instructions telling its representatives to take
a <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/dhs-memo-told-officials-to-make-comments-favorable-to-kenosha-shootings-suspect/2432408/">sympathetic line</a> towards the right-wing Kenosha killer, and towards
the right-wing extremist group "Patriot Prayer".
<p>
Has the Department of Harshness and Sadism morphed into the Department
of Hatred Support?

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(So_long_as_U.S._leaders_continue_to_coddle_the_Saudis)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(So_long_as_U.S._leaders_continue_to_coddle_the_Saudis)">So long as U.S. leaders continue to coddle the Saudis</a>)
<p>

*   So long as U.S. leaders continue to coddle the Saudis, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/01/two-years-after-khashoggis-brutal-murder-why-america-still-accomplice-mbss-crimes">it’s difficult
not to ask who is more evil</a>—the maniacal Saudi crown prince or the
mendacious Western governments and business people who support him?*

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(A_new_standard_for_biodegradable_plastic)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(A_new_standard_for_biodegradable_plastic)">A new standard for "biodegradable plastic"</a>)
<p>

The UK is considering a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/01/new-british-standard-for-biodegradable-plastic-introduced">new standard</a> for "biodegradable plastic" which requires
that they don't result in microplastic grains.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(A_hero_of_desegregation)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(A_hero_of_desegregation)">A hero of desegregation</a>)
<p>

A brief life of Paul Stephenson, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/01/paul-stephenson-the-hero-who-refused-to-leave-a-pub-and-helped-desegregate-britain">hero of desegregation</a> in the UK and
the US.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Redirection_of_UK_medicine_to_treating_Covid-19)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Redirection_of_UK_medicine_to_treating_Covid-19)">Redirection of UK medicine to treating Covid-19</a>)
<p>

The redirection of UK medicine to treating Covid-19 instead of other diseases
will end up having caused tens of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/01/nhs-covid-disruption-could-cause-tens-of-thousands-of-deaths-mps-warn">thousands of avoidable deaths</a> from cancer
due to failure to treat it early.
<p>
I expect there were many more deaths due to failure to treat other
diseases.
<p>
The way to avoid this is to stay ahead of Covid-19 with measures strong enough
to keep the infection rate going down.  R approximately 1 is like a pencil
balanced on its point &mdash; it won't stay at 1.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Exile_from_Hong_Kong_cannot_contact_his_relatives_at_all)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Exile_from_Hong_Kong_cannot_contact_his_relatives_at_all)">Exile from Hong Kong cannot contact his relatives at all</a>)
<p>

Nathan Law, in exile from Hong Kong, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/01/beijing-hong-kong-democracy-exile-china-national-security-law">cannot contact his relatives at all</a>,
since China would seize the opportunity to pressure him by punishing them.
<p>
I don't see any hope for Hong Kong; I think China will turn it into a
hell that terrifies people into suppressing their thoughts until they
forget how to think them.
</a>
However, crushing Hong Kong is one step on a path of conquest and
tyranny, and the more the response to that crushing sets China back,
the less harm China will be able to do.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(The_bread_in_Subways'_sandwiches_cannot_qualify_for_a_tax_exemption)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(The_bread_in_Subways'_sandwiches_cannot_qualify_for_a_tax_exemption)">The "bread" in Subways' sandwiches cannot qualify for a tax exemption</a>)
<p>

The "bread" in Subways' sandwiches cannot qualify for a tax exemption
in Ireland, because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/irish-court-rules-subway-bread-is-not-bread">it has too much added sugar</a>.
<p>
That added sugar is not good for people.  I wonder if Subway will
reduce the sugar to qualify for the tax exemption.  I wonder if other
countries should adopt a similar legal policy.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(India_kicking_Amnesty_out)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(India_kicking_Amnesty_out)">India kicking Amnesty out</a>)
<p>

*By kicking Amnesty out, India is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/01/amnesty-india-tarnish-reputation">betraying its founding ideals</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(The_wrecker_is_following_a_playbook_from_1930s_Germany)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(The_wrecker_is_following_a_playbook_from_1930s_Germany)">The wrecker is following a playbook from 1930s Germany</a>)
<p>

*Signalling to his base, as he did referring to the Proud Boys on
Tuesday, the [wrecker] is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/01/trump-defends-armed-rightwing-gangs-proud-boys-fascism">following a playbook from 1930s Germany</a>.*
<p>
An <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/01/citing-post-election-period-possible-flashpoint-fbi-memo-warns-far-right-white">FBI memo warns</a> about violent right-wing extremist violence, perhaps
after the election.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(US_companies_evade_regulations_on_toxic_PFAs)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(US_companies_evade_regulations_on_toxic_PFAs)">US companies evade regulations on toxic PFAs</a>)
<p>

US companies evade regulations on toxic PFAs by switching to newer
chemicals that are probably <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/01/new-forever-chemicals-contaminating-environment-regulators-say">just as bad</a>, but have not been studied
yet.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Meat_plants_are_more_dangerous)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Meat_plants_are_more_dangerous)">Meat plants are more dangerous</a>)
<p>

It was obvious that faster processing and less inspection would
make meat plants <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/01/incredibly-dangerous-job-concerns-safety-is-slipping-at-us-meat-plants">more dangerous</a>.  And it has.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Human_rights_lawyers_threatened_by_sanctions)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Human_rights_lawyers_threatened_by_sanctions)">Human rights lawyers threatened by sanctions</a>)
<p>

Human rights lawyers that make reports to help the International
Criminal Court are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/01/human-rights-lawyers-sue-trump-administration-for-silencing-them">threatened by sanctions</a> that the US placed on
anyone "providing support".
<p>
Since that threat is unconstitutional, they have gone to court asking
for a ruling that the sanctions don't apply to them.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(It_will_take_months_to_vaccinate_everyone)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(It_will_take_months_to_vaccinate_everyone)">It will take months to vaccinate everyone</a>)
<p>

It will take <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/covid-19-vaccine-alone-wont-defeat-spread-of-virus-report-warns">months to vaccinate everyone</a> against Covid-19, once
a good vaccine is available.
Only after massively vaccinating people will we find out how effective
the vaccine is, for various groups.
<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Covid-19_increasing_in_UK_cities_in_lockdown)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Covid-19_increasing_in_UK_cities_in_lockdown)">Covid-19 increasing in UK cities in lockdown</a>)
<p>

The UK has imposed lockdowns in 16 cities, but in most of them
Covid-19 has continued to increase, because people are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/england-covid-cases-have-doubled-under-most-local-lockdowns">not carrying
out the rules</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Issues_that_surround_the_fighting_between_Armenia_and_Azerbaijan)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Issues_that_surround_the_fighting_between_Armenia_and_Azerbaijan)">Issues that surround the fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan</a>)
<p>

A cloud of new issues that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/01/the-guardian-view-on-nagorno-karabakh-new-interests-in-an-old-conflict">surround the new instance</a> of fighting
between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
<p>
I think it is quite plausible that Erdoğan will have Turkish planes
attack Armenia.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(If_Assange_is_convicted)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(If_Assange_is_convicted)">If Assange is convicted</a>)
<p>

If Assange is convicted, he would be sent to the ADX Florence prison
for solitary confinement for the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/30/life-supermax-crime-merely-doing-journalism-uk-court-told-assange-likely-be-sent">rest of his life</a>.  A former warden
of that prison describes it as "a fate worse than death."
<p>
Perhaps El Chapo requires special security measures, so that his
henchmen cannot bust him loose.  Perhaps also some of the al-Qa'ida
prisoners.  But most of the prisoners listed in the article do not
belong to a gang and there is no special danger they would escape, no
need and no justification to destroy them this way.

<p>
<li><a name="3_October_2020_(Global_heating_affects_nights_worse_than_days)" />3 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_October_2020_(Global_heating_affects_nights_worse_than_days)">Global heating affects nights worse than days</a>)
<p>

Global heating affects <href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/01/global-heating-warming-up-nights-faster-than-days">nights worse than days</a>. Many people won't be able to sleep.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Nuclear_plants_and_tsunamis)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Nuclear_plants_and_tsunamis)">Nuclear plants and tsunamis</a>)
<p>
Tepco has been found liable for failing to take steps <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/fukushima-nuclear-disaster-preventable-court-rules-with-more-damages-claims-likely">to keep the Fukushima
nuclear plants safe from tsunamis</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Reparations_to_descendants_of_past_slaves)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Reparations_to_descendants_of_past_slaves)">Reparations to descendants of past slaves</a>)
<p>
California is considering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/30/california-slavery-reparations-law">paying reparations to descendants of past slaves</a>.

<p>
I think the US government should do this; and the states that had
segregation laws ("Jim Crow") <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#20_June_2019_(Reparations)">should pay reparations to the descendants
of blacks who lived in those states</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Knowing_someone_is_watching)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Knowing_someone_is_watching)">Knowing someone is watching</a>)
<p>
On the inhibiting effects <a href="https://www.socialcooling.com/">of knowing someone is always watching</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(USPS_known_addresses)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(USPS_known_addresses)">USPS known addresses</a>)
<p>
The USPS stopped updating its list of people's known addresses in
August.  <a href="https://time.com/5893881/exclusive-as-states-prepared-mail-in-ballots-postal-service-failed-to-update-at-least-1-8-million-addresses/">This will interfere with states' voting records</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Treatment_of_refugees)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Treatment_of_refugees)">Treatment of refugees</a>)
<p>
The UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/30/revealed-no-10-explores-sending-asylum-seekers-to-moldova-morocco-and-papua-new-guinea">is drawing inspiration from Australia's horrible
treatment of refugees</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Denounce_your_base)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Denounce_your_base)">Denounce your base</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/stunned-pundits-criticize-trump-for-refusing-to-denounc-1845229050">satire</a>) *Stunned Pundits Criticize Trump For
   Refusing To Denounce His Base.*


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Torture_victim)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Torture_victim)">Torture victim</a>)
<p>
The US government is going to great lengths to prevent <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/29/appeals-court-rules-gtmo-torture-victim-should-be-seen-independent-medical">an independent medical
examination of torture victim Mohammed al-Qahtani</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Plants_at_risk_of_extinction)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Plants_at_risk_of_extinction)">Plants at risk of extinction</a>)
<p>
*40% of world’s plant species <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/30/world-plant-species-risk-extinction-fungi-earth">at risk of extinction</a>.*

<p>
The way to save some of those is to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> and protect more
areas of land and sea.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Technology_in_Hong-Kong)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Technology_in_Hong-Kong)">Technology in Hong-Kong</a>)
<p>
US technology companies may already be helping China repress Hong
Kongers, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/30/big-tech-firms-may-be-handing-hong-kong-user-data-to-china">or anyone talking about Hong Kong</a>.

<p>
You cannot trust technology companies that operate in Hong Kong, or in China.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Properly_dealing_with_Covid-19)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Properly_dealing_with_Covid-19)">Properly dealing with Covid-19</a>)
<p>
How Ghana licked Covid-19: its president did a proper job
of leading the country, <a href="https://medium.com/@indica/covid-underdogs-ghana-b77ca29192a7">focusing on the crucial goals</a>.

<p>
In other words, a country does not need to be rich or advanced to do
this; it is enough to have a competent leader that focuses seriously on
the task at hand, and that people trust.  Alas, many countries don't
have one.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Year_of_fire_and_tempests)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Year_of_fire_and_tempests)">Year of fire and tempests</a>)
<p>
*America's year of fire and tempests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/30/climate-crisis-americans-wildfires-hurricanes-2020">means climate crisis just got very real</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Pledges_on_the_environment)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Pledges_on_the_environment)">Pledges on the environment</a>)
<p>
George Monbiot: *[Bogus] Johnson's pledges on the environment are
[bogus]. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/30/johnson-pledges-environment-un-biodiversity-summit">Worse is how cynical they are</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Leaking_password)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Leaking_password)">Leaking password</a>)
<p>
The Guardian is trying to excuse having leaked the password to decrypt
the file of encrypted unredacted US cables.

<p>
Wikileaks published unredacted US cables because various governments
and agencies were about to get the password to decrypt the encrypted
file.  A Guardian reporter <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/28/guardians-deceit-riddled-new-statement-betrays-both-julian-assange-and-journalism">had published the decryption password in a
Guardian book</a>.

<p>
Assange concluded it was better to publish the cables than for them
to be available only privately to those in the know.

<p>
Just recently the Guardian has started seriously covering the Assange
hearings.

<p>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-20/">here are</a> <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/10/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-21/">two more</a> days of Craig Murray's thorough coverage.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(No_acknowledged_decision)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(No_acknowledged_decision)">No acknowledged decision</a>)
<p>
With the wrecker determined to grab the coming election by hook or by
crook, we could end up on Jan 20 <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/11/what-if-trump-refuses-concede/616424/">with no acknowledged decision</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Trans_people_and_ID_cards)"/>2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Trans_people_and_ID_cards)">Trans people and ID cards</a>)
<p>
Trans people in Panama faced big difficulties when the country
restricted which days each person could be on the street <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/30/panamas-trans-community-failed-by-gendered-lockdown-measures-report">according
to the sex listed on per national ID card</a>.

<p>
I wonder who was allowed to go outdoors on Sundays?  Only intersex
people?

<p>
This is, by the way, one more reason <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#19_July_2017_(Dangers_of_national_ID_cards)">that national ID cards are an
injustice</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(The_bullshitter's_2016_campaign_discouraged_black_from_voting)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(The_bullshitter's_2016_campaign_discouraged_black_from_voting)">The bullshitter's 2016 campaign discouraged black from voting</a>)
<p>

The bullshitter's campaign in 2016 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/28/new-report-raises-concerns-facebook-and-2016-trump-campaign-colluded-political">used Facebook ads to discourage
blacks from voting</a>.  Facebook should show the public precisely what
it did to achieve that.
<p>
Using advertisements to discourage some group from voting is, in
spirit, an attack on democracy.  It is not as bad as outright <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_February_2020_(Fighting_voter_suppression)">voter
suppression, but it is bad.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Israel_is_neglecting_Arab_citizens_in_dealing_with_Covid-19)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Israel_is_neglecting_Arab_citizens_in_dealing_with_Covid-19)">Israel is neglecting Arab citizens in dealing with Covid-19</a>)
<p>

Israel is <a href="https://www.972mag.com/palestinian-citizens-arabic-israel-coronavirus/">neglecting Arab citizens</a> in dealing with Covid-19,
so the disease is spreading in Arab areas.
<p>
Israel permits overt <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#12%20December%202010%20(Israeli%20racism%20grows%20more%20virulent)">housing discrimination</a> against Arabs.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Amazon's_warehouse_robots)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Amazon's_warehouse_robots)">Amazon's warehouse robots</a>)
<p>

Amazon's warehouse robots <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21493752/amazon-warehouses-robots-higher-injury-rates-report-reveal">impose a high pace of work</a> on the humans
that still work there.  Apparently Amazon has cut their numbers too
far.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Human_Rights_Watch_Details_NYPD_Attack_on_Peaceful_Protesters)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Human_Rights_Watch_Details_NYPD_Attack_on_Peaceful_Protesters)">Human Rights Watch Details NYPD Attack on Peaceful Protesters</a>)
<p>

*Human Rights Watch Details <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/30/nypd-nyc-protests-police-report/">NYPD Attack on Peaceful Protesters</a>.*
<p>
It was a Black Lives Matter protest on June 4.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> encircled the
protesters to force them to remain till after the curfew, at which point
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked them systematically.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Investigation_of_Amazon's_plans_to_increase_surveillance_of_its_workers)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Investigation_of_Amazon's_plans_to_increase_surveillance_of_its_workers)">Investigation of Amazon's plans to increase surveillance of its workers</a>)
<p>

EU unions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/30/trade-unions-urge-eu-to-investigate-amazon-effort-to-spy-on-workers">call for investigation</a> of Amazon's plans to increase surveillance
of its workers.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Turkey_is_signing_up_Syrian_opposition_fighters_as_mercenaries)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Turkey_is_signing_up_Syrian_opposition_fighters_as_mercenaries)">Turkey is signing up Syrian opposition fighters as mercenaries</a>)
<p>

Turkey is signing up <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/30/nagorno-karabakh-at-least-three-syrian-fighters-killed">Syrian opposition fighters as mercenaries</a>
to fight for Azerbaijan against Armenia.
<p>
Why would they want to do that?  Purely for the money?  Because Armenians
are "infidels"?

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_((satire)_Christian_act_of_charity)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_((satire)_Christian_act_of_charity)">(satire) Christian act of charity</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; top GOP leaders argued Monday that
giving President Donald Trump a second term would be a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/gop-says-giving-trump-second-term-would-be-christian-ac-1845206174">Christian act of
charity for a poor, elderly man</a>.* And help him stay out of prison.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Wild-caught_bats_and_rodents)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Wild-caught_bats_and_rodents)">Wild-caught bats and rodents</a>)
<p>

The US imports a large amount of products made from wild-caught bats
and rodents.  Catching them and handling them creates a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/28/report-americas-massive-wildlife-imports-fuel-global-pandemic-risks">danger of new
diseases</a>, and so does shipping them to the US.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(80%25_of_US_household_wealth_owned_by_millionaires_and_billionaires)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(80%25_of_US_household_wealth_owned_by_millionaires_and_billionaires)">80% of US household wealth owned by millionaires and billionaires</a>)
<p>

*Analysis Shows Nearly 80% of US Household Wealth <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/28/analysis-shows-nearly-80-us-household-wealth-owned-millionaires-and-billionaires">Owned by Millionaires and
Billionaires</a>.*
<p>
Yanis Varoufakis proposes an <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/28/redistribution-games">alternative to a wealth tax</a> that would
achieve the same purpose.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Environmental_protections_could_be_in_danger)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Environmental_protections_could_be_in_danger)">Environmental protections could be in danger</a>)
<p>

*Environmental Protections <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/29/environmental-protections-could-be-danger-trumps-scotus-pick">Could Be in Danger</a> with Trump’s SCOTUS Pick.*
<p>
*Progressives Warn Barrett's Right-Wing Ideology and Past Rulings Signal She
Could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/28/progressives-warn-barretts-right-wing-ideology-and-past-rulings-signal-she-could">Intentionally 'Make the Country a More Unjust Place'</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Yitzhak_Rabin's_politics_towards_Palestinians)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Yitzhak_Rabin's_politics_towards_Palestinians)">Yitzhak Rabin's politics towards Palestinians</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2020/09/28/aoc-ignites-a-debate-about-yitzhak-rabin/">Investigating the complexities</a> of Yitzhak Rabin's politics
towards Palestinians.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_((satire)_Moisturizer_to_prevent_forest_dryness)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_((satire)_Moisturizer_to_prevent_forest_dryness)">(satire) Moisturizer to prevent forest dryness</a>)
<p>

(satire) *California Firefighters <a href="https://www.theonion.com/california-firefighters-massage-2-5-million-gallons-of-1845159161">Massage 2.5 Million Gallons Of
Moisturizer</a> Into Forests To Prevent Dryness.*

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Criminal_charges_against_reporter_April_Erlich)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Criminal_charges_against_reporter_April_Erlich)">Criminal charges against reporter April Erlich</a>)
<p>

RSF calls on Oregon to <a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/us-journalist-facing-criminal-charges-reporting-homeless-encampment-oregon">drop criminal charges against reporter April
Ehrlich</a>, for interviewing homeless fire refugees being kicked out of a
park.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> wanted to keep her outside where she couldn't talk with
them.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(The_cheater_privately_regards_Christians_as_useful_suckers)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(The_cheater_privately_regards_Christians_as_useful_suckers)">The cheater privately regards Christians as useful suckers</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> poses in public to make Christians think he is one of them,
while privately regarding them as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/09/trump-secretly-mocks-his-christian-supporters/616522/">useful suckers</a>.
<p>
I too think of them as fools, but unlike <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a>, I respect them
by honestly showing them my disapproval and opposition.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Court_order_to_continue_the_census_as_planned)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Court_order_to_continue_the_census_as_planned)">Court order to continue the census as planned</a>)
<p>

A court order tells the Census to continue for another month as
originally planned, but the Saboteur of Commerce said he will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/29/outrageous-and-disturbing-openly-defying-federal-court-order-wilbur-ross-moves-shut">defy the
order</a>.
<p>
This looks like another step in the wrecker's campaign to disarm all legal
restraint on what he does.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Cars_driven_into_Black_Lives_Matter_protesters)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Cars_driven_into_Black_Lives_Matter_protesters)">Cars driven into Black Lives Matter protesters</a>)
<p>

104 drivers have <a href="https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/08/vehicle-ramming-attacks-66-us-since-may-27/5397700002/">driven cars into Black Lives Matter protesters</a> since
May 25.  Some of them were terrorist attacks, and 39 drivers face
criminal charges.
<p>
Some right-wing fanatics escaped prosecution by claiming they were afraid
of the protesters they had driven into the middle of.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Deactivated_mail_sorting_machines_disassembled)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Deactivated_mail_sorting_machines_disassembled)">Deactivated mail sorting machines disassembled</a>)
<p>

DeJoy said that he had the deactivated mail sorting machines
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/09/25/postmaster-dejoy-says-removed-mail-sorting-machines-were-stripped-for-parts-cant-be-reinstalled.html">disassembled</a> &mdash; apparently to make sure they could not be put back in
service in the event a court ordered it.
<p>
He also said that the parts were put into other machines,
but this seems to have been false.
<p>
However, some staff have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/29/quiet-revolt-brewing-usps-postal-workers-defy-postmaster-general-louis-dejoys-mail">disobeyed and kept machines working</a>, and in general continued doing their jobs well.
<p>
It is a mistake to run the Post Office as a business.
We should <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/29/new-report-details-why-postal-service-which-must-be-protected-shouldnt-be-run">define it as a national service</a> and think about what more
it can do.
<p>
*The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/29/economic-benefits-public-us-postal-service">Economic Benefits</a> of a Public US Postal Service.*

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Giuliani_owned_company_with_no_employees_got_a_federal_PPP_loan)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Giuliani_owned_company_with_no_employees_got_a_federal_PPP_loan)">Giuliani owned company with no employees got a federal PPP loan</a>)
<p>

Giuliani owns a company that has no employees, but <a href="https://www.salon.com/2020/09/16/invisible-company-owned-by-rudy-giuliani-got-taxpayer-backed-ppp-money--but-where-did-it-go/">got a federal PPP loan</a>
which it is allowed to use only for paying employees.  Was this a crime?
<p>
If we have an honest Justice Department some day, it should investigate.
Putting that arrogant liar in prison for this and other crimes would
be a little justice.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(Many_banks_cover_up_their_bad_debts)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(Many_banks_cover_up_their_bad_debts)">Many banks cover up their bad debts</a>)
<p>

Many banks cover up their bad debts, with the <a href="https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/how-bankers-hide-losses">tacit approval of
government regulators</a>.  Some conceal so much in the way of bad debts
that their net worth is negative but they don't let on.

<p>
<li><a name="2_October_2020_(West_Virginia's_billionaire_Republican_governor)" />2 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_October_2020_(West_Virginia's_billionaire_Republican_governor)">West Virginia's billionaire Republican governor</a>)
<p>

West Virginia's Republican governor is a billionaire but his companies
keep getting <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/this-billionaire-governors-companies-have-now-reached-140-million-in-lawsuit-settlements-and-judgments-over-unpaid-bills">sued for nonpayment of debts</a>.
<p>
The companies often lose or settle the debts &mdash; $140 million so far &mdash;
but sometimes they still refuse to pay.
<p>
Even worse, officials that he appointed as governor have reduced the
fines his companies owe for environmental violations.  That is
corruption.
<p>
It demonstrates the plutocratic attitude: the country, the people, and
the Earth are here to be exploited.

<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Safe_Covid-19)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Safe_Covid-19)">Safe Covid-19</a>)
<p>
In the UK, a few scientists claim that it is safe to let Covid-19
infect nearly everyone.  They do this with interpretations and
arguments that are not necessarily wrong, but are strained.  The
right-wing press <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/29/rival-scientists-lockdowns-scientific-covid-19">exaggerates the importance of their dissent</a>.

<p>
It seems that group disregards entirely the danger of long-term
injury, even to young people.
  Because of this, allowing lots of people to be infected,
even people who are unlikely to die, would be a big mistake.

<p>
If transmission-limiting measures are taken soon, the hospitals
will not fill up with people sick with Covid-19, and normal treatment
of other diseases can continue.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Keeping_election_observers_away)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Keeping_election_observers_away)">Keeping election observers away</a>)
<p>
The US government has contrived to keep most international election
observers away, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/28/us-election-observers-europe-latin-america">just when we need them more than ever</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Excuse_to_disregard_harm)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Excuse_to_disregard_harm)">Excuse to disregard harm</a>)
<p>
Australian rules for approving fossil fuel plants are designed to rush
the approval and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/29/narrabri-gas-project-environment-group-says-new-groundwater-evidence-not-considered">provide excuses for disregarding harm that is likely
to result</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Interview_of_stalked_woman)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Interview_of_stalked_woman)">Interview of stalked woman</a>)
<p>
An interview with a woman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/29/stalked-11-years-abusive-ex-boyfriend">who has been stalked for 11 years by a violent
ex-lover</a>.

<p>
There are many situations where there are a few ways to respond, and
each one may succeed, do nothing, or backfire, and there is no way to
predict.  You can choose to roll the dice, spin the wheel, or guess
which number is in the envelope.  Good advice might tell you which
gamble gives you the best odds, but you can't avoid gambling, except
by giving up.  Whether to threaten an abusive ex may be one of these
situations.

<p>
If you lose, you can always agonize about the fact that you might have
won if you had chosen a different source of randomness to bet on.  But
the choice you made also might have won.  It is useless to agonize
about or criticize the choice of gamble.  The best you can do is
choose the best odds and go ahead.

<p>
To come up with a better plan could do a lot of good.

<p>
I wonder if it might make sense to sentence stalkers to carry digital
trackers to detect whether they approach places where their victims go.
It is unjust to do this to people in general, but it would be acceptable
as a punishment for stalking.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Blocking_funds_for_disrespect_of_rule_of_law)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Blocking_funds_for_disrespect_of_rule_of_law)">Blocking funds for disrespect of rule of law</a>)
<p>
An EU requirement for countries to respect and implement rule of law
is blocking the release of EU funds to Hungary for coping with Covid-19.
A compromise <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/29/german-compromise-on-releasing-eu-funds-caves-in-to-viktor-orban">is being considered to release the funds</a>.

<p>
I am glad to see that the European Parliament is standing firm for
that requirement.  However, perhaps it is right to make an exception
for the medical emergency.  Surely other funds, used for things that are
not desperately urgent, would offer a good opportunity to pressure
Órban, perhaps even a bigger one.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Freezing_Amnesty_International_bank_account)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Freezing_Amnesty_International_bank_account)">Freezing Amnesty International bank account</a>)
<p>
Modi has forced Amnesty International out of India <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/29/amnesty-says-its-halting-work-in-india-due-to-govt-witch-hunt">by freezing its
bank account</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Cruel_deporting_of_autistic)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Cruel_deporting_of_autistic)">Cruel deporting of autistic</a>)
<p>
It's not unusual for the UK and US to deport people to countries they
were too young to remember, and where they know no one.  But it is
especially cruel to deport Osime Brown, who is autistic, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/29/osime-brown-deportation-uk-racist-justice-system-autistic-black-jamaica">and won't be
able to survive in Jamaica on his own</a>,

<p>
A person who was brought to a country as a child has the right to live
there.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Using_UK_courts_to_sue_China)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Using_UK_courts_to_sue_China)">Using UK courts to sue China</a>)
<p>
The UK may authorize minorities in China to use British courts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/29/uk-courts-could-be-given-power-to-rule-that-uighurs-are-facing-genocide">to sue
China for repression</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Imprisoned_for_posting_negative_review)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Imprisoned_for_posting_negative_review)">Imprisoned for posting negative review</a>)
<p>
In Thailand, you can be imprisoned <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/29/american-wesley-barnes-faces-prison-thailand-bad-hotel-review">for posting a negative review</a>.

<p>
That is because defamation is a crime there, rather than a civil dispute.
That is fundamentally unjust.

<p>
I have read that some US states make defamation a crime, but those crimes
seem to rarely if ever be prosecuted.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Fossil_fuel_workers)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Fossil_fuel_workers)">Fossil fuel workers</a>)
<p>
*Many fossil fuel workers like me want to transition to renewables &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/29/fossil-fuel-workers-transition-renewables-covid">but we
need support</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Right_wing_extremists_infiltrating_thugs)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Right_wing_extremists_infiltrating_thugs)">Right wing extremists infiltrating thugs</a>)
<p>
An FBI report from 2006 warned that <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/29/police-white-supremacist-infiltration-fbi/">right wing extremists would try
to infiltrate US thug departments</a>.

<p>
We know that a large fraction of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are right-wing extremists.
Whether this is the result of active infiltration, I don't know,
but I don't think it matters much.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Palm_recognition)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Palm_recognition)">Palm recognition</a>)
<p>
Amazon is deploying <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21493094/amazon-one-palm-recognition-hand-payments-amazon-go-store">a system for palm recognition</a>.

<p>
As the article says, this is much better than other forms of biometric
authentication.  Another advantage is that people don't constantly
leave palmprints wherever they go, as they leave fingerprints.

<p>
I have wondered whether the inside of the elbow might be a good choice.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Status_of_inequality)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Status_of_inequality)">Status of inequality</a>)
<p>
A report <a href="https://inequality.org/facts">on the status of inequality</a>, 
                                      in the US and internationally.
With Javascript disabled, it looks a little weird, but I'm told
that the information is all accessible.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Proud_boys)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Proud_boys)">Proud boys</a>)
<p>
The "Proud Boys" in Portland were few but violent; they attacked three
journalists while thugs did nothing to stop them.  However, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/28/portland-proud-boys-rally-journalists/">thugs did
attack BLM and antifascist protesters, as well as journalists</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_October_2020_(Fossil_fuel_export_business)"/>1 October 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_October_2020_(Fossil_fuel_export_business)">Fossil fuel export business</a>)
<p>
China's pledge to limit and reduce fossil fuel use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/29/qa-australias-fossil-fuel-industry-will-collapse-within-20-years-mike-cannon-brookes-says">will ruin Australia's
fossil fuel export business</a>.
  This is because China will use its own coal rather than buy
from Australia.

<p>
The sad thing is, China may do this by building new coal mines.  The
decrease in Australia's extraction may not be a decrease in coal
burning for the world as a whole.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(When_the_world_is_on_fire)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(When_the_world_is_on_fire)">When the world is on fire</a>)
<p>
*What to Do When the World Is on Fire.* Government policies should
encourage localized and diversified agriculture, using methods that
improve the land and retain water, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/28/what-do-when-world-fire">should replace the encouragement of
monocultures controlled by megacorporations</a>.

<p>
I don't want to live on a farm; I would feel isolated and bored there.
But many people would really love to do this, if government policies
encouraged <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#31_December_2015_(DMCA)">hiring intelligent workers rather than buying "intelligent"
tractors with proprietary software and DRM</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Enemy_of_workers)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Enemy_of_workers)">Enemy of workers</a>)
<p>
*         Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett Is an Enemy of Workers.*
Indeed, <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/09/supreme-court-pick-trump-amy-coney-barrett-gig-economy-workers">she supports businesses against individuals in general</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(FBI_and_apple)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(FBI_and_apple)">FBI and apple</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/fbi-demands-apple-s-assistance-in-opening-iphone-packag-1845157871">satire</a>) *&hellip; the Federal Bureau of Investigation
   reportedly contacted Apple Monday to demand its assistance in opening
   an iPhone 11’s packaging.*


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Inadequate_tracking)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Inadequate_tracking)">Inadequate tracking</a>)
<p>
National Nurses United reports <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/28/new-report-reveals-widespread-government-failure-track-and-report-data-covid-19">on inadequate tracking of Covid-19
cases and deaths in the US</a>.
  These errors lead to bad response.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Evil_rebels)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Evil_rebels)">Evil rebels</a>)
<p>
The wrecker has divided America, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/28/coming-civil-war-over-trumps-ego">his supporters think of us
as evil rebels</a>.

<p>
What makes this so devastatingly dangerous is that he has taught
his supporters to reject the idea of following moral rules that
ought to limit their conduct.  Because they imagine we are evil,
they believe that any violence, any lie, is justified.

<p>
People of such amorality are not fit to have any role in government.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Diverting_money_out_of_business)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Diverting_money_out_of_business)">Diverting money out of business</a>)
<p>
The conman's tax affairs illustrate that the US has made it easy for
rich "businessmen" to divert money out of a business <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/28/new-york-times-trump-tax-revelation-confirms-what-we-already-know">as an excuse
to say it made no profit and owes no tax</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Until_vaccine)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Until_vaccine)">Until vaccine</a>)
<p>
*Until there's a Covid vaccine, we need to focus on treating
longer-term health consequences.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/29/until-theres-a-covid-vaccine-we-need-to-focus-on-treating-longer-term-health-consequences">In particular, hyperinflammation,
which injures organs</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Human_rights_abroad)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Human_rights_abroad)">Human rights abroad</a>)
<p>
Palantir says it will not support governments that abuse human rights
abroad.  The word "abroad" is necessary because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/28/palantir-technologies-contracts-raise-human-rights-concerns-nyse-direct-listing">Palantir supports the
US deportation thugs</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Everything_he_says_is_false)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Everything_he_says_is_false)">Everything he says is false</a>)
<p>
Robert Redfield, head of the CDC, was overheard condemning one of the
bullshitter's advisers, saying that "Everything he says is false".
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/28/everything-he-says-false-cdc-director-overheard-airplane-condemning-trump-covid">The adviser in question was Scott Atlas</a>.

<p>
He may be misleading the bullshitter as well as the public.  However,
getting bullshit as advice from advisers he chose cannot excuse the
corrupter's campaign of bullshit.

<p>
I hope that the training of radiologists is not so narrow that they
escape learning basic medical facts about infectious diseases and
epidemics.  However, no amount of education can overcome a determined
partisan intention to expose bullshit.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Swing_voters)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Swing_voters)">Swing voters</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/biden-removes-defeating-trump-from-platform-to-avoid-1845183053">satire</a>) *Biden Removes ‘Defeating Trump’ From Platform To Avoid
Alienating Swing Voters.*


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Prosecution_of_journalists)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Prosecution_of_journalists)">Prosecution of journalists</a>)
<p>
Adani, the company that wants to construct a giant coal mine in
Australia, is prosecuting an activist for doing what Julian Assange
did: asking for leaks about the plans.  Now the company apparently
wants to go further and prosecute the people who did what Glenn
Greenwald did: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/28/adani-legal-action-sparks-fears-journalists-could-be-targeted-over-carmichael-mine-leaks">prosecute the journalists who received the leaks from the
activist</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Protecting_students)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Protecting_students)">Protecting students</a>)
<p>
Oxford University's measures to protect students studying about China
from repression by China: they submit their homework anonymously, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/sep/28/oxford-moves-to-protect-students-from-chinas-hong-kong-security-law">and
recording those classes is forbidden</a>.

<p>
The precise extent and depth of this anonymity are not clear in the
article.  If it means that their teachers don't know their real
identities, that is surprising but may be necessary &mdash; I won't argue
with it.

<p>
If it means simply that their identities are not associated with
their work in some corporation's cloudy data base that the school uses,
<em>all</em> students deserve that kind of anonymity, on general principles.
Don't dox anyone to a company.

<p>
The prohibition on recording classes seems to be necessary in this
case, but it has the unfortunate effect of blocking the one way you
can fully participate in a Zoom class without running Zoom:
find someone willing to make a recording of it, one way or another,
and watch that video (either in real time, or later).  (You can participate
in audio by phoning in.)

<p>
This could still be done if your friend sets up a webcam on another
computer pointing at the screen, and transmits a stream to your
machine.  But that is extra hard since webcams are expensive these
days.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Swimming_to_freedom)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Swimming_to_freedom)">Swimming to freedom</a>)
<p>
Decades ago, some Chinese swam to freedom in Hong Kong.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/28/back-where-we-were-history-repeats-for-hong-kongs-freedom-swimmers">Now the tyranny they
escaped from has recaptured them</a>.

<p>
I read that the UK agreed to try to stop refugees from arriving in
Hong Kong so that Chine would not invade.  It would have been
impossible to defend Hong Kong militarily against a Chinese invasion.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Spreading_hope)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Spreading_hope)">Spreading hope</a>)
<p>
On spreading hope for ultimately <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/27/yes-there-hope">replacing the system of rule by the rich</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(National_security_law)"/>30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(National_security_law)">National security law</a>)
<p>
How broad is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/28/quiz-can-you-navigate-your-way-through-hong-kongs-national-security-law">the repression of China's Hong Kong national security
law</a>?


<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Argentines_pressuring_the_president_to_legalize_abortion)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Argentines_pressuring_the_president_to_legalize_abortion)">Argentines pressuring the president to legalize abortion</a>)
<p>

Argentines are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/28/argentina-president-under-pressure-to-keep-election-promise-on-abortion">pressuring the president</a> to keep his pledge to legalize
abortion.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Greece_is_spending_a_lot_of_money_on_arms_to_beat_Turkey)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Greece_is_spending_a_lot_of_money_on_arms_to_beat_Turkey)">Greece is spending a lot of money on arms to beat Turkey</a>)
<p>

Greece is being crushed by debt, but it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/28/mike-pompeo-due-in-athens-amid-spiralling-tensions-between-greece-and-turkey">spending a lot of money on
arms to beat Turkey</a> for the chance to extract some undersea gas.
<p>
Whichever country wins will win the chance to help destroy
civilization.  Meanwhile, even if this doesn't result in a war, the
arms will kill destitute Greeks.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Criticizing_judicial_nominees_for_their_religion)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Criticizing_judicial_nominees_for_their_religion)">Criticizing judicial nominees for their religion</a>)
<p>

It is legitimate to criticize judicial nominees for their religion, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/28/democrats-arent-anti-catholic-bigots-for-questioning-amy-coney-barrett">if
they seem likely to impose it on the rest of us</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(If_the_cheater_didn't_break_the_law,_does_that_mean_he_didn't_do_anything_wrong_)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(If_the_cheater_didn't_break_the_law,_does_that_mean_he_didn't_do_anything_wrong_)">If the cheater didn't break the law, does that mean he didn't do anything wrong?</a>)
<p>

If the cheater did not break the law in paying so little tax, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/28/trump-tax-avoidance-national-system-americans-refund">does that
mean he did not do anything wrong?</a>
<p>
The article explains why that conclusion does not follow.
But it seems to accept the widespread idea that people are
not to blame for mistreating others when the rules permit it.
<p>
That is where I disagree.  If person P takes advantage of a flaw
in the system to do injustice, the system is at fault <em>and</em>
P is at fault as well.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Ai_Weiwie_carried_out_a_solitary_protest_in_front_of_the_court_house_where_Assange's_hearing_is_being_held)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Ai_Weiwie_carried_out_a_solitary_protest_in_front_of_the_court_house_where_Assange's_hearing_is_being_held)">Ai Weiwie carried out a solitary protest in front of the court house where Assange's hearing is being held</a>)
<p>

Ai Weiwei carried out a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/28/major-outlets-ignore-assange-extradition-hearing-ai-weiwei-demands-freedom-wikileaks">solitary protest</a> in front of the court house where
Assange's hearing ie being held.
He was doing what every journalist ought to be doing.
<p>
Daniel Ellsberg, famed leaker of the Pentagon Papers that showed the
dishonesty of the US about fighting the Vietnam War, testified that
Assange asked the US government to help redact the leaked documents so
there would be no risk anyone working for the US would be endangered,
but the US government refused to help, so as to be able to accuse
Assange of endangering them.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(The_pope_has_gone_silent_on_criticizing_China)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(The_pope_has_gone_silent_on_criticizing_China)">The pope has gone silent on criticizing China</a>)
<p>

The pope has gone silent on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/28/mike-pompeo-to-protest-against-vaticans-deal-with-china-during-visit">criticizing China</a>, apparently in exchange for a
say in appointment of Catholic bishops there.
<p>
Pompeo has no moral authority, but I think he is right on this one.
Of course, the injustices that the pope should criticize include many
committed by other countries, and they include the USA.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Officials_can_NOT_strip_search_kids)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Officials_can_NOT_strip_search_kids)">Officials can NOT strip search kids</a>)
<p>

*No, Officials Can NOT Strip Search Kids Just Because <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/no-officials-can-not-strip-search-kids-just-because-their-mom-let-them-wait-briefly-in-the-car/">Their Mom Let Them Wait
Briefly in the Car</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Kidnapped_by_thugs_for_hours_for_being_a_Black_Lives_Matters_Protester)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Kidnapped_by_thugs_for_hours_for_being_a_Black_Lives_Matters_Protester)">Kidnapped by thugs for hours for being a Black Lives Matters Protester</a>)
<p>

*I was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/27/i-was-kidnapped-by-police-for-nine-hours-for-being-a-black-lives-matter-protester">kidnapped by [thugs]</a> for nine hours for being a Black Lives
Matter protester.*

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Trumps_con_of_selling_voters_on_being_a_successful_business_man)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Trumps_con_of_selling_voters_on_being_a_successful_business_man)">Trumps con of selling voters on being a successful business man</a>)
<p>

*Trump sold voters on the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/28/trump-new-york-times-tax-returns-president">folly that he's a successful businessman</a>. That's a
con.*
<p>
I am not surprised.  He would not have fought so long and hard to conceal
his tax returns if it were not going to embarrass him badly.
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/28/donald-trump-a-bad-businessman-or-a-tax-probably-both">"A bad businessman or a tax cheat – probably both"</a>, say
accountants.*

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Heating_of_upper_levels_of_the_ocean)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Heating_of_upper_levels_of_the_ocean)">Heating of upper levels of the ocean</a>)
<p>

The heating of upper levels of the ocean is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/28/how-our-warmer-oceans-are-contributing-to-climate-breakdown">making hurricanes stronger</a>
and interfering with vertical mixing of the water.
It also causes a positive feedback by confining further
heating to the surface level.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Ordering_stars_not_to_wear_clothing_that_supports_political_causes)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Ordering_stars_not_to_wear_clothing_that_supports_political_causes)">Ordering stars not to wear clothing that supports political causes</a>)
<p>

To what extent should businesses be able to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/sep/28/why-it-matters-when-black-lives-matter-clothing-is-banned">order stars</a> not to wear
clothing that supports political causes?
<p>
Political rights cannot discriminate between one political view and
another.  Where and when BLM slogans are permitted, so are right-wing
slogans.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Craig_Murray's_coverage_of_the_Assange_extradition_hearing)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Craig_Murray's_coverage_of_the_Assange_extradition_hearing)">Craig Murray's coverage of the Assange extradition hearing</a>)
<p>

Craig Murray's coverage of <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-16/">three</a> more <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-17/">sessions</a> of the <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-18/">Assange extradition hearing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_September_2020_(Armed_fascist_demonstrators)" />30 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_September_2020_(Armed_fascist_demonstrators)">Armed fascist demonstrators</a>)
<p>

Armed fascist demonstrators invade Portland every day and confront
antifascist and BLM protesters, occasionally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/28/portland-violence-far-right-protests-police">committing violence</a>
against them, against reporters, and against bystanders.  The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
tend to let them do it.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Food_delivery_app_companies_are_parasites)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Food_delivery_app_companies_are_parasites)">Food delivery app companies are parasites</a>)
<p>

Food delivery app companies are parasites; the commissions they charge
to restaurants are <a href="https://www.economicliberties.us/our-work/rescuing-restaurants-how-to-protect-restaurants-workers-and-communities-from-predatory-delivery-app-corporations/">draining the restaurants dry</a>.
<p>
They wantonly disregard laws to limit their commissions.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(UK_ordered_schools_not_to_use_materials_from_organizations_that_advocate_eliminating_capitalism)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(UK_ordered_schools_not_to_use_materials_from_organizations_that_advocate_eliminating_capitalism)">UK ordered schools not to use materials from organizations that advocate eliminating capitalism</a>)
<p>

The authoritarian UK government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/sep/27/uk-schools-told-not-to-use-anti-capitalist-material-in-teaching">ordered</a> schools not to use any
materials from organizations that advocate eliminating capitalism.
<p>
This means that schools can't teach about the history of labor
organizing and the Labour Party.
<p>
Already prohibited is anything produced by an organization that
"endorses illegal activity."  I suppose that rules out showing people
anything written by Extinction Rebellion.  Although that organization
is nonviolent, its protests do include violating laws in minor ways.
Also anything that says you should share copies of published works,
disregarding any unjust laws or anti-socializing contracts that say
you can't.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(The_Farm_System_Reform_Act)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(The_Farm_System_Reform_Act)">The Farm System Reform Act</a>)
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/27/how-we-pry-corporate-stranglehold-our-farm-system">Farm System Reform Act</a> would break the dominion of Big Ag over
small farms.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Child_Protection)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Child_Protection)">Child Protection</a>)
<p>

When Colorado thugs <a href="https://reason.com/2020/09/24/aurora-police-hogtied-child-services-abuse/">arrested Vanessa Peoples</a>, dislocating her shoulder and tying her up so that she had trouble breathing, they shone a light
on of a massive system of oppression, nominally called "child
protection".
<p>
There really are parents who mistreat their children grossly, and the
"child protection"service does sometimes protect children from real
dangers.  But it tends to be too officious about small mistakes or
confusions, doing harm and spreading terror.
<p>
They demand a standard of attentiveness that a middle-class housewife
might aspire to, from parents who don't have either the money or the
time to try.  The effective way to improve matters in those families
is to give them more money, but right-wing authoritarians are only
interested in punishing.  More than half of black US families get
investigated by these services.
<p>
Bringing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> (many of whom are racist) into the family situation
puts people in many kinds of danger, including the danger of getting a
criminal record, which can ruin your chance for a lawful career and
increase the poverty your children live in.
<p>
The same thing happens when <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are stationed in schools &mdash; minor
incidents become opportunities to initiate someone's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_January_2014_('Groundbreaking'_Guidelines_to_Stop_'School-to-Prison_Pipeline')">criminal record</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Hope_and_dialogue_into_practice)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Hope_and_dialogue_into_practice)">Hope and dialogue into practice</a>)
<p>

*There are increasing numbers of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/27/yes-there-hope">experiences</a> putting collaborative
methods for hope and dialogue into practice.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Stores_in_small_towns_in_Sweden)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Stores_in_small_towns_in_Sweden)">Stores in small towns in Sweden</a>)
<p>

In small towns in Sweden there are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/06/unstaffed-digital-supermarkets-transform-rural-sweden">stores with no staff</a>.  They are
very convenient for the people who live nearby, because they don't
recognize the danger of requiring them to log in using a national ID
number to buy anything.
<p>
Vending machines that accept cash in varying amounts are not unusual.
It would not be hard to make these stores accept cash, too.
There should be a legal requirement that people not have to identify
themselves to buy in a store.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(The_corrupter's_loans)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(The_corrupter's_loans)">The corrupter's loans</a>)
<p>

The corrupter will have to pay $400 million in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/new-york-times-trump-tax-returns-key-findings">loans within the next
few years</a>, and he may not have that much.  No wonder his palm is
always open for gifts.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(60_countries_promise_to_put_wildlife_and_climate_at_heart_of_post-Covid_recovery)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(60_countries_promise_to_put_wildlife_and_climate_at_heart_of_post-Covid_recovery)">60 countries promise to put wildlife and climate at heart of post-Covid recovery</a>)
<p>

*   France, Germany and UK among more than 60 countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/28/world-leaders-pledge-to-halt-earth-destruction-un-summit">promising</a> to put
wildlife and climate at heart of post-Covid recovery plans.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Illegal_drift_nets_threaten_endangered_species)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Illegal_drift_nets_threaten_endangered_species)">Illegal drift nets threaten endangered species</a>)
<p>

*Surge in illegal drift nets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/18/walls-of-death-surge-in-illegal-drift-nets-threatens-endangered-species">threatens endangered species</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(To_voters)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(To_voters)">To voters</a>)
<p>
Ralph Nader: *To Democratic Voters &mdash; Up Your Demands; To Trump Voters
&mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/26/democratic-voters-your-demands-trump-voters-see-how-he-didnt-deliver-you">See How He Didn’t Deliver for You</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Ministers_replacing_parliament)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Ministers_replacing_parliament)">Ministers replacing parliament</a>)
<p>
UK ministers have mostly replaced Parliament as the author of the law,
and are imposing absurd and useless punishments connected with Covid-19.
This has given right-wing antisocialists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/27/where-is-the-voice-of-the-left-as-libertarians-annex-the-covid-19-debate">the opportunity to pose
as defenders of liberty</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(How_to_help_QAnon_believers)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(How_to_help_QAnon_believers)">How to help QAnon believers</a>)
<p>
Advice for how to help QAnon believers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/28/if-your-friends-or-family-have-fallen-for-an-internet-conspiracy-cult-heres-what-you-should-do">get out of the QAnonsense</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Racist_thug_explaining_himself)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Racist_thug_explaining_himself)">Racist thug explaining himself</a>)
<p>
The thug that shot Jacob Blake <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/jacob-blake-kenosha-rusten-sheskey">offers an explanation</a>.

<p>
Unconscious racism often manifests by leading someone to jump to the
worst possible conclusion, and take it as absolutely certain.  If the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> is telling the truth about what he thought at the time &mdash;
something we cannot be sure of &mdash; this could be the explanation for
it.

<p>
I don't think it justifies shooting Blake.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Less_war)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Less_war)">Less war</a>)
<p>
*The American public wants less war. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/18/biden-foreign-policy-us-public-wants-less-war">Can Joe Biden deliver</a>?*


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Sabotage)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Sabotage)">Sabotage</a>)
<p>
Mueller failed to use all the means at his disposal to investigate
the possible crimes committed by the corrupter.  And then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/where-law-ends-review-robert-mueller-donald-trump-andrew-weissmann">Barr sabotaged
the awareness of what Mueller had found</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Enforcing_mask_requirement)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Enforcing_mask_requirement)">Enforcing mask requirement</a>)
<p>
About the difficulty of enforcing the rather lax mask requirement of Key West,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/florida-key-west-mask-patrol-social-distancing">and dealing with covidiots</a>.

<p>
The people who don't wear a mask, and say "It's my business if I take a risk,"
evidently don't understand that their mask is needed to protect others.
Other people's masks protect you; your mask is to protect them.

<p>
Perhaps it would be useful to have a massive publicity campaign about that.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Surveillance_on_workers)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Surveillance_on_workers)">Surveillance on workers</a>)
<p>
Many employers are using nonfree software, including videoconference
software, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/shirking-from-home-staff-feel-the-heat-as-bosses-ramp-up-remote-surveillance">to surveil and monitor staff working at home</a>.

<p>
The feature that lets someone check whether you are "active" is a
malicious feature.  With free software, you could fix it to say
you are active.

<p>
We see also how connecting to one of those cloudy dis-service
can be a way for an employer to monitor you.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Art_of_Phillip_Guston)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Art_of_Phillip_Guston)">Art of Phillip Guston</a>)
<p>
There is a controversy over whether and how a museum should display the art
of Philip Guston, which depicted people in KKK robes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/sep/26/sense-or-censorship-row-over-klan-images-in-tates-postponed-show">to relate their evil
to everyday life activities</a>.

<p>
The danger is not only that people might miss the irony the artist
intended.  It is also that right-wing conspiracy fabricators might
intentionally try to misrepresent it or build QAnonsense around it.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Islamic_Relief)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Islamic_Relief)">Islamic Relief</a>)
<p>

Islamic Relief will argue in the Israeli Supreme Court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/27/islamic-relief-charity-terrorist-court-israel-palestinians">to refute false
accusations that it is a terrorist group</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Ban_on_distributing_food)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Ban_on_distributing_food)">Ban on distributing food</a>)
<p>
*Activists protest ban <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/activists-protest-ban-on-distributing-food-to-migrants-in-calais">on distributing food to migrants in Calais</a>.*

<p>
It is unconscionable to try to eliminate inconvenient poor people
by denying them food.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Immunity_for_dangerous_working_conditions)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Immunity_for_dangerous_working_conditions)">Immunity for dangerous working conditions</a>)
<p>
The few giant meat-processing companies in the US want Congress to give them
immunity <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/26/dont-grant-global-meat-corporations-immunity-hold-them-accountable-covid-19">for working conditions that encourage the spread of Covid-19</a>.
  The corrupter has already told OSHA to support the businesses rather
than the workers.

<p>
To shut down the meat plants until they could run with safe procedures
would have caused a disaster.  But the government could have made
them, could still make them, heavily liable for failure to protect the
workers in all feasible ways, while helping to increase what is feasible.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Preying_on_restaurants)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Preying_on_restaurants)">Preying on restaurants</a>)
<p>
Food delivery companies have many ways <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/19/we-are-beautiful/#man-in-the-middle">of preying on the restaurants
they offer "services" to</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Gig_economy_companies)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Gig_economy_companies)">Gig economy companies</a>)
<p>
Cory Doctorow: many major gig economy companies <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/05/19/larval-pegasi/#long-con">are con games,
funded by Salafi Arabia</a>.

<p>
They are designed to grow very large over a period many years, but
always losing money.  *Then, Softbank exits with an IPO that offloads
the money-losing company on suckers who think its longevity means
there must be a 'path to profitability.'* The way the investors profit
is that the IPO brings in more than their investments.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Nuclear_weapons)"/>29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Nuclear_weapons)">Nuclear weapons</a>)
<p>
Nuclear weapons <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/26/time-put-end-nuclear-age">are still a threat to the survival of civilization</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(New_England_drought_and_heat)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(New_England_drought_and_heat)">New England drought and heat</a>)
<p>

New England has been hit by <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/25/metro/with-record-temperatures-little-rain-severe-drought-has-gripped-much-new-england/">drought and heat</a>.
<p>
Wildfires (small compared with California's) have continued rather
that ceasing in June.  Cranberry plants are failing to produce
cranberries.  Streams are running empty.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Thugs_in_Boston_and_some_neighboring_cities)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Thugs_in_Boston_and_some_neighboring_cities)">Thugs in Boston and some neighboring cities</a>)
<p>

The reforming district attorney for Boston and some neighboring cities has
published a <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/25/metro/suffolk-da-rollins-releases-watch-list-136-area-officers-accused-misconduct/">list of cops</a> in the zone who have been specifically accused of
being <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
<p>
It will be harder for them to succeed by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#testilying">testilying</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Claims_of_regenerative_agriculture)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Claims_of_regenerative_agriculture)">Claims of regenerative agriculture</a>)
<p>

Advocates of regenerative agriculture claim that it could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/26/regenerative-agriculture-and-soil-carbon-solution-new-paper-outlines-vision-climate">absorb all
of humanity's CO2 emissions</a>.
<p>
I don't have the basis to judge claims about regenerative agriculture.
I can't tell whether they are valid, because I don't know any ground
truth from which I can deduce anything in that area.  And I don't know
of any unbiased entities I could have confidence in.  Are any farms
succeeding in business using these techniques?
<p>
Is it possible to set up a regenerative agriculture emissions
compensation scheme?  How would it measure up, in terms of costs per
ton of CO2 absorbed, against investments in increased energy
efficiency?  Can the benefit of improved or protected topsoil be
quantified?
<p>
It would be good to spell out the claim that is being made.  What are
the claimed benefits, and what are the costs?  For instance, the claim
could be, "This is a better method of agriculture and farms should
make the investment to switch now."  Or it could be, "This system or
agriculture can't compete today because it would require more farm
labor, but we must adopt it for civilization to survive."  The difference
is fundamental.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(To_follow_Sweden_in_curbing_Covid-19)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(To_follow_Sweden_in_curbing_Covid-19)">To follow Sweden in curbing Covid-19</a>)
<p>

To follow Sweden in curbing Covid-19 requires imitating Sweden's very
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/26/welcome-to-libertarian-covid-fantasy-land-thats-sweden-to-you-and-me">strong and effective welfare system</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Australia's_proposed_plan_for_reducing_greenhouse_emissions)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Australia's_proposed_plan_for_reducing_greenhouse_emissions)">Australia's proposed plan for reducing greenhouse emissions</a>)
<p>

Australia's government has proposed a plan for reducing greenhouse emissions,
but it depends on making carbon capture and storage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/27/what-are-the-key-technologies-in-the-coalitions-low-emissions-roadmap-and-can-they-deliver">far more efficient than
it ever has been</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Covid-19_can_cause_you_lasting_damage)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Covid-19_can_cause_you_lasting_damage)">Covid-19 can cause you lasting damage</a>)
<p>

No matter what your age or condition, Covid-19 can cause you <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/26/i-used-to-be-ms-covid-casual-but-with-a-sick-sister-thats-changed">lasting damage</a> that can be incapacitating.  The damage can last at least six
months, we now know.  Six months from now, we may know it can last a year.
There is no reason to assume it will ever get better.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(A_communism_that_no_longer_exists)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(A_communism_that_no_longer_exists)">A communism that no longer exists</a>)
<p>

*From [the wrecker] to Bolsonaro, reactionary leaders are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/26/communist-enemy-nationalist-right-trump-us-bolsonaro-brazil">invoking a communism
that no longer exists</a> as a [dishonest] way of attacking the left.*
<p>
Today's left isn't Communist anyway, but liars don't care about the truth
of anything.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Mainstream_press_shows_little_interest_in_prosecution_of_Julian_Assange)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Mainstream_press_shows_little_interest_in_prosecution_of_Julian_Assange)">Mainstream press shows little interest in prosecution of Julian Assange</a>)
<p>

The mainstream press shows little interest in the prosecution of
Julian Assange even though success could pave the way for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/26/julian-assange-press-shows-little-interest-media-trial-century">prosecuting
other publishers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Stimulus_checks_helped_some_Americans_with_medical_expense)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Stimulus_checks_helped_some_Americans_with_medical_expense)">Stimulus checks helped some Americans with medical expense</a>)
<p>

The up-to-1200-dollars stimulus checks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/24/anti-poverty-programs-they-work-experts-declare-after-fed-survey-reveals-benefits">enabled 7% more Americans to
handle a surprise medical expense</a>.  Even that small amount did real
help.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(USPS_chief_of_logistics_pressed_local_chiefs_to_implement_service_cuts)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(USPS_chief_of_logistics_pressed_local_chiefs_to_implement_service_cuts)">USPS chief of logistics pressed local chiefs to implement service cuts</a>)
<p>

The USPS chief of logistics, in July, made a presentation to local chiefs
pressing them to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/09/24/usps-delays-dejoy-documents/">implement the service cuts</a>.
<p>
Although DeJoy was not in that meeting, various vice presidents were,
so it is clear he did this with DeJoy's own support.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Rural_US_hospitals_are_in_danger_of_going_broke)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Rural_US_hospitals_are_in_danger_of_going_broke)">Rural US hospitals are in danger of going broke</a>)
<p>

Many rural hospitals in the US, which now face a lot of Covid-19
cases, are in <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/24/covid-19-has-not-left-rural-america-healthcare-advocates-urge-congress-save-small">danger of going broke</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Petitions_against_exam-monitoring_systems)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Petitions_against_exam-monitoring_systems)">Petitions against exam-monitoring systems</a>)
<p>

Students are <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/students-are-pushing-back-against-proctoring-surveillance-apps">organizing petitions</a> against the intrusive exam-monitoring systems imposed by many universities.
<p>
If you launch a petition at your university, please make sure to give people
a way to sign the petition without having to run any nonfree software,
and that includes JavaScript software sent by a web site.  You can invite
people to send email to add their names.
<p>
I suggest it is unwise to focus on issues of effective discrimination
against subsets of students.  Why so?  It's not that these problems
don't matter &mdash; they do.  What makes them weak focuses is that the
developers of the systems can probably fix them, resulting in a system
that mistreats students in those subsets only as much as it mistreats
everyone else.
<p>
Another mistake to avoid is to weaken your demands as a <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/compromise.html">"compromise"</a>
before you state them.  Start the negotiations with what you really
want.
<p>
By demanding a real solution for the problem, you can build a stronger
movement.  You can agree to a compromise later &mdash; but it will be,
explicitly, only a partial victory.  So it won't make your movement
scatter.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_((satire)_Biden's_lack_of_plan_for_widespread_violence)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_((satire)_Biden's_lack_of_plan_for_widespread_violence)">(satire) Biden's lack of plan for widespread violence</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Reporter Presses Biden On <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/reporter-presses-biden-on-lack-of-own-plan-to-trigger-w-1845183264">Lack Of Own Plan To Trigger
Widespread Violence</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Proposed_bill_for_term_limits_in_the_Supreme_Court)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Proposed_bill_for_term_limits_in_the_Supreme_Court)">Proposed bill for term limits in the Supreme Court</a>)
<p>

Ro Khanna proposes a bill for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/time-standardize-and-democratize-supreme-court-ro-khanna-introduces-bill-justice">term limits in the Supreme Court</a>.  After
a justice's term ends, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> would remain a judge and move to lower
courts.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_((satire)_The_basic_tenets_of_America's_autocracy)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_((satire)_The_basic_tenets_of_America's_autocracy)">(satire) The basic tenets of America's autocracy</a>)
<p>

(satire) *"Anyone questioning what President Trump will do on
election night or afterwards is participating in a very dangerous
effort to get <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/fox-news-slams-democrats-for-repeatedly-attempting-to-u-1845179901">Americans to mistrust the basic tenets of this country's
autocracy</a>," said Sean Hannity on his broadcast.*

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(A_shame_Justice_Ginsburg_didn't_retire_when_Democrats_controlled_the_Senate)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(A_shame_Justice_Ginsburg_didn't_retire_when_Democrats_controlled_the_Senate)">A shame Justice Ginsburg didn't retire when Democrats controlled the Senate</a>)
<p>

It's a shame Justice Ginsburg <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/25/ruth-bader-ginsburg-and-peril-americas-aging-elite">did not retire</a> last time Democrats controlled
the Senate and the presidency.

<p>
<li><a name="29_September_2020_(Urgent:_Pass_the_ROE_act)" />29 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_September_2020_(Urgent:_Pass_the_ROE_act)">Urgent: Pass the ROE act</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on Massachusetts legislators to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-massachusetts-lawmakers-honor-rbg%E2%80%99s-legacy-pass-roe-act">pass the ROE act</a>.
<p>
This would get rid of old laws restricting abortion rights, which have
been unenforced due to Roe v Wade.  It would also in general increase
abortion rights.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Urgent:_shut_down_the_Senate)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Urgent:_shut_down_the_Senate)">Urgent: shut down the Senate</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/rbg-scotus/?source=k2&t=1001&akid=27120%2E96703%2EYRyzJ-">call on Senate Democrats</a> to shut down the Senate to stop
Republicans from picking Justice Ginsburg's successor.



<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Anarchist_jurisdiction)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Anarchist_jurisdiction)">Anarchist jurisdiction</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/bill-barr-declares-ipswich-middle-school-anarchist-juri-1845173206">satire</a>) *In an effort to restore the rule of law, Attorney General
   Bill Barr declared Ipswich Middle School an anarchist jurisdiction
   Friday after finding a circle-A symbol scrawled on a notebook cover.*


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(PAT_RIOT_Act)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(PAT_RIOT_Act)">PAT RIOT Act</a>)
<p>
Rep. Jayapal is leading the fight <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/25/reps-davidson-jayapal-and-three-dozen-allies-demand-critical-answers-regarding">against the PAT RIOT Act's massive
surveillance</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Who_is_on_the_Supreme_Court)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Who_is_on_the_Supreme_Court)">Who is on the Supreme Court</a>)
<p>
Howard Zinn said, who is on the Supreme Court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/25/why-we-should-all-be-reading-howard-zinn-right-now">is not as
important as what the American people demand</a>.

<p>
But I don't think we should relax and stop trying to block the
wrecker's choice.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Climate_strike_events)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Climate_strike_events)">Climate strike events</a>)
<p>
On September 25 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/masked-socially-distanced-and-mad-hell-global-youth-take-streets-over-3200">there were over 3,200 climate strike events</a>.

<p>
I wrote to the organizers to ask them to make it possible to find the
events without running nonfree software.  That would be an easy change
to make.  I hope that I will be able to participate in the future.

<p>
What is the use of a virtual protest, though?  The idea of a protest
rally is to show the public and the news media where people stand.  If
only the participants can see the rally, it doesn't seem to do
anything.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Destruction_done_to_the_ecosphere)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Destruction_done_to_the_ecosphere)">Destruction done to the ecosphere</a>)
<p>
David Attenborough's Witness Statement shows us the destruction we
have done to Earth's ecosphere, then tells us <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/25/david-attenborough-a-life-on-our-planet-review-climate-emergency-documentary">what we need to do to
save what is left</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(2_million_deaths)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(2_million_deaths)">2 million deaths</a>)
<p>
WHO: if we don't take effective collective action to curb the 
spread of Covid-19, there could be 2 million deaths from Covid-19
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/absent-collective-action-who-warns-global-covid-19-deaths-could-surpass-two-million">before a vaccine starts to slow it</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Postal_ballots)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Postal_ballots)">Postal ballots</a>)
<p>
Postal ballots in Pennsylvania require two different envelopes,
one inside the other.  If the voter omits the inner envelope,
per vote won't be counted.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/foreseeable-train-wreck-warnings-ballot-technicality-could-toss-out-100000">This could reject tens of thousands
of ballots</a>.

<p>
It is another reason to do early voting, not vote by mail.

<p>
A Republican senator proposed a bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/joining-trump-undermine-election-results-gop-senator-proposes-nullifying-all-mail">to require all postal ballots to
be counted in just 48 hours</a>.

<p>
This surely won't be enacted &mdash; and I doubt it is constitutional &mdash;
but it illustrates the "win by hook or by crook" attitude of
Republicans.

<p>
*As Trump Sows Chaos, Democrats <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/24/trump-sows-chaos-democrats-urged-increase-push-person-voting-early-if-possible">Urged to Increase Push for In-Person
Voting—Early If Possible</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Military_and_constitution)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Military_and_constitution)">Military and constitution</a>)
<p>
What would the US military do if the wrecker orders it <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/25/trump-and-gop-openly-hatch-election-theft-plot-question-grows-which-side-will-our">to
suppress "rebellion" based on "fake news"</a>?

<p>
For generals to resign if ordered to overthrow constitutional
government would save their own individual honor, but it would not
save constitutional government.  Rather, the first one in line who
hasn't got enough honor to resign would commit the crime.  Their
duty would be to preserve constitutional government, not step aside.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Protest_upending_mayoral_race)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Protest_upending_mayoral_race)">Protest upending mayoral race</a>)
<p>
*How the Protests Upended Portland's Mayoral Race* <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/25/portland-mayor-police-protests-election-wheeler-iannarone/">for the better</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Political_ultimatum_for_bird_conservation_group)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Political_ultimatum_for_bird_conservation_group)">Political ultimatum for bird conservation group</a>)
<p>
Birdlife International gave the Taiwanese bird conservation group <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/hawk-or-dove-birdwatching-worlds-feathers-ruffled-over-taiwan-independence">a
political ultimatum, following China's orders</a>.

<p>
The US and other countries could conceivably pass laws requiring
organizations to accept cooperation with Taiwan if they do is with
China, on fair conditions.  If China tries to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> these
organizations by refusing, the organizations will be required to say,
"That's your choice, China, but it's a shame you see it that way."  


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Going_hungry_because_of_imported_food_price)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Going_hungry_because_of_imported_food_price)">Going hungry because of imported food price</a>)
<p>
Lebanese are going hungry because imported food is now far more
expensive.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/25/money-is-worth-nothing-now-how-lebanon-is-finding-a-future-in-farming">Some are turning to farming</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Systematically_destroying_mosques)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Systematically_destroying_mosques)">Systematically destroying mosques</a>)
<p>
China is systematically destroying mosques in Xinjiang, by the thousands,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/thousands-of-xinjiang-mosques-destroyed-damaged-china-report-finds">including sites that are a thousand years old</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Thugs_and_indigenous_people)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Thugs_and_indigenous_people)">Thugs and indigenous people</a>)
<p>
US thugs treat indigenous people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/25/california-native-american-women-police-violence">with the same arrogance that they
show to blacks</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Pardon_for_revealing_source)"/>28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Pardon_for_revealing_source)">Pardon for revealing source</a>)
<p>
US lawyers do not contest that Rep. Rohrabacher offered Assange a
pardon if he would reveal information about sources of a leak.  <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-admits-that-putins-favorite-congressman-offered-pardon-to-assange-if-he-covered-up-russia-links">He
refused</a>.

<p>
Assange did say that the leaked DNC emails were not obtained by cracking.


<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Contact_tracing_and_privacy)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Contact_tracing_and_privacy)">Contact tracing and privacy</a>)
<p>
The UK's Covid-19 contact tracing app
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/24/arrival-of-nhs-contact-tracing-app-heralds-return-of-qr-codes">asks
users to scan a QR code when they enter certain places</a>.
<p>
I suspect that scanning the QR code immediately informs the state
where the phone is located at that moment.  That is a violation of
people's privacy.
<p>
The Google/Apple contact detection protects privacy pretty well,
though I am not an expert on it.  I'd be willing to use that,
if it did not require a mobile phone.
<p>
Italy has an approach I think is better, both for finding all cases
and for respecting privacy: simply
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/north-korea-accused-of-killing-south-korean-official-and-burning-his-body">test
all the acquaintances of anyone that catches Covid-19</a>, and don't
worry about whether they saw each other recently.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(No-knock_breakins_by_thugs)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(No-knock_breakins_by_thugs)">No-knock breakins by thugs</a>)
<p>
The grand jury
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/breonna-taylor-protests-what-we-know-so-far">did
not indict any of the thugs involved in killing Breonna Taylor</a> for
that killing.  Naturally this triggered protests in many cities.
<p>
The decision not to charge the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> may have been imposed by law.
I saw an article, a couple of months ago, which explained that the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> could legally claim self-defense, and it would have been
impossible to convict them.
<p>
I did not link to that article because it ended with antisocialist
views about right and wrong, which I did not want to link to, and
because I did not know if its claims about the legalities were valid.
But the outcome suggests that they were.
<p>
Since we condemn the outcome, we need to consider this question: at
what point did the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> commit an act that they deserve to be
punished for?
<p>
I believe that point was when they broke into the house without
announcing who they were.  When cops act like burglars, they invite
the residents to shoot; but if the residents do so, they are the ones
that are likely to get killed, as happened this time.
<p>
The outcome we want is that innocent people don't risk death.  One way
to get that outcome is to make cops identify themselves as cops before
entering, with no exceptions.  Criminals might fight with or without
the announcement, but the announcement will inform innocent residents
not to.
<p>
It is not enough to set a policy against no-knock breakins.  It should
be a crime for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to do that, so we can indeed punish them when
they do.
<p>
We could allow the cops to send unarmed robots to enter the house,
given a warrant.  If robots get shot, it is no great loss, and they
would not try to shoot back.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Labours_target)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Labours_target)">Labour's target</a>)
<p>
*Labour's target
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/24/labours-target-tory-party-johnson-credibility-conservatives">should
be the Tory party</a>, not Johnson's credibility.*

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Plans_to_build_oil_wells_near_Lake_Chad)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Plans_to_build_oil_wells_near_Lake_Chad)">Plans to build oil wells near Lake Chad</a>)
<p>
Chad is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/chad-halts-lake-world-heritage-status-request-over-oil-exploration-unesco">planning
to build oil wells near Lake Chad</a>.
<p>
The shore of Lake Chad belongs to four countries, all of which will be
harmed when the oil pollutes the lake.  Meanwhile, the greenhouse
emissions from burning the oil will harm the whole world.  We
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#26_October_2013_(The_carbon_budget)">cannot
afford to extract all the oil from existing wells</a>, so any new well
is at best wasted expense, and at worst an assurance of doom.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Still_no_federal_limits_for_PFAS_compounds)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Still_no_federal_limits_for_PFAS_compounds)">Still no federal limits for PFAS compounds</a>)
<p>
*The federal government has still not set limits for PFAS compounds,
and some allege that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/pfas-dangerous-forever-chemicals-drinking-water">could
be because it is a polluter of them itself*</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Chicago_refuses_to_reform_thug_department)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Chicago_refuses_to_reform_thug_department)">Chicago refuses to reform thug department</a>)
<p>
Chicago has obdurately
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/chicago-police-reforms-demands-for-change">refused
to reform its extremely cruel thug department</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(Reporter_missing_since_piece_on_Chinas_Covid-19_response)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(Reporter_missing_since_piece_on_Chinas_Covid-19_response)">Reporter missing since piece on China's Covid-19 response</a>)
<p>
Chen Qiushi, who reported on China's measures to deal with Covid-19,
disappeared on Feb 10.  It appears he
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/wuhan-covid-journalist-missing-since-february-found-says-friend-chen-qiushi-china">has
been a prisoner ever since</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_September_2020_(China_continues_building_prisons_for_Uighurs)" />28 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_September_2020_(China_continues_building_prisons_for_Uighurs)">China continues building prisons for Uighurs</a>)
<p>
China continues building prisons for Uighurs &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/china-has-built-380-internment-camps-in-xinjiang-study-finds">380
have been discovered so far</a>.  Some are adjacent to factories.
<p>
Some ancient Uighur neighborhoods in Xinjiang are now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/24/china-imprisoning-uighurs-satellite-images-xinjiang">empty
of people</a>.  All the inhabitants have been moved, perhaps to those
prisons.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Covid-19_is_surging_in_France)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Covid-19_is_surging_in_France)">Covid-19 is surging in France</a>)
<p>

Covid-19 is surging in France, filling hospitals with people who are
badly sick and forcing the postponement of operations people need for
other reasons.
<p>
The only way to stop the surge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/france-covid-cases-hit-record-high-as-anger-grows-over-restrictions">is with distancing</a>, but selfish people
are angry at the unpleasantness of this.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(British_government_may_be_thinking_of_repealing_the_GDPR_in_the_UK)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(British_government_may_be_thinking_of_repealing_the_GDPR_in_the_UK)">British government may be thinking of repealing the GDPR in the UK</a>)
<p>

The British government may (if I understand this article correctly)
be thinking of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/sep/25/dominic-cummings-data-law-shake-up-a-danger-to-trade-says-eu">repealing the GDPR in the UK</a>.
<p>
The GDPR are <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">greatly inadequate</a>
but they do some good.  This would be a change for the worse, and
indicates the intent to let companies such as Facebook and Google
snoop on Britons more and manipulate them more.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Medical_effect_studies_for_men_and_for_women)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Medical_effect_studies_for_men_and_for_women)">Medical effect studies for men and for women</a>)
<p>

Medical effect studies need to keep track of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/sep/25/not-accounting-for-sex-differences-in-covid-research-can-be-deadly">outcomes for men and for women</a>
separately.  Some drugs work well for one and badly for the other.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Experiments_to_test_how_long_small_droplets_with_coronavirus_can_be_infectious)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Experiments_to_test_how_long_small_droplets_with_coronavirus_can_be_infectious)">Experiments to test how long small droplets with coronavirus can be infectious</a>)
<p>

Experiments will determine how long coronavirus can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/uk-scientists-begin-study-of-how-long-covid-can-survive-in-the-air">survive and be
infectious</a> in small droplets that float in the air.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Argentine_member_of_Congress_was_forced_to_resign)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Argentine_member_of_Congress_was_forced_to_resign)">Argentine member of Congress was forced to resign</a>)
<p>

An Argentine member of Congress was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/argentina-politician-breasts-online-debate">forced to resign for a trifle</a>: he
engaged in sexplay with his lover and did not realize his camera was
on.
<p>
Can't those people distinguish between causing embarrassment and really
doing wrong?

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Asian_lawyers_mistaken_for_defendants)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Asian_lawyers_mistaken_for_defendants)">Asian lawyers mistaken for defendants</a>)
<p>

*Dozens of Asian [i.e., of Indian ancestry] lawyers [in the UK] say
they have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/dozens-of-asian-lawyers-say-they-have-been-mistaken-for-defendants">mistaken for defendants</a>.*
<p>
Such a mistake can hurt feelings but does not do real damage.
However, it is a sign of racial stereotyping that must have other bad
effects.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Facebook_made_its_product_as_addictive_as_cigarettes)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Facebook_made_its_product_as_addictive_as_cigarettes)">Facebook made its product as addictive as cigarettes</a>)
<p>

*Facebook's former director of monetization (sic) says Facebook
<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/former-facebook-exec-addictive-as-cigarettes-tim-kendall-2020-9">intentionally made its product</a> as addictive as cigarettes.*
<p>
  The term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">"monetization"</a>
  encourages the attitude which leads people
  to act this way.  Let's shun it.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Volkswagen_to_pay_compensation)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Volkswagen_to_pay_compensation)">Volkswagen to pay compensation</a>)
<p>

*Volkswagen to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/volkswagen-brazil-ex-employees-persecuted-military-dictatorship-compensation">pay compensation</a> for collaborating with Brazil’s
[1964-85] dictatorship.*

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Senator_Sanders_has_called_for_an_independent_election_commission)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Senator_Sanders_has_called_for_an_independent_election_commission)">Senator Sanders has called for an independent election commission</a>)
<p>

*Senator Bernie Sanders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/bernie-sanders-trump-election-commission">has called for</a> an independent election commission to stop Donald Trump defying the will of the people and
plunging the US into a constitutional crisis.*

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Doordash_scheme_to_mislead_restaurant_owners)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Doordash_scheme_to_mislead_restaurant_owners)">Doordash scheme to mislead restaurant owners</a>)
<p>

Doordash has a scheme where it discounts pizza for customers but pays
the restaurant full price.  (This is a scheme to mislead and trap
restaurant owners for the long term.)
<p>
One restaurant owner started ordering pizzas from his own restaurant
via Doordash, and <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/05/18/code-is-speech/#schadenpizza">making money</a> from Doordash on each one.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Tax_payer_money_meant_for_masks_and_swabs)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Tax_payer_money_meant_for_masks_and_swabs)">Tax payer money meant for masks and swabs</a>)
<p>

*Pentagon used taxpayer money <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/09/22/pentagon-used-taxpayer-money-meant-for-masks-and-swabs-to-make-jet-engine-parts-and-body-armor.html">meant for masks and swabs to make jet engine
parts and body armor</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Arizona_thugs_told_a_dog_to_bite_Alfredo_Saldivar)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Arizona_thugs_told_a_dog_to_bite_Alfredo_Saldivar)">Arizona thugs told a dog to bite Alfredo Saldivar</a>)
<p>

Arizona thugs told a dog to <a href="https://apnews.com/46c4fd4d66ec927d3ceaabdca73dd675">bite Alfredo Saldivar</a> because he
"hesitated" before obeying a command to stand up.
<p>
To dispute whether he really hesitated is a distraction.  The point
is, even if he did, that is no excuse for such dangerous escalation.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Non-drastic_measures_to_avoid_climate_lockdown)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Non-drastic_measures_to_avoid_climate_lockdown)">Non-drastic measures to avoid "climate lockdown"</a>)
<p>

To avoid a future "climate lockdown" where drastic measures are imposed
to cut greenhouse gas emissions, we <a href="https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/radical-green-overhaul-to-avoid-climate-lockdown-by-mariana-mazzucato-2020-09">need to use non-drastic measures now</a>
to achieve faster reductions.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Facebook_being_pressured_to_tag_criticism_of_Israel)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Facebook_being_pressured_to_tag_criticism_of_Israel)">Facebook being pressured to tag criticism of Israel</a>)
<p>

Neve Gordon: Facebook is being pressured to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/24/redefining-anti-semitism-facebook">tag criticism</a> of Israel automatically as "anti-Semitism."
<p>
The change Facebook recently made, which recognizes the claiming that
Jews secretly rule the world as anti-Semitism, is correct.  That
conspiracy theory is antisemitic, and it is not criticism of Israel's
occupation and colonization of Palestine.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Big_oil_companies_give_public_impression_of_change_away_from_fossil_fuels)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Big_oil_companies_give_public_impression_of_change_away_from_fossil_fuels)">Big oil companies give public impression of change away from fossil fuels</a>)
<p>

Big oil companies are giving a public impression of starting to change
away from fossil fuels, but the change is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/24/new-oci-analysis-gives-big-oil-much-needed-reality-check">pretty small</a> so far.
<p>
Here's the <a href="http://priceofoil.org/big-oil-reality-check">detailed report</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(If_Trump_fills_RBG's_seat)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(If_Trump_fills_RBG's_seat)">If Trump fills RBG's seat</a>)
<p>

*If Trump Fills RBG’s Seat, the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/24/if-trump-fills-rbgs-seat-courts-legitimacy-will-be-crisis">Court’s Legitimacy Will Be in Crisis</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Reversing_the_wrecker's_sabotage_of_US_environmental_policies)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Reversing_the_wrecker's_sabotage_of_US_environmental_policies)">Reversing the wrecker's sabotage of US environmental policies</a>)
<p>

What Biden would need to do to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/24/will-we-be-able-reverse-trumps-climate-damage">reverse the wrecker's sabotage</a> of US environmental policies.
<p>
The article says it it would take two years to undo environmental
deregulation, handling each regulation separately, and this would face
opposition from extractivist companies.  I have another idea.
<p>
Those channels are specified by laws.  It should be possible to pass a
law reverting a specified set of regulations to their status as of
January 2017.  The old regulations that would go back into effect were
approved through the official legal process, so it would be hard
to challenge them.  The process could be finished in a few months.
<p>
This would require eliminating the filibuster.
<p>
The wrecker is still at it, now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/tongass-national-forest-trump-administration-logging">eliminating protection</a> for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Facebook_Ad_Ban_is_another_hollow_gesture)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Facebook_Ad_Ban_is_another_hollow_gesture)">Facebook Ad Ban is another hollow gesture</a>)
<p>

*Facebook Ad Ban on Premature Election Victory Ads Is Yet Another <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/24/facebook-ad-ban-premature-election-victory-ads-yet-another-hollow-gesture">Hollow
Gesture</a>.*  Because it won't cover premature election victory <em>announcements</em>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Trudeau__pledges_tax_on_'extreme_wealth_inequality')" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Trudeau__pledges_tax_on_'extreme_wealth_inequality')">Trudeau  pledges tax on 'extreme wealth inequality'</a>)
<p>

*Trudeau <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/23/trudeau-canada-coronavirus-throne-speech">pledges tax</a> on 'extreme wealth inequality' to fund Covid spending
plan.*
<p>
If he really does this, it would be a great example.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(False_accusations_against_Bolivia's_President_Morales)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(False_accusations_against_Bolivia's_President_Morales)">False accusations against Bolivia's President Morales</a>)
<p>

Sanders and other US legislators <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/22/sanders-leads-30-democrats-call-oas-avoid-prolonging-crisis-democracy-and-human">called on the Organization of
American States</a> to investigate how it came to publish false accusations
against Bolivia's President Morales.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Senator_Feinstein_wants_to_allow_Republicans_to_block_all_progressive_legislation)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Senator_Feinstein_wants_to_allow_Republicans_to_block_all_progressive_legislation)">Senator Feinstein wants to allow Republicans to block all progressive legislation</a>)
<p>

Bad news for America: Senator Feinstein wants to allow Republicans to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/22/stand-america-responds-sen-feinstein-filibuster-your-position-unacceptable-and">block all progressive legislation</a>, even if the Democrats win a
majority in the Senate.
<p>
It is logical that a plucratist legislator would want to help the right-wing extremist party to block progressive legislation.

<p>
<li><a name="27_September_2020_(Urgent:_Prevent_confirmation_of_a_new_Supreme_Court_justice_before_the_presidential_inauguration)" />27 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_September_2020_(Urgent:_Prevent_confirmation_of_a_new_Supreme_Court_justice_before_the_presidential_inauguration)">Urgent: Prevent confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice before the presidential inauguration</a>)
<p>

US citizens: phone your senators at 1-844-335-4855 and implore them to
do everything they can to <a href="https://go.peoplepower.org/go/22211">prevent confirmation</a> of a new Supreme Court
justice before the presidential inauguration on Jan 20.

<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Joshua_tree)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Joshua_tree)">Joshua tree</a>)
<p>
California will study whether the Joshua tree needs legal protection
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/24/california-law-two-million-year-old-joshua-tree-under-threat-climate-crisis">from being wiped out by global heating</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Manslaughter_and_miscarriages)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Manslaughter_and_miscarriages)">Manslaughter and miscarriages</a>)
<p>
*   Dozens of women have been convicted for manslaughter, homicide and
   aggravated homicide after having miscarriages, stillbirths and other
   obstetric emergencies since El Salvador <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/24/el-salvador-woman-freed-after-six-years-in-jail-following-stillbirth">introduced a total ban on
   abortion in 1998</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Security_risk)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Security_risk)">Security risk</a>)
<p>
*White House 'pressured official <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/24/white-house-john-bolton-book-classified-national-security-council-ellen-knight">to say John Bolton book was security risk</a>'.*

<p>
It's another example of how the wrecker corrupts every government activity.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(US_Chamber_of_Commerce)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(US_Chamber_of_Commerce)">US Chamber of Commerce</a>)
<p>
The US Chamber of Commerce has found 23 Democrats in Congress
sufficiently plutocratist <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/24/chamber-of-commerce-democrats/">to endorse their election campaigns</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Talking_about_concerns)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Talking_about_concerns)">Talking about concerns</a>)
<p>
Some large US corporations have learned to talk about concern for
"stakeholders" other than their owners and executives, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/22/study-shows-stakeholder-capitalism-failing-live-promises-corporations-continue">but it's only
talk</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Recruiting_teenagers)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Recruiting_teenagers)">Recruiting teenagers</a>)
<p>
In the UK, teenagers (not "children" as the article says) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/23/children-interested-in-extremism-covid-says-neil-basu-counter-terrorism-officer">are being
recruited to violent right-wing extremism via internet communications</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Hardly_discussing_global_heating_disaster)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Hardly_discussing_global_heating_disaster)">Hardly discussing global heating disaster</a>)
<p>
In this year's presidential debates, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/23/planet-stake-moderators-must-make-climate-focus-debates">the danger of global heating
disaster may hardly be discussed</a>.

<p>
If there is a question about this issue, it is likely to use the
vague, neutral term "climate change" which invites candidates to miss
the point.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Bolstering_companies_who_laid_off)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Bolstering_companies_who_laid_off)">Bolstering companies who laid off</a>)
<p>
*The Federal Reserve bond
   purchasing program meant to prevent workers from losing their jobs amid
   the Covid-19 pandemic instead bolstered companies who laid off <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/23/fed-program-meant-help-workers-amid-pandemic-prioritized-wall-street-investors">more
   than one million workers while paying massive dividends to
   shareholders</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Climate_activists_and_energy_bill)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Climate_activists_and_energy_bill)">Climate activists and energy bill</a>)
<p>
Climate activists call <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/23/over-100-groups-oppose-democrats-energy-bill-insufficient">for defeat of the Congressional Democrats'
inadequate energy bill</a>.

<p>
The article says that passing that bill would by a "Pyrrhic" victory,
which is incorrect use of the word.  "Pyrrhic" describes a victory won
at such a great cost that you can't afford to win another.  (King
Pyrrhos of Epirus said that about his victory over Rome.)  This bill
would be, rather, a dummy victory.

<p>
The oil companies' conservation plans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/23/big-oil-reality-check-new-paper-finds-failure-across-board-oil-industry-climate">are also drastically inadequate</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(2021_Ecuador_election)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(2021_Ecuador_election)">2021 Ecuador election</a>)
<p>
Ecuador's treacherous president Moreno is trying to rig the 2021 election
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/23/political-trials-and-electoral-bans-battle-democracy-ecuador">by stopping Correa and his supporters from running</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Earth_is_dating_the_Moon)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Earth_is_dating_the_Moon)">Earth is dating the Moon</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/nasa-scientists-confirm-earth-dating-the-moon-1845097495">satire</a>) *&hellip; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
   confirmed Monday that the Earth is dating the Moon.*


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Inciting_violence_against_reporters)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Inciting_violence_against_reporters)">Inciting violence against reporters</a>)
<p>
The bully continually incites violence <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/23/these-are-actions-fascist-press-rights-advocates-warn-dangerous-pattern-trump-again">against reporters
but pretends not to be doing so</a>.

<p>
Remember how in 2016 a Republican candidate apologized for punching a
reporter, but the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> praised it anyway?


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Zero_greenhouse_emissions_vehicles)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Zero_greenhouse_emissions_vehicles)">Zero greenhouse emissions vehicles</a>)
<p>
Governor Newsom ordered that all vehicles sold in California after 2035
make zero greenhouse gas emissions, but he failed to take real steps
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/23/governor-gavin-newsoms-executive-order-makes-great-strides-zero-emissions">to reduce oil and gas extraction in the state</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Stealing_the_election)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Stealing_the_election)">Stealing the election</a>)
<p>
*Trump Keeps Telling Us How He and Republicans Plan to Steal This Election.
 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/23/trump-keeps-telling-us-how-he-and-republicans-plan-steal-election">Can we stop him and save our republic before it's too late</a>?*

<p>
Is "steal" the correct word?  The final step would use a loophole in
the Constitution,  <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2020/09/23/report-trump-campaign-actively-discussing-radical-measures-to-bypass-election-results/#345778e04800">and that <em>a such</em> would not be stealing it</a>.
  But the first step is a fraudulent accusation of fraud, and I think that
would justify the word "steal".

<p>
Why are Republicans in control of all the swing states' legislatures?
Some of those states now vote majority Democrat, but gerrymandering
has prevented the voters from electing legislators that reflect their
views.


<p>
<li><a name="25_September_2020_(Perspectives_from_a_worried_military_spouse)"/>25 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_September_2020_(Perspectives_from_a_worried_military_spouse)">Perspectives from a worried military spouse</a>)
<p>
*Perspectives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/22/war-zone-america">on a riven nation from a worried military spouse</a>.*



<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(18_years_in_prison)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(18_years_in_prison)">18 years in prison</a>)
<p>
18 years in prison <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/22/ren-zhiqiang-who-called-chinese-president-a-clown-jailed-for-18-years">for criticizing Xi</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Plotting_violence_ahead_of_rallies)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Plotting_violence_ahead_of_rallies)">Plotting violence ahead of rallies</a>)
<p>
*Revealed: pro-Trump activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/23/oregon-portland-pro-trump-protests-violence-texts">plotted violence ahead of Portland rallies</a>.*

<p>
*Patriots Coalition members suggested political assassinations and said
‘laws will be broken, people will get hurt’, leaked chats show.*

<p>
We all suspected this, but we could not be sure.  Now we know
that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s supporters are a criminal gang.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Assange_extradition_hearings)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Assange_extradition_hearings)">Assange extradition hearings</a>)
<p>
I have not had time to keep up with Craig Murray's coverage of
Julian Assange's extradition hearings, so here are the links.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-8/">Day 8</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-9/">Day 9</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-10/">Day 10</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-11/">Day 11</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-12/">Day 12</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-13/">Day 13</a>.
<p>

<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-14/">Day 14</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-15/">Day 15</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(2C_of_global_heating)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(2C_of_global_heating)">2C of global heating</a>)
<p>
After 2C of global heating, Antarctic ice melt <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/23/melting-antarctic-ice-will-raise-sea-level-by-25-metres-even-if-paris-climate-goals-are-met-study-finds">would raise sea level
2.7 meters</a>.

<p>
That would be in addition to the effects of melting in Greenland and
the expansion of the ocean due to its own heating.  I don't know
what the total would be.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Freedom_to_blaspheme)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Freedom_to_blaspheme)">Freedom to blaspheme</a>)
<p>
French journalists unite to back Charlie Hebdo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/23/french-journalists-unite-to-back-charlie-hebdo-after-death-threats">and the freedom
to blaspheme</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Weird_burning_sensation)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Weird_burning_sensation)">Weird burning sensation</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/earth-hopes-weird-burning-sensation-nothing-serious-1845131166">satire</a>) *Earth reportedly expressed hope Tuesday that a weird
   burning sensation was nothing serious.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Sandwich_method)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Sandwich_method)">Sandwich method</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/xi-jinping-jails-chinese-tycoon-for-failing-to-use-sand-1845142504">satire</a>) *&hellip; Xi Jinping jailed Chinese real estate tycoon Ren
   Zhiqiang Tuesday for failing to use the sandwich method of
   constructive criticism when condemning him.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Amnesty_denied_access)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Amnesty_denied_access)">Amnesty denied access</a>)
<p>
Amnesty International rebukes the UK <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/22/why-are-amnesty-international-monitors-not-able-observe-assange-hearing">for denying it access to monitor
Assange's extradition hearing</a>.

<p>
If it were not for Craig Murray's coverage, the hearing would be
effectively secret.  This is what we expect from outright tyrannies
such as China, but apparently the UK is approaching the same level of
decay.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Scope_of_Pebble_Mine)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Scope_of_Pebble_Mine)">Scope of Pebble Mine</a>)
<p>
The developers of the Pebble Mine in Alaska pretend it will be 5
square miles, which is merely large, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/22/secretly-recorded-pebble-tapes-mining-execs-reveal-true-scope-200-year-project">but what they say in private is
that it will be enormous</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Tapping_phones_of_protesters)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Tapping_phones_of_protesters)">Tapping phones of protesters</a>)
<p>
*If Report Proven, ACLU Says Federal Agents Tapping Phones of Protesters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/22/if-report-proven-aclu-says-federal-agents-tapping-phones-protesters-would-be">Would
Be 'Outrageous' Constitutional Violation</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Derecognizing_journalists)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Derecognizing_journalists)">Derecognizing journalists</a>)
<p>
Hong Kong's puppet government has derecognized most journalists,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/23/hong-kong-police-tighten-control-on-media-with-new-accreditation-rules">as a preparatory step for repression</a>.

<p>
Remember this if politicians in your country try to impose rules about
who is a journalist and who is not.  For instance, if they claim that
Julian Assange is not a journalist.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(QAnon_orphans)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(QAnon_orphans)">QAnon orphans</a>)
<p>
*The QAnon orphans: people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/23/qanon-conspiracy-theories-loved-ones">who have lost loved ones to conspiracy theories</a>.*

<p>
Cults like these used to be run as businesses: Scientology, and the
Moonies.  As far as I know, there is no one business profiting off
QAnon.  But with so many credulous people, I'm sure there are people
with plans to profit off exploiting them in a tight, cult-like way.


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Door-to-door_at_JPMorgan)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Door-to-door_at_JPMorgan)">Door-to-door at JPMorgan</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/biden-campaigns-door-to-door-in-jpmorgan-chase-headquar-1845109310">satire</a>) *As the Democratic presidential nominee ramped up his in-person
   efforts to get out the vote, members of the Joe Biden campaign
   reportedly went door-to-door Tuesday in the JPMorgan Chase
   headquarters.*


<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Chosen_to_run_the_Pentagon)"/>24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Chosen_to_run_the_Pentagon)">Chosen to run the Pentagon</a>)
<p>
Medea Benjamin: reports say that Biden will choose, to run the
Pentagon, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/22/will-michele-flournoy-be-angel-death-american-empire">the architect of the US policy of military intimidation
around the world</a>.

<p>
Biden is proving to be every bit as bad as we expected last spring.
I expect he will put money into the military rather than saving
poor Americans from total misery.


*Facebook says it may <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/22/facebook-says-it-may-quit-europe-over-ban-on-sharing-data-with-us">quit Europe</a> over ban on sharing data with US.*
<p>
This is the road to victory!  Make sure <a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">Facebook</a> leaves Europe, and
the US, and then everywhere else.

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Coronavirus_inflicts_American_deaths_equivalent_to_a_9%2F11_every_few_days)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Coronavirus_inflicts_American_deaths_equivalent_to_a_9%2F11_every_few_days)">Coronavirus inflicts American deaths equivalent to a 9/11 every few days</a>)
<p>

*   Coronavirus inflicts American deaths <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/22/america-covid-deaths-coronavirus-culture">equivalent to a 9/11 every few
days</a>, but [the wrecker] and his allies seem blithely unconcerned.*
<p>
Republicans don't care if other people die, but in 2001 they had a
chance to gain by making a fuss about some Americans who died.
Whereas today they have a chance to gain by pretending it isn't
happening.

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(EU_greenhouse_gases_from_livestock)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(EU_greenhouse_gases_from_livestock)">EU greenhouse gases from livestock</a>)
<p>

*Greenpeace says [the EU] must get a grip on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/22/eu-farm-animals-produce-more-emissions-than-cars-and-vans-combined-greenpeace">reducing greenhouse gases</a> from
livestock or risk missing Paris agreement targets.*

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Austin,_Texas_voted_to_cut_the_thug_department's_budget)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Austin,_Texas_voted_to_cut_the_thug_department's_budget)">Austin, Texas voted to cut the thug department's budget</a>)
<p>

Austin, Texas, voted to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/22/texas-austin-police-militarization-budget/">cut the thug department's budget</a>.  Texas
Governor Abbott threatens to cut Austin's taxes as a punishment for
this, and put the city's <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department under the control of the lawless and cruel state thug department.
<p>
The article starts by describing how the state <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> attacked Lauren
Mestas.  Her car had slogans such as FUCK THESE RACIST POLICE, and
"all cops are bastards."  A <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> was so offended by this that he
believed he was entitled to bring many <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to point guns at her,
then force her out of the car, which they ruined &dash; demonstrating that
at least Texas state cops are bastards.

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Chine's_insufficient_pledge_to_be_carbon-neutral)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Chine's_insufficient_pledge_to_be_carbon-neutral)">Chine's insufficient pledge to be carbon-neutral</a>)
<p>

China has made a glaringly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/22/china-pledges-to-reach-carbon-neutrality-before-2060">insufficient</a> pledge to be carbon-neutral by
2060.

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Counting_valid_postal_ballots)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Counting_valid_postal_ballots)">Counting valid postal ballots</a>)
<p>

The cheater hopes courts will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/21/trump-says-he-counting-federal-court-system-declare-winner-election-night-many">stop states from counting valid postal ballots</a>
that arrive after election day.
<p>
By itself, this is merely unfair.  But when combined with DeJoy's
efforts to delay mail, it adds up to sabotage.

<p>
<li><a name="24_September_2020_(Use_'Every_Procedural_Tool_Available'_to_stop_Trump_from_filling_RBG_vacancy)" />24 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_September_2020_(Use_'Every_Procedural_Tool_Available'_to_stop_Trump_from_filling_RBG_vacancy)">Use 'Every Procedural Tool Available' to stop Trump from filling RBG vacancy</a>)
<p>

*Ocasio-Cortez Demands Democrats Use 'Every Procedural Tool Available' to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/21/ocasio-cortez-demands-democrats-use-every-procedural-tool-available-stop-trump">Stop
Trump From Filling RBG Vacancy</a>.*
<p>
I completely agree.

<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Adjunct_professors)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Adjunct_professors)">Adjunct professors</a>)
<p>
Covid-19 has made adjunct professors <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/20/metro/pandemic-deepens-great-divide-academia/">even more likely to be junct</a>.
  They also fear losing their medical insurance, although many of them
already have none.  If they get sick, they can be fired rather than treated.

<p>
They would not have that danger if the US had a national medical
system.  In general, a national medical system can encourage hiring
workers because the state can fund their medical treatment by taxing
profits rather than taxing employment.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Cat_and_mouse)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Cat_and_mouse)">Cat and mouse</a>)
<p>
Matthew Carney recounts more of the Chinese psychological game of cat
and mouse, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-21/matthew-carney-foreign-journalist-china-intimidation-birtles/12678610">threatening him and his family</a>.

<p>
You may have a mission to do in China which is so important that you
take the risk of being thrown in prison for political reasons.  But
don't bring your family with you!


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Dirty_Cash)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Dirty_Cash)">Dirty Cash</a>)
<p>
*Calls for Major Reforms After Leaked Docs Detail How Big Banks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/21/calls-major-reforms-after-leaked-docs-detail-how-big-banks-help-criminals-and">Help Criminals
and Oligarchs Launder Their 'Dirty Cash'</a>.*



<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Covid-19_and_aerosols)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Covid-19_and_aerosols)">Covid-19 and aerosols</a>)
<p>
The CDC posted notice that Covid-19 can be spread via aerosols.  Then,
a few days later, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/21/very-likely-scandal-demands-answers-cdc-abruptly-deletes-guidance-airborne-spread">it deleted that notice</a>.

<p>
Can anyone find the evidence about spread via aerosols?


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Climate_emergency_is_a_crime)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Climate_emergency_is_a_crime)">Climate emergency is a crime</a>)
<p>
*The Climate Emergency Isn't Just a Crisis, It's a Crime.*
The fossil fuel companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/21/climate-emergency-isnt-just-crisis-its-crime">are the mobsters that organized the crime</a>.

<p>
Clean energy makes more jobs than dirty energy, but "creating jobs" <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/21/fracking-not-sustainable-pathway-prosperity-new-report-shows-clean-energy-would">is used
as an excuse for subsidizing the latter</a>.

<p>
A heavily subsidized Shell plant <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/21/fracking-and-petrochemicals-create-fewer-pennsylvania-jobs-clean-energy">is an example of this</a>.

<p>
I have to point out, though, that employment is a secondary
consideration when the survival of civilization and the ecosphere is
at stake.  What would be the sense in paying people to poison our
future, even if it did make lots of jobs?

<p>
It would be better to create jobs by paying them to move a big pile of
gravel from one lot to another, with shovels.  At least that work
wouldn't do any harm.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Working_against_womens_rights)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Working_against_womens_rights)">Working against women's rights</a>)
<p>
*AT&T, Coca Cola, Disney, Nike, Procter & Gamble and Uber
   all target female consumers and promote women-friendly work
   environments, yet <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/21/new-corporate-accountability-campaign-puts-six-major-companies-notice-anti">they bankroll candidates who actively work against
   women’s rights</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Health_security)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Health_security)">Health security</a>)
<p>
*We need to create <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/22/coronavirus-global-novel-virus-world-health">a new framework for health
   security</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Control_of_state_legislatures)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Control_of_state_legislatures)">Control of state legislatures</a>)
<p>
Republicans put a lot of effort, 10 years ago, into winning control of
state legislatures so they could gerrymander subsequent elections.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/22/democrats-state-legislative-elections-democracy">Democrats need to win them back</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Tuning_distancing_rules)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Tuning_distancing_rules)">Tuning distancing rules</a>)
<p>
Bogus Johnson has tuned the distancing rules for the UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/22/coronavirus-boris-johnson-sets-out-new-covid-restrictions-at-perilous-turning-point">hoping this
will stop the rapid growth in Covid-19 cases</a>.

<p>
Experience with him suggests that he has no solid basis to think that
it will do so.  I don't have a solid basis to think it won't, but
since tuning has been insufficient in many other places, I predict it
will be insufficient this time too.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Paying_fines_of_ex-cons)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Paying_fines_of_ex-cons)">Paying fines of ex-cons</a>)
<p>
Bloomberg is paying the fines for 31,000 Florida ex-cons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/22/mike-bloomberg-florida-felons-vote-election">so that they
will be able to vote this year</a>.

<p>
It should not be forgotten that the Florida election was not actually
close.  It appeared to be so after Republicans disenfranchised around
50,000 voters, chosen systematically in a way that ensured most of
them would be black and therefore probably Democrats.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Tasing_sleeping_man)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Tasing_sleeping_man)">Tasing sleeping man</a>)
<p>
Australian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> found a man drunk and asleep, so they pepper-sprayed
and tased him to wake him up.  Then they made false charges against
him.  So far, so usual.  Except that he was a famous professional
rugby player <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/22/nsw-police-commissioner-sympathetic-to-officers-who-tasered-nrl-player-curtis-scott-while-unconscious">and there is a video of what they did to him</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> commissioner seems to have a great capacity to sympathize
with <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, but insufficient sympathy for everyone else.  I was
surprised that his list of ways to deal with the situation did not
include having four people pick him up, each holding one limb.  That
doesn't generally hurt, and he might have stayed asleep.


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Underwater_country)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Underwater_country)">Underwater country</a>)
<p>
*A third of my country (Bangladesh) was just underwater. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/sep/22/climate-change-action-bangladesh-paris-agreemen">The world must act on climate</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Uber_for_evicting_people)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Uber_for_evicting_people)">Uber for evicting people</a>)
<p>
*Gig Economy Company Launches (a company like) Uber, <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ep435n/gig-economy-company-launches-uber-but-for-evicting-people">but for Evicting People</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Exporting_castes)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Exporting_castes)">Exporting castes</a>)
<p>
Many upper-caste Indian engineers have moved to the US.  Alas, <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/indias-ancient-caste-system-is-ruining-lives-in-the-valley/">they
have brought caste prejudice with them</a>.

<p>
The Indian I admire most is Dr Ambedkar, who was the leader of the
Dalits.  I urge people to read a biography of him.  The one I read was
Ambedkar &mdash; Toward an Enlightened India, by Gail Omvedt.

<p>
Please do not buy this (or anything) <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">from Amazon</a>!

<p>
At the end of his life, Ambedkar developed a rationalist form of Buddhism
which he called Navayana.

<p>
Jai Bhim!


<p>
<li><a name="23_September_2020_(Mistrusting_water)"/>23 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_September_2020_(Mistrusting_water)">Mistrusting water</a>)
<p>
*'It smells bad, it tastes bad': <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/22/martin-county-kentucky-tap-water">how Americans stopped trusting their water</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(UK_woman_fired_from_her_job_at_a_school_for_posting_same-sex_marriage_disapproval)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(UK_woman_fired_from_her_job_at_a_school_for_posting_same-sex_marriage_disapproval)">UK woman fired from her job at a school for posting same-sex marriage disapproval</a>)
<p>

A woman in the UK was fired from her job at a school for posting,
elsewhere, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/21/woman-fights-sacking-for-objecting-to-sons-lgbtq-classes">statement disapproving of same-sex marriage</a>.

<p>
I disagree with her views, but we must respect her right to state
them.  Her employer should have to respect that, too.
<p>
As it happens, she made the statement based on her religion, but that
should make no difference.  An Atheist should also have the same right to
state those views, or other views, as a religious believer.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Funders_of_the_State_Policy_Network)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Funders_of_the_State_Policy_Network)">Funders of the State Policy Network</a>)
<p>

The State Policy Network aims at *crushing unions, promoting fossil
fuels and undermining climate science, eliminating regulations and
cutting taxes, privatizing education, stopping Medicaid expansion, and
hiding the identities of political donors.* <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/09/21/more-than-100-funders-state-policy-network-revealed/">Now we know 100 of its funders.</a>
<p>
It would be useful to develop a consumer boycott list based on this
information.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Cyprus_blocked_the_EU_from_putting_sanctions_on_Belarus)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Cyprus_blocked_the_EU_from_putting_sanctions_on_Belarus)">Cyprus blocked the EU from putting sanctions on Belarus</a>)
<p>

Cyprus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/21/eu-fails-agree-belarus-sanctions-cyprus-blocks-plan">blocked the EU from putting sanctions on Belarus</a>, using the issue
as a pawn.
<p>
Cyprus demands the EU take its side in the dispute about which country will
get to extract fossil fuel from the Mediterranean Sea and convert it
into planet-roasting greenhouse gas.  It seems that the EU does not recognize
that it must never be done.  Why not?
<p>
There are many low-lying coastal cities in Turkey, which will be
inundated by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.  I don't think Turks want them to be
flooded.  Don't they realize?

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(156_countries_agree_to_Covid_vaccine_allocation_deal)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(156_countries_agree_to_Covid_vaccine_allocation_deal)">156 countries agree to Covid vaccine allocation deal</a>)
<p>

*'Landmark moment': 156 countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/21/landmark-moment-156-countries-agree-to-covid-vaccine-allocation-deal">agree to Covid vaccine allocation
deal</a>.* People who are particularly vulnerable, due to their conditions
or their work, will get priority.

In the US, rich people will be first.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Alexei_Navalny_demands_Russia_return_the_clothes_he_was_wearing)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Alexei_Navalny_demands_Russia_return_the_clothes_he_was_wearing)">Alexei Navalny demands Russia return the clothes he was wearing</a>)
<p>

Alexei Navalny demands Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/21/labs-found-novichok-in-and-on-my-body-says-alexei-navalny-russia">return the clothes he was wearing</a> when
he was poisoned, as evidence.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Half_of_the_world's_known_oil_reserves_will_never_be_used)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Half_of_the_world's_known_oil_reserves_will_never_be_used)">Half of the world's known oil reserves will never be used</a>)
<p>

BP has <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/09/16/bp-drops-cluster-bomb-big-oil/">confirmed</a> that half the world's known oil reserves will never be used
and are worthless.  This article speculates about political
consequences.
<p>
The article also talks about reviving carbon capture, but that
technology was only hypothetical.  If it is ever made to work, let's
do it, but don't pretend it is available technology.
<p>
The plan to make hydrogen from methane is misguided.
Methane wells leak lots of methane.  Transporting methane
leaks too.  To add to that, making <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/21/airbus-reveals-plans-zero-emission-aircraft-fuelled-hydrogen">hydrogen from natural gas releases CO2</a>! That is a bad way to make hydrogen.
<p>
As for the idea that there is something wasteful about using green
electricity to make hydrogen, that would make sense if we were hitting
a limit on supply of solar and wind energy.  The real limit is how much
of those facilities we build, and we can ramp that up.
<p>
Meanwhile, how come Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are still fighting about
possible oil reserves under the sea?  Have they not grasped this news?
Or is there something not known to me, nor described in the article,
which makes those new undersea reserves worth something despite
all the other known reserves that won't be used?

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Yelp_is_screwing_over_restaurants)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Yelp_is_screwing_over_restaurants)">Yelp is screwing over restaurants</a>)
<p>

*Yelp is <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/wjwebw/yelp-is-sneakily-replacing-restaurants-phone-numbers-so-grubhub-can-take-a-cut">Screwing Over Restaurants</a> By Quietly Replacing Their Phone Numbers.*
The phone numbers add tracking before connecting to a restaurant, so
that Grubhub can bill for a marketing fee.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Fight_against_monopolies_and_tax_havens)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Fight_against_monopolies_and_tax_havens)">Fight against monopolies and tax havens</a>)
<p>

The global <a href="https://www.taxjustice.net/2019/11/01/if-tax-havens-scare-you-monopolies-should-too-and-vice-versa/">fight against monopolies and tax havens</a> is picking up.
<p>
The article also reminds us that the fight against excessive market
concentration is not limited to blocking mergers and breaking up large
companies.  Though we need to do a lot of that, and my <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">tax proposal</a>
can help.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Israeli_Parliament_votes_down_equality_for_Palestinian-Israelis)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Israeli_Parliament_votes_down_equality_for_Palestinian-Israelis)">Israeli Parliament votes down equality for Palestinian-Israelis</a>)
<p>

*Affirming Jim Crow, Israeli Parliament <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/20/affirming-jim-crow-israeli-parliament-votes-down-bill-guaranteeing-equality">Votes Down Bill</a> Guaranteeing Equality
for Palestinian-Israelis.*

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Right-wing_scapegoating_parties)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Right-wing_scapegoating_parties)">Right-wing scapegoating parties</a>)
<p>

Right-wing scapegoating parties are doing very well against
plutocratist parties, since plutocratists around the world have
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/20/death-neoliberalism">crushed and silenced the left</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Republicans_aren't_hypocrites)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Republicans_aren't_hypocrites)">Republicans aren't hypocrites</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/20/republicans-arent-hypocrites-lesson-power-aftermath-rbgs-death">*Republicans Aren't Hypocrites.*</a> To be a hypocrite, you have to stand
for principles.
<p>
According to this article, Republicans are cynics that don't care
about any political positions, except as ways to give their supporters
enemies to win victories over.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Friday_school_climate_strikes)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Friday_school_climate_strikes)">Friday school climate strikes</a>)
<p>

Friday school climate strikes are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/schoolchildren-strike-climate-emergency">starting again</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Offending_China_with_reporting_on_repression)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Offending_China_with_reporting_on_repression)">Offending China with reporting on repression</a>)
<p>

In 2018, China threatened to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/21/chinese-authorities-threatened-to-detain-abc-journalists-14-year-old-daughter">imprison</a> Australian journalist Matthew
Carney, and his wife, and their teenage daughter &mdash; separately &mdash; for
a fabricated visa crime, for offending China with his reporting on
repression.
<p>
Carney kept silent about this until now for the safety of other
Australian journalists.
<p>
Both the US and China have imprisoned whole families, often separating
children and teenagers from their parents.  I don't know which country
does this more often.  There are not very many foreign journalists in
China but there are millions of Uighurs.
<p>
Another similarity is that both countries do this as part of a
campaign to attack truth.
<p>
But the US does not do this to foreign journalists.  It is trying to
imprison Julian Assange, which is evil, but it is not trying to
imprison his mate and their children.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Alaska_community_changed_forever_by_climate_change)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Alaska_community_changed_forever_by_climate_change)">Alaska community changed forever by climate change</a>)
<p>

*I'm 18 and can already see my Alaska community <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/21/sitka-alaska-community-changed-forever-climate-change-cora-dow">changed forever</a> by climate
change.*

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Meet_the_doomers)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Meet_the_doomers)">Meet the doomers</a>)
<p>

*Meet the doomers: why some young US voters have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/meet-the-doomers-some-young-us-voters-have-given-up-hope-on-climate">given up hope on climate</a>.*
<p>
I agree with their estimation of our future.  But they are wrong to
give up the fight because of the situation.
<p>
They are right that avoiding disaster calls for big national efforts
which current governments refuse to do.  (I call them "planet
roasters" because of that refusal.)  And it is too late to fully avoid
the disaster.
<p>
But it is not too late to avoid part of the disaster.  If 20% of
species go extinct, instead of 50%, that will be a great conservation
achievement.  If heating kills 8 billion people in this century rather
that 11 billion, that will mean saving 3 billion human lives.
<p>
Whatever we achieve in preservation of democracy and human rights will
also make a lasting difference, if civilization survives.
<p>
Fortunately, some of the young people are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/21/student-climate-protesters-urge-universities-carbon-neutral-">not giving up</a>.
<p>
Whatever universities do by 2030, or by 2050, will not make a big
difference <em>directly</em>.  But pressuring universities into rapid action
can lead to broader actions that are bigger.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Immigrant_rights_groups_urge_senators_to_block_Iris_Lan's_nomination)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Immigrant_rights_groups_urge_senators_to_block_Iris_Lan's_nomination)">Immigrant rights groups urge senators to block Iris Lan's nomination</a>)
<p>

*Immigrant rights groups urge New York senators to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/21/calls-to-block-iris-lan-court-seat-role-trump-child-separation-policy">block Iris Lan’s
nomination</a> to serve as a federal judge in the southern district.*
<p>
I hope they can do so, but Republicans have already disregarded that
traditional Senate practice.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Australia's_mining_companies_destroying_ancient_sites)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Australia's_mining_companies_destroying_ancient_sites)">Australia's mining companies destroying ancient sites</a>)
<p>

Australia's laws give mining companies great license to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/21/mining-companies-have-operated-with-a-free-rein-and-few-consequences-for-too-long">destroy
ancient sites</a> with their mines.  One might think they were designed to
do that.
<p>
I am not persuaded by the "sacred site" argument, because no religion
deserves special deference from people who are not its adherents.
Every church is someone's "sacred site", but that should not protect
all churches from eminent domain and demolition.  (For the same
reason, I do not call priests "father".)  What we owe to other
people's religions, in general, is to respect people's right to
practice their religions.
<p>
What is special about these sites is not that someone's religion calls
them "sacred," but that they are irreplaceable relics from humanity's
past.  That applies to some churches and other religious buildings and
objects, too.  Typically those are already protected, except that
sometimes fanatical religion attacks them.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(The_QAnon_fantasy)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(The_QAnon_fantasy)">The QAnon fantasy</a>)
<p>

The QAnon fantasy enables right-wing believers to feel they are protecting
innocent children.  Alas, the protect those children from a fantasy danger
which distracts people from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/qanon-conspiracy-child-abuse-truth-trump">real source</a> of real sexual abuse.
<p>
The QAnon fantasy resembles a cancer in the body of knowledge.  Just
as cancer cells have become disconnected from the rules and needs of
the body they are supposed to be part of, QAnonsense beliefs are
disconnected from the body of real knowledge and real society's real
needs.  Whatever variant appeals more to the susceptible, will spread.
<p>
This jamming together of conspiracies reminds me of a great work of
fiction from the 1970s: the Illuminatus trilogy.  It presents a
fictional world in which every well-known conspiracy theory of the day
is posited as true, and weaves them together by inventing connections
that are literally consistent but shockingly implausible.
<p>
For instance, three assassins had separately gone to Dallas to shoot
President Kennedy, and the agent who was there to save Kennedy &mdash; John
Dillinger &mdash; decided he couldn't possibly stop all three, except by
shooting Kennedy before they did.  Completely preposterous, but it
wasn't meant to be believed.
<p>
What was delightful absurdity as fiction in Illuminatus becomes a
dangerous delusion when taken seriously by the credulous.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Two_expert_witnesses_in_Assange's_hearing)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Two_expert_witnesses_in_Assange's_hearing)">Two expert witnesses in Assange's hearing</a>)
<p>

On the <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-7/">testimony of two expert witnesses</a> in Assange's hearing.
<p>
Clive Stafford Smith, a lawyer who defends the rights of people faced
with torture and assassination by the US government and campaigns
against those activities, testified about cases that had been helped
Wikileaks releases, and about how US trials about publication of
secrets really work, and explained that the indictment included a
charge of "conspiracy" for which everything Wikileaks released, which
had come from Manning, would be pertinent.
<p>
One thing that amazed me was his assertion that Obama had decided not
to prosecute Assange.  This amazed me because Obama certainly did not
call off the teams that were keeping him bottled up in the Ecuadorian
embassy.  It has been thoroughly established that Sweden and the UK
were manipulating the Swedish charges rather than trying honestly to
pursue them.
<p>
Mark Feldstein, an expert on journalistic practices, testified about
how journalists ask source for leaks of secrets and how they protect
the leakers.  He said that the things Assange is accused of doing were
standard practice.
<p>
The witnesses had prepared based on the old indictment and have been
denied a chance to study the new one carefully, as described in a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_September_2020_(Julian_Assange's_hearing_has_resumed)">previous report</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Shutting_down_gangs_outside_cities)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Shutting_down_gangs_outside_cities)">Shutting down gangs outside cities</a>)
<p>
UK cops report that they have learned <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/20/new-tactics-against-county-lines-are-working-say-police">how to shut down the
gangs that sell cocaine and heroin outside cities</a>.

<p>
I congratulate them, because cocaine and heroin are dangerous, but
this focus on the punitive approach can't ever stop the sale of those
drugs.  As the article recognizes, someone else will always show up to
sell them.

<p>
What <em>will</em> make those drugs nearly disappear is to adopt a more
intelligent approach &mdash; the one that works in the Netherlands
  and in Portugal.

<p>
This approach is for the national medical system to let addicts
register, then give them drugs of reliable purity to use, and safe
places to use them.  When the main buyers are not buying from private
sellers, most of the market will disappear, and so will the private
selling.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Double_CO2_emissions)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Double_CO2_emissions)">Double CO2 emissions</a>)
<p>
*World's richest 1% <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/21/worlds-richest-1-cause-double-co2-emissions-of-poorest-50-says-oxfam">cause double CO2 emissions of poorest 50%, says Oxfam</a>.*

<p>
However, I disagree with the recommendations.  Instead of "using the
carbon budget for the best," we must use as little of it as possible.

<p>
When we speak of the carbon budget, we are making an estimate of how
much more emissions we can make before a certain level of disaster.
We don't know exactly how much, and more emissions means a worse
disaster.  It is valid to say, "If we emit considerably more than the
carbon budget, we will make life horrible."  It is not valid to say,
"If we emit a little less than the carbon budget, we will be ok."

<p>
If we could be certain, absolutely certain, that we had done enough
to avoid disaster, perhaps at that point we could switch to the goal
of helping the poor.

<p>
But since disaster is already starting, it is pretty clear we have
already failed to do enough.  So we must do the most we can.

<p>
*The climate crisis will sweep away my country <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/21/the-climate-crisis-will-sweep-away-my-country-if-the-world-doesnt-keep-its-promises">if the world doesn't keep its
promises</a>.*

<p>
What we have to do for the people of many regions that are threatened
&mdash; many of whom are among the poorest 50% &mdash; is cut emissions ASAP.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Thugs_dox)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Thugs_dox)">Thugs dox</a>)
<p>
Activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/20/hackers-leak-data-on-1000-belarusian-police-officers">doxed 1,000 Belarusian thugs</a>.

<p>
We don't know from the information in the article <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">whether they
are hackers</a>.
  We also don't know whether they are crackers &mdash; we don't
know whether they had to break computer security to get the data.

<p>
But I can say with certainty that they struck a good blow against
Lukashenko's tyranny.

<p>
Doxing someone is like a kind of violence.  Ordinarily, it is bad to
do violence to others, but there are situations where it is justified.
When the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are carrying out violent repression of dissidents,
it is justified for dissidents to respond with counter-violence.

<p>
It may or may not be a good tactic.  In this case, because doxing is a
warning rather than actual physical harm, I think it is a good tactic.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Walmart,_Amazon_and_QAnon)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Walmart,_Amazon_and_QAnon)">Walmart, Amazon and QAnon</a>)
<p>
Walmart and Amazon supported the campaign of a candidate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/20/walmart-amazon-donated-tennessee-lawmaker-promoted-qanon">who promotes
the QAnon fantasy</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Saudi_nuclear_bomb)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Saudi_nuclear_bomb)">Saudi nuclear bomb</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/u-s-officials-hurt-saudi-arabia-would-try-to-develop-n-1844636155">satire</a>) *U.S. officials told reporters
   Thursday they were hurt that Saudi Arabia would try to develop its own
   nuclear weapon rather than just asking nicely for one from America.*



<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Prisoners_and_wildfires)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Prisoners_and_wildfires)">Prisoners and wildfires</a>)
<p>
California hires lots of prisoners to help fight wildfires.  But it is
hard for ex-prisoners to get a job to do this: fire departments
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/19/how-formerly-incarcerated-firefighters-are-getting-jobs-and-pay-they-deserve">exclude them because of their prison record</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Advice_to_BP)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Advice_to_BP)">Advice to BP</a>)
<p>
Advice to BP (Billionaire Polluters) if it is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/19/will-bp-finally-succeed-moving-beyond-petroleum-survive-it-must">serious about
transitioning to green energy</a>.

<p>
Many oil companies are going bankrupt, and the rest face a dim future.
We can count on them to try to extract every last dollar from their
operations, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/19/dying-industry-leaving-deadly-legacy">leaving nothing to pay for the sealing of their wells</a>.

<p>
We need to pass laws to collect a substantial well-sealing tax
which will go into a fund to seal old wells.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Giving_away_control_to_Corporations)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Giving_away_control_to_Corporations)">Giving away control to Corporations</a>)
<p>
Ralph Nader: *Why Do Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/19/why-do-americans-give-away-so-much-control-corporations">Give Away So Much Control to Corporations</a>?*

<p>
I disagree with Nader on one point.  The problem with giving personal
information to companies is not that they get it without paying.  It
is that they get it <em>at all</em>.  Simply having the data and using them
gives them power over people.  So don't be distracted by the proposals
to make them pay for the data, one way or another; they don't go far
enough.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(One_way_or_the_other)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(One_way_or_the_other)">One way or the other</a>)
<p>
Most of the US is in the zones to be affected by climate disaster, one
way or another.  If you don't get fires, or water shortage, you get
hurricanes or torrential raines.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/18/climate-floods-climate-droughts-climate-fires-interactive-map-illustrates-how">Here's a map</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Education_in_prisons)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Education_in_prisons)">Education in prisons</a>)
<p>
Lori Loughlin will serve her prison sentence in a prison near her new
home.  The prison has many educational programs, <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/09/lori-loughlin-prison-recreational-activities-college-admission-scandal">including creative skills
and job skills</a>.

<p>
All prisons should offer such lessons.  That is called
"rehabilitation" &mdash; a concept American prisons used to practice, but
forgot about under Reagan's spirit of cruelty.

<p>
Lori Loughlin does not need to learn a new trade, but many prisoners do,
and it can be the opportunity to change from a life of crime to a life
as a good citizen.

<p>
Is it silly to teach arts, including music?  Some prisoners can make
an emotional contact with an art and see that there is something in life
other than what you can get for yourself.

<p>
What bothers me is not that Ms Loughlin's prison has these things.
It is that so many prisons don't.

<p>
It would be fair to make wealthy prisoners pay for participating in
these programs &mdash; but that is dangerous, because it might lead to
charging poor prisoners for participating in them.  That we must not
do!


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Replacing_Justice_Ginsburg)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Replacing_Justice_Ginsburg)">Replacing Justice Ginsburg</a>)
<p>
Democrats and progressives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/19/ruth-bader-ginsburg-democrats-fight-trump-supreme-court">are pressuring Republicans not to try to
replace Justice Ginsburg this year</a>.

<p>
It may be possible to succeed.  Several Republican senators now running for
reelection are reported not to want to vote on this.

<p>
The issue of replacing Justice Ginsburg <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/19/ruth-bader-ginsburg-senate-presidential-election-trump-biden-collins-democrats-republicans">is boosting support
for Democrats in senate races</a>.

<p>
I am concerned that what Schumer and other Democrats are now saying &mdash;
"Appoint another justice now and we will expand the Supreme Court" &mdash;
might be interpreted as promising the converse: "Don't appoint another
justice now, and we won't expand the Supreme Court."  That worries me,
because we need to expand the Supreme Court.  We should do this to
cancel Gorsuch and Kavanaugh; we should do this to reverse
plutocratist decisions made before them, including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#26_April_2012_(Right-wing_plutocrat)">the Corporations
United decision</a>

  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#27_June_2013_(Supreme_Court_guts_the_Voting_Rights_Act)">the weakening of the Voting Rights Act</a>

  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#02_July_2014_(Denial_of_access_to_contraception)">the decision that applied "religious freedom"
co companies</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Making_a_demon_of_JK_Rowling)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Making_a_demon_of_JK_Rowling)">Making a demon of JK Rowling</a>)
<p>
*Making a demon of JK Rowling is a wretched sport, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/making-a-demon-of-jk-rowling-is-a-wretched-sport-born-of-misogyny-and-resentment">born of misogyny and
resentment</a>.*

<p>
I continue to rebuke Rowling for <a href="https://stallman.org/harry-potter.html">her unjust lawsuit against
people who bought one of her books</a>,
  and since them I have refused on principle to buy any of her books.
But I do not hate her.  She does not deserve to be vilified based on
distortions of what she said.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Prosecution_of_soldiers)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Prosecution_of_soldiers)">Prosecution of soldiers</a>)
<p>
Bogus Johnson is proposing to create <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/overseas-operations-bill-uk-government-bend-rules-torture-soldiers">three new obstacles against
prosecuting UK soldiers for war crimes including torture</a>.

<p>
Fortunately the International Criminal Court will be able to prosecute them
if the British government does not try.

<p>
No army is immune to the temptation to vent anger through war crimes.
If a country protects its own soldiers from charges, it in effect
encourages war crimes.  The world is full of bad examples; the UK has
been a good example until now.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Bringing_back_normal)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Bringing_back_normal)">Bringing back normal</a>)
<p>
*A Biden victory <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/joe-biden-victory-normal-hard-right">cannot bring normal back</a>.*

<p>
Even if it could, that would hardly be desirable except in contrast to
the present.  The old "normal" was pretty bad for most Americans, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a> is making it rapidly worse.

<p>
The article uses the non-US definition of "liberalism", meaning
deregulation of business.  In the US, "liberalism" is the term we have
used for many decades for the agenda now more often called "progressive".

<p>
Medical care for all has been a liberal program since the New Deal.
Likewise workers' rights, and support for the poor.  By the 1960s it
included racial equality.  By the 70s, it included women's equality,
gay rights, and eliminating pollution.

<p>
Why, I wonder, does anyone think to define the term "liberal" to refer
to self-styled "centrists" such as right-wing Democrats?


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Mass_arrests_of_protesting_women)"/>22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Mass_arrests_of_protesting_women)">Mass arrests of protesting women</a>)
<p>
Lukashenko's thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/hundreds-of-women-detained-during-belarus-protest-march-alexander-lukashenko">are now trying mass arrests of protesting women</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Urgent:_Investigate_attacks_by_thugs_on_BLM_protesters_in_Wisconsin)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Urgent:_Investigate_attacks_by_thugs_on_BLM_protesters_in_Wisconsin)">Urgent: Investigate attacks by thugs on BLM protesters in Wisconsin</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on Wisconsin Attorney General Kaul to <a href="https://go.peoplepower.org/letter/tell-attorney-general-josh-kaul-investigate-police-misconduct-protests/">investigate
attacks by thugs on BLM protesters</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_September_2020_(Urgent:_End_oil_drilling_in_California)" />22 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_September_2020_(Urgent:_End_oil_drilling_in_California)">Urgent: End oil drilling in California</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on California Governor Newsom to <a href="https://act.350.org/signup/newsom-demands-20200918/">end oil drilling
in that state</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Urgent:_MORE_Act)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Urgent:_MORE_Act)">Urgent: MORE Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/letter/black-communities-need-more/">call on your congresscritter</a> to support the MORE Act.



<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Urgent:_discrimination_against_trans_people)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Urgent:_discrimination_against_trans_people)">Urgent: discrimination against trans people</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://go.peoplepower.org/letter/tell-department-housing-and-urban-development-protect-transgender-people/">call on the Department of Housing and Urban Development</a>
not to allow discrimination against trans people.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Promotion)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Promotion)">Promotion</a>)
<p>
The UK government has replaced promotion of the most capable <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/meritocracy-dido-harding-rise">with
promotion of the most politically loyal</a>.

<p>
Michael Young, in The Rise of the Meritocracy, was perceptive.  He saw
that if society offered enough social mobility for capable people to
get out of the working class won their own, that would leave the
remaining workers with no one capable enough to organize them to stand
up for their rights.

<p>
We must educate and promote capable people anyway, because the
alternative is to let the incapable run things &mdash; but we must somehow
prevent this from resulting in telling the less "meritorious" to
suffer low pay and a life of hardship.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Wetland_fires_and_drought)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Wetland_fires_and_drought)">Wetland fires and drought</a>)
<p>
*Brazilian wetlands fires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/18/brazilian-wetlands-fires-started-by-humans-and-worsened-by-drought">started by humans and worsened by drought</a>.*

<p>
The people who set the fires are criminals who wanted to replace the
wetlands with cattle ranching.  Due to the drought, the large Pantanal
wetland is not wet now.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Covid_and_education)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Covid_and_education)">Covid and education</a>)
<p>
*Covid is Widening <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/17/covid-widening-educational-inequalities-children-around-world">Educational Inequalities for Children Around the World</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Protecting_buildings_from_fire)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Protecting_buildings_from_fire)">Protecting buildings from fire</a>)
<p>
California could protect its buildings from fire <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/18/california-fires-wildfires-future-housing">with requirements
for careful precautions</a>.

<p>
More frequent fires outside the cities might result in less intense fires.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Endangered_matsutake)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Endangered_matsutake)">Endangered matsutake</a>)
<p>
Japan's red pine forests are endangered, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/japan-matsutake-mushroom-under-threat">and with them the prized
matsutake mushroom</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Social_worker)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Social_worker)">Social worker</a>)
<p>
*In 2016, the Alexandria, Kentucky, police chief talked the city into
   hiring a social worker &mdash; and four years on, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/19/alexandria-kentucky-police-social-workers">the current chief sees the
   program as indispensable</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Ending_lockdowns_too_soon)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Ending_lockdowns_too_soon)">Ending lockdowns too soon</a>)
<p>
Warning Latin America <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/latin-america-covid-coronavirus-warnings">not to end lockdowns too soon</a>.

<p>
The US, and then Europe, have shown that this is likely to mean
a new outbreak of Covid-19.

<p>
England has been trying to restrain the spread of Covid-19 with local
restrictions, and being rather rigid about them, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/england-wide-covid-lockdown-needed-sooner-later-says-former-adviser-neil-ferguson">but it is not
working</a>.

<p>
I think the country needs nationwide measures.  However, they don't
need to be absolutely rigid.  The UK's approach strikes me like
measuring the distance between two people and fining them if is only
198 cm instead of 200 cm.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Neglect_from_prisons_to_deportation_flights)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Neglect_from_prisons_to_deportation_flights)">Neglect from prisons to deportation flights</a>)
<p>
The US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> extend their medical neglect for prisoners
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/19/ice-air-immigration-medical-negligence">from the prisons to the deportation flights</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Racing_to_demolish_environmental_protections)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Racing_to_demolish_environmental_protections)">Racing to demolish environmental protections</a>)
<p>
The Environmental Poisoning Agency (formerly Environmental Protection Agency)
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/19/wildfires-trump-election-epa-environment/">races to demolish environmental protections</a>.

<p>
Republicans are fighting on every level to keep <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/america-deadly-wildfires-trump-inferno">the world moving
steadily to a deadly 7C if heating</a>.

<p>
Rebecca Solnit: Climate change, Covid – our hearts ache. But a new era
is possible. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/covid-climate-change-">We can do it</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Anti-government_protests)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Anti-government_protests)">Anti-government protests</a>)
<p>
*Thousands gather in Thailand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/thousands-gather-in-thailand-for-anti-government-protest-bangkok">for anti-government protest</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(AI_on_body_cameras)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(AI_on_body_cameras)">AI on body cameras</a>)
<p>
Using AI recognition systems on body cameras could be a powerful system
<a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90546743/ai-could-create-a-new-era-of-policing-reform-if-only-the-police-allowed-it">for teaching thugs to be less brutal</a>.
  However, it could also be a powerful system for repression of everyone
that comes into range of the camera.

<p>
To make body cameras serve and protect the people, rather than repress
the people, we need to make sure that they capture video and audio when they
should, and not when they shouldn't.  <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/when-should-body-cameras-record.html">I've made a technical proposal</a>
  for part of that, but we also need proper laws about publishing the
videos.

<p>
As for the idea that live monitoring of the video could enable a
deescalation specialist to intervene and prevent a killing, that might
have saved George Floyd.  But many killings by thugs occur <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_(After_thugs_shot_John_Crawford)">when thugs
react without taking even a second to think</a>.
                                              There would be no time
to intervene, either.  Meanwhile, the live transmission would imply
transmitting the video all the time, which is wrong because most of the
time the video should not be saved at all.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Investigating_Barr)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Investigating_Barr)">Investigating Barr</a>)
<p>
Congressional Democrats call for investigation of Barr <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/18/top-dems-demand-ig-probe-possible-illegal-election-influencing-favor-trump-william">for politicizing
his office as Attorney General</a>.

<p>
I don't know if this can have much effect.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has already
placed his officials are above the law by showing <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_(Firing_corruption_investigator)">that he will fire
any inspector general that tries to investigate their crimes</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_September_2020_(Smoke_from_wildfires)"/>21 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_September_2020_(Smoke_from_wildfires)">Smoke from wildfires</a>)
<p>
The smoke from wildfires, when breathed by pregnant women, <a href="https://theconversation.com/pregnant-women-should-take-extra-care-to-minimise-their-exposure-to-bushfire-smoke-129349#:~:text=Research">causes lasting
harm to their fetuses in later life</a>.

<p>
In some US states, women could be prosecuted for breathing the smoke.
  Perhaps millions of women would commit this "crime".

<p>
One could imagine prosecuting oil companies too, but the right-wing
officials in those states don't want to go after oil companies, only
women.


<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Alexei_Navalny_recovery)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Alexei_Navalny_recovery)">Alexei Navalny recovery</a>)
<p>

Alexei Navalny is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/alexei-navalny-walking-down-stairs-russian-opposition-berlin">making a good recovery</a>.
<p>
However, one thing makes me worry that his brain has been injured: a
perverse inclination to use Instagram.  ;-{.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Climate_system's_tipping_points)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Climate_system's_tipping_points)">Climate system's tipping points</a>)
<p>

We don't know where the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/sep/19/the-tipping-points-at-the-heart-of-the-climate-crisis">climate system's tipping points</a> are, but if one tips,
it could tip others.  Or it could block others.
<p>
It's like playing a pinball game with Earth as the ball.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Biden's_Michigan_campaign_organization)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Biden's_Michigan_campaign_organization)">Biden's Michigan campaign organization</a>)
<p>

Biden seems to have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/17/recipe-disaster-democrats-worry-biden-campaign-missing-action-battleground-states">no presencial campaign organization</a> in Michigan.
<p>
I wonder if this is because rational people are scared to go there,
and especially scared to approach lots of strangers there.
<p>
Meanwhile, the wrecker has taught his followers a delusion of
invulnerability.  They don't feel inhibitions about meeting people on
the street to reinforce their rejection of masks.
<p>
In effect, the wrecker has found a way to arrange that Republicans
can do real canvassing and campaigning, while his rational opponents
know it is not safe.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Social_media,_no_substitute_for_real_life)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Social_media,_no_substitute_for_real_life)">Social media, no substitute for real life</a>)
<p>

*Coronavirus Depression Spike Suggests Social Media Is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonchandler/2020/09/08/coronavirus-depression-spike-suggests-social-media-is-no-substitute-for-real-life/#358f60676103">No Substitute For Real Life</a>.*
<p>
Thus, if you refuse to use Zoom, Netflix, Amazon and Facebook,
you can do without them.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Reversal_of_DeJoy's_postal_sabotage)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Reversal_of_DeJoy's_postal_sabotage)">Reversal of DeJoy's postal sabotage</a>)
<p>

A US court has ordered <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/18/denouncing-intentional-effort-sabotage-election-judge-orders-nationwide-reversal">reversal of DeJoy's postal sabotage</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_((satire)_Something_to_stick_into_your_arm)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_((satire)_Something_to_stick_into_your_arm)">(satire) Something to stick into your arm</a>)
<p>

(satire) *White House Vows To Have <a href="https://www.theonion.com/white-house-vows-to-have-something-to-stick-into-your-a-1845096436">Something To Stick</a> Into Your Arm By
October.*

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Rights_of_voters'_postal_ballots_in_New_York_State)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Rights_of_voters'_postal_ballots_in_New_York_State)">Rights of voters' postal ballots in New York State</a>)
<p>

New York State agreed to a court settlement which <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/18/new-york-expands-options-absentee-voters-have-their-vote-counted">protects the rights of voters</a>
that sent in postal ballots against unjust rejection of their ballots.
<p>
Which states have not done this?

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(One-sided_patriotic_propaganda)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(One-sided_patriotic_propaganda)">One-sided patriotic propaganda</a>)
<p>

The bullshitter wants to turn US history teaching into <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/18/trump-doesnt-understand-history-any-more-he-understands-epidemics">one-sided
patriotic propaganda</a>.
<p>
To a large extent, that's what US history teaching has tended to be:
justifying actions of the US in conflict with other countries, and the
winners in domestic disputes, with the exception of the Civil War: the
supporters of the Confederacy perversely gained the upper hand about
reconstruction.
<p>
However, it wasn't totally one-sided in the 60s.  You could see that
the indigenous people were cheated.  Slavery was condemned.
<p>
We see a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/18/the-eight-hundred-how-chinas-blockbusters-became-a-new-political-battleground">similar practice of propaganda</a> history in China.
<p>
(satire) *Trump Signs Executive Order Establishing ‘1946 Commission’
To Teach How <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-signs-executive-order-establishing-1946-commissi-1845108409">America Started At President’s Birth</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(50_Reasons_the_bully's_administration_is_bad_for_workers)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(50_Reasons_the_bully's_administration_is_bad_for_workers)">50 Reasons the bully's administration is bad for workers</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/50-reasons/">50 reasons</a> the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully's</a> administration is bad for workers.*

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_((satire)_Powerful_gale_has_overwhelmed_our_electoral_system)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_((satire)_Powerful_gale_has_overwhelmed_our_electoral_system)">(satire) Powerful gale has overwhelmed our electoral system</a>)
<p>

(satire) *With 30% of the U.S. electorate currently stumbling
through the streets in pursuit of their ballots and shouting, ‘Wait,
come back!’ we fear this sudden, powerful gale has <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/democratic-process-in-peril-as-millions-of-americans-ch-1845062185">overwhelmed our
electoral system</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_supporting_the_Louisville_thug_department)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_supporting_the_Louisville_thug_department)">Urgent: Stop supporting the Louisville thug department</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on UPS, Humana, and Ford to <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/divest_louisville_police/">stop supporting the
Louisville thug department</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_September_2020_(Urgent:_Reject_Chad_Wolf_as_head_of_the_Department_of_Harshness_and_Sadism)" />20 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_September_2020_(Urgent:_Reject_Chad_Wolf_as_head_of_the_Department_of_Harshness_and_Sadism)">Urgent: Reject Chad Wolf as head of the Department of Harshness and Sadism</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/tell-your-senator-vote-no-chad-wolf">reject Chad Wolf</a> as head of the
Department of Harshness and Sadism.
He is too apt for harshness and sadism to be entrusted with official
authority over it.

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

<p>If you call please spread the word!</p>
  
<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Julian_Assange's_hearing_has_resumed)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Julian_Assange's_hearing_has_resumed)">Julian Assange's hearing has resumed</a>)
<p>

Julian Assange's hearing has resumed, and Craig Murray is covering it
as before.  I was unable to post these before because I was overloaded
writing a long article.
<p>
Murray reports that Keir Starmer, the tame new head of the Labour
Party, condemns Extinction Rebellion as a threat to the free press for
blocking right-wing newspaper trucks one morning, but says nothing
when the free press is <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/media-freedom-show-me-the-msm-journalist-opposing-the-torture-of-assange/">truly threatened</a>.
<p>
In the <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/09/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-the-assange-hearing-day-6/">first day of the resumed hearing</a>,
Assange saw for the first
time the totally new charges, which his lawyers saw only in the past
few weeks and had been unable to show him in prison.  They had a
discussion about them and asked for an adjournment to gather evidence.
The judge refused this.
<p>
The defense will not be allowed to call witnesses except the ones it
chose for the old charges.
<p>
This continues what we have seen all along: the rules of justice
twisted over and over to assure a politically pre-decided outcome.
This is not as obvious a show trial as the ones Stalin held, but
it is substantively similar.
<p>
Organizations such as Amnesty and Reporters without Borders had to
fight for a chance to view the hearing, so strong were the efforts
to prevent public monitoring of the treacherous proceedings.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_uranium_deposits)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Salafi_Arabia_uranium_deposits)">Salafi Arabia uranium deposits</a>)
<p>

Salafi Arabia has possible <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/revealed-saudi-arabia-may-have-enough-uranium-ore-to-produce-nuclear-fuel">large uranium deposits</a>.
Now that fission power is effectively obsolete, the only reason the
country would be interested is to make nuclear weapons.
<p>
It would be natural to propose a nuclear disarmament treaty for Salafi
Arabia and Iran &mdash; and perhaps Israel too.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Learning_from_the_Corbyn_era)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Learning_from_the_Corbyn_era)">Learning from the Corbyn era</a>)
<p>

*Only an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/17/honest-conversation-corbyn-labour-events">honest conversation</a> about the Corbyn era will help us learn from it.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Freedom_of_speech_in_Hong_Kong)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Freedom_of_speech_in_Hong_Kong)">Freedom of speech in Hong Kong</a>)
<p>

When Hong Kong was a British colony, Britain did not respect freedom
of speech there.  Now that it is a Chinese colony, it is China that
doesn't respect freedom of speech there, but it finds the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/hong-kong-activist-denied-bail-after-being-charge-with-sedition-tam-tak-chi">old British
law against "sedition"</a> handy for jailing dissidents.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Australia_too,_has_seen_red_skies)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Australia_too,_has_seen_red_skies)">Australia too, has seen red skies</a>)
<p>

*Dear America, we too have seen red skies in Australia and we can tell you
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/18/dear-america-we-too-have-seen-red-skies-in-australia-and-we-can-tell-you-what-happens-next">what happens next</a>.*
<p>
It is not too late to bring about a small disaster instead of the big one
humanity is heading for.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_((satire)_Apple_watch_rabbit-ear_antenna)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_((satire)_Apple_watch_rabbit-ear_antenna)">(satire) Apple watch rabbit-ear antenna</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Apple announced Wednesday that its new smart watch would
feature a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/apple-announces-new-watch-with-rabbit-ear-antenna-that-1845050498">rabbit-ear antenna</a> capable of picking up five or more
television channels in the area where a user lives.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Hydrogen_fuel_for_vehicles_generated_by_solar_energy)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Hydrogen_fuel_for_vehicles_generated_by_solar_energy)">Hydrogen fuel for vehicles generated by solar energy</a>)
<p>

Scotland will use solar electricity to generate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/16/scottish-green-hydrogen-scheme-gears-up-to-fuel-ferries-buses-and-trains">hydrogen as fuel for
vehicles</a>.
<p>
One convenient thing is that it doesn't matter that there are times
when there is no light to make hydrogen with.  If you make hydrogen at
a high rate when there is light, you have enough for the rest of the
time too.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Children's_privacy_rules_and_rights)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Children's_privacy_rules_and_rights)">Children's privacy rules and rights</a>)
<p>

*The shift to online schooling is running roughshod over children's
<a href="https://www.axios.com/childrens-privacy-suffers-as-school-goes-online-321b010a-1319-4028-b456-46a0a47f8920.html">privacy rules and rights</a>,*
which were inadequate to start with.
<p>
The article is concerned that wealthier schools will choose systems
that "protect" privacy "better" whereas impecunious schools will have
to use systems that protect privacy less.  That would be a real
danger, if some of these systems did protect privacy.
<p>
In practice, none of these systems give much protection.  Whatever
data a company collects is already on the road to being misused.  The
only effective protection for privacy is not to put the data in
a database.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Certification_of_elections_in_some_states)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Certification_of_elections_in_some_states)">Certification of elections in some states</a>)
<p>

Greg Palast: Republicans may be planning to <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/warning-trump-and-his-rioters-can-win-using-the-xii/">refuse to certify the
elections</a> in some states, using uncounted postal ballots as an excuse.
Use early voting instead of postal voting.
<p>
That is what I did for the Massachusetts primary on Sept 1,
and that is what I plan to do for the general election too.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Covid-19_recovery_for_reduction_of_greenhouse_emissions)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Covid-19_recovery_for_reduction_of_greenhouse_emissions)">Covid-19 recovery for reduction of greenhouse emissions</a>)
<p>

Some US cities have plans to use the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/18/us-cities-plot-green-recovery-after-pandemic">recovery from the Covid-19
depression</a> to reduce local greenhouse emissions.
<p>
Every little bit helps, but we need more than local improvements to avoid
most of the climate disaster.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(China_forced_surplus_workers_to_move_long_distances)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(China_forced_surplus_workers_to_move_long_distances)">China forced "surplus workers" to move long distances</a>)
<p>

China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/18/china-white-paper-forced-labour-xinjiang-uighurs">forced 2.6 million "surplus workers"</a> in Xinjiang to move long
distances.  The critical attention to what it does there is making
the government uncomfortable.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Multistory_pig_farms)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Multistory_pig_farms)">Multistory pig farms</a>)
<p>

China is moving to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/18/a-12-storey-pig-farm-has-china-found-a-way-to-stop-future-pandemics-">giant multistory pig farms</a>, isolated from the
outside, so as to stop transmission of diseases.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(CDC_published_weak_recommendations_for_Covid-19_tests)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(CDC_published_weak_recommendations_for_Covid-19_tests)">CDC published weak recommendations for Covid-19 tests</a>)
<p>

The CDC published the weak recommendations for who should get a
Covid-19 test over the objections of its scientists.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/18/cdc-guidelines-coronavirus-testing-published-despite-objection-scientists

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Wilderness_lost_in_just_13_years)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Wilderness_lost_in_just_13_years)">Wilderness lost in just 13 years</a>)
<p>

*Wilderness the size of Mexico <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/19/shocking-wilderness-the-size-of-mexico-lost-worldwide-in-just-13-years-study-finds">lost worldwide</a> in just 13 years.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(US-backed_coup_against_Evo_Morales_in_Bolivia)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(US-backed_coup_against_Evo_Morales_in_Bolivia)">US-backed coup against Evo Morales in Bolivia</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/18/silence-us-backed-coup-evo-morales-bolivia-american-states">Silence reigns</a> on the US-backed coup against Evo Morales in Bolivia.*

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Papua_New_Guinea's_thugs)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Papua_New_Guinea's_thugs)">Papua New Guinea's thugs</a>)
<p>

The minister in charge of Papua New Guinea's <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> says that they
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/18/papua-new-guinea-police-accused-of-gun-running-and-drug-smuggling-by-own-minister">corrupt from the top down</a>, and that they drive out any honest employees.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Bill_prohibiting_discrimination_against_pregnant_workers)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Bill_prohibiting_discrimination_against_pregnant_workers)">Bill prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers</a>)
<p>

The House of Representatives passed a bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/17/house-passes-historic-legislation-protect-pregnant-workers-discrimination-prompting">prohibiting discrimination</a>
against pregnant workers, and requiring employers to make reasonable
accommodations so a pregnant worker can keep working.
<p>
There is no chance that the Republicans who control the Senate will
agree to this, but passing the bill is useful as political pressure.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Oil-and-plastic_companies_blocking_efforts_to_reduce_plastic_polution)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Oil-and-plastic_companies_blocking_efforts_to_reduce_plastic_polution)">Oil-and-plastic companies blocking efforts to reduce plastic pollution</a>)
<p>

How the oil-and-plastic companies have organized world-wide to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/17/delay-distract-and-derail-new-report-reveals-how-plastic-polluters-have-avoided">block efforts</a>
to reduce plastic pollution.
<p>
This is yet another facet of the harm done by plutocratic rule.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Belarus_protesters_are_pulling_the_masks_off_thugs)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Belarus_protesters_are_pulling_the_masks_off_thugs)">Belarus protesters are pulling the masks off thugs</a>)
<p>

Belarus protesters are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/the-only-way-to-stop-violence-why-protesters-are-unmasking-belarus-police">pulling the masks off thugs</a> to identify them.
This seems to dissuade them from violence.
<p>
It is an interesting reversal, to use face recognition against the servants
if a tyrant.  I think it is justified in that situation,
<p>
This suggests to me that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> of Belarus are just barely clinging to
obedience to Lukashenko, and that at any moment they could snap.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Global_coalition_against_China's_aggression)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Global_coalition_against_China's_aggression)">Global coalition against China's aggression</a>)
<p>

*Taiwan calls for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-chinas-aggression-as-us-official-flies-in">global coalition</a> against China's aggression as US official
flies in.*
<p>
I think it would be interesting for several important countries to
open diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and let China break relations
or keep relations, however it wishes.  After a few years, I believe,
China would decide that it needs the diplomatic relations more than it
needs to show aggression against Taiwan.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Urgent:_Prohibition_of_facial_recognition_in_schools)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Urgent:_Prohibition_of_facial_recognition_in_schools)">Urgent: Prohibition of facial recognition in schools</a>)
<p>

Parents: call for prohibition of <a href="https://www.parentsagainstfacialrecognition.org/">facial recognition in schools</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_September_2020_(Urgent:_Boycott_Chevron)" />19 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_September_2020_(Urgent:_Boycott_Chevron)">Urgent: Boycott Chevron</a>)
<p>

Everyone: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/17/chevron-amazon-oil-toxic-waste-dump-ecuador-boycott">boycott Chevron on behalf of Ecuadorians and Steven Donziger</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Urgent:_End_weapon_sales_to_Salafi_Arabia)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Urgent:_End_weapon_sales_to_Salafi_Arabia)">Urgent: End weapon sales to Salafi Arabia</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-end-all-weapon-sales-saudi-arabia">call on Congress</a> to end weapons sales to Salafi Arabia.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Trees_moving_north)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Trees_moving_north)">Trees moving north</a>)
<p>
Tree species in the US northeast <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/17/shoots-and-leaves-the-shotgun-scientist-who-hunts-moving-trees-aoe">are moving north under the pressure
of global heating</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Making_occupation_profitable)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Making_occupation_profitable)">Making occupation profitable</a>)
<p>
Israel has discovered <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/17/occupying-palestine-israel-gulf-peace-deal-uae-bahrain">how to make occupation of Palestine profitable</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Thugs_arresting_and_killing_a_man)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Thugs_arresting_and_killing_a_man)">Thugs arresting and killing a man</a>)
<p>
Indian thugs in Kashmir arrested a man, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/17/kashmir-protests-erupt-after-alleged-cover-up-of-death-in-custody">then tortured him and killed him</a>.
  (Of coure, they deny this.)  This triggered protests, much as it does in the US.

<p>
It appears that the repression of Kashmir in general is not as severe as it
was some months ago: the internet is not shut off all the time any more,
only sometimes.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Recording_information_about_video_recommendations)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Recording_information_about_video_recommendations)">Recording information about video recommendations</a>)
<p>
* Extension on Firefox browser will allow users to record information
about videos recommended by [youtube].*  The aim is to figure out <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/17/youtube-viewers-to-help-uncover-how-users-are-sent-to-harmful-videos">why
youtube's recommendation algorithm recommends noisome videos</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(60_more_naval_ships)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(60_more_naval_ships)">60 more naval ships</a>)
<p>
The US military-industrial complex <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/17/us-plans-big-expansion-of-navy-fleet-to-challenge-growing-chinese-sea-power">proposes to build 60 additional
naval ships</a>,
   because a navy that China could catch up with in decades is
not considered sufficient.  That does not seem logical to me.

<p>
China's approach to taking over the South China Sea is to build
airfields on small islands and reefs.  Ships are much more vulnerable
than those airfields.  It seems to me that the US would find it more
effective, as well as cheaper, to help its regional allies build more
such airfields.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Sedition)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Sedition)">Sedition</a>)
<p>
Barr asked US attorneys to charge protesters with "sedition" &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/16/bill-barr-sedition-charges-protests">a charge
that would almost always be bullshit</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Forced_hysterectomies)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Forced_hysterectomies)">Forced hysterectomies</a>)
<p>
A whistleblower reports that a privatized immigration prison <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/09/15/new-whistleblower-complaint-al.html">carried out
hysterectomies by force against prisoners</a>.

<p>
One of the reasons we must abolish privatized prisons is that it is
harder to hold them accountable for any sort of cruel, degrading,
injurious or even fatal conduct.  Even when people have been convicted
of a crime &mdash; which these prisoners mostly have not been &mdash; that does
not excuse such treatment of them.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Prosecuted_for_mocking_dead_sultans)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Prosecuted_for_mocking_dead_sultans)">Prosecuted for mocking dead sultans</a>)
<p>
A dissident journalist in Turkey <a href="https://www.codastory.com/disinformation/turkish-journalist-arrested/">is being prosecuted for mocking
medieval Ottoman sultans</a>.

<p>
I doubt the statement that they were from the 13th century, since the
first Ottoman prince, Osman, did not become the ruler of a
principality until 1299.  It is more likely that they were from the
14th or 15th centuries.

<p>
It should not be a crime to insult a deceased person, or a living
person &mdash; or anyone or anything.  Such laws are repressive.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Bonuses_for_bankruptcy)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Bonuses_for_bankruptcy)">Bonuses for bankruptcy</a>)
<p>
*US corporations file for bankruptcy and lay off workers. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/16/us-corporations-file-for-bankruptcy-and-lay-off-workers-why-do-execs-still-get-bonuses">Why do execs still
get bonuses</a>?*


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Government_spending_without_tax_increases)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Government_spending_without_tax_increases)">Government spending without tax increases</a>)
<p>
The OECD calls for government spending without tax increases, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/16/governments-must-resist-covid-spending-cuts-and-tax-rises-says-oecd">to
reduce the Covid-19 depression and help unemployed people</a>.

<p>
Deficit spending can be made possible by government borrowing, but also by
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#11_September_2020_(Government_debt_and_Covid)">creating more currency in accord with Modern Monetary Theory</a>,
  except <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#23_June_2018_(Greece_and_the_banksters)">for countries trapped in the Euro-zone</a>

<p>
I think it is safe to tax billionaires a lot more
since they got such a windfall this year.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(News_events)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(News_events)">News events</a>)
<p>
Big US news media accept lots of money from corporations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/16/corporate-crime-new-york-times-and-washington-post">to sponsor
"news events" that present slanted news</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Sanctions)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Sanctions)">Sanctions</a>)
<p>
The US government is pretending that sanctions against Iran, ended by
virtue of US rejection of the non-nuclear deal, will come back into
force on Sep 20.  This could be meant as an excuse for the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/16/mike-pompeo-preparing-october-surprise">to
launch a war to "enforce the sanctions", to manipulate the
election</a>.

<p>
Will Iran's rulers have the self-discipline to refrain from retaliation
until after November 3 so as to refuse to help the wrecker?


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Greener_after_Covid-19)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Greener_after_Covid-19)">Greener after Covid-19</a>)
<p>
*People want <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/16/people-want-a-fairer-greener-britain-after-covid-inquiry-reveals">a fairer, greener Britain after Covid, inquiry reveals</a>.*

<p>
I wish they had voted for the leader who really stood for this: Corbyn.


<p>
<li><a name="18_September_2020_(Crime_of_going_limp)"/>18 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_September_2020_(Crime_of_going_limp)">Crime of going limp</a>)
<p>
A UK thug called for making it a crime <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/16/extinction-rebellion-go-floppy-when-arrested-complains-senior-met-officer">to go limp when arrested</a>.

<p>
It makes me think of Israel fining Palestinians for not demolishing
their own houses.



<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Poverty)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Poverty)">Poverty</a>)
<p>
*America has millions of people in poverty because Americans choose
 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/15/myths-and-lies-about-poverty">not to demand the policies that would lift them out of poverty</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Threat_to_national_security)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Threat_to_national_security)">Threat to national security</a>)
<p>
For the US, global heating is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/16/climate-crisis-national-security-threat-us">a big threat to national security</a>.
  What does that make the planet-roasters?  And the wrecker?

<p>
Of course, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> is a threat to the national security of many
other countries.  Some are sure to be destroyed entirely by it.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Policies_following_the_polls)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Policies_following_the_polls)">Policies following the polls</a>)
<p>
It is a mistake for a political party <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/16/labour-shape-public-opinion-policy-strategy">to adopt policies following the polls</a>.

<p>
Of course, it is even worse to adopt policies following the rich people's
donations as "centrist" Democrats do.
  A party must have values and come to conclusions.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Palm_oil)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Palm_oil)">Palm oil</a>)
<p>
Malaysia may force prisoners to harvest palm oil
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/16/malaysian-prisoners-may-face-forced-labour-on-palm-oil-plantations">which will be exported for use in our food</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Herd_mentality)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Herd_mentality)">Herd mentality</a>)
<p>
The wrecker said that Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/16/first-thing-trump-says-covid-19-could-be-stopped-by-herd-mentality">could be stopped by 'herd mentality'</a>.
  He sure tries to inculcate a herd mentality into his followers;
if that could stop Covid-19, we would see less infection, rather than more,
in places he holds rallies.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Organ_Pipe_Cactus_National_Monument)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Organ_Pipe_Cactus_National_Monument)">Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's campaign to build a wall has covered only a fraction of
the border with Mexico, but that was enough to wreck Organ Pipe Cactus
National Monument.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/16/indigenous-activists-border-wall-protest/">It can never be restored</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Childfree)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Childfree)">Childfree</a>)
<p>
Women state their feelings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/04/guardian-readers-on-being-childfree-or-not-i-am-not-a-superwoman">about being childfree</a>
 (or, in a few cases, about having children).


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Too_messed_up_to_cope_with_strategy)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Too_messed_up_to_cope_with_strategy)">Too messed up to cope with strategy</a>)
<p>
Ai Weiwei explains China's strategy, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/06/sanctions-china-politics-us-showdown">and how the US and the west are
too messed up to cope with it</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Calling_victims_terrorists)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Calling_victims_terrorists)">Calling victims terrorists</a>)
<p>
Netanyahu stated that Israeli thugs murdered a Palestinian, <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-bedouin-citizen-killed-netanyahu-admission-cover-up">then
falsely called him a "terrorist" to justify the murder</a>.
  He went so far as to apologize to the victim's family.

<p>
Netanyahu is, as a general matter, an unprincipled corrupt greedy
bastard.  The article suggests that he made these true admissions
about the murder as a way to deny his share of the responsibility.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Worse_place_to_live)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Worse_place_to_live)">Worse place to live</a>)
<p>
The beginnings of climate disaster will make many parts of the US
worse places to live.  Over time, half the population will be
affected.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/where-will-everyone-go-new-report-documents-how-climate-migration-could-reshape-us">Millions will need to move, but to where</a>?

<p>
The government should not pay so people can bullheadedly remain in
land that is becoming uninhabitable, but it should help the people who
become trapped in houses that are becoming unsalable, enabling them to
move elsewhere.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Planned_nuclear_power)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Planned_nuclear_power)">Planned nuclear power</a>)
<p>
The exploding price of a planned nuclear power plant in the UK
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/15/hitachi-to-pull-plug-on-north-wales-nuclear-power-station">has made the manufacturer cancel it</a>.

<p>
However, the UK has promised unbounded subsidy to the builder
of its first new nuclear power plant, so that one won't be
cancelled by expense.  But cancelled it must be, to free up funds
to build wind farms instead.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Voters_winning_tactics)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Voters_winning_tactics)">Voters winning tactics</a>)
<p>
*Research shows "respectful, non-judgmental conversations are able to
move voters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/groundbreaking-study-shows-deep-listening-over-100-times-more-effective-winning">where many other tactics have failed</a>."*


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Lowering_wages)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Lowering_wages)">Lowering wages</a>)
<p>
Lowering real US wages since 1975 has taken trillion dollars from
non-rich Americans since then, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/25-trillion-theft-study-shows-richest-1-americans-have-taken-50-trillion-bottom-90">giving them to rich Americans</a>.

<p>
Each year, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> takes 2.5 trillion more.


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Biodiversity_report)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Biodiversity_report)">Biodiversity report</a>)
<p>
*UN Biodiversity Report Urges 8 Transitions <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/15/un-biodiversity-report-urges-8-transitions-needed-restore-essential-ecosystems">Needed to Restore Essential
Ecosystems Impacted by Humanity</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="17_September_2020_(Caste_use_of_rape)"/>17 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_September_2020_(Caste_use_of_rape)">Caste use of rape</a>)
<p>
*Dalits bear brunt of India's 'endemic' sexual violence crisis.*
Upper caste men use brutal rape <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/16/dalits-bear-brunt-of-indias-endemic-sexual-violence-crisis">to maintain their domination of the
Dalits</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Plastics_recycling)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Plastics_recycling)">Plastics recycling</a>)
<p>

Oil companies (which are also plastic companies) have worked hard for
decades to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled">make the public think that used plastic products would be
recycled</a> if we handed them in, knowing this was not true, so that we
would buy and discard plastic without hesitation.
<p>
Most of what we hand in goes into landfill because recycling it is not
feasible.
<p>
Did they know, decades ago, that plastic products would <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#22_September_2018_(Eating_microplastics)">damage wild
animals</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_September_2019_(Earthworms_and_microplastics)">ecosystems</a>?
<p>
Perhaps not.  (It would be interesting to investigate what they knew
about this and when.)  In any case, we know it now.  We must reduce
drastically the amount of plastic waste that does not in fact get
recycled, so we do not leave our planet full of toxin dispensers.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Physicians_for_Human_Rights_calls_for_banning_rubber-coated_hard_bullets)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Physicians_for_Human_Rights_calls_for_banning_rubber-coated_hard_bullets)">Physicians for Human Rights calls for banning rubber-coated hard bullets</a>)
<p>

Physicians for Human Rights calls for banning the use of
rubber-coated hard bullets against protesters, citing 115 instances
of protesters that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/14/blood-all-over-physicians-group-identifies-115-head-injuries-caused-so-called-less">suffered grave head wounds</a> from them.
<p>
It is against the rules to fire those bullets at people's heads, but
it is clear that they often do it anyway.  Perhaps some of them were
firing wildly.  Others, I suppose, hit protesters' heads
intentionally.  Many <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#27_July_2017_(Protesters_charged)">thugs are right-wing extremists</a>,
and if they see opportunities to maim protesters and not be punished,
they may go for it eagerly.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Last_independent_radio_station_and_theater_in_Hungary)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Last_independent_radio_station_and_theater_in_Hungary)">Last independent radio station and theater in Hungary</a>)
<p>

Orbán is moving to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/15/hungary-students-viktor-orban-university-theatre-budapest">take control</a> of the last radio station and last
theater in Hungary which are independent of state power.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Pandemic_makes_struggling_Britons_visible)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Pandemic_makes_struggling_Britons_visible)">Pandemic makes struggling Britons visible</a>)
<p>

*Millions in Britain have struggled for years. Only in a pandemic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/15/britain-pandemic-coronavirus-normal-poverty">are
they seen</a>.*
<p>
I have a hunch that, for Bogus Johnson, starving the poor is not an ideological
commitment, merely a consequence of enriching the rich.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(World_fails_to_meet_a_single_target)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(World_fails_to_meet_a_single_target)">World fails to meet a single target</a>)
<p>

*World <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/15/every-global-target-to-stem-destruction-of-nature-by-2020-missed-un-report-aoe">fails to meet a single target</a> to stop destruction of nature &mdash;
UN report.*

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Circular_economy_of_plastics)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Circular_economy_of_plastics)">Circular economy of plastics</a>)
<p>

Ideas for a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/innovative-sustainability/2020/sep/11/plastic-recycling-could-a-circular-economy-be-the-way-to-a-sustainable-future">circular economy of plastics</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Bogus_Johnson's_deal_with_the_EU)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Bogus_Johnson's_deal_with_the_EU)">Bogus Johnson's deal with the EU</a>)
<p>

Bogus Johnson pretends to be negotiating a larger deal with the EU
while <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/15/boris-johnson-brexit-swindle-ireland-eurosceptic-good-friday-agreement">cheating on last year's smaller deal</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Hong_Kongers_tried_to_separate_from_China)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Hong_Kongers_tried_to_separate_from_China)">Hong Kongers tried to separate from China</a>)
<p>

12 Hong Kongers tried to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/15/hong-kong-12-who-fled-by-boat-to-taiwan-held-in-criminal-detention-by-china">separate themselves</a> from China in a boat, but
Chinese forces caught them and China will prosecute them &mdash; perhaps
for "separatism" &mdash; in a bogus trial.
<p>
The very idea of stopping citizens from leaving a country is a form of
tyranny which Communist governments were well known for.  In the
1980s, the Soviet Union charged a ransom giving a Jew permission to
emigrate.  In earlier decades, it was very difficult for anyone to get
permission to leave the Soviet Empire.  Since 2000, millions of Chinese
were allowed to travel for tourism. but I would guess that China never
completely dropped the practice of forbidding some people from
leaving.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Fossil_fuel_demand)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Fossil_fuel_demand)">Fossil fuel demand</a>)
<p>

Billionaire Polluters say that demand for fossil fuels <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/14/global-oil-demand-may-have-passed-peak-says-bp-energy-report">will not increase</a>.
What is not certain is when it will start to decrease.
<p>
That detail is tremendously important.  Bigger fires are coming soon
to a forest near you, and if you'd prefer to have them only a little
bigger rather than much bigger, you'd be wise to help make sure the
demand declines fast.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(American_Academy_of_Arts'_past_participation_in_racism)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(American_Academy_of_Arts'_past_participation_in_racism)">American Academy of Arts' past participation in racism</a>)
<p>

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences' commits to
working to undo the effects of its <a href="https://www.amacad.org/anti-racism-statement">past participation
in racism</a>.
<p>
The academy's present leaders are not guilty
for actions that happened before they were born,
but the responsibility to undo the continuing effects
of those actions falls to them nonetheless.
<p>
This is the same reasoning which led me to conclude, in 2014, that the
United States, acting for today's Americans, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#01_July_2014_(Reparations_owed_to_US_blacks)">should pay compensation</a>
to the descendants of those who were denied equal legal rights under
the systems of slavery and segregation.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_((satire)_Body_camera_shut_off_out_of_respect)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_((satire)_Body_camera_shut_off_out_of_respect)">(satire) Body camera shut off out of respect</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; NYPD <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#police">police officer</a> Tom
Sloane reportedly shut off his body camera early Monday morning out of
<a href="https://local.theonion.com/police-officer-shuts-off-body-camera-out-of-respect-for-1845050209">respect for his dying victim</a>.*

*The NYPD added that it seemed exploitative to
publicize the man’s death because that would be what people remembered
about him, so the department was refraining from releasing any details
   about the incident to respect his privacy.*
<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Surveillance_power_extension)" />16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Surveillance_power_extension)">Surveillance power extension</a>)
<p>

The ACLU and other organizations called on Congress not to extend
surveillance powers by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/14/leave-patriot-act-out-continuing-resolution-aclu-demand-progress-freedomworks">slipping that into a rider</a> in a continuing
resolution or other "must-pass" uncontroversial bill.

<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Covid-19_death_cult)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Covid-19_death_cult)">Covid-19 death cult</a>)
<p>
The wrecker is still actively spreading Covid-19 to his death cult,
and now we have proof that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/14/how-should-america-respond-when-its-president-commits-negligent-homicide">he is knowingly lying to them when he
denies the danger</a>.

<p>
Don't be distracted into disputes about when Bob Woodward really ought
to have published this fact.  It is a side issue, and it is being
raised as a distraction.  I see no reason to assume his news would
have had more impact in May or July than it has now.



<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Thank_you_letter)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Thank_you_letter)">Thank you letter</a>)
<p>
*A Thank You Letter <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/14/thank-you-letter-coronavirus-my-enablers-united-states">From Coronavirus to My Enablers in the United States</a>.*

<p>
This is not from The Onion.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Global_heating_denialist_at_NOAA)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Global_heating_denialist_at_NOAA)">Global heating denialist at NOAA</a>)
<p>
The saboteur in chief has appointed a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> denialist to the
management team at NOAA, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/14/politics/noaa-climate-change-skeptic-appointed/index.html">in charge of climate research there</a>.

<p>
One of the practices used to shelter denialists is calling them
"skeptics".  CNN's article does this, but please don't repeat that
practice.  To be a skeptic means that one is not convinced and wants
to do more investigation to determine what is happening.  By contrast,
Legatos is denying what is well established.  He is no "skeptic",
he is a denialist.

<p>
In general, skepticism is a wise and useful attitude towards claims
until they are demonstrated, but it can be carried too far.  For
instance, there are times when skepticism about an approaching danger
must be set aside.  When it is time to join the bucket brigade to put
out a fire, objecting that there is no proof this fire can spread is
not an acceptable excuse for refusing to help put it out.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Covid-19_in_prisons)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Covid-19_in_prisons)">Covid-19 in prisons</a>)
<p>
A nurse working a privatized immigration prison describes how the
management disregard Covid-19, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/14/ice-detention-center-nurse-whistleblower/">gratuitously allowing it to spread to
prisoners and staff</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Undermining_own_emissions-cutting_targets)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Undermining_own_emissions-cutting_targets)">Undermining own emissions-cutting targets</a>)
<p>
The EU has decided to undermine its own 2030 emissions-cutting targets
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/14/eu-commission-accused-of-cheating-on-net-zero-emissions-accounting">by counting estimated carbon sinks against the emissions</a>.

<p>
This is the same error as trying to plan in terms of "net" emissions
(emissions minus absorptions).  Any future greenhouse gas absorption
is conjectural.  Trees won't remove CO2 from the air if they burn up.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Scapegoating_anti-violence_activists)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Scapegoating_anti-violence_activists)">Scapegoating anti-violence activists</a>)
<p>
There were pogroms against Muslims in Delhi in February, led by
ruling party, which has now decided <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/14/india-student-activist-umar-khalid-arrested-over-delhi-riots">to scapegoat a Muslim activist who
spoke against violence</a>, 
  along with other opposition figures.

<p>
See <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_February_2020_(Pogrom_against_Muslims)">previous information about the pogroms</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Settler_sentenced_to_life_for_murder_of_family)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Settler_sentenced_to_life_for_murder_of_family)">Settler sentenced to life for murder of family</a>)
<p>
*Fanatical Israeli "settler" who killed Palestinian family <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/14/jewish-extremist-who-killed-palestinian-family-sentenced-to-life">sentenced to life
[imprisonment]</a>.*

<p>
This is news because often Israelis who murder Palestinians get a slap
on the wrist.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Hottest_ever_summer)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Hottest_ever_summer)">Hottest ever summer</a>)
<p>
*Northern hemisphere <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/sep/14/northern-hemisphere-record-hottest-summer-noaa">breaks record for hottest ever summer</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Raising_drug_prices_despite_taxpayer_money)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Raising_drug_prices_despite_taxpayer_money)">Raising drug prices despite taxpayer money</a>)
<p>
*Sanders Blasts AstraZeneca for Raising Drug Prices <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/14/outrageous-sanders-blasts-astrazeneca-raising-drug-prices-despite-12-billion">Despite $1.2 Billion From Taxpayers for Covid-19 Vaccine</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Net_zero_emissions_by_2050)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Net_zero_emissions_by_2050)">Net zero emissions by 2050</a>)
<p>
A giant consortium of investors has demanded companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/14/investors-worth-us47tn-demand-worlds-biggest-polluters-back-plan-for-net-zero-emissions">get on course
to achieve "net zero" emissions by 2050</a>.

<p>
The firmness is admirable, but they need to demand more.
2050 is too late a target,
  and measuring by "net" emissions tends to underestimate emissions.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Invalidly_held_in_prison)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Invalidly_held_in_prison)">Invalidly held in prison</a>)
<p>
Ronnie Long was convicted of rape in 1976 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200914085848/https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-originals/ronnie-longs-lawyer-appeal-courts-decision-confirms-conviction-was-a-profound-injustice/">because prosecutors
manipulated evidence and hid evidence</a>.

<p>
Nonetheless, he is being held in prison to await a new trial, which
could take a months or years.

<p>
An invalid conviction is no grounds to imprison someone, so invalidation
of a conviction should invalidate the sentence too.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Self-contradiction_as_a_tool)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Self-contradiction_as_a_tool)">Self-contradiction as a tool</a>)
<p>
Right-wing bullshitters in Oregon are fabricating claims that "antifa"
arsonists started the fires, then in imitation of the bullshitter, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/14/disinformation-oregon-wildfires-spreading-social-media">denying
that that is what they said</a>.

<p>
For them, self-contradiction is a tool.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(No_fair_trial)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(No_fair_trial)">No fair trial</a>)
<p>
Rwanda is not giving dissident Paul Rusesabagina <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/14/hotel-rwanda-dissident-paul-rusesabagina-in-court-terror-changes">a fair trial
on charges of terrorism</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(Immigration_prisons_confinement)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(Immigration_prisons_confinement)">Immigration prisons confinement</a>)
<p>
Mardin Arvin: *Australians complain about weeks in quarantine. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2020/sep/14/australians-complain-about-weeks-in-quarantine-ive-been-in-immigration-detention-for-almost-eight-years">I've
been in [Australia's immigration prisons] for almost eight years</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="16_September_2020_(All_seeing_car)"/>16 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_September_2020_(All_seeing_car)">All seeing car</a>)
<p>
A car with cameras looking in all directions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/safe-is-the-new-bold/2020/aug/26/could-cars-with-all-seeing-eyes-help-put-an-end-to-serious-road-accidents">could in principle
avoid all collisions</a>.

<p>
It could also give the state, or Clearview AI, a chance to identify all
other cars and people it passes near.  We must make sure that only
highly processed data gets out of the video processor.



<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Proper_preparedness)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Proper_preparedness)">Proper preparedness</a>)
<p>
Proper preparedness for future pandemics could be achieved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/14/just-5-per-person-a-year-could-prevent-future-pandemic-says-ex-who-head">at the cost
of around 5 dollars per person per year, estimates Gro Harlem
Brundtland</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Path_for_freedom_of_speech)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Path_for_freedom_of_speech)">Path for freedom of speech</a>)
<p>
GitHub ironically offers a path for freedom of speech across the great
firewall of China.  China <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/china-github-free-speech-covid-information/">can't control it and can't afford to block
it</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Cant_afford_climate_catastrophe)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Cant_afford_climate_catastrophe)">Can't afford climate catastrophe</a>)
<p>
*Sanders Delivers Message to Lawmakers Who Claim US Can't Afford Green New
Deal: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/13/sanders-delivers-message-lawmakers-who-claim-us-cant-afford-green-new-deal-climate">Climate Catastrophe Is 'Much More Expensive'</a>.*

<p>
Biden now talks about <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/12/wildfires-tearing-through-west-biden-slams-trump-denial-and-calls-climate-crisis">"meeting and defeating the onrushing climate
crisis."</a>

<p>
Acknowledging the magnitude of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a> is a change for the
better, but not the same as proposing an adequate plan.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Hand_over_videos)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Hand_over_videos)">Hand over videos</a>)
<p>
The Seattle <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department demanded various news organizations hand over
their videos of protests in a massive and indiscriminate way.  <a href="https://mynorthwest.com/2063833/judge-grants-pause-spd-subpoena-media-footage/">As of
a month ago, they obtained a delay</a>.

<p>
Can anyone find out what has happened since?


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Political_surveillance)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Political_surveillance)">Political surveillance</a>)
<p>
Whistleblower Christopher Pyle, starting with an article in 1970,
reported on how the US Army was systematically tracking Americans'
civic engagement &mdash; not limited to actual dissent &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/13/how-us-army-whistleblower-revealed-apparatus-police-state">and won the political
support to shut it down completely</a>.

<p>
He was able to do this because Americans at the time recognized the danger
of tracking and surveillance.  Legislators recognized it because they
came from a people that recognized it.

<p>
It's up to us to lead the development of a people that detests
tracking and surveillance.  Otherwise the people and legislators of
the future will fail to shut down the dangerous systems of the future.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Harassing_workers)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Harassing_workers)">Harassing workers</a>)
<p>
Tesla persistently <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/13/citizen-musk">harasses and cheats workers</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Sending_helpful_mailings)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Sending_helpful_mailings)">Sending helpful mailings</a>)
<p>
A court ordered the USPS not to send out "helpful" mass mailings to Colorado
voters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/13/warning-patently-false-information-will-sow-confusion-federal-judge-blocks-postal">that contain misinformation about voting in Colorado</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Witchcraft)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Witchcraft)">Witchcraft</a>)
<p>
Campaigning for a posthumous pardon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/13/300-years-on-will-thousands-of-women-burned-as-witches-finally-get-justice">for 2500 women executed for
witchcraft in Scotland</a>.

<p>
This cruel form of scapegoating <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#24_July_2015_(Ivory_Coast)">continues to this day</a> in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#08_January_2014_(Govt_of_Ghana_wants_to_close_refuges_for_people_accused_of_witchcraft)">Africa</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Forbidden_protest)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Forbidden_protest)">Forbidden protest</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Melbourne arrested peaceful protesters (though some of them
threw fruit), <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/13/police-arrest-74-people-at-melbourne-coronavirus-anti-lockdown-protest">saying that protest is forbidden</a>.

<p>
The hell you say, Australia!  A government which forbids protest is
tyranny.

<p>
Not that repression is unusual in Australia, the country which paid
Nauru to hold Australia's immigration prison and then to abolish
freedom of the press <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">so that journalists could not reach the prison</a>.

<p>
As long as the protesters wore masks and maintained distance, they
were entitled to protest.

<p>
Defending their right to protest does not mean I support their
protest.  Some of them reportedly are QAnon fantasists.  That fantasy,
which mutates as fast as HIV-1, is too incoherent to support a serious
inquiry of whether "it" is true, because "it" would be different next
week.  I wish they were displaying their steadfastness for a good
cause.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Fusion_center)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Fusion_center)">Fusion center</a>)
<p>
The US railroad industry has its own fusion center, with an
information track leading straight to various government departments
that can repress potential protesters.  It can target even people that
only criticize for investigation, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/13/blueleaks-railroad-industry-oil-environmental-journalist-terrorist/">and thugs might subsequently forget
that they are only writing</a>.

<p>
Reporter Justin Mikulka was painted as a criminal by association
because what he wrote might inspire protests which could perhaps be
illegal.

<p>
The "fusion centers" facilitate repression, so if we don't get rid of them,
we must stop them from being used for repression.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Morality)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Morality)">Morality</a>)
<p>
*Morality has been stripped from public life. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/13/morality-public-life-moral-wellbeing-mental-health-modern-politics">Here’s a four-step plan to
revive it</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Working_for_Russia)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Working_for_Russia)">Working for Russia</a>)
<p>
Peter Strzok insists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/13/trump-compromised-by-russians-peter-strzok-former-member-mueller-team">that the wrecker is working for Russia</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Putting_opponents_in_prison)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Putting_opponents_in_prison)">Putting opponents in prison</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's henchman, Roger Stone, said that the wrecker should put
his opponents in prison <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/13/roger-stone-to-donald-trump-bring-in-martial-law-if-you-lose-election">if he can't make them pretend he has won the
election</a>.

<p>
Stone is a loyal henchman and would not have said this without
encouragement from the wrecker himself.

<p>
I say "pretend to have won" <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#11_December_2016_(Democrats)">because Republicans stole the 2016
presidential election</a>,
                       as well <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/archive-2001.html#Florida_voter_disenfranchisement">as the 2000</a>
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-nov-feb.html#02 November 2004 (Bush trying to steal the vote in Ohio)">2004
  presidential elections</a>.

<p>
An appearance of "victory" for the wrecker is probably going to be
fake.  To be sure, millions of Americans will really vote for him, but
they won't be enough to make an honest victory without the cheating.


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Haiti)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Haiti)">Haiti</a>)
<p>
The US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/28/us-occupation-haiti">has colonized Haiti (unofficially) for 105 years</a>.
  In effect, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#16_February_2017_(Haiti_elections)">it still does</a>.
  

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Youtube_recommendations)"/>15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Youtube_recommendations)">Youtube recommendations</a>)
<p>
It is useful to recall that four years ago YouTube's recommendation algorithm
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/02/youtube-algorithm-election-clinton-trump-guillaume-chaslot">recommended pro-bullshitter videos far more often than pro-Clinton videos</a>.

<p>
This does not prove that the algorithm was intentionally designed for
that result.  Perhaps they were; but we know that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#18_August_2020_(Promotion_of_holocaust_denial)">right-wingers have
learned how to manipulate recommendation algorithms</a>;
                                      perhaps these results are a
reflection of that.  
                     We know that they do <em>not</em> reflect a majority
preference for the bullshitter, since he lost the popular vote.

<p>
Google's response amounts to, "Do not try to judge our actions without
the full information that we won't let you have."


<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Australian_Green_Party_supports_Facebook_and_Google_Pay_if_it_extends_journalism)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Australian_Green_Party_supports_Facebook_and_Google_Pay_if_it_extends_journalism)">Australian Green Party supports Facebook and Google Pay if it extends journalism</a>)
<p>

The Australian Green Party will support making Facebook and Google pay
to redistribute journalistic articles if the plan is extended to cover
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/14/greens-may-back-forcing-facebook-and-google-to-pay-for-news-if-abc-is-included">more sources of journalism</a>.
<p>
I am very much in favor of this, as I expect that it will pry loose
those companies' influence over what news people access.
<p>
There are some sorts of works that I believe should be free.  But that
doesn't apply to news articles.  I think individuals such as you and
me should be free to redistribute exact copies, but I don't think that
companies such as Google and Facebook are entitled to that right.
Thus, I see nothing immoral about such a tax.  It is a pragmatic
question and nothing more.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Modi_has_chosen_to_play_identity_politics)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Modi_has_chosen_to_play_identity_politics)">Modi has chosen to play identity politics</a>)
<p>

*Rather than rebuild the social fabric of his country during the
coronavirus-driven economic slump, Narendra Modi has chosen to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/13/the-guardian-view-on-indias-strongman-in-denial-about-a-covid-crisis">play
identity politics</a>.*
<p>
Modi is a hater-divider-scapegoater, in the same mold as the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> in
the US and Bolsonaro in Brazil.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Rally_against_Lukashenko_on_eve_of_Putin_showdown)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Rally_against_Lukashenko_on_eve_of_Putin_showdown)">Rally against Lukashenko on eve of Putin showdown</a>)
<p>

*Belarus: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/13/belarus-100000-join-rally-against-lukashenko-on-eve-of-putin-showdown">100,000 join rally</a> against Lukashenko on eve of Putin showdown.*

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Portland's_ban_on_business_use_of_face_recognition)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Portland's_ban_on_business_use_of_face_recognition)">Portland's ban on business use of face recognition</a>)
<p>

Portland's <a href="media/174f52b6.704_Sep_9_2TC_TW_Ord_BPS_2__1_.pdf" data-original-source="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21868277/704_Sep_9_2TC_TW_Ord_BPS_2__1_.pdf">ban on business use of face recognition</a> covers business premises
which offer goods or services to the public.
<p>
I don't think this has any effect on Clearview AI, which is unfortunate since
that is face recognition's most dangerous face.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Michael_Forest_Reinoehl_shot_by_thugs_without_being_called_out_to_surrender)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Michael_Forest_Reinoehl_shot_by_thugs_without_being_called_out_to_surrender)">Michael Forest Reinoehl shot by thugs without being called out to surrender</a>)
<p>

A neighbor saw thugs shoot and kill Michael Forest Reinoehl <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/09/10/nothing-see-here-just-attorney-general-condoning-extra-judicial-killings-save-us">without
calling on him to surrender or identifying themselves as thugs</a>.
<p>
Those acts add up to murder.  We need an investigation to determined
what happened, though we must distrust the testimony of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> as
usual.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Households_suffered_serious_economic_hardship)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Households_suffered_serious_economic_hardship)">Households suffered serious economic hardship</a>)
<p>

54% of Americans households with incomes under $100,000 have suffered
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/11/survey-shows-nearly-half-us-suffering-serious-economic-hardship-and-situation-going">serious economic hardship</a> since March.
<p>
Dr Fauci says life will not be back to normal until <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/11/fauci-warns-pre-pandemic-normalcy-not-likely-until-well-or-towards-end-2021">a year from now</a>,
even if a vaccine is ready early next year.
<p>
Only after many people receive the vaccine can we start to determine
how long its effect lasts.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Australians_want_power_to_block_destruction_of_ancient_sites)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Australians_want_power_to_block_destruction_of_ancient_sites)">Australians want power to block destruction of ancient sites</a>)
<p>

Indigenous Australians demand rules giving them the power to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/12/indigenous-leaders-say-rio-tinto-dumping-executives-must-be-beginning-of-genuine-transformation">block
destruction</a> of ancient indigenous people's sites.
<p>
If their demands are granted, they will probably preserve most of
these ancient sites, and that is good.  But not necessarily all of
them.  The "traditional owners" of a site would have the power to
permit destroying it, and sometimes they would do so.
<p>
These archaeological sites are important records of human history, all
the more important because few other sites are so old.  The most
important thing to do with them is study them, and that should take
precedence over all other use.  <em>No one</em>, capitalist or indigenous,
should be allowed to destroy them.
<p>
If they indigenous groups agree to protect the sites and cooperate
with carefully planned scientific investigation, I would support
giving them full authority over all other aspects of use of these
sites.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_((satire)_relief_that_businesses_were_forced_to_close_before_Covid-19)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_((satire)_relief_that_businesses_were_forced_to_close_before_Covid-19)">(satire) relief that businesses were forced to close before Covid-19</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; residents of a small town in western
Wisconsin expressed relief Friday that all of their beloved local
businesses had been forced to close down <a href="https://local.theonion.com/small-town-relieved-all-their-beloved-local-businesses-1845014579">long before Covid-19 struck</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_supporting_police_foundations)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_supporting_police_foundations)">Urgent: Stop supporting "police foundations"</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on corporations to stop supporting <a href="https://policepiggybank.com/">"police foundations"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_Twitch_to_disallow_US_military_recruiting)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_Twitch_to_disallow_US_military_recruiting)">Urgent: call on Twitch to disallow US military recruiting</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on Twitch to <a href="http://act.winwithoutwar.org/sign/twitch_military_recruiters/">disallow US military recruiting</a>.
<p>
Recruiting on Twitch is tantamount to aiming recruiting at children,
even if the military does not acknowledge that.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Denial_of_legal_recourse_to_the_prisoners_in_Guantanamo)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Denial_of_legal_recourse_to_the_prisoners_in_Guantanamo)">Denial of legal recourse to the prisoners in Guantanamo</a>)
<p>

The Court of Appeals of the DC circuit continues doing its utmost
to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/11/court-just-slammed-guantanamo-gate-shut">deny all legal recourse</a> to the prisoners in Guantanamo.
<p>
The US owes each prisoner either a fair trial or release from prison.
If the US cannot do so, because by torturing them it eliminated the
possibility of a fair trial, the US should release them and then think
about avoiding such a foolish actions in the future.
<p>
Arguments about expediency cannot override those rights &mdash; but I think
they lead to the opposite conclusion.  Freeing the prisoners would end
a practice that motivates some people to hate the US.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_((satire)_Pearing_through_windows_of_wealthier_classmates)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_((satire)_Pearing_through_windows_of_wealthier_classmates)">(satire) Peering through windows of wealthier classmates</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; Public Schools encouraged students
without internet access Friday to attend remotely by <a href="https://local.theonion.com/students-without-internet-access-to-attend-remotely-by-1845002618">peering through
the home windows</a> of wealthier classmates.*
<p>
There is an extra level of irony here that the authors are not aware
of.  Zoom is proprietary malware, and it surveils the users.  You can
protect yourself by not actually running Zoom or being seen by it in a
camera.  I have suggested finding a classmate who will record the
video presentation, perhaps by pointing another camera at it, and send
you the recording as a file.   Looking through per window would also
do the job, thought it would be less convenient.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Use_of_paramilitary_forces_to_suppress_protest)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Use_of_paramilitary_forces_to_suppress_protest)">Use of paramilitary forces to suppress protest</a>)
<p>

*"One can draw a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/11/direct-line-portland-authoritarian-crackdowns-around-world">direct line</a> between the [wrecker's] use of paramilitary
forces to suppress protest domestically, and the tendency of
security forces [sic] in foreign countries to violently suppress
their own citizenry &mdash; security forces that for years have been
backed, funded, trained, and armed by the United States
government."*
<p>
Meanwhile, the wrecker <a href="https://www.rawstory.com/2020/09/watch-trump-threatens-to-put-down-very-quickly-democrats-who-take-to-the-streets-in-protest-if-he-wins-re-election/">threatens to crush</a> protesting Americans who
might disbelieve the claim, that he will surely make, to have won the
election.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Don't_send_cops_to_someone_having_a_mental_crisis)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Don't_send_cops_to_someone_having_a_mental_crisis)">Don't send cops to someone having a mental crisis</a>)
<p>

If asked to send help because someone is having a mental crisis,
the last people you should send are cops.  When they don't understand,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/11/police-encounters-during-mental-health-crises-dont-have-be-violent">their solution is "shoot"</a>.
<p>
Stress, including being confronted by armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, can make people
with mental disabilities lose their capacity to understand what others
are saying to them.  In <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>-think, that means "resisting arrest,
shoot!"

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Objection_to_criticizing_racism)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Objection_to_criticizing_racism)">Objection to criticizing racism</a>)
<p>

People who condemned anti-racist gestures by pro sports players cited
various details as objectionable, but now those excuses have been
stripped away.  What those people object to is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/11/nfl-players-offer-show-unity-booing-fans-shows-objections-protests-was-always-about">criticizing racism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(Profit-seeking_from_education)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(Profit-seeking_from_education)">Profit-seeking from education</a>)
<p>

*Our national and state policies [about Edtech] are <a href="https://dianeravitch.net/2020/09/08/laura-chapman-edtech-is-driven-by-the-profit-motive/">designed to subsidize</a>
profit-seeking from education.*

<p>
<li><a name="15_September_2020_(The_Tragedy_of_the_Singular_‘They’)" />15 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_September_2020_(The_Tragedy_of_the_Singular_‘They’)">The Tragedy of the Singular ‘They’</a>)
<p>

*The <a href="https://secularhumanism.org/2020/03/the-tragedy-of-the-singular-they/">Tragedy of the Singular ‘They’</a>.*
<p>
The author is mistaken to despair.  No one can force him to use
singular "they", and no one can force me, or you either.
<p>
For my own views, and the solution I have adopted, see "Better
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/genderless-pronouns.html">Genderless Pronouns</a> in English."

<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Suing_to_make_USPS_reverse_policy_changes)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Suing_to_make_USPS_reverse_policy_changes)">Suing to make USPS reverse policy changes</a>)
<p>
14 states have sued <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/11/integrity-election-stake-14-states-demand-injunction-stop-dejoys-sabotage-us-postal">to make the USPS reverse DeJoy's mail-delaying
policy changes</a>.

<p>
*Colorado &hellip; filed a federal
lawsuit against DeJoy <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/12/condemning-attempt-voter-suppression-colorado-sues-dejoy-over-misleading-postal">for sending out mailers containing
information that could mislead and disenfranchise voters</a>.*

<p>
Republicans have spread disinformation about voting for many years,
but in the past they usually were limited to doing so in private
capacity.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(CDC's_weekly_report)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(CDC's_weekly_report)">CDC's weekly report</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's stooges have been editing their own spin into the CDC's
weekly report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/12/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-politics-cdc.html">on the status of public health and diseases</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Climate_Emergency_Overdrive)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Climate_Emergency_Overdrive)">Climate Emergency Overdrive</a>)
<p>
*Climate Emergency Overdrive: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/12/climate-emergency-overdrive-our-age-compound-disasters-10-oregon-evacuated">Our Age of Compound Disasters</a>.*

<p>
And this is just the beginning of it.  To imagine life in 20 years,
imagine that the worst we have seen happens in normal years,
and the worst years are far, far worse disasters.

<p>
Most Democrats are not advocating the sort of measures <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/11/climate-emergency-we-need-more-half-measures-democrats">that could stop
the problem from getting even worse than that</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Reclaim_populism)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Reclaim_populism)">Reclaim populism</a>)
<p>
*We need to reclaim populism from the right. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/12/we-need-to-reclaim-populism-from-the-right-it-has-a-long-proud-leftwing-history">It has a long, proud leftwing
history</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Fires_in_Oregon)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Fires_in_Oregon)">Fires in Oregon</a>)
<p>
There are large fires in Oregon; people are evacuating from places
near Portland.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/11/oregon-fires-towns-emptied-molalla">1/10 of the state's population has evacuated</a>.

<p>
That region is famous for having lots of rain.  That the climate has
dried up enough for it to have forest fires is shocking.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Thugs_running_amok)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Thugs_running_amok)">Thugs running amok</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Bogotá have run amok.  First they killed Javier Ordóñez by
tasing him repeatedly while they were holding him down.  This inspired
protests in many cities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/11/colombia-protests-police-brutality-dead">and the thugs attacked the protesters</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Ex-cons_votes)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Ex-cons_votes)">Ex-cons votes</a>)
<p>
Republican judges in the 11th circuit federal appeals court approved Florida
Republicans' scheme <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/11/florida-felons-vote-debts-ruling-election">to block around 700,000 ex-cons from voting</a>.

<p>
The Supreme Court might reverse this, but if it does not, I urge those
people to to move to a state where their votes can do some good.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Link_to_climate_crisis)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Link_to_climate_crisis)">Link to climate crisis</a>)
<p>
*Most wildfire coverage on American TV news (85%) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/11/american-tv-news-california-oregon-fires-climate-crisis">fails to mention
link to climate crisis</a>.*

<p>
But that's not as bad as it was in August.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Spy_capture)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Spy_capture)">Spy capture</a>)
<p>
Maduro announced Venezuela's capture of a US marine with arms and
money, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/12/us-spy-captured-near-venezuelan-oil-refining-complex-claims-maduro">claimed to be spying on two oil refineries</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Ban_of_face_recognition)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Ban_of_face_recognition)">Ban of face recognition</a>)
<p>
Portland, Oregon, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/every-city-council-should-follow-suit-portland-oregon-becomes-first-us-city-ban">has banned use of face recognition by businesses</a>.

<p>
I think this is the first such law in the US, and perhaps in the world.

<p>
Since the article quotes people as relating this to racial discrimination,
I wish to comment on that.

<p>
Racial discrimination is wrong, and tracking people is wrong, but it
is a mistake to relate the two issues too much.  If you think that
tracking people is wrong specifically because it enables
discrimination, that means you are missing the threat of tracking in
itself: that it is the base for repression.

<p>
To avert repression, we need to ban tracking regardless of whether it
is used for discrimination.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Releasing_the_vaccine)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Releasing_the_vaccine)">Releasing the vaccine</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/cdc-ordered-to-incinerate-screaming-boil-riddled-test-1844908262">satire</a>) *&hellip; the
   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was reportedly ordered
   Thursday to incinerate hundreds of screaming, boil-riddled test
   subjects before widely releasing the vaccine.*


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Cartoons)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Cartoons)">Cartoons</a>)
<p>
I'm looking for a volunteer cartoonist to draw a few cartoons per year.
Please send me email if you want to do this for me.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Policy_changes)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Policy_changes)">Policy changes</a>)
<p>
The wrecker continues ordering policy changes to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/appalling-betrayal-new-report-details-dozens-trump-rollbacks-perpetrated-under-cover">undermine Americans' safety</a>:
  legal, economic and physical.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Fossil_fuel_companies_being_sued)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Fossil_fuel_companies_being_sued)">Fossil fuel companies being sued</a>)
<p>
Delaware has sued 31 fossil fuel companies plus the American Petroleum
Institute for the predicted damage <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/faced-rising-seas-and-other-consequences-climate-crisis-low-lying-delaware-sues-31">that will result from the
greenhouse gas emissions they have already made</a>.

<p>
All the oil companies' money can't compensate for the damage that
their products are doing, but massive lawsuits against them can help
defeat them and take away their power continue.

<p>
*Another Four Years of Trump <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/09/another-four-years-trump-might-kill-remaining-hope-saving-planet-climate">Might Kill Off Remaining Hope Saving
Planet From Climate Destruction</a>.*

<p>
Sad to say, four years of Biden might have the same result.


<p>
<li><a name="14_September_2020_(Influence_of_big_money)"/>14 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_September_2020_(Influence_of_big_money)">Influence of big money</a>)
<p>
Connecticut's public campaign funding system (for state offices) has been
a big success.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/what-healthy-democracy-should-look-connecticut-small-dollar-campaign-program-model">It has reduced the influence of big money</a>.

<p>
Massachusetts adopted a similar system decades ago by initiative
petition, but the legislators repealed it.  We voted for the public
funding system again by initiative petition, and the legislators
repealed it again.  Why anyone voted to reelect any legislator who had
eliminated the system, I cannot comprehend, but people did.


<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Transformational_Action)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Transformational_Action)">Transformational Action</a>)
<p>

*With World Closing in on Paris Warming Limit, UN Report Makes Case for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/09/world-closing-paris-warming-limit-un-report-makes-case-transformational-action">'Transformational Action' to Remake Global Economy</a>.*
<p>
The predicted climate disaster is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/11/the-future-has-arrived-these-explosive-fires-are-our-climate-change-wakeup-call">already starting</a>.  What should we do?
<p>
The article's title is a gross understatement.  The California
megafires are not our "wakeup call".  They are our "The meeting is
already starting and you're still in bed???" call.  If this were a
job, humanity would be fired.
<p>
I wonder why the understated term <a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#climatechange">"climate change"</a>
is becoming fashionable again.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Toll_highways_in_Florida)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Toll_highways_in_Florida)">Toll highways in Florida</a>)
<p>

Florida's Republican government proposes to build 300 miles
of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/11/florida-toll-roads-to-nowhere-coronavirus">unneeded toll highways</a> through vulnerable ecosystems so that
people can burn more fossil fuels.
<p>
The plan will succeed in providing income to construction companies,
filling the air with more CO2, and provide an excuse to leave poor
people without food, housing or medical care.
<p>
This is the epitome of Republican Party philosophy.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Uber_and_Lyft_put_a_referendum_on_the_ballot_in_California)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Uber_and_Lyft_put_a_referendum_on_the_ballot_in_California)">Uber and Lyft put a referendum on the ballot in California</a>)
<p>

Uber and Lyft have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/11/why-uber-and-lyft-are-taking-a-page-out-of-big-tobaccos-playbook-in-labor-law-battle">put a referendum</a> on the ballot in California to
define their drivers a new legal status combining the worst aspects of
being an employee with the worst aspects of independent contracting.
<p>
The article also describes <a href="https://stallman.org/uber">other deceptive tricks</a> that they are using.
This is in addition to making customers identify themselves and run
nonfree software,

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Salvadorean_army_officer_has_been_sentenced_to_life_in_prison)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Salvadorean_army_officer_has_been_sentenced_to_life_in_prison)">Salvadorean army officer has been sentenced to life in prison</a>)
<p>

A Salvadorean army officer has been sentenced to life in prison for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/11/ex-salvadoran-colonel-inocente-orlando-montano-jailed-for-1989-of-spanish-jesuits">ordering the political murder</a> of five Spanish priests.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Undocumented_immigrants_in_the_US_census)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Undocumented_immigrants_in_the_US_census)">Undocumented immigrants in the US census</a>)
<p>

*Trump <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/10/trump-administration-undocumented-immigrants-census-ruling">can't exclude undocumented immigrants from census</a>, judges rule.*
<p>
But if his efforts have scared them into not answering, nothing can
undo that.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(False_reports_of_fires_in_Oregon_being_set_by_Antifacists)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(False_reports_of_fires_in_Oregon_being_set_by_Antifacists)">False reports of fires in Oregon being set by Antifacists</a>)
<p>

Right-wing bullshitters spread the bullshit that Oregon's forest fires
were set by Antifascist activists, so others are calling 9-1-1 with
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/10/oregon-police-beg-public-stop-calling-false-reports-blaming-antifa-wildfires/">false reports</a> about this.
<p>
A friend suggested to me that we should say "Antifascist" rather than
"Antifa", because the latter looks like a name that could refer to
anything and many people don't know it is short for "Antifascist".

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Heart_problems_in_children_that_catch_Covid-19)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Heart_problems_in_children_that_catch_Covid-19)">Heart problems in children that catch Covid-19</a>)
<p>

A considerable number of children that catch Covid-19 <a href="https://news.uthscsa.edu/post-covid-syndrome-severely-damages-childrens-hearts-immense-inflammation-causing-cardiac-blood-vessel-dilation/">develop heart problems</a>
that may last life-long.
<p>
I cannot tell from the article what fraction of children that catch
Covid-19 go on to develop MIS-C.  I don't think their sample was
random.  But whatever the fraction is, this is a good reason to try to
keep children from catching it.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Charged_cost_of_COVID-19_antibody_test)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Charged_cost_of_COVID-19_antibody_test)">Charged cost of COVID-19 antibody test</a>)
<p>

*A Doctor Went to His Own Employer for a COVID-19 Antibody Test. It
Cost <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/a-doctor-went-to-his-own-employer-for-a-covid-19-antibody-test-it-cost-10-984">his insurance company</a> $10,984.*
<p>
The materials for the test cost 8 dollars.  The labor?  Surely not
more than $100.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Elimination_of_safety_standards_in_meat_processing_plants)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Elimination_of_safety_standards_in_meat_processing_plants)">Elimination of safety standards in meat processing plants</a>)
<p>

In 1905, an exposé convinced the US public to demand better safety
standards in meat processing plants.  This plus unions give the workers
good pay and safe practices.  Now, after a 50-year lobbying campaign,
the companies have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/09/something-rotten-big-meat-inc">eliminated both</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Path_to_ending_US_interventions_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Path_to_ending_US_interventions_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan)">Path to ending US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan</a>)
<p>

Transferring a few thousand troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan is easy
to do and would be easy to reverse; it is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/09/reducing-troops-not-same-ending-wars-peace-activists-say-trump-drawdown-iraq-not">not a step on a path to ending
the US interventions there</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(If_you_can't_afford_medical_coverage,_tough_on_you)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(If_you_can't_afford_medical_coverage,_tough_on_you)">If you can't afford medical coverage, tough on you</a>)
<p>

A Republican senator's staffer told a constituent with cancer that
buying medical coverage is just like buying a shirt &mdash; if you can't
afford it, <a href="y">tough on you</a>.
<p>
That <em>is</em> the way the US medical system operates, and it shows why we
need a national medical system that won't charge people for medical
treatment.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Trump_administration_officials_seeking_to_privatize_public_lands)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Trump_administration_officials_seeking_to_privatize_public_lands)">Trump administration officials seeking to privatize public lands</a>)
<p>

*Numerous high-ranking Trump administration officials in
the U.S. Department of the Interior are connected to right-wing
anti-environmental think tanks and legal groups funded by corporate
interests and wealthy individuals <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/09/public-citizen-report-trumps-land-privatization-was-decades-making-right-wing">seeking to privatize public lands</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Examination_of_living_in_harmony_with_nature)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Examination_of_living_in_harmony_with_nature)">Examination of living in harmony with nature</a>)
<p>

*Warning of More Pandemics to Come, Public Health Experts Urge Collective
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/09/warning-more-pandemics-come-public-health-experts-urge-collective-examination-what">Examination of</a> What it Means to Live in 'Harmony with Nature'.*
<p>
Most terrorists would hesitate before releasing a disease that was
likely to kill their own side as well as the enemy.  But bats,
unknowingly spreading a virus that can affect humans, won't be held
back by any sort of conscious consideration.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(The_wrecker_could_destroy_social_security)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(The_wrecker_could_destroy_social_security)">The wrecker could destroy social security</a>)
<p>

The head of Social Security Works says that the wrecker really could
single-handedly <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/10/fact-checking-fact-checkers-trump-does-indeed-plan-destroy-social-security">destroy Social Security</a> if he is reelected.
<p>
Unless 2/3 of the House <em>and</em> the Senate pass a law to override or
compensate for his actions.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(California_prop_22)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(California_prop_22)">California prop 22</a>)
<p>

California voters: vote no on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/11/why-uber-and-lyft-are-taking-a-page-out-of-big-tobaccos-playbook-in-labor-law-battle">prop 22</a>, the Uber exploitation exception.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Social_media_posts_that_could_be_evidence)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Social_media_posts_that_could_be_evidence)">Social media posts that could be evidence</a>)
<p>

Human Rights Watch: *Social media platforms are taking down online
content they consider terrorist, violently extremist, or hateful in a
way that prevents its potential use to <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/09/10/social-media-platforms-remove-war-crimes-evidence">investigate serious crimes</a>,
including war crimes.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(THRIVE_resolution_states)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(THRIVE_resolution_states)">THRIVE resolution states</a>)
<p>

The THRIVE resolution states support for something <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/lawmakers-progressive-coalition-unveil-framework-create-thriving-fair-and-green">similar to the
Green New Deal</a>.
<p>
Can anyone show me how it compares with previous forms of the Green New Deal?
In particular, it could be only a part of the Green New Deal proposal.
However, it could also be bigger.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Insurance_companies_are_exploiting_loopholes_to_charge_for_Covid-19_tests)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Insurance_companies_are_exploiting_loopholes_to_charge_for_Covid-19_tests)">Insurance companies are exploiting loopholes to charge for Covid-19 tests</a>)
<p>

Greedy US medical insurance companies are exploiting loopholes, even
maybe-loopholes, to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/one-many-reasons-why-single-payer-matters-profit-insurers-hitting-people-illegal">charge for Covid-19 tests</a>.
<p>
*'Falling through the cracks'
isn't the exception in the US &mdash; it's a fundamental feature of the
system.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(The_most_dangerous_phase_of_the_US_Covid-19_crisis)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(The_most_dangerous_phase_of_the_US_Covid-19_crisis)">The most dangerous phase of the US Covid-19 crisis</a>)
<p>

*The most dangerous phase of the US Covid-19 crisis may be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/10/us-covid-19-crisis-health-economy">yet to come</a>.*
<p>
It should be pointed out that the "bipartisanship" of the "CARES" Act
gave some help to poor and unemployed Americans, but a lot more help
to big companies that ought to pay more tax.  That was saving poor
people for the short term and screwing them for the long term.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Sentencing_in_Massachusetts_is_subject_to_systemic_racism)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Sentencing_in_Massachusetts_is_subject_to_systemic_racism)">Sentencing in Massachusetts is subject to systemic racism</a>)
<p>

The Chief Justice of Massachusetts ordered a study of patterns of
sentencing, and it found clear evidence of racial bias.  Since the
study controlled for other pertinent variables, there is no doubt
about the conclusion: sentencing in Massachusetts is <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/09/metro/harvard-law-study-finds-stark-racial-disparities-criminal-court-sentencing-massachusetts/">subject to
systemic racism</a>.
<p>
That the study was ordered by the state's highest judge gives me hope
it will lead to considered action to reduce the injustice.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid that bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
an exception for articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(The_USPS_governing_board_is_satisfied_with_DeJoy)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(The_USPS_governing_board_is_satisfied_with_DeJoy)">The USPS governing board is satisfied with DeJoy</a>)
<p>

The USPS governing board is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/10/dereliction-duty-outrage-usps-board-issues-gushing-praise-dejoy-amid-mail-slowdowns">100% satisfied with DeJoy</a>, both his
sabotage of the USPS and the fund-raising crimes he committed before
in support of Republicans.
<p>
What they are saying is that they are loyal members of the bullshit
party.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(South_Australia_ban_on_single-use_plastic)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(South_Australia_ban_on_single-use_plastic)">South Australia ban on single-use plastic</a>)
<p>

South Australia will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/11/south-australias-ban-on-single-use-plastic-cutlery-and-straws-hailed-as-historic">ban many kinds of single-use plastic</a> items.
<p>
This is good, but it is crucial to take action on <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#24_October_2016_(Fishing_nets)">fishing nets discarded</a>
at sea.
One idea would be to charge a large deposit for them when selling them.
Large enough that no fishing boat operator would dream of failing to turn
in a ruined net.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Tories_plan_to_lick_Covid-19)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Tories_plan_to_lick_Covid-19)">Tories plan to lick Covid-19</a>)
<p>

The Tories plan to lick Covid-19 by applying <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/boris-johnson-pinning-hopes-on-covid-testing-moonshot-leaked-papers-show">hypothetical testing technology</a>
which they will try to develop.
<p>
Meanwhile, the Tory minister in charge tells asymptomatic people they
cannot have a test.  Doesn't he know that asymptomatic people can
transmit Covid-19?
<p>
A few years ago the Tories said, as they eliminated incentives to
install home solar power, that they would lick <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> with
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#10_April_2015_(Carbon_Capture_Dreams)">hypothetical carbon capture technology</a>.

That technology still has not been developed, and people rarely talk
about it any more.
<p>
I think carbon capture and storage was a distraction technique &mdash; and
it seems to have been successful, since we still are not taking
adequate measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Australia's_untapped_gas_reserves)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Australia's_untapped_gas_reserves)">Australia's untapped gas reserves</a>)
<p>

*Australia's untapped gas reserves could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/10/australias-untapped-gas-reserves-could-unleash-three-years-worth-of-global-emissions">unleash three year's worth</a> of global
emissions.*
<p>
There is no room in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/10/australias-untapped-gas-reserves-could-unleash-three-years-worth-of-global-emissions">carbon budget</a> for any additional fossil fuel facilities.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Populations_of_vertebrates_have_dropped_since_1970)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Populations_of_vertebrates_have_dropped_since_1970)">Populations of vertebrates have dropped since 1970</a>)
<p>

Globally, populations of vertebrates have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/10/humans-exploiting-and-destroying-nature-on-unprecedented-scale-report-aoe">dropped 2/3</a> since 1970.
<p>
Populations of insects <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#23_November_2018_(Heatwaves_and_insect_fertility)">have also dropped</a> drastically, but they are not covered by this study.
<p>
What it adds up to is that we are ruining nature.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(The_FBI_strains_to_entrap_lonely_men)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(The_FBI_strains_to_entrap_lonely_men)">The FBI strains to entrap lonely men</a>)
<p>

The FBI strains to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/26/magazine/sex-offender-operation-net-nanny.html">entrap lonely men</a> into planning to meet imaginary
women who have given contradictory ideas about their age.
<p>
A few years ago it was <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#24_April_2015_(FBI_entrapment)">targeting "terrorists"</a> who had to be persuaded
to agree to participate in a fictitious plan of violence they could
never have arranged on their own.

<p>
What these two schemes have in common is that they are opportunities
to pretend to protect people from dangers that are entirely imaginary.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Boris_Johnson's_'oven-ready'_Brexit)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Boris_Johnson's_'oven-ready'_Brexit)">Boris Johnson's 'oven-ready' Brexit</a>)
<p>

*Boris Johnson's 'oven-ready' Brexit had a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/10/boris-johnson-oven-ready-brexit-cummings-withdrawal-agreement">secret footnote</a>: we'll rehash it
later.*
<p>
It is clear now that Bogus Johnson was lying to everyone all along about
his plans for taking the UK out of the EU.
<p>
Now that the Irish Republic has thrown off the legal dominion of
Catholic sexual repression, there is no reason for Northern Ireland
not to join the Irish Republic.  That would eliminate the insoluble
problems that Northern Ireland causes for UK-EU trade relations.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Maria_Kolesnikova_(Belarus_opposition_leader))" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Maria_Kolesnikova_(Belarus_opposition_leader))">Maria Kolesnikova (Belarus opposition leader)</a>)
<p>

*Maria Kolesnikova (Belarus opposition leader) says she was told she
would be leaving country <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/10/maria-kolesnikova-belarus-opposition-figure-says-authorities-threatened-to-kill-her">‘alive or in bits’</a>.*
<p>
However, they were not in fact ready to go so far; she defied them and
they did not kill her.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Global_heating_disaster_in_California)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Global_heating_disaster_in_California)">Global heating disaster in California</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/10/us-west-fire-season-california-oregon-climate-action">Global heating disaster</a> has turned life in California into fear and sickness.
No one can escape the harm.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Exiting_the_EU_with_no_agreement)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Exiting_the_EU_with_no_agreement)">Exiting the EU with no agreement</a>)
<p>

Bogus Johnson has made it clear he wants the UK to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/sep/10/fears-grow-that-uk-is-preparing-to-quit-brexit-talks">exit the EU with no
agreement</a>.
<p>
This explains why there has been very little progress towards a deal:
he was only pretending to seek a deal.  This was an enormous lie to
Britons, from a man with a history of lying.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Greenhouse_gas_emissions_back_to_level_before_Covid-19)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Greenhouse_gas_emissions_back_to_level_before_Covid-19)">Greenhouse gas emissions back to level before Covid-19</a>)
<p>

Greenhouse gas emissions have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/11/impact-of-covid-slowdown-on-co2-in-the-atmosphere-not-even-a-blip-australian-scientist-says">returned to the level</a> before Covid-19.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Thousands_left_homeless_by_refugee_camp_fire)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Thousands_left_homeless_by_refugee_camp_fire)">Thousands left homeless by refugee camp fire</a>)
<p>

*'Catastrophe' warning as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/09/catastrophe-warning-as-thousands-left-homeless-by-lesbos-refugee-camp-fire">thousands left homeless</a> by Lesbos refugee camp fire.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Former_capital_of_Senegal_is_being_lost_rapidly)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Former_capital_of_Senegal_is_being_lost_rapidly)">Former capital of Senegal is being lost rapidly</a>)
<p>

Saint Louis, former capital of Senegal, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/sep/09/the-city-being-swept-out-to-sea-nicky-quamina-woos-best-photograph-climate-crisis">being lost rapidly</a> to
rising sea levels.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Tories_wanted_to_fine_people_for_sleeping_in_doorways)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Tories_wanted_to_fine_people_for_sleeping_in_doorways)">Tories wanted to fine people for sleeping in doorways</a>)
<p>

Tories wanted to pass town laws to fine people for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/09/dorset-council-rejects-tory-plan-to-fine-people-for-sleeping-in-doorways">sleeping in doorways</a>.
<p>
It is bad to have people sleeping in doorways that people will need to
go through.  But why would anyone do that?  Lack of any better
shelter, I'd expect.  The town should provide poor people with decent
places to sleep, places that will not be bad for others, or for them.
How about if they can also spend the day in their homes?
<p>
However, Tories are in favor of government handouts to make sure
somewhat wealthy people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/09/racist-responses-to-marcus-rashfords-campaign-for-children-are-no-surprise">lose no luxuries</a> due to the economic crisis.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(The_wrecker_played_down_the_coronavirus_threat)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(The_wrecker_played_down_the_coronavirus_threat)">The wrecker played down the coronavirus threat</a>)
<p>

*The wrecker knew the extent of the deadly coronavirus threat in
February but intentionally misled the public by deciding to "play it
down", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/09/trump-bob-woodward-book-rage-coronavirus">according to interviews</a> recorded by Bob Woodward.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Warm_ocean_water_eroding_the_Thwaites_glacier_in_the_Antarctic)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Warm_ocean_water_eroding_the_Thwaites_glacier_in_the_Antarctic)">Warm ocean water eroding the Thwaites glacier in the Antarctic</a>)
<p>

*British scientists have mapped cavities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/cavities-threaten-glacier-great-britain-thwaites">half the size of the Grand
Canyon</a> that are allowing warm ocean water to erode the vast Thwaites
glacier in the Antarctic, accelerating the rise of sea levels across
the world.*
<p>
I think as-yet-undiscovered mechanisms will tend to encourage the
movement towards thermal equilibrium rather than retard it.
If you live in a low-lying city, and you are young, don't expect it
to remain.

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Preventing_Fauci_from_discussing_Covid_children_risk)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Preventing_Fauci_from_discussing_Covid_children_risk)">Preventing Fauci from discussing Covid children risk</a>)
<p>

*Trumpet preventing Fauci from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/09/fauci-coronavirus-children-dangers-trump-official">discussing Covid children risk</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="12_September_2020_(Brian_Murphy_filed_a_whistleblower_complaint_denouncing_DHS)" />12 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_September_2020_(Brian_Murphy_filed_a_whistleblower_complaint_denouncing_DHS)">Brian Murphy filed a whistleblower complaint denouncing DHS</a>)
<p>

Brian Murphy accuses the trumpets running the DHS of ordering him to
fabricate intelligence, and suppress other intelligence, so as to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/09/trump-whistleblower-russia-election-threat">mislead the public</a>.  Eventually they demoted him for refusing, and he
has filed a whistleblower complaint denouncing them.
<p>
I believe he is sincere, because filing a complaint is a serious
matter.
<p>
I am curious what his job title was &mdash; the article does not say.
<p>
In general, I agree that China is a bigger threat to world freedom
than Russia.  Whether that means Xi threatens the US election more
than Putin, I have no idea.  But it is clear that rich Americans
threaten the US election more than any foreign country.  However,
those are all side issues for this.  What we see is that the corrupter
is corrupting US government agencies, and the trumpets who run them
are lying to congress.  They should go to prison for that.

<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Urgent:_Violation_of_Hatch_Act)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Urgent:_Violation_of_Hatch_Act)">Urgent: Violation of Hatch Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/trump-political-rules/?t=1001&akid=27071%2E96703%2EmIZpnH">call on Congress</a> to investigate officials' violation of
the Hatch Act.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Government_debt_and_Covid)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Government_debt_and_Covid)">Government debt and Covid</a>)
<p>
*New Zealand [and other countries too] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/10/new-zealand-must-cast-off-its-worries-about-government-debt-in-its-covid-recovery">must cast off its worries about
government debt in its Covid recovery</a>.*

<p>
Modern monetary theory teaches that a country can increase its money
supply and spend the newly created money without causing harm,
provided the economy can absorb the additional currency.  I think that
means, in effect, provided it won't overload the productive capacity
in the long term.  New Zealand and other countries with their own
currencies have this solution available too,

<p>
Poor Euro zone!  Those countries will be crushed by the disaster of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#15_March_2015_(Euro-zone)">the vicious cycle of budget cuts that cause more budget cuts, required
by Euro-zone rules</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(National_emergency)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(National_emergency)">National emergency</a>)
<p>
The president of the UK Police Superintendents’ Association <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/08/police-losing-legitimacy-among-people-of-colour-top-officers-say">described the
injustice of policing towards nonwhites as a national emergency</a>.

<p>
The US has a long way to go before something comparable could occur.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Credit_score)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Credit_score)">Credit score</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/equifax-assures-woman-that-drop-in-credit-score-unrelat-1844985391">satire</a>) *Equifax assured her that a recent drop in her credit score
   was unrelated to anything. “While your credit score is
   significantly lower now, we just want to you to keep in mind that
   you had absolutely no control over it.”*


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Booby_traps_against_protesters)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Booby_traps_against_protesters)">Booby traps against protesters</a>)
<p>
B'tselem: Israeli soldiers planted explosive booby traps at places
where the children of the Palestinian town of Kufr Qaddum often play,
<a href="https://www.972mag.com/kufr-qaddum-protests-dehumanization/">and where people gather for their weekly nonviolent protests</a>.

<p>
This is perhaps the most shocking form of Israeli violence against
protesters, but soldiers have attacked protesters many times 
occasionally kill them.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Malnutrition)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Malnutrition)">Malnutrition</a>)
<p>
*<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/content/malnutrition-stalks-gaza/31086">Malnutrition stalks Gaza</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Soldier_killing_civilians)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Soldier_killing_civilians)">Soldier killing civilians</a>)
<p>
An Israeli soldier shot two Palestinians, a few minutes apart, for no
reason.  The second one died, and &mdash; amazingly &mdash; the soldier was
actually prosecuted <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/B1aXwLBQv">and sentenced to three months in jail</a>.
  Plus three months of community service.

<p>
Israel's failure to prosecute most Israelis that kill Palestinians
means that <a href="https://al-shabaka.org/summaries/is-israels-reluctance-to-prosecute-suspected-criminals-an-opportunity/">the International Criminal Court has an opportunity to do so</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(National_medical_system)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(National_medical_system)">National medical system</a>)
<p>
It would be awfully ironic if the wrecker won the election for real
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/08/trump-biden-and-possible-october-single-payer-surprise">by saying he would implement a national medical system</a>.

<p>
It would be even more ironic when, after election day, he turned
against the idea again.  That is just like him.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(METI)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(METI)">METI</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/aliens-pointedly-ignoring-meti-transmissions-thought-sc-1844986858">satire</a>) *hellip;aliens pointedly avoiding METI
   transmissions confirmed Wednesday that they really thought Earth’s
   scientists would’ve taken the hint by now.*



<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Interns)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Interns)">Interns</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-selects-fall-interns-1844985784">satire</a>) *&hellip;the Lord God Almighty confirmed Wednesday that He had
selected a new class of interns for the fall.*


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Federal_Reserve_and_recession)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Federal_Reserve_and_recession)">Federal Reserve and recession</a>)
<p>
The Federal Reserve <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/09/no-federal-reserve-cannot-make-senate-gops-inaction">is the wrong tool to help America out of a recession</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Interrogation_of_journalists)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Interrogation_of_journalists)">Interrogation of journalists</a>)
<p>
China accuses Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/09/china-accuses-australia-of-raiding-chinese-journalists-homes-in-serious-political-incident">of interrogating Chinese journalists and
telling them to hush it up</a>.

<p>
China is hardly hesitant to lie or distort, but this could be true.
Australia does things like that, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#19_August_2020_(Australian_officials_illegally_bugged_East_Timor's_negotiating_team)">such as the secret prosecution
of a whistleblower</a>
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#15_July_2020_(Secret_menace_to_software_developers)">the law that threatens every free software developer in the world</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Confession_of_abusers_of_minors)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Confession_of_abusers_of_minors)">Confession of abusers of minors</a>)
<p>
Queensland, Australia, has passed a law requiring Catholic priests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/09/new-laws-in-queensland-mean-priests-no-longer-protected-by-seal-of-confession">to
testify about what they learn in confessions about sexual abuse of
minors by priests</a>.

<p>
The aim is laudable, but I doubt this law will actually produce much
evidence.

<p>
This reminds me of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#28_April_2016_(Boston_College_will_hand_tapes)">the US court ruling that seized the recordings made
by an American project that had interviewed former IRA terrorists and
promised to keep the recordings secret for a long time</a>.  Until after
their death, I think.
  Without that promise, they would not have made recordings.

<p>
The effect of this ruling was to set aside the premise and obtain the
evidence from that one set of terrorists, but also to bar any similar
future projects about other violent disputes.  Instead of learning
what happened, at some future time, we won't learn it ever.  In the
long term, I think we are worse off.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(Forbidding_foreign_reporters)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(Forbidding_foreign_reporters)">Forbidding foreign reporters</a>)
<p>
It appears Chairman Xi has decided <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/how-chinas-strained-relationship-with-foreign-media-unravelled">to cease allowing foreign reporters
in China</a>.
  Concealing dirty secrets that the reporters might get wind of is
more important than the benefit of cooperating with foreign press.

<p>
It might be interesting to set up a treaty imposing tariffs on the exports
the countries that repress the foreign press.


<p>
<li><a name="11_September_2020_(More_unequal_than_Victorian_times)"/>11 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_September_2020_(More_unequal_than_Victorian_times)">More unequal than Victorian times</a>)
<p>
*Covid risks making [UK] society <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/covid-risks-making-society-more-unequal-than-since-early-victorian-times">more unequal than since early
Victorian times</a>.*

<p>
Tory cuts to the NHS and other programs that give poor people
a decent life began the process.



<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(No_running_from_exile)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(No_running_from_exile)">No running from exile</a>)
<p>
Bolivia's pseudo-coup-installed government found an excuse to stop Evo
Morales from running for the senate: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200909124223/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/07/world/americas/bolivia-court-morales-senate.html">they have driven him into exile</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Arresting_all_opposition_leaders)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Arresting_all_opposition_leaders)">Arresting all opposition leaders</a>)
<p>
Lukashenko is arresting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/belarus-opposition-figure-maxim-znak-taken-from-office-by-masked-men">all the opposition leaders he can get his hands on</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Berlusconi_and_Covid-19)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Berlusconi_and_Covid-19)">Berlusconi and Covid-19</a>)
<p>
Berlusconi <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/09/silvio-berlusconi-fighting-hellish-case-coronavirus-italy">has a severe case of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I hope the right-wingers in Italy that despise wearing masks
learn something from this.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Selling_more_pollution)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Selling_more_pollution)">Selling more pollution</a>)
<p>
Companies are selling car owners devices to modify their cars
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/09/auto-car-emissions-defeat-devices-delete-kits">to be more powerful and emit more pollution</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(California_fires)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(California_fires)">California fires</a>)
<p>
*Thousands displaced by the [big 2018 California] fire have not returned to the
   communities devastated by it. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/09/trauma-fear-homelessness-paradise-camp-fire-migrants-climate-change">It’s a scenario that will repeat as fire
   risk intensifies</a>.*

<p>
If I lived in California with a forest nearby, I'd be looking to move away.
I wouldn't wait for a fire to burn my house.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Climate_crisis_displacement)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Climate_crisis_displacement)">Climate crisis displacement</a>)
<p>
*Climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/climate-crisis-could-displace-12bn-people-by-2050-report-warns">could displace 1.2bn people by 2050, report warns</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Fires_in_high-rise_apartment_buildings)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Fires_in_high-rise_apartment_buildings)">Fires in high-rise apartment buildings</a>)
<p>
A UK government inquiry recommended measures to protect against future
fires in high-rise apartment buildings.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/09/grenfell-tory-mps-inquiry-betray-recommendations">The Tories have refused to
adopt them</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Commitment_to_green_electricity)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Commitment_to_green_electricity)">Commitment to green electricity</a>)
<p>
Australia's opposition leader <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/09/australia-can-be-a-renewable-energy-superpower-anthony-albanese-declares">has made a commitment to exporting green
electricity instead of fossil fuels</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Confession_of_killing_Rohingya)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Confession_of_killing_Rohingya)">Confession of killing Rohingya</a>)
<p>
Two soldiers from the Burmese army recorded confessions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/08/myanmar-soldiers-tell-of-rohingya-killings-rapes-and-mass-burials">of carrying
out mass killings of Rohingya, under orders</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Justice_Department_taking_up_liability_for_damages)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Justice_Department_taking_up_liability_for_damages)">Justice Department taking up liability for damages</a>)
<p>
The wrecker has told the "Justice Department" to make the US take up
the liability for damages, as well as defense costs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/08/trump-defamation-justice-department-e-jean-carroll-rape-accusation">in E Jean
Carroll's lawsuit accusing him of raping her</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Hate_and_love_of_testing)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Hate_and_love_of_testing)">Hate and love of testing</a>)
<p>
*Why Does [the wrecker] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/08/why-does-trump-hate-covid-testing-love-standardized-testing">Hate COVID Testing But Love Standardized
Testing [of students]</a>?*

<p>
I think it is a rational decision.  He desires the election chaos that
spreading Covid-19 could bring.  Cancelling standardized tests won't
create chaos at all, let alone chaos that he can profit from.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Pledge_for_vaccine)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Pledge_for_vaccine)">Pledge for vaccine</a>)
<p>
Some pharma companies have pledged not to ask for approval of a vaccine
without success in a phase 3 blind trial, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/what-it-has-come-amid-fears-politicization-fda-big-pharma-pledge-stand-science-met">even though the wrecker
wants them to</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Fourth_World_country)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Fourth_World_country)">Fourth World country</a>)
<p>
The US has sunk <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/08/fourth-world-or-american-carnage-pandemic-president">from the First World to become the first Fourth World
country</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Waiting_to_build_school_correctly)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Waiting_to_build_school_correctly)">Waiting to build school correctly</a>)
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/local-villagers-just-waiting-around-for-american-volunt-1844942213">satire</a>) *&hellip; inhabitants of a rural Kenyan village
   confirmed Tuesday that they were waiting for a group of eager but
   unskilled American volunteers to leave so they could rebuild their
   school correctly.*


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Investigation_Into_DeJoy)"/>10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Investigation_Into_DeJoy)">Investigation Into DeJoy</a>)
<p>
*Citing 'Criminal Exposure' in Straw-Donor Scheme and Possible Perjury, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/citing-criminal-exposure-straw-donor-scheme-and-possible-perjury-house-announces">House
Announces Investigation Into DeJoy</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Sturgis_Motorcycle_Rally_Covid-19_cases)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Sturgis_Motorcycle_Rally_Covid-19_cases)">Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Covid-19 cases</a>)
<p>

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/worst-case-scenario-report-finds-sturgis-motorcycle-rally-superspreader-event">indirectly led to 260,000 cases of Covid-19</a>,
which is likely to include at least hundreds of deaths.
<p>
Gratuitous foolish disease spreading on subsequent occasions must
have contributed.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(How_the_World_Bank_rates_every_country)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(How_the_World_Bank_rates_every_country)">How the World Bank rates every country</a>)
<p>

The World Bank <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/08/world-bank-must-permanently-end-ideologically-driven-doing-business-rankings">rates every country</a> on the "ease of doing business",
which turns out to mean the "ease of big foreign companies' muscling in."

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(EU_deaths_caused_by_environmental_pollution)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(EU_deaths_caused_by_environmental_pollution)">EU deaths caused by environmental pollution</a>)
<p>

13% of deaths in the EU are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/covid-19-pandemic-yet-another-wake-call-1-8-deaths-across-eu-tied-environmental">caused by environmental pollution</a>.
<p>
It could be worse in the US, where the environmental standards are
weaker and enforcement is not very good either.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Covid-19_is_intensifying_famines)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Covid-19_is_intensifying_famines)">Covid-19 is intensifying famines</a>)
<p>

Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/un-warns-pandemic-intensified-famines-are-looming-endangering-lives-millions">intensifying famines</a> in many parts of the world.  The UN
predicts that around 265 million people will be on the brink of
statement by the end of this year.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Urgent:_Coal_power_construction)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Urgent:_Coal_power_construction)">Urgent: Coal power construction</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on Samsung to <a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/samsung-vung-ang-2/">stop participating in coal power construction</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_Rochester_officials)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Urgent:_call_on_Rochester_officials)">Urgent: call on Rochester officials</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on Rochester officials to (1) <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Justice_For_Daniel_Prude/">prosecute the thugs</a> that
killed Daniel Prude, and (2) stop sending <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to "help" people
having mental breakdowns.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Australian_scientists'_warnings_about_environmental_damage)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Australian_scientists'_warnings_about_environmental_damage)">Australian scientists' warnings about environmental damage</a>)
<p>

Hundreds of Australian scientists say that the government and
businesses are gagging them when they try to warn about coming damage
to the environment, and altering their writing, effectively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/australian-scientists-say-logging-mining-and-climate-advice-is-being-suppressed">putting
lies in their mouths</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(The_Rochester_thug_department_chief)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(The_Rochester_thug_department_chief)">The Rochester thug department chief</a>)
<p>

The Rochester thug department chief and his deputy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/08/daniel-prude-death-rochester-police-chief-deputy-retire">have resigned</a>.
<p>
That's progress, but their replacements must act, with the city's firm
support, to curb the violence and lies of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  This would be a good
time to shift jobs other than confronting real criminals to other
departments.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(High_cost_of_air_pollution_to_society)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(High_cost_of_air_pollution_to_society)">High cost of air pollution to society</a>)
<p>

Air pollution has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/09/air-pollution-causes-3m-lost-working-days-per-year-in-uk-says-cbi">high cost to society</a>.
<p>
It would make sense, in a democratic society, to take big steps
to reduce pollution.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(California's_megafires)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(California's_megafires)">California's megafires</a>)
<p>

California's megafires have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/08/california-wildfires-torch-2m-acres-blazes-force-evacuations">burned over 3100 square miles</a>, which
is more than 2% of California's land area. And the fire season still has months to run.
<p>
20 years from now, the average year will be like this year.  A bad
year will be far worse.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Evidence_to_prosecute_Purdue_Pharma)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Evidence_to_prosecute_Purdue_Pharma)">Evidence to prosecute Purdue Pharma</a>)
<p>

In 2006, the US government had evidence to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/08/us-justice-department-opioid-crisis-purdue">prosecute Purdue Pharma</a>,
but it did not.  We don't know why not.

<p>
<li><a name="10_September_2020_(Charges_of_journalism)" />10 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_September_2020_(Charges_of_journalism)">Charges of journalism</a>)
<p>

Two Australian journalists in China were barred from leaving until
they answered questions about a third Australian journalist who is in
some sort of jail and being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/08/cheng-lei-china-says-australian-news-anchor-was-arrested-on-national-security-grounds">investigated for charges of journalism</a>.
<p>
Governments that are highly repressive and secretive tend to be quick to
equate asking nosy questions with spying.  Of course, asking nosy questions
is the job of a good journalist,
<p>
The US government has been becoming more repressive and secretive in
recent decades, and we see the effects of that in the prosecution
of Julian Assange.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Remote_school_to_prison_pipeline)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Remote_school_to_prison_pipeline)">Remote school to prison pipeline</a>)
<p>
Remote school does not protect children from the school-to-prison
pipeline.  Colorado school officials suspended a child for playing
with a nerf gun (a harmless toy which does not look like a real gun)
while visible on camera, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/08/colorado-springs-boy-suspended-toy-gun-virtual-class-police">then sent a thug to his house</a>.

<p>
It's not that the officials are unable to tell the difference between
a real gun and a nerf gun.  It's not that they can't tell the
difference between having a gun near you and seeing one on TV.  It is
much worse than that: they have been convinced that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#16_August_2013_(Lunatic_zero_tolerance_policies_in_schools)">it is their job to
ignore the difference</a>.

<p>
This is much worse, because it can become far more widespread.  We can
expect that not more than a handful of school officials would lose
track of the difference between reality and a picture; but if someone
teaches them to ignore the difference, they could all do it!

<p>
The article presents this as a matter of racism.  The child is black,
and the parents assume the officials acted insanely because of that.
Perhaps they did, but the article does not present evidence for that.
Maybe they would have been insanely cruel to any child, regardless of
race.

<p>
Let's hope these parents sue the pants off them, so they and other
school officials will learn not to do this to any child, ever.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Protection)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Protection)">Protection</a>)
<p>
The UK's thug minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/08/extinction-rebellion-criminals-threaten-uks-way-of-life-says-priti-patel">vows to protect Britons from Extinction Rebellion</a>.

<p>
Who will protect Britons from extinction?


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Thugs_shooting_a_13_years_old)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Thugs_shooting_a_13_years_old)">Thugs shooting a 13 years old</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Salt Lake City answered a 9-1-1 call from a woman who said
her unarmed 13-year-old son was uncontrollably upset.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/08/linden-cameron-police-shooting-boy-autism-utah">They treated him
as if he were an armed and dangerous gangster</a>.

<p>
The shots did not kill him, but after those injuries he may wish they
had.

<p>
This is a precise example of the reason behind "Defund the police".
The city should have sent an unarmed team of calmers and deescalaters,
not <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(War_on_Terror)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(War_on_Terror)">War on Terror</a>)
<p>
*'Horrifically Catastrophic': Report Finds So-Called US War on Terror <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/08/horrifically-catastrophic-report-finds-so-called-us-war-terror-has-displaced-many-59">Has Displaced as Many as 59 Million People</a>.*

<p>
On the other hand, it might be as few as 37 million people &mdash; which is still
a global calamity.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Carbon_capture)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Carbon_capture)">Carbon capture</a>)
<p>
*Rise in carbon capture as global warming speeds growth of forests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/08/shorter-lifespan-of-faster-growing-trees-will-add-to-climate-crisis-study-finds">would
be negated by earlier deaths, say scientists</a>.*

<p>
I wonder if we could counteract that by cutting down those trees while
they are large, then somehow preserving the wood from decay.  But that
is a far-fetched idea, and if it doesn't work, we must stop letting
companies distract us <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#26_October_2013_(The_carbon_budget)">with "carbon offsets" and "net carbon emissions"</a> and
accept no substitute for <em>less emission</em>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Michael_Cohen's_repentance)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Michael_Cohen's_repentance)">Michael Cohen's repentance</a>)
<p>
Is publishing a book denouncing the conman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/08/michael-cohen-is-scathing-about-donald-trump-so-why-did-he-spend-years-enabling-him">enough repentance to forgive
Michael Cohen for decades of serving him</a>?


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Opportunity)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Opportunity)">Opportunity</a>)
<p>
*The pandemic is an opportunity <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/08/pandemic-covid-19-work-society">to reconsider what makes a good life</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(The_next_Dalai_Lama)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(The_next_Dalai_Lama)">The next Dalai Lama</a>)
<p>
The Tibetan Policy and Support Act would have the US <a href="https://savetibet.org/why-tibet/tibet-support-act/">officially reject
and punish China's intended attempt to appoint the next Dalai Lama</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(The_Real_Hoax)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(The_Real_Hoax)">The Real Hoax</a>)
<p>
*The Real 'Hoax' in America <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/06/real-hoax-america-record-wall-street-profits-nations-jobless-millions-cannot-afford">Is Record Wall Street Profits as Nation's Jobless
Millions Cannot Afford Rent</a>.*

<p>
Rage is building.  But Republicans fool the enraged public into
directing their rage against masks and disease-prevention precautions,
instead of the proper targets: the plutocrats and the politicians that
serve them.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Unprofitable_even_in_the_short_term)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Unprofitable_even_in_the_short_term)">Unprofitable even in the short term</a>)
<p>
The fossil fuel industry, deadly in the long term, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/07/big-dirty-money-behind-california-wildfires">is unprofitable overall
even in the short term</a>.

<p>
However, the big fossil fuel companies are not hurting enough to shut down.
If they are not making profits in the way we were taught to think of
business as making profits, I suspect they are running something we would
consider a scam if we knew about it.
  

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Barring_Amnesty_International_from_Assange_hearing)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Barring_Amnesty_International_from_Assange_hearing)">Barring Amnesty International from Assange hearing</a>)
<p>
The UK barred Amnesty International and other human rights groups <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/07/not-normal-human-rights-press-freedom-advocates-denied-remote-access-assange-hearing">from
monitoring Julian Assange's extradition hearing</a>.

<p>
The UK government now believes it can get away with all sorts of repression
and anti democratic behavior.  I hope it is mistaken.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Constant_pain)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Constant_pain)">Constant pain</a>)
<p>
Jacob Blake describes his life as constant pain.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/07/hurts-breathe-sleep-move-eat-first-public-remarks-being-shot-jacob-blake-describes">Every movement
hurts</a>.

<p>
I hope it gets less painful as his wounds heal.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(PRO_Act)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(PRO_Act)">PRO Act</a>)
<p>
Americans, pay attention to the PRO Act, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/07/21st-century-priority-pro-act-will-revive-labor-movement-and-re-build-middle-class">which would help workers
unionize</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Mulan)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Mulan)">Mulan</a>)
<p>
The remake of Mulan was filmed partly in Xinjiang with the help
of a Chinese government agency <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/07/disney-remake-of-mulan-criticised-for-filming-in-xinjiang">that also runs brainwashing camps</a>.

<p>
It may seem advantageous that US commercial culture production sells
well in China, but it gives the Chinese government influence <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/07/mulan-disney-live-action-remake-hong-kong-china">over what
American companies say or show to the rest of the world about China</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Dejoy_investigations)"/>9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Dejoy_investigations)">Dejoy investigations</a>)
<p>
Postmaster Dejoy faces investigation in North Carolina for the crime
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/louis-dejoy-campaign-contributions/2020/09/06/1187bc2c-e3fe-11ea-8181-606e603bb1c4_story.html">of passing campaign contributions through intermediaries</a>.

<p>
The wrecker cannot pardon him from state charges and his flunky in
charge of the "Justice Department" <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/07/postmaster-general-urged-immediately-step-aside-north-carolina-ag-backs-probe">cannot call off the investigation</a>.

<p>
However, I don't see how this investigation could make Dejoy undo the
harm he has done to mail delivery.  I doubt he could even be charged
before election day.

<p>
Firing him would not help either, because he is not an individual
criminal loner.  He is part of a shameless political machine.  If he
were gone, the wrecker would put in another hatchet man to finish the
job.


<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Former_Salvadorean_minister_on_trial_in_Spain)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Former_Salvadorean_minister_on_trial_in_Spain)">Former Salvadorean minister on trial in Spain</a>)
<p>

A former Salvadorean minister is now on trial in Spain for ordering
the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/07/spanish-trial-brings-hope-of-justice-for-victims-of-salvadoran-death-squads">murder of six Spanish priests</a> during the country's war of repression.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Landlords_will_install_Alexa_listening_devices)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Landlords_will_install_Alexa_listening_devices)">Landlords will install Alexa listening devices</a>)
<p>

Landlords will <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/qj45kx/amazon-wants-alexa-to-move-into-your-apartment-before-you-do">install Alexa listening devices</a> and claim that entitles
them to a higher rent.
<p>
I think the crucial question is whether the tenants can physically
disconnect it.
<p>
Alexa for Residential will help people (including landlords) <a href="https://gizmodo.com/amazons-alexa-for-landlords-is-a-privacy-nightmare-wait-1844943607">snoop on
each other</a>.
<p>
How about passing laws that forbid landlords from requiring tenants to
tolerate microphones or cameras inside the property they rent?
<p>
Requiring tenants to use an "online portal" (which is
likely to require running nonfree Javascript software and could make
tenants sign away their rights) should be forbidden as well.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Assange_extradition_hearing)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Assange_extradition_hearing)">Assange extradition hearing</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/sep/07/julian-assange-extradition-hearing-begins-at-old-bailey-wikileaks">Assange's lawyers charge</a> that the US replaced the indictment trying to
disguise the invalidity of the extradition request.  They also
complain about being denied the opportunity to meet with their client.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Violent_police_arrest_in_Hong_Kong)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Violent_police_arrest_in_Hong_Kong)">Violent police arrest in Hong Kong</a>)
<p>

*Hong Kong shocked by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/07/hong-kong-violent-police-arrest-of-12-year-old-girl">violent police arrest</a> of 12-year-old girl.*
<p>
That's what <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> do when they perceive the people as enemies.
We see it in the US too.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(Australia_plans_to_reduce_environmental_protections)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(Australia_plans_to_reduce_environmental_protections)">Australia plans to reduce environmental protections</a>)
<p>

Australia's extractivist government plans to reduce environmental
protections to permit more mining.  Conservationists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/07/unesco-urged-to-oppose-alarming-changes-to-australian-environment-laws">ask UNESCO to object</a>
since the change would imperil world heritage sites.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(China_has_been_working_to_do_away_with_Tibetan_culture)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(China_has_been_working_to_do_away_with_Tibetan_culture)">China has been working to do away with Tibetan culture</a>)
<p>

China has been working for 80 years to <a href="https://savetibet.org/tibetan-prayer-flags-forced-down-by-chinese-authorities/">do away with Tibetan culture</a>.
<p>
The methods developed in repression of the Uighurs may now be used
to <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/31/tibet-china-repression-xinjiang-sinicization/">sinicize Tibetans</a>.
It's making me sinical about China's intentions ;-}.
<p>
It is true that Tibet was a feudal society in 1950.  But ending
feudalism did not have to be followed by assimilation, and forced
inclusion in an even worse system of government.  China could have
ended the feudalism and left Tibetans mostly alone, and come out
admired.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(A_Tennessee_thug_faces_criminal_charges)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(A_Tennessee_thug_faces_criminal_charges)">A Tennessee thug faces criminal charges</a>)
<p>

A Tennessee thug faces criminal charges for <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2020/09/04/fired-thp-trooper-arrested-assault-charge-after-confronting-protester/5714218002/">attacking Andrew Golden</a>, who
was making a video of a traffic stop from a safe distance.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> should be charged with reckless endangerment for breathing,
maskless, in Golden's face with no justification.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(The_bully_backed_off_on_newspaper_Stars_and_Stripes)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(The_bully_backed_off_on_newspaper_Stars_and_Stripes)">The bully backed off on newspaper Stars and Stripes</a>)
<p>

The bully <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-trump-media/after-criticism-trump-says-pentagon-will-not-shut-down-military-newspaper-idUSKBN25V2XN">backed off</a> on his plan to close the newspaper Stars and
Stripes.

<p>
<li><a name="9_September_2020_(To_understand_the_bullshitter)" />9 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_September_2020_(To_understand_the_bullshitter)">To understand the bullshitter</a>)
<p>

Matt Taibbi: To understand the bullshitter, <a href="https://taibbi.substack.com/p/the-trump-era-sucks-and-needs-to">think if him as a salesman
who sells the experience of being sold to</a>.  Just what he says he is
selling makes no difference to him.
<p>
The Democratic Party can't make a serious response because it has no
serious response to America's problems, and its attempts to respond
play into the bullshitter's hands.
<p>
I am no expert, but I think we should ignore his outrageous verbal
provocations, and focus on the real harm he does, and the good we can do.

<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Support_Assange)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Support_Assange)">Support Assange</a>)
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://defend.wikileaks.org/2020/08/31/decentralised-month-of-solidarity-with-assange-whistleblowers-and-press-freedom-worldwide/">support the decentralized month of solidarity with Assange</a>,
Whistleblowers and Press Freedom.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Anti_right_to_repair_FUD)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Anti_right_to_repair_FUD)">Anti right to repair FUD</a>)
<p>
Car companies are spreading FUD <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/qj4ayw/auto-industry-tv-ads-claim-right-to-repair-benefits-sexual-predators">to try to defeat the Massachusetts
right to repair initiative</a>.

<p>
The truly dangerous data predators are the car companies themselves.
But you can block them, and anyone else that wants to track your car,
by converting it into a disconnected car.  Disconnect (or cover with
metal foil) its cellular antenna and its GPS antenna.  If warranty
considerations would preclude turning off the antennas, get a car
that's out of warranty.

<p>
And do vote for the right-to-repair initiative if you live in
Massachusetts.  Next step: require cars to let the owner control what
data to collect and/or make available to anyone.

<p>
Ultimately, the computers in the car that can communicate sensitive
data, or allow installation of different versions of software, should
run exclusively free software and the owner should be able to install
modified versions.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Bad_organization_of_medical_system)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Bad_organization_of_medical_system)">Bad organization of medical system</a>)
<p>
The reason the US can't set up enough Covid-19 testing is bad
organization of its medical system.  Other countries have done an
excellent job of this, <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/science/medical-dispatch/we-can-solve-the-coronavirus-test-mess-now-if-we-want-to">using techniques that the US could employ if
were willing to make the necessary organizational changes</a>,


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Hedge_fund)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Hedge_fund)">Hedge fund</a>)
<p>
Hedge fund and private equity "investments" <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2020/09/22-year-study-finds-hedge-fund-managers-collect-64-of-investors-gross-returns.html">turn out to be rip-offs
for the investors</a>.

<p>
What private equity "invests" in is trashing companies and jobs.  If
our government were not under the thumb of the billionaires that run these
"investments", we would prohibit them.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Bringing_back_imperialism)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Bringing_back_imperialism)">Bringing back imperialism</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an <a href="https://time.com/5885650/erdogans-ottoman-worry-world/">is trying to bring back Turkish imperialism as well as
Islamism</a>.

<p>
It is a danger, but mainly in the long term.  One exception: the
discovery of large natural gas reserves is always terrifying, because
someone might extract them and burn them.  We can hope that
international tensions will keep the gas in the ground, but it would
more reliable to sign an agreement to that effect.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(45_kills_a_year)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(45_kills_a_year)">45 kills a year</a>)
<p>
Thugs in Los Angeles county kill around 45 people a year, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/06/los-angeles-police-killings-dijon-kizzee-andres-guardado">and they're on track
to do it again this year</a>.

<p>
Often they shoot people for running away, which means implies that the
victims were not threatening them and there was no need to shoot them.

<p>
I'm in favor of defunding the sheriff's department.  There is little
chance of reforming the brutal culture of such an organization while
keeping the same personnel.  LA county needs some sort of law
enforcement, but it should be restructured.  Perhaps one department to
enforce traffic codes and that's all, and another to respond when
people need practical or medical help.  A smaller police department
could be called only to deal with dangerous crime.

<p>
It seems more efficient to have the same personnel do all sorts of jobs,
but it is asking for trouble.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(About_Michael_Reinoehl)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(About_Michael_Reinoehl)">About Michael Reinoehl</a>)
<p>
About Michael Reinoehl, armed Black Lives Matter protester <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/04/portland-shooting-suspect-michael-reinoehl">who killed
one of a violent right-wing group that attacked a protest</a>.

<p>
We can't take for granted that the statements by cops are accurate.
Did he really pull a gun when cops tried to arrest him?  It is the
sort of thing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> frequently fabricate, but it might be true.  He
may have committed "suicide by cop".

<p>
I believe Reinoehl's statement that his intention on various
circumstances was to protect people, but I won't take for granted that
the specifics he states are accurate.  Was Danielson trying to stab a
BLM protester?  IANAL, but I suppose that would have made killing him
justifiable.
 
<p>
I hope that we find out the truth.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Freedom_of_expression_and_databases)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Freedom_of_expression_and_databases)">Freedom of expression and databases</a>)
<p>
Clearview AI argues, stretching the idea of freedom of expression,
that it includes the right to make a database of photos of millions of people
and systematically recognize people against it.  <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/04/opinion/getting-first-amendment-wrong/">This article argues the
contrary</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Prioritizing_creditors)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Prioritizing_creditors)">Prioritizing creditors</a>)
<p>
The US is being crushed by the decision to prioritize creditors
(particularly large, powerful creditors) over the rest of society.
<a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2020/09/michael-hudson-how-an-act-of-god-pandemic-is-destroying-the-west-the-u-s-is-saving-the-financial-sector-not-the-economy.html">We need a debt jubilee</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Plea_deal)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Plea_deal)">Plea deal</a>)
<p>
A prosecutor in Louisville offered Breonna Taylor's ex, accused of
drug trafficking, <a href="https://www.kalb.com/2020/08/31/attorney-says-jamarcus-glover-was-offered-plea-deal-to-name-breonna-taylor-as-co-defendant/">a plea deal in which he would say that she was
involved in the transaction</a>.

<p>
Now the prosecutor argues that since the offer was made during
negotiations, and was not the final plea deal offer, we should imagine
that it never happened.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Terrifyingly_easy_trip_to_the_North_Pole)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Terrifyingly_easy_trip_to_the_North_Pole)">Terrifyingly easy trip to the North Pole</a>)
<p>
The icebreaker Polarstern had a very quick and easy trip to the North
Pole, Terrifyingly easy.  <a href="https://earther.gizmodo.com/scientists-made-an-alarmingly-easy-trip-to-the-north-po-1844858358">The Arctic ice has lost 75% of its volume in
the past 30 years</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Facebook_and_right_wing_extremism)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Facebook_and_right_wing_extremism)">Facebook and right wing extremism</a>)
<p>
Arguing that Facebook deliberately promotes right wing extremism
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/08/31/facebook-is-a-parallel-unive.html">because it would benefit from a Republican victory</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Bombing_of_Libya)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Bombing_of_Libya)">Bombing of Libya</a>)
<p>
The US bombing of Libya in 2011 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/03/obamas-biggest-mistake-still-wreaking-havoc">caused a disaster that has harmed many
countries in North Africa</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(In_charge_of_building_dense_housing)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(In_charge_of_building_dense_housing)">In charge of building dense housing</a>)
<p>
Putting the residents in each community in charge of building new,
dense housing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/06/want-to-build-high-rise-homes-for-74000-more-people-in-wellington-build-consensus-first">can defuse the conflicts about it</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="8_September_2020_(Prisoners_without_access_to_soap,_disinfectant)"/>8 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_September_2020_(Prisoners_without_access_to_soap,_disinfectant)">Prisoners without access to soap, disinfectant</a>)
<p>
Most prisoners' families say that US prisoners do not have access to
soap, disinfectant, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/report-only-7-inmates-loved-ones-say-prisoners-have-soap-and-other-basic-necessities">and other things they need to stop the spread of
coronavirus</a>.

<p>
One other thing they don't have enough of is space to stay away from
each other.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Raise_taxes_on_the_rich_ASAP)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Raise_taxes_on_the_rich_ASAP)">Raise taxes on the rich ASAP</a>)
<p>
Stiglitz urges states to raises taxes on the rich ASAP <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/either-raise-taxes-wealthy-fund-recovery-or-expect-years-grinding-recession-argues">so as to avoid
terrible budget cuts</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Felony_of_incitement)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Felony_of_incitement)">Felony of incitement</a>)
<p>
When the wrecker called on his supporters to try to vote twice, which
is a felony, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/03/trump-call-supporters-vote-twice-felony-inciting-felony">he committed the felony of incitement</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Guilty_of_the_same_crimes)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Guilty_of_the_same_crimes)">Guilty of the same crimes</a>)
<p>
Michael Cohen's book says that the conman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/06/michael-cohen-book-disloyal-alleges-trump-racist-outbursts-stormy-daniels-russia">is guilty of the same crimes
as he</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Spiritual_consultant)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Spiritual_consultant)">Spiritual consultant</a>)
<p>
Your employer's "spiritual consultant" will try to teach you <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/06/office-spiritual-consultants-capitalism">to find
deep meaning in your meaningless job</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Digital_biometric_ID)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Digital_biometric_ID)">Digital biometric ID</a>)
<p>
The Tories want to impose a digital biometric ID system on everyone in
the UK.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/06/uk-online-id-pandemic-digital-identity-system">This would be a gratuitous increment in tyranny</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Demilitarize_disaster_relief)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Demilitarize_disaster_relief)">Demilitarize disaster relief</a>)
<p>
*15 Years After Hurricane Katrina, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/03/15-years-after-hurricane-katrina-its-time-demilitarize-disaster-relief">It’s Time to Demilitarize Disaster Relief</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Not_the_Republicans)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Not_the_Republicans)">Not the Republicans</a>)
<p>
Ralph Nader challenges the Democratic Party to take steps <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/05/can-democratic-party-landslide-criminal-tyrant-trump">to go beyond
being "not the Republicans"</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Saving_lives_by_wearing_mask)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Saving_lives_by_wearing_mask)">Saving lives by wearing mask</a>)
<p>
A study predicts that strict wearing of masks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/04/trump-mocks-biden-mask-wearing-just-new-research-shows-stricter-compliance-could">could save 120,000 lives
in the US in the rest of this year</a>.

<p>
I'm doing my part.  I hope you are too.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(More_protection_of_nature)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(More_protection_of_nature)">More protection of nature</a>)
<p>
The Democratic Party calls for more protection of nature, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/04/earth-defenders-say-time-now-democrats-embrace-rights-nature-central-partys-future">but does not
talk about giving nature "rights"</a>.

<p>
I am in favor of more legal protections of nature &mdash; more, I expect,
than the Democratic Party advocates,
However, it does not make sense to attribute "rights" to anything
that doesn't have a <em>will</em> with which to decide how to exercise them.

<p>
Rather than describe legal protections of nature using a blatant
absurdity, we should describe them as what they are: protections for
something we consider important.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Republican_democrats)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Republican_democrats)">Republican democrats</a>)
<p>
"Centrist" Democrats <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/04/democrats-much-too-excited-about-rick-snyder-endorsing-joe-biden">made a big fuss when the Republican former governor of
Michigan endorsed Biden</a>.

<p>
For me, it shows how close Biden is to being a pre-conman Republican.

<p>
One way to convince the wrecker to accept defeat could be to convince Putin
to offer him asylum in Russia.  But once he is gone, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/04/can-us-democracy-be-fixed">we will still need to
restore democratic elections</a>.

<p>
The article describes three changes: eliminating the electoral
college, ending voter suppression and gerrymandering, and breaking
through the two-party system that gives us the choice of moderate right
wing vs extreme right wing.

<p>
The author proposes that the peoples of other countries dominated by
the US should have some say in the US government.  I agree there is a
problem to be fixed, but I don't think the US government can play,
simultaneously, the two roles of most-of-the-world government and
government of one country.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Election_results)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Election_results)">Election results</a>)
<p>
Sanders states what the US needs to do to prepare in advance to
confront the wrecker <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/05/nightmare-scenario-sanders-warns-nation-trump-laying-groundwork-election-result">if he tries to deny or disregard the election
result</a>.

<p>
The problem is, these preparation steps are a wish, not a plan.  In
states controlled by Republicans, they have a history of voter
suppression.  They won't do what needs to be done.  The mainstream
media may not want to help.  Facebook may have made a deal with the
wrecker.  That leaves only step 4 which can be carried out by
people (Congressional Democrats) that probably want to do it.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(False_equivalence)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(False_equivalence)">False equivalence</a>)
<p>
FAIR: The Washington Post paired frequent right-wing violence against
BLM with barely any violence by BLM supporters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/05/democracy-dies-obfuscation-and-false-equivalences">to construct a false
equivalence</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Attack_on_the_free_press)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Attack_on_the_free_press)">Attack on the free press</a>)
<p>
Extinction Rebellion rejects the charge that its one-day blockade of
several right-wing British newspapers, all owned by one company, was
"an attack on the free press."  Basically, a press dominated by one
company which covers up the most important information <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/05/we-need-free-press-do-not-have-it-uk-climate-campaigners-defend-blockade-murdochs">is effectively
not a free press to begin with</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Political_ads)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Political_ads)">Political ads</a>)
<p>
Facebook has banned political ads for the week before election day.
That has a good side, but it includes the ads by state election officials
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/facebooks-political-ad-ban-also-threatens-ability-to-spread-accurate-information-on-how-to-vote">which tell people where and how to vote</a>.

<p>
Facebook could run those announcements gratis; then they would not be ads.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Once_again)"/>7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Once_again)">Once again</a>)
<p>
Once again, a ship that picked up migrants in the Mediterranean <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/04/ship-rescued-migrants-eu-sea-tanker-malta-european">is
being barred from all ports and is getting low on food and water</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Cops_in_school_in_the_UK)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Cops_in_school_in_the_UK)">Cops in school in the UK</a>)
<p>

Having cops in a school <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/05/police-schools-manchester">harms students</a> in the UK,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_January_2014_('Groundbreaking'_Guidelines_to_Stop_'School-to-Prison_Pipeline')">just as it does in the US</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Bully_wants_to_punish_journalist_who_reported_his_contempt_for_US_soldiers_that_died_in_wars.)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Bully_wants_to_punish_journalist_who_reported_his_contempt_for_US_soldiers_that_died_in_wars.)">Bully wants to punish journalist who reported his contempt for US soldiers that died in wars.</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has repeatedly expressed his contempt for US soldiers that
died in wars.  Now he wants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/05/trump-fox-news-journalist-jennifer-griffin-soldiers-losers">punish a journalist</a> who reported this.
<p>
About the US soldiers that died or were injured in Iraq, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> is
half right.  They <em>were</em> duped &mdash; by Dubya.  He started the war <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#30%20January%202004%20(Iraq%20war)">>based
on lies</a>. All the US military personnel that Dubya hijacked to make the Bush
forces were duped, and <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> is guilty of an enormous crime, against
them and against Iraqis.
<p>
They deserve condolences for that, not contempt.  They wanted to
serve their country &mdash; it is not their fault that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> lied to them
about what they would be doing.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has contempt for them because he is heartless.  He lives by
duping people; to excuse this, he believes that anyone who is duped
deserves to be duped.
<p>
Now he has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/04/veterans-groups-condemn-trump-national-disgrace-over-reports-he-called-fallen">mad veterans</a>, many of who supported him, very angry.
  
<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Navalny_poisoning)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Navalny_poisoning)">Navalny poisoning</a>)
<p>

*Navalny poisoning forces Merkel's party to ask: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/05/navalny-poisoning-forces-merkels-party-to-ask-how-do-we-hit-back-at-putin">how do we hit back at Putin?</a>*
<p>
Here's a suggestion: switch to renewable energy as fast as possible.
It's vitally necessary anyway, and it will eliminate demand for
Russia's key exports (fossil fuels).

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(UK_thugs_arrest_extinction_rebellion_protesters)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(UK_thugs_arrest_extinction_rebellion_protesters)">UK thugs arrest extinction rebellion protesters</a>)
<p>

UK thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/05/over-600-arrests-made-at-extinction-rebellion-protests-in-london">arrested</a> over 500 Extinction Rebellion protesters in London.
<p>
The excuse in many cases was Covid-19.  Of course, protesters must
take care not to spread Covid-19, but did they really fail to do that?
I expect Extinction Rebellion to be very careful about health.
<p>
One of their protests was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/05/climate-activists-accused-of-attacking-free-press-by-blockading-print-works">blocking delivery</a> of Murdoch's right-wing
denialist almost-monopoly newspapers.
<p>
This has been labeled an "attack on the free press".  If they kept
it up for a long time, I would agree, but they did it for just one
day.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Australia_rapidly_building_renewable_electric_generation)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Australia_rapidly_building_renewable_electric_generation)">Australia rapidly building renewable electric generation</a>)
<p>

Australia has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/06/with-record-new-solar-and-wind-installed-australias-clean-energy-is-booming-for-now">rapidly building renewable electric generation</a> and
large batteries for storage.  However, it is not encouraging any new
investment.
<p>
I wonder if this is due to the current planet-roaster government
which came in a few years ago.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(China_arrests_foreigners_as_hostages)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(China_arrests_foreigners_as_hostages)">China arrests foreigners as hostages</a>)
<p>

China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/06/tit-for-tat-chinas-detention-of-australian-cheng-lei-is-ringing-alarm-bells">arrests foreigners</a> as hostages.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(The_bully_is_trying_to_put_an_end_to_any_antiracism_training)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(The_bully_is_trying_to_put_an_end_to_any_antiracism_training)">The bully is trying to put an end to any antiracism training</a>)
<p>

The bully is trying to put an end to any <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/04/trump-antiracism-training-white-privilege-critical-race-theory">antiracism training</a> that
presents the idea that the United States or any race or ethnicity is
"inherently racist or evil."
<p>
I would object to training people in those ideas, but does that ever
happen?  A priori, it seems unlikely.
<p>
It is undeniably true that racism systematically gives whites a
certain advantage over blacks in our society.  It is the converse of
the disadvantage that racism systematically imposes on blacks.  To
recognize this does not assert that whites are evil.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Republicans_are_sending_disinformation_about_Democratic_candidates)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Republicans_are_sending_disinformation_about_Democratic_candidates)">Republicans are sending disinformation about Democratic candidates</a>)
<p>

Republicans are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/04/politics/pennsylvania-minnesota-mailers-misinformation/index.html">sending disinformation</a> about Democratic candidates
including fake images, along with applications for postal ballots.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(A_strained_excuse_to_shut_down_Stars_and_Stripes)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(A_strained_excuse_to_shut_down_Stars_and_Stripes)">A strained excuse to shut down Stars and Stripes</a>)
<p>

The bully's henchman has found a strained excuse to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/09/04/trump-and-stars-and-stripes-attacking-american-icon-column/5706859002/">shut down Stars
and Stripes</a>, an editorially-independent newspaper for military personnel
and others.
<p>
This is going to anger veterans, just when they are angry at being
called "losers" and "suckers."

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_((satire)_Microdosing_Eucharist_throughout_day)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_((satire)_Microdosing_Eucharist_throughout_day)">(satire) Microdosing Eucharist throughout day</a>)
<p>

(satire) *Pope Maintains Divine Buzz By <a href="https://www.theonion.com/pope-maintains-divine-buzz-by-microdosing-eucharist-thr-1844883506">Microdosing Eucharist Throughout Day</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Don't_dump_climate_crisis_on_children_to_fix)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Don't_dump_climate_crisis_on_children_to_fix)">Don't dump climate crisis on children to fix</a>)
<p>

*Greta Thunberg: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/04/greta-thunberg-dont-dump-climate-crisis-on-children-to-fix-venice-film-festival">don't dump climate crisis on children to fix</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_((satire)_Tell_everyone_who_will_listen_it_wasn't_coronavirus_that_killed_me)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_((satire)_Tell_everyone_who_will_listen_it_wasn't_coronavirus_that_killed_me)">(satire) Tell everyone who will listen it wasn't coronavirus that killed me</a>)
<p>

(satire) *"Tell everyone who will listen
that it wasn’t coronavirus that killed me—it was asthma, and high
cholesterol, and blood pressure!" <a href="https://local.theonion.com/tell-the-world-i-also-had-asthma-conservative-begs-d-1844932197">the dying Trump supporter reportedly
told the hospital staff</a> between gasps for breath*

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Conspiracy-theorists_held_a_protest_in_Melbourne)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Conspiracy-theorists_held_a_protest_in_Melbourne)">Conspiracy-theorists held a protest in Melbourne</a>)
<p>

Conspiracy-theorists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/05/melbourne-anti-lockdown-protests-dozens-arrested-in-violent-clashes-with-police">held a protest in Melbourne</a>, and did not wear masks.
<p>
They are entitled to the right to protest, even in an idiotic cause.
They are not entitled to the right to spread disease.  For
intentionally doing that, they deserved to be arrested.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(93%25_of_Black_Lives_Matter_demonstrations)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(93%25_of_Black_Lives_Matter_demonstrations)">93% of Black Lives Matter demonstrations</a>)
<p>

*93% of [Black Lives Matter] demonstrations have
involved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/05/nearly-all-black-lives-matter-protests-are-peaceful-despite-trump-narrative-report-finds">no serious harm to people or property</a>.*
<p>
The 7% exceptions play into right-wing hands.  Nearly all the protesters
know what to do.  Can they organize to lead the rest?

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Justice_is_coming_slowly_for_Cherry_Groce)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Justice_is_coming_slowly_for_Cherry_Groce)">Justice is coming slowly for Cherry Groce</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/05/the-man-who-shot-my-mum-is-still-living-his-life-cherry-groces-son-on-life-after-police-brutality">Justice is coming slowly</a> for Cherry Groce, paralyzed by a shot by a
London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>, but at least it may teach someone how to avoid doing this
to someone else.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Britain's_obsession_with_school_uniform)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Britain's_obsession_with_school_uniform)">Britain's obsession with school uniform</a>)
<p>

*Britain's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/05/britain-school-uniform-reinforces-social-divisions-children">obsession with school uniform</a> reinforces social divisions.*
<p>
Perhaps it is something more sinister than an innocent obsession.

<p>
<li><a name="7_September_2020_(Coronavirus_is_likely_to_remain_at_high_levels_into_the_winter)" />7 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_September_2020_(Coronavirus_is_likely_to_remain_at_high_levels_into_the_winter)">Coronavirus is likely to remain at high levels into the winter</a>)
<p>

The US is still failing to manage Coronavirus properly and therefore the
disease is likely to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/05/america-covid-autumn-winter-coronavirus">remain at high levels</a> into the winter.
<p>
You can help retail workers remain employed by rejecting on-line
orders and delivery.  A job in a store is a better job than a
gig-economy job delivering packages.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Rochester_thugs_suffocated_Daniel_Prude)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Rochester_thugs_suffocated_Daniel_Prude)">Rochester thugs suffocated Daniel Prude</a>)
<p>

Rochester thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/03/daniel-prude-spit-hood-suffocation-death-black-man-police">suffocated Daniel Prude</a> by putting a hood over his face
and pushing it into the ground.  Then they lied about it.
<p>
I can understand the need for the spit hood, but there was no need to
shove his face down.  And no possible excuse for lying.
<p>
I think the chief of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department deserves to be fired if he
asserted those lies were valid.
<p>
People <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/04/rochester-police-accused-unnecessarily-aggressive-behavior-during-protest-over">protested peacefully</a> about the killing, and the thugs attacked
them violently for no apparent reason.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Palantir_plans_to_go_public)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Palantir_plans_to_go_public)">Palantir plans to go public</a>)
<p>

Palantir, the great repression-planning company, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/04/palantir-ipo-ice-immigration-trump-administration">plans to go public</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Republicans_suing_to_stop_large_numbers_of_postal_ballots)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Republicans_suing_to_stop_large_numbers_of_postal_ballots)">Republicans suing to stop large numbers of postal ballots</a>)
<p>

Republicans are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/fighting-against-voting-rights-everywhere-trump-rnc-sue-democratic-montana-governor">suing many states</a> to try to stop them from
sending out large numbers of postal ballots.
<p>
Even if they lose the lawsuits, they will delay sending out the
ballots.  With that on one side and post office sabotage on the other,
they can cause ballots not to be counted.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Graduated_income_tax)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Graduated_income_tax)">Graduated income tax</a>)
<p>

In Illinois, vote for the <a href="https://www.civicfed.org/iifs/blog/graduated-income-tax-proposal-part-ii-guide-illinois-plan">graduated income tax</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Journalists_paved_path_to_Assange's_US_Gulag)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Journalists_paved_path_to_Assange's_US_Gulag)">Journalists paved path to Assange's US Gulag</a>)
<p>

*For Years, Journalists Cheered Assange’s Abuse. Now They’ve Paved His Path To
a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/03/years-journalists-cheered-assanges-abuse-now-theyve-paved-his-path-us-gulag">US Gulag</a>.*

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_((satire)_Spotify_celebrates_100th_dollar_given_to_artists)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_((satire)_Spotify_celebrates_100th_dollar_given_to_artists)">(satire) Spotify celebrates 100th dollar given to artists</a>)
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; streaming service Spotify
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/spotify-celebrates-100th-dollar-given-to-artists-1844943985">reportedly celebrated</a> Thursday the platform’s 100th dollar given to
artists.*

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Oil_companies_hope_to_increase_plastics_to_make_up_for_decreased_use_of_fossil_fuels)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Oil_companies_hope_to_increase_plastics_to_make_up_for_decreased_use_of_fossil_fuels)">Oil companies hope to increase plastics to make up for decreased use of fossil fuels</a>)
<p>

Oil companies are hoping that increased production of plastics will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/04/war-on-plastic-could-strand-oil-industrys-300bn-investment">make up for decreased combustion</a> of fossil fuels.  Alas,  it seems that
life can't tolerate plastics.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Thugs_shoot_Portland_protester_instead_of_arrest_him)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Thugs_shoot_Portland_protester_instead_of_arrest_him)">Thugs shoot Portland protester instead of arrest him</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> went to arrest the man accused of killing a right-wing extremist
protester in Portland, but they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/04/man-linked-to-death-of-far-right-protester-in-portland-shot-deadby-us-marshals-reports">shot him dead</a> instead.
<p>
I have to suspect they killed him by choice.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Proposed_system_to_replace_today's_capitalism)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Proposed_system_to_replace_today's_capitalism)">Proposed system to replace today's capitalism</a>)
<p>

Varoufakis has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/sep/04/yanis-varoufakis-capitalism-isnt-working-heres-an-alternative">proposed a system</a> to replace today's capitalism.  It
still uses markets for goods and services, but workers are always
co-owners as every enterprise is a cooperative.
<p>
I don't understand how the levies on countries for having an imbalance
of trade or payments would function.  If this is meant to pressure
countries not to have imbalances, what could they do to avoid them?
<p>
I am also worried by the idea that people would make all their
payments using central bank accounts &mdash; because that implies tracking,
which is dangerous.  And I am not convinced that the 5% flat tax on
business income would bring in enough funds for the <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">state to do its
many jobs</a>.
<p>
Perhaps I would see these are not real problems if I understood
better.  Perhaps some details could be changed.  In any case, it is an
interesting area to explore.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Wrecker_has_cut_down_payments_for_oil_and_gas_extracted)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Wrecker_has_cut_down_payments_for_oil_and_gas_extracted)">Wrecker has cut down payments for oil and gas extracted</a>)
<p>

One of the planet-roasting policies that the US has maintained for
decades is allowing oil and gas extractors to pay only a small amount
for what they extract.  That was always bad.  But the wrecker has cut
down the payments to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/04/trump-cuts-oil-and-gas-drillers-rent-on-public-lands-as-state-budgets-suffer">nearly zero</a> for hundreds of wells.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Hong_Kong_security_law_may_break_international_law)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Hong_Kong_security_law_may_break_international_law)">Hong Kong security law may break international law</a>)
<p>

Seven UN special rapporteurs say, *Hong Kong security law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/04/hong-kong-security-law-may-break-international-laws-china-human-rights-un">'may break
international laws</a>'.*  It conflicts with treaties that China has signed.
<p>
This can have an effect on China but only if other countries condition
some decisions on this.
<p>
I would expect that the lawless behavior of uniformed US <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
violates some treaties.  And what about Guantanamo. and wars of
aggression?  Not that one country's wrongs excuse another country's
wrongs &mdash; but would be easier to enforce the treaties if breaking them
were unusual and unaccepted.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Russian_media_operation_targeted_and_used_freelance_writer)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Russian_media_operation_targeted_and_used_freelance_writer)">Russian media operation targeted and used freelance writer</a>)
<p>

*I'm a freelance writer. A Russian media operation targeted and used me.*
The site PeaceData offered to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/04/russia-media-disinformation-fake-news-peacedata">pay him for a weekly column</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Greystone_Nursing_Homes)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Greystone_Nursing_Homes)">Greystone Nursing Homes</a>)
<p>

*Greystone Nursing Homes, Whose Executives Gave $800,000 to Trump,
Are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/04/nursing-homes-coronavirus-deaths-greystone/">Epicenters of Covid-19 Deaths</a>.*
<p>
Businesses that pay off officials expect something specific in return.
Perhaps in this case it is permission to cut corners on safety.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Tories_pushed_reopening_so_hard_that_Covid-19_is_increasing)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Tories_pushed_reopening_so_hard_that_Covid-19_is_increasing)">Tories pushed reopening so hard that Covid-19 is increasing</a>)
<p>

Tories have pushed reopening so hard that Covid-19 is increasing.  Now
some parts of England are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/04/covid-tests-running-out-in-north-east-england-gateshead-as-cases-surge">running out of coronavirus tests</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(An_Australian_warns_Britain_about_Tony_Abbott)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(An_Australian_warns_Britain_about_Tony_Abbott)">An Australian warns Britain about Tony Abbott</a>)
<p>

An Australian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/04/brits-aussie-tony-abbott-trade-envoy">warns Britain</a> about engaging Australian buffoon Tony Abbott
as trade negotiator.
<p>
I think Abbott could do worse than fail, though.  He would be
excellent at giving the conman whatever he wants, and lauding it.
Johnson makes mistakes, but I think he knows what Abbott will do,
and that is what he wants.
<p>
I wish I had confidence that Biden would protect the US (and the UK)
from that bad <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>
but Obama would not.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Iran_holding_a_hostage_to_collect_a_debt_from_the_UK)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Iran_holding_a_hostage_to_collect_a_debt_from_the_UK)">Iran holding a hostage to collect a debt from the UK</a>)
<p>

Iran is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/04/uk-defence-secretary-acknowledges-debt-owed-to-iran-over-shahs-tank-order">holding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe hostage</a> to collect a valid
debt from the UK.
<p>
It is wrong to hold people as hostages, but the UK should have paid
this debt willingly.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Police_officer_tried_to_stop_a_thug_from_choking_someone_and_was_fired)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Police_officer_tried_to_stop_a_thug_from_choking_someone_and_was_fired)">Police officer tried to stop a thug from choking someone and was fired</a>)
<p>

In 2009, a Buffalo <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#police">police officer</a> jumped on a thug's back to stop
him from choking someone.  She was <a href="https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/policy/criminal-justice/black-buffalo-cop-stopped-another-officers-chokehold-she-was-fired">fired, and lost her pension</a>
while one year from retirement.
<p>
Now she is suing to demand her pension.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Republican_congresscritter_who_fanatically_defends_the_right_to_carry_guns)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Republican_congresscritter_who_fanatically_defends_the_right_to_carry_guns)">Republican congresscritter who fanatically defends the right to carry guns</a>)
<p>

A Republican congresscritter who fanatically defends the right to
carry guns says <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/id-drop-any-10-you-gop-rep-clay-higgins-threatens-shoot-armed-black-protesters">he would shoot</a> any blacks that carry guns at a protest.
<p>
Does this mean he advocates the right to carry guns only for whites?
<p>
Does he now believe that guns should be prohibited at demonstrations?
I'm in favor of that, as long as it applies to everyone.

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Antiwar_Candidate)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Antiwar_Candidate)">Antiwar Candidate</a>)
<p>

*Joe Biden, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/03/joe-biden-dont-let-donald-trump-run-antiwar-candidate">Don’t Let Donald Trump</a> Run as the Antiwar Candidate!*

<p>
<li><a name="6_September_2020_(Inducing_people_to_try_to_vote_twice)" />6 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_September_2020_(Inducing_people_to_try_to_vote_twice)">Inducing people to try to vote twice</a>)
<p>

  Inducing people to try to vote twice is a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/03/president-just-committed-felony-trump-tells-nc-residents-vote-twice-openly">felony in North Carolina</a>,
  but the basic principle of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a> is that supporters of the wrecker
  can disregard any law.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Foreign_workers_in_Dubai_being_left_to_starve)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Foreign_workers_in_Dubai_being_left_to_starve)">Foreign workers in Dubai being left to starve</a>)
<p>

Foreign workers in Dubai who have lost their jobs are being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/03/i-am-starving-the-migrant-workers-abandoned-by-dubai-employers">left to
starve</a>.
<p>
The recently announced <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/03/i-am-starving-the-migrant-workers-abandoned-by-dubai-employers">policy change</a> would allow foreign workers to quit their jobs, and get new work or depart.
That is a good thing, but it does not help those who can't find new work,
and can't afford to depart.
<p>
The UK does something similar to unauthorized foreign workers: they have to beg
for food and shelter.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Collection_of_phone_records_about_all_Americans)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Collection_of_phone_records_about_all_Americans)">Collection of phone records about all Americans</a>)
<p>

An appeals court has ruled that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/03/edward-snowden-nsa-surveillance-guardian-court-rules">collection of phone records about
all Americans was illegal</a>.
<p>
This is but one of many systems of surveillance that Snowden revealed to us.
That is why we need to repeal that part of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#26_April_2015_(Sun_Must_Go_Down)">PAT RIOT act</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Operation_Condor)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Operation_Condor)">Operation Condor</a>)
<p>

Prosecutors increasingly pursue the surviving perpetrators of the
international terrorist plot known as Operation Condor, a conspiracy
of dictators in South America that <a href="Https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/03/operation-condor-the-illegal-state-network-that-terrorised-south-america">operated with the support of the
US</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(French_thugs_act_with_impunity)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(French_thugs_act_with_impunity)">French thugs act with impunity</a>)
<p>

*Undercover journalist Valentin Gendrot describes culture where
[French <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] act with impunity.*  He joined a thug department
and reported on the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/03/french-reporter-who-joined-police-exposes-racism-and-violence-valentin-gendrot">violence and lies</a> he witnessed.
<p>
What an interesting reversal it is for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to be the target of an
undercover investigation.  We need more of these.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(The_wrecker_urged_voters_to_submit_two_ballots)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(The_wrecker_urged_voters_to_submit_two_ballots)">The wrecker urged voters to submit two ballots</a>)
<p>

The wrecker urged voters in North Carolina to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/03/north-carolinians-should-vote-twice-says-trump-despite-illegality">submit a postal ballot
and then vote in person</a>.
<p>
The voting system ought to detect such attempts and block the double
voting.  That does not mean it is good for thousands of people to test
it in this way.  Especially if Republican officials might be tempted
to let whites get two votes.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Repressive_regime_in_the_UK_making_protest_very_difficult)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Repressive_regime_in_the_UK_making_protest_very_difficult)">Repressive regime in the UK making protest very difficult</a>)
<p>

The repressive regime in the UK has not officially banned peaceful
protest, but is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/03/extinction-rebellion-rights-peaceful-protest-threat-police">hemming it in with laws that make it very difficult</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Portuguese_children_sue_33_countries)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Portuguese_children_sue_33_countries)">Portuguese children sue 33 countries</a>)
<p>

*Portuguese children <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/sep/03/portuguese-children-sue-33-countries-over-climate-change-at-european-court">sue 33 countries</a> over [causing global heating].*

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(France_to_reduce_greenhouse_emissions_by_investing_in_bicycle_riding)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(France_to_reduce_greenhouse_emissions_by_investing_in_bicycle_riding)">France to reduce greenhouse emissions by investing in bicycle riding</a>)
<p>

France plans a substantial effort to reduce greenhouse emissions
by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/03/france-launches-big-green-recovery-plan-part-100bn-stimulus-covid">investing in bicycle riding</a>.
<p>
This, however, can't possibly do enough.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Wild_elephants_in_Africa_are_dying_by_the_hundreds)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Wild_elephants_in_Africa_are_dying_by_the_hundreds)">Wild elephants in Africa are dying by the hundreds</a>)
<p>

Wild elephants in Africa are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/03/why-are-elephants-dying-the-race-to-solve-the-mystery-of-mass-die-offs-aoe">dying by the hundreds</a>.  Scientists
are trying to figure out the cause.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Test_for_Covid)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Test_for_Covid)">Test for Covid</a>)
<p>
*Arizona university <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/03/arizona-university-prevents-potential-covid-outbreak-testing-feces">prevents potential Covid outbreak by testing feces</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Environmental_sabotage)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Environmental_sabotage)">Environmental sabotage</a>)
<p>
Various US government agencies are scurrying to complete acts of
environmental sabotage by Jan 20, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/03/trump-fast-track-fossil-fuel-projects-during-pandemic">in case the saboteur in chief loses
reelection</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Lending)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Lending)">Lending</a>)
<p>
Oportun lends to poor people, initially on fairly reasonable terms;
but if something goes wrong (such as unemployment), it demands high
interest.  <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/the-loan-company-that-sued-thousands-of-low-income-latinos-during-the-pandemic">They can get caught and never get out</a>.

<p>
Companies like this are bottom feeders.  If people are lucky, these companies can help them squeak by.  If they are unlucky, they get caught.  But the real
cause of the problem is the low income many Americans get, and the high cost
of everything medical.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Trade_treaties)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Trade_treaties)">Trade treaties</a>)
<p>
The US trade treaty with Jordan led to a big increase in clothing
production there, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/29/sexual-assault-forced-labor-wage-theft-garment-workers-in-jordan-suffer-for-us-brands">but didn't do much to reduce the cruelty to workers
there</a>.

<p>
As a general solution, I suggest that importing countries pass laws
requiring the label on an article of clothing carry the name of the
company that actually made the article.  This could help hold that
company accountable, and it will make buyers more aware of how
the production system operates.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Giant_fires)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Giant_fires)">Giant fires</a>)
<p>
California is being hit by giant fires and coronavirus quarantines at the
same time.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/03/california-wildfires-covid-19">Even in cities, thousands of people are evacuating</a>.

<p>
If <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> proceeds unabated, I envision that in 2050 there
will be 20 or 30 regional disasters like this each year in the US, and
no place will be safe.  We must take drastic measures <em>now</em>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Dishonest_sex_smear)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Dishonest_sex_smear)">Dishonest sex smear</a>)
<p>
The dishonest sex smear defeated Alex Morse; <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/02/alex-morse-primary-result-richard-neal/">plutocratist Rep. Neal
will probably his megacorporations for one more term</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(College_data)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(College_data)">College data</a>)
<p>
Consumer Reports found that the College Board web site gives data to
many surveillance capitalism companies <a href="https://medium.com/cr-digital-lab/student-tracking-and-the-college-board-512a94d60ec3">when students sign up on its
web site</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Additional_people_dying)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Additional_people_dying)">Additional people dying</a>)
<p>
Some 12,000 additional people died in the UK in March and April
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/02/pandemic-may-have-hastened-non-covid-deaths-in-england-and-wales">from causes unrelated to Covid-19</a>.

<p>
This seems to be because they couldn't go to a hospital for treatment.
This reinforces the importance of taking measures to keep the infection
rate low.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Removed_voter_registrations)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Removed_voter_registrations)">Removed voter registrations</a>)
<p>
ACLU of Georgia and Greg Palast: *&hellip;the State had likely removed
in 2019 the voter registrations of nearly 200,000 Georgia citizens on
the grounds that they had moved from the address on their voter
registration application. However, <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/aclu-releases-palast-fund-georgia-voter-purge-errors-report/">none of these citizens had
moved</a>,&hellip;*


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(No_time)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(No_time)">No time</a>)
<p>
Markey's victory speech: "There is no time for compromise on the
existential threat to our time. We must pass a Green New Deal... The
time to be timid is past. The age of incremental-ism is over. Now is our
moment to think big, to build big, to be big. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/age-incrementalism-over-declares-green-new-deal-champion-ed-markey-after-defeating">This is what this
election is all about</a>."

<p>
He is right &mdash; so how are we going overcome the opposition of Biden,
Pelosi, and so on.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Unofficial_thugs)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Unofficial_thugs)">Unofficial thugs</a>)
<p>
Official <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and white vigilantes (unofficial thugs) tend to support
each other because they mostly share the same ideology: <a href="https://www.jacobinmag.com/2020/08/kenosha-kyle-rittenhouse-police-shooting-vigilantes">maintaining a
social order which incorporates racism and plutocracy</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(DeJoy_calendar)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(DeJoy_calendar)">DeJoy calendar</a>)
<p>
Congress has subpoenaed various documents from DeJoy including his
calendar of meetings, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/now-says-aoc-wheres-his-unaltered-calendar-house-dems-subpoena-postmaster-general">which he has concealed so far</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Mailed_ballots)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Mailed_ballots)">Mailed ballots</a>)
<p>
Around a million primary election ballots were mailed to voters within
a week of the election, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/fiasco-clearly-foreseeable-usps-watchdog-probe-found-1-million-primary-ballots">meaning they very likely arrived too late to
be sent back and counted</a>.

<p>
This is <em>not</em> a matter of artificial mail delays in the USPS, but
if it happens again in November, the consequences will add to the
consequences of those delays.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Amazon_and_unions)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Amazon_and_unions)">Amazon and unions</a>)
<p>Amazon advertised for staff <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/disgusting-says-bernie-sanders-amazon-job-post-seeking-anti-union-psy-ops-expert">to interfere with union organizing</a>.</p>

<p>Amazon later said that ad was posted "in error", which probably means
the hiring was supposed to be done quietly.  Amazon has long made a practice
<a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3azegw/amazon-is-spying-on-its-workers-in-closed-facebook-groups-internal-reports-show">of monitoring staff's discussions about unionization</a>.</p>


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Somalia)"/>4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Somalia)">Somalia</a>)
<p>
The US is still carrying out bombing in Somalia, to fight
al-Shaabab, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/latest-us-military-report-somalia-airstrikes-makes-no-mention-civilians-killed">but now it blames all civilian casualties on the enemy</a>.

<p>
It is worth reminding people that al-Shaabab was created when Ethiopia
intervened, on behalf of the US, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#28 December 2006 (War in Somalia)">to destroy the "Islamic courts"
government that had established peace in Somalia</a>.
  Somalia has not known peace since then.


<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(The_city_of_Hoboken_has_sued_Exxon)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(The_city_of_Hoboken_has_sued_Exxon)">The city of Hoboken has sued Exxon</a>)
<p>

The city of Hoboken has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/city-hoboken-files-climate-suit-against-exxon-most-ruthless-deceitful-and">sued Exxon</a> for the damages of the predicted
consequences of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.  In the case of Hoboken, the damages
will be due to inundation of much of the city.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Amnesty_International_condemns_US_sanctions)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Amnesty_International_condemns_US_sanctions)">Amnesty International condemns US sanctions</a>)
<p>

Amnesty International <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/09/02/us-sanctions-against-icc-staff-creates-chilling-effect-international-justice">condemns US sanctions</a> against the staff of the
International Criminal Court.
<p>
The corrupter is fairly consistent about one thing: protecting the
crooks that are working for him.

<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Extinction_Rebellion_protests)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Extinction_Rebellion_protests)">Extinction Rebellion protests</a>)
<p>

Extinction Rebellion has launched a series of protests in London and
Manchester, to remind the UK that the part of the disaster we can still
avoid <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/wewanttolive-extinction-rebellion-launches-fresh-wave-uk-protests-demanding-climate">gets smaller with each year of insufficient action</a>.
  
<p>
<li><a name="4_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_hushing_up_the_human_causes_of_extreme_weather)" />4 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_hushing_up_the_human_causes_of_extreme_weather)">Urgent: Stop hushing up the human causes of extreme weather</a>)
<p>

Everyone: call on US national TV news to stop hushing up the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-media-tell-the-truth-about-the-climate-crisis">human causes of extreme weather</a>.

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

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(BLM_protesters_charged_using_gang_laws)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(BLM_protesters_charged_using_gang_laws)">BLM protesters charged using gang laws</a>)
<p>
Black Lives Matter protesters are being charged with felonies for minor
property damage, under laws intended for <a href="https://theappeal.org/gang-laws-criminalize-protest">shutting down street gangs</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Compel_charities_to_do_more)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Compel_charities_to_do_more)">Compel charitable foundations to do more</a>)
<p>
One way to help the poor is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/02/congress-urged-enact-emergency-charity-stimulus-unlock-profits-rich-serve-common">compel charitable foundations to spend
more than the current legal minimum on serving their purposes</a>.
<p>
As for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dodge">dodge-assisting funds</a> (my term for them), these function as a
scheme for rich people to buy what they want and dodge taxes
on the money.  We should abolish them outright.  However, while they
do exist, this change would not make them any worse.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Biden_war_apologies)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Biden_war_apologies)">Biden war apologies when?</a>)
<p>
If Biden wants to lead a moral renewal of the US, he should start by <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/02/biden-foreign-policy-war/">apologizing for its wars</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Urgent:_Call_tv_news_on_human_causes_of_extreme_weather)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Urgent:_Call_tv_news_on_human_causes_of_extreme_weather)">Urgent: Everyone: call US TV news to stop hushing human causes of extreme weather</a>)
<p>
Everyone: call on US national TV news to stop hushing up the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-media-tell-the-truth-about-the-climate-crisis">human causes of extreme weather</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Wrecker_blocks_Biden_rumors)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Wrecker_blocks_Biden_rumors)">Wrecker blocks Biden rumors</a>)
<p>
The wrecker blocked circulation of an intelligence warning that <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dhs-withheld-july-intelligence-bulletin-calling-russian-attack/story?id=72747130&cid=social_twitter_abcn">Russia was going to spread rumors that Biden was mentally ill</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Banning_real_news)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Banning_real_news)">Banning real news</a>)
<p>
Facebook threatens to ban real news <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/03/if-facebook-carries-out-its-threat-australian-feeds-will-be-awash-with-even-more-misinformation">rather than pay a tax to Australia
for carrying it</a>.

<p>
One response for Australia would be to ban Facebook entirely.  That would
get rid of a lot of problems.


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Asphalt)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Asphalt)">Asphalt</a>)
<p>
*Asphalt roads <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/02/asphalt-roads-make-city-air-pollution-worse-in-summer-study-finds">make city air pollution worse in summer, study finds</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Death_spiral)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Death_spiral)">Death spiral</a>)
<p>
The Tories' campaign to undermine the NHS has gone so far <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/01/nhs-waiting-times-patients-private-companies">that private
medicine could push it into a death spiral</a>.

<p>
The deaths would be those of Britons who can't afford private treatment.


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Rigging_for_minority)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Rigging_for_minority)">Rigging for minority</a>)
<p>
*   In more and more races, the GOP doesn’t have broad enough appeal to
   fairly produce an election majority, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/01/six-ways-right-shredding-vote">so it has resorted to rigging the
   system so a minority prevails</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Help)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Help)">Help</a>)
<p>
People beg for help on the internet <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/02/crowdfunding-welfare-state-pandemic">because the government fails
to carry out its responsibilities</a>.

<p>
Shame on the government.


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Circular_Economy_and_Plastic_Pollution_Reduction_Act)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Circular_Economy_and_Plastic_Pollution_Reduction_Act)">Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act</a>)
<p>
California’s Circular Economy &amp; Plastic Pollution Reduction Act <a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/go/71272?t=1001&akid=221515%2E1041074%2E2NcAl2">was
narrowly defeated in the state assembly</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Excuses)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Excuses)">Excuses</a>)
<p>
* Pointing the finger in the wrong direction (at foolish individuals)
excuses those in power <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/02/selfish-covidiots-blame-british-government-greek">for failing to support people to stay at
home</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Vaccine-derived_polio)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Vaccine-derived_polio)">Vaccine-derived polio</a>)
<p>
*Vaccine-derived polio <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/02/vaccine-derived-polio-spreads-in-africa-after-defeat-of-wild-virus">spreads in Africa after defeat of wild virus</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Torture_and_jail_for_protesters)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Torture_and_jail_for_protesters)">Torture and jail for protesters</a>)
<p>
*Iranians tortured and jailed after mass protests, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/02/iran-iranians-tortured-and-jailed-after-mass-protests-amnesty-report-says">Amnesty report says</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Poisoned)"/>3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Poisoned)">Poisoned</a>)
<p>
*Alexei Navalny poisoned with Novichok, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/02/alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-novichok-says-german-government-russia">says German government</a>.*

<p>
The Kremlin will say us that anyone in Russia can get novichoks
from the nearest pest control company.  But it must have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/02/using-novichok-against-navalny-is-a-russian-message-of-menace">wanted us to know
that this poisoning was carried out by the Russian state</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Disregard_the_CDC's_new_perverse_non-testing_guidelines)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Disregard_the_CDC's_new_perverse_non-testing_guidelines)">Disregard the CDC's new perverse non-testing guidelines</a>)
<p>

Harold Varmus, former director of the National Institutes of Health,
calls on Americans to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200903002816/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/31/opinion/cdc-testing-coronavirus.html">disregard the CDC's new perverse non-testing
guidelines</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Exclude_fossil_fuel_representatives)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Exclude_fossil_fuel_representatives)">Exclude fossil fuel representatives</a>)
<p>

Influential progressive groups call on Biden to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/01/isnt-just-good-policy-its-good-politics-145-groups-demand-biden-ban-fossil-fuel">exclude fossil fuel
representatives</a>, in his campaign now and from his government later.
<p>
The absence of such people would not guarantee good policies, but their
presence would enable them to impose bad ones.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Student_privacy_pledge)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Student_privacy_pledge)">Student privacy pledge</a>)
<p>

400 edtech companies have signed a <a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/cybersecurity/514555-student-privacy-pledge-delivers-neither-privacy-nor-enforcement">"student privacy pledge"</a>, but they suffer
no penalty when they violate it.
<p>
Aside from the lack of enforcement, <a href="https://studentprivacypledge.org/privacy-pledge/">the pledge itself</a> is too weak.
It excludes only a limited subset of the possible
misuses of student data.  The right way to handle most student data is
<em>never to let any organization other than the school get its hands on
the data</em>.
<p>
There are a few special circumstances in which student data needs to
be held by an organization outside the school itself.  Standardized
tests are one of these.  In those circumstances, the proper pledge is,
"We pledge not to keep any copy of the student's data other than name,
address, identification number and overall test results.  We pledge
not to allow any use of these data, except that specific schools
by the student can verify the test results."
<p>
Another special case is for plagiarism checking.  The school should
never reveal to such a site anything about the student who wrote the
paper being checked &mdash; not even that the same student wrote some other
previous paper.  The school should invent a new "student name" for
each paper and only the school should know which student that
corresponds to.
  
<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_((satire)_*[invented_name])" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_((satire)_*[invented_name])">(satire) *[invented name]</a>)
<p>

(satire) *[invented name]
expressed worry Tuesday that Donald Trump retweeting him would
<a href="https://local.theonion.com/conspiracy-theorist-worried-his-credibility-undermined-1844919689">undermine his credibility</a> as a conspiracy theorist.*

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Progressives_have_launched_the_New_People's_Party)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Progressives_have_launched_the_New_People's_Party)">Progressives have launched the New People's Party</a>)
<p>

Progressives have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/09/01/new-peoples-party-rises-amid-grim-election-options">launched the New People's Party</a>.
<p>
If it is to succeed, they will need to change the name.
But I wonder, what is the advantage of this party over the Green Party?

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Republicans_are_flooding_the_internet_with_deceptive_videos)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Republicans_are_flooding_the_internet_with_deceptive_videos)">Republicans are flooding the internet with deceptive videos</a>)
<p>

*Republicans are <a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/09/01/tech/trump-facebook-twitter-fact-check/index.html">flooding the internet with deceptive videos</a> and Big Tech
isn't keeping up.*

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_((satire)_A_cure_for_the_side_effects_of_the_fast-tracked_Covid-19_vaccine)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_((satire)_A_cure_for_the_side_effects_of_the_fast-tracked_Covid-19_vaccine)">(satire) A cure for the side effects of the fast-tracked Covid-19 vaccine</a>)
<p>

(satire) *the FDA reportedly
promised Tuesday to <a href="https://www.theonion.com/fda-promises-to-fast-track-cure-for-side-effects-of-fas-1844917490">fast-track</a> a cure for the side effects of the
fast-tracked Covid-19 vaccine.*

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Counter-meeting_to_the_wrecker's_Kenosha_meeting)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Counter-meeting_to_the_wrecker's_Kenosha_meeting)">Counter-meeting to the wrecker's Kenosha meeting</a>)
<p>

Jacob Blake's father <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/01/family-jacob-blake-hosts-block-party-voter-drive-drown-out-pain-and-division-brought">organized a counter-meeting</a>, voting drive, and
block party to counter the wrecker's meeting elsewhere in Kenosha.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Pope_Francis_called_for_urgent_climate_defense_action)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Pope_Francis_called_for_urgent_climate_defense_action)">Pope Francis called for urgent climate defense action</a>)
<p>

Pope Francis <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/01/creation-groaning-pope-francis-denounces-endless-growth-humanitys-assault-nature">has denounced</a> the practice of consuming resources faster
than the natural world can replace them, and called for urgent climate
defense action.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Misleading_apparent_lead)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Misleading_apparent_lead)">Misleading apparent lead</a>)
<p>

If mainly Democratic voters vote by mail,
the wrecker could get a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/01/red-mirage-democratic-data-firm-predicts-post-election-chaos-over-false-trump">misleading apparent lead</a> if the mail-in ballots
are counted later.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Tell_Gilead_your_publicly-funded_COVID-19_treatment_must_be_gratis)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Tell_Gilead_your_publicly-funded_COVID-19_treatment_must_be_gratis)">Tell Gilead your publicly-funded COVID-19 treatment must be gratis</a>)
<p>

Everyone: tell Gilead: Your publicly-funded COVID-19
treatment <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/gilead-coronavirus_treatment_free/">must be gratis</a>.
<p>
This argument is not the best one to use, because it only works some
of the time.  Should a company be allowed to gouge on medical treatments
merely because it did not use public funds?  I don't think so.

<p>
<li><a name="3_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_the_sale_of_Ancestry_to_Blackstone)" />3 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_September_2020_(Urgent:_Stop_the_sale_of_Ancestry_to_Blackstone)">Urgent: Stop the sale of Ancestry to Blackstone</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress and the Federal Trade Commission to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/sign-petition-tell-congress-stop-sale-ancestry-blackstone/">Stop
the sale of Ancestry to Blackstone</a>

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

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(International_cooperation)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(International_cooperation)">International cooperation</a>)
<p>
The wrecker has cut off the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/01/us-covid-19-vaccine-refuses-international-effort-coronavirus">from international cooperation
in developing vaccines for Covid-19</a>.
  This might have no real effect, but it could also cut off Americans
from use of foreign-developed vaccines.

<p>
That could be very unfortunate for Americans if the best vaccine is
one of those.  We may not be able to get honest information about how
much a US vaccine has been tested or what the results of the testing
are, now that the wrecker has corrupted the CDC and FDA.

<p>
Or, if the best vaccine is American, it could deny people in other
countries the protection of that vaccine.

<p>
The one thing it cannot do is good.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Gold_mining)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Gold_mining)">Gold mining</a>)
<p>
Arguing that gold mining is of zero benefit to society.
Since it does poison the environment, <a href="https://jpkoning.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-case-for-banning-gold-mining.html">there is no reason not to
prohibit it entirely</a>.

<p>
Prohibition would be fairly easy to enforce against large mines.
There is also small-scale mining, which would be hard to prevent.  But
it might do much less environmental harm.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Paint_blades_black)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Paint_blades_black)">Paint blades black</a>)
<p>
In one study, painting some wind turbine blades black <a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/08/black-paint-on-wind-turbines-helps-prevent-bird-massacres/">avoid
most of the bird deaths</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Making_Secret_Service_pay)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Making_Secret_Service_pay)">Making Secret Service pay</a>)
<p>
The corrupter makes the Secret Service <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/08/27/how-trumps-company-charged.html">pay his companies in order to
protect him</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Preventing_megafires)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Preventing_megafires)">Preventing megafires</a>)
<p>
California might in theory be able to prevent disastrous megafires <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/they-know-how-to-prevent-megafires-why-wont-anybody-listen">if
it did enough controlled burns</a>.

<p>
But is that even remotely possible?  20 million acres is 31,000 square
miles, around 1/5 of the area of California.  It is more than half of
the forested area.  I don't think so much controlled burn could ever
be done.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Monopolistic_and_harmful)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Monopolistic_and_harmful)">Monopolistic and harmful</a>)
<p>
Zuckerberg said that Apple's app store <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/zuckerberg-apple-monopoly">is monopolistic and harmful to
people who talk with iPhones</a>.

<p>
He's absolutely right about Apple.  By contrast, Facebook is
monopolistic and harmful to talk with Facebook.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Outdoor_classes)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Outdoor_classes)">Outdoor classes</a>)
<p>
Having classes outdoors could be a benefit for lower grades,
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200831224800/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html">as well as tending to prevent anyone from catching Covid-19</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Mongolian_and_Mandarin)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Mongolian_and_Mandarin)">Mongolian and Mandarin</a>)
<p>
China is starting a gradual plan to force Mongols <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/01/inner-mongolia-protests-china-mandarin-schools-language">to shift from
speaking Mongolian to speaking Mandarin</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(E_Coli)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(E_Coli)">E Coli</a>)
<p>
Cows spread diarrhea-causing E coli to salad farms, and the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/01/unclean-greens-how-americas-e-coli-outbreaks-in-salads-are-linked-to-cows">is not doing
much to keep the salad leaves safe</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Wrecker's_triumph)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Wrecker's_triumph)">Wrecker's triumph</a>)
<p>
The wrecker's triumph: thugs and right-wing extremist militias <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/01/us-mainstream-right-vigilante-terror">are
now allied and supported by the right-wing media</a>.

<p>
Cities whose <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments are permeated with right-wing extremists
may need to abolish those departments and start new ones, so as to have no
right-wing extremists among their police.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Foreign_workers_in_Qatar)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Foreign_workers_in_Qatar)">Foreign workers in Qatar</a>)
<p>
Qatar will end the practice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/01/new-employment-law-effectively-ends-qatars-exploitative-kafala-system">of tying each foreign worker to a single
employer</a>.
  This has the potential to reduce the horrible exploitation of
foreign workers there.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Dictionary.com)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Dictionary.com)">Dictionary.com</a>)
<p>
Correction: The article I linked to about dictionary.com appears to
have been erroneous, or else I misunderstood it.  It treats the words
"Black" and "White" in a parallel way, so I have no criticism.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Second_degree_burn_from_sidewalk)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Second_degree_burn_from_sidewalk)">Second degree burn from sidewalk</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Phoenix pressed Roniah Trotter face down on the sidewalk,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/weather/2020/sep/01/im-still-hurting-encounter-with-phoenix-police-leaves-teenage-girl-with-permanent-burn-scars">which was so hot that it gave her second-degree burns</a>.

<p>
Naturally the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> said it was she who attacked them.  But the
biggest villains in this story are fossil fuel companies.  I suspect
it will not be feasible to keep living in the Phoenix region for many
more decades.  It will be too dangerous, and when the aquifer is
exhausted there will be no water.

<p>
It is too late to avoid <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster, but we can still make
it more or make it less &mdash; and civilization's future depends on which
one we do.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Another_citizen_killed)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Another_citizen_killed)">Another citizen killed</a>)
<p>
LA thugs shot and killed Dijon Kizzee <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/01/los-angeles-police-shoot-black-man-bicycle">for running away after riding a
bicycle while black</a>.

<p>
The details of their story might be true, but we cannot assume they
are true unless we find some independent confirmation.  The
unsupported word of any number of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> &mdash; if they have had a chance
to coordinate their stories &mdash; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#12_September_2003_(he_started_it)">is not credible testimony</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Business-supremacy_treaty_and_plastic_pollution)"/>2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Business-supremacy_treaty_and_plastic_pollution)">Business-supremacy treaty and plastic pollution</a>)
<p>
The proposed US-Kenya business-supremacy treaty would make Kenya eliminate
its policies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/there-no-end-big-oils-evil-campaigners-condemn-industry-plan-pour-us-plastics-africa">that are designed to reduce plastic pollution</a>.

<p>
We must expect it will do other bad things too, <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">as they generally do</a>.

<p>
I wish I could expect Biden to be better than the corrupter on these issues,
but I expect him to be worse than Obama.

<p>
* Researchers in China saw big reductions in organisms [in soil] that play a
   crucial role in recycling carbon and nitrogen*, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/02/microplastic-pollution-devastating-soil-species-study-finds">due to
   microplastics in the soil</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Decision-Making_Of_Elected_Officials_in_Parliament_in_the_UK)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Decision-Making_Of_Elected_Officials_in_Parliament_in_the_UK)">Decision-Making Of Elected Officials in Parliament in the UK</a>)
<p>

Right-wing UK pressure groups are trying to remove decision-making from
elected officials in Parliament and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/01/no-10-lobby-groups-democracy-policy-exchange">move it to assistants appointed by
the Prime Minister</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(President_Kagame_of_Rwanda_has_arrested_Rusesabagina)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(President_Kagame_of_Rwanda_has_arrested_Rusesabagina)">President Kagame of Rwanda has arrested Rusesabagina</a>)
<p>

President Kagame of Rwanda, who does not allow opposition, has
arrested Rusesabagina, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/01/rwandan-government-accused-of-abducting-paul-rusesabagina">heroic genocide-resister</a> who subsequently
became a heroic opposition leader.
<p>
His family says Rusesabagina was arrested in Dubai; he would never
have gone willingly to Rwanda.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Defeat_of_Sanders_and_the_plutocratist_Democrats'_rejection_of_progressive_policies)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Defeat_of_Sanders_and_the_plutocratist_Democrats'_rejection_of_progressive_policies)">Defeat of Sanders and the plutocratist Democrats' rejection of progressive policies</a>)
<p>

After the <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/08/bernie-sanders-five-year-war">defeat of Sanders</a>, and the plutocratist Democrats' rejection of
his progressive policies, where is hope to end US government cruelty?
<p>
We face an election which either a lousy right-wing candidate or a
perverse crook will win.  We must continue the fight to <a href="https://www.jacobinmag.com/2020/08/joe-biden-rahm-emanuel-democratic-party-election">overcome the
plutocratist Democrats</a>. There are a few, such as Pelosi, that will still run against
progressive Democrats in November.  Campaign for those progressives now.
As for all the rest, let's start now to support replacing them the next
time they run for reelection.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Investment_in_clean_renewable_energy)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Investment_in_clean_renewable_energy)">Investment in clean renewable energy</a>)
<p>

*   Only <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/31/only-one-in-10-utility-firms-prioritise-renewable-electricity-global-study">one in 10</a> of the world’s electric utility companies are
prioritizing investment in clean renewable energy over growing their
capacity of fossil fuel power plants.*

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Whole_Foods_not_allowing_staff_to_wear_Black_Lives_Matter_slogans)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Whole_Foods_not_allowing_staff_to_wear_Black_Lives_Matter_slogans)">Whole Foods not allowing staff to wear "Black Lives Matter" slogans</a>)
<p>

People are criticizing Whole Foods for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/31/whole-foods-dress-code-black-lives-matter">not allowing staff to wear
"Black Lives Matter" slogans</a> while at work.
<p>
I think it is legitimate for a store to restrict political messaging
by its staff while at work.  Would you insist that a store permit
employees to wear white-supremacist messages?  So I think it is
legitimate for a store to say that its staff can't present any
political messages while on duty.
<p>
However, it seems valid to argue that if Whole Foods really supports
anti-racist campaigns, it should show that support by offering staff
masks they can wear, saying "Whole Foods supports Black Lives Matter."

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Ancient_peat_bogs_burning)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Ancient_peat_bogs_burning)">Ancient peat bogs burning</a>)
<p>

*Research Reveals <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/research-reveals-ancient-peat-bogs-burning-and-unprecedented-emissions-2020-arctic">Ancient Peat Bogs Burning and Unprecedented Emissions From 2020 Arctic Fires</a>.*
<p>
This is a positive feedback that I expect was not taken into account
in climate models.  It means things will get worse, and faster, than
they predict.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Private_documents_from_the_saboteur_in_chief's_Covid-19_task_force)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Private_documents_from_the_saboteur_in_chief's_Covid-19_task_force)">Private documents from the saboteur in chief's Covid-19 task force</a>)
<p>

Private documents from the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief's Covid-19 task force
show that when he said it would disappear, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/white-house-cover-covid-19-task-force-reports-withheld-public-reveal-trump-knew">he knew the opposite was true</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Hurricane_Laura)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Hurricane_Laura)">Hurricane Laura</a>)
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/wake-lauras-devastation-and-amid-pandemic-and-heat-wave-calls-emerge-end-climate">Hurricane Laura in Louisiana knocked out water supplies and electricity</a>, so people are without air conditioning in the middle of a dangerous heat wave.
It also set a chemical plant on fire, and the chlorine gas can cause a lung problem that makes Covid-19 more deadly.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> contributed to the hurricane and the heat wave.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(James_Brown's_votes)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(James_Brown's_votes)">James Brown's votes</a>)
<p>

James Brown <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/james-brown-voted-568-times/">voted 568 times</a> &mdash; according to Kris Kobach.
<p>
Actually it was hundreds of different James Browns, each voting once.
<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(Winner_take_all_philosophy)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(Winner_take_all_philosophy)">Winner take all philosophy</a>)
<p>

*Our richest corporations are much to blame for the free-market "winner
take all" philosophy that has caused over half of our nation to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/31/how-big-corporations-are-draining-life-out-sick-america">try to
survive without adequate health care and life savings</a>.*
<p>
We don't need to base our argument for taxing big business more on its
benefit from government-funded research.  Everyone in society has the
duty to contribute to society, so the rich must not be able to exempt
their income from taxation by passing it through corporations.

<p>
<li><a name="2_September_2020_(The_disease-spreader's_chosen_advisor)" />2 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_September_2020_(The_disease-spreader's_chosen_advisor)">The disease-spreader's chosen advisor</a>)
<p>

The disease-spreader has chosen an advisor that wants to let Covid-18
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/health-experts-horrified-new-trump-covid-19-adviser-pushes-herd-immunity-strategy">burn through the US population</a>, killing whoever it happens to kill.
<p>
That's the real meaning of "aiming for herd immunity".
<p>
We should keep in mind, if he orders the FDA to approve an
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/31/public-health-experts-sound-alarm-over-fda-willingness-roll-out-covid-19-vaccine">incompletely tested vaccine</a>, that he is eager for Covid-19 to kill us
and always ready to lie.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Truce)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Truce)">Truce</a>)
<p>
Hamas (Gaza) and Israel have agreed on a truce, and perhaps more &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/31/hamas-and-israel-agree-end-to-cross-border-bombing-in-gaza">Israel
is supposed to alleviate the blockade of Gaza</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Advances_at_work)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Advances_at_work)">Advances at work</a>)
<p>
*Researchers found "nice, generous" people advanced at work <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/aug/31/getting-ahead-isnt-a-nasty-business-us-study-reveals">just as much
as bullies</a>.*

<p>
Maybe this is yet another example where each person who succeeds
jumps to the conclusion that success depends on per own characteristics,
while in fact <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#28_August_2020_(Talent_and_luck)">it is just chance at work</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Climate_refugee)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Climate_refugee)">Climate refugee</a>)
<p>
Experts object to the term "climate refugee", but I think their
arguments are valid only for short term &mdash; before climate disaster
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/31/how-helpful-is-the-term-climate-refugee">gets bad enough to make regions uninhabitable</a>.

<p>
Imagine if it became impossible to live in California, due to fire,
smoke, and the failure of agriculture.  That's the sort of massive
disaster that "climate refugee" goes with.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Not_censoring_book)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Not_censoring_book)">Not censoring book</a>)
<p>
*Thomas Piketty <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/aug/31/thomas-piketty-refuses-to-censor-latest-book-for-sale-in-china">refuses to censor latest book for sale in China</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(On_Atheism_and_Humanism)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(On_Atheism_and_Humanism)">On Atheism and Humanism</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/aug/31/alice-roberts-atheism-humanism">On Atheism and Humanism</a>.

<p>
Theists sometimes challenge me to prove there are no gods.  I can't do
that, but I can show that god-based theories of the universe can't
explain anything, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_even_wrong">so they aren't even wrong</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Buying_from_oppressors)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Buying_from_oppressors)">Buying from oppressors</a>)
<p>
Amazon and IBM are buying from Chinese companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/31/why-are-us-companies-buying-tech-from-chinese-firms-that-spy-on-muslims">that make systems
used for repression of Uighurs</a>.

<p>
*Ban US cotton imports from Xinjiang, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/aug/31/ban-us-cotton-imports-from-xinjiang-say-human-rights-campaigners">say human rights campaigners</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Inciting_violence)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Inciting_violence)">Inciting violence</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> urged right-wing extremists to protest in Portland, where
they got into fights with local anti-racist protesters.  One
right-wing protester was shot dead.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/31/portland-police-protest-unlawful-fatal-shooting">We don't know who shot him</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Peace)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Peace)">Peace</a>)
<p>
*Sudan government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/31/sudan-government-agrees-peace-deal-rebel-groups">agrees to peace deal with five rebel groups</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Carbon_offsetting)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Carbon_offsetting)">Carbon offsetting</a>)
<p>
*Australia’s big polluters [have been] required to offset <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/31/australias-big-polluters-required-to-offset-just-12-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-past-year">just 1.2% of
greenhouse gas emissions</a>.*

<p>
However, even if they were required to offset 100% of the greenhouse
gas emissions, that might do little good, since many schemes for
"offsetting" emissions <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#22_August_2019_(Carbon_offsetting)">are of questionable effectiveness</a>.
  In effect, schemes for industries to "offset" emissions are a way to
avoid being made to actually reduce emissions.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Tricked_into_video)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Tricked_into_video)">Tricked into video</a>)
<p>
*N.Y.C. Tenants Say <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200831110026/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/nyregion/nyc-tenants-rnc-video-trump.html">They Were Tricked Into Appearing in R.N.C. Video</a>.*


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Preparing_for_Covid-19_at_school)"/>1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Preparing_for_Covid-19_at_school)">Preparing for Covid-19 at school</a>)
<p>
How a large high school <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/aug/30/oldham-biggest-secondary-school-plans-covid-ready-reopening">is getting ready to receive students and
reduce Covid-19 transmission</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Plans_to_put_dooH_niboR_in_charge_of_Ecuador)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Plans_to_put_dooH_niboR_in_charge_of_Ecuador)">Plans to put dooH niboR in charge of Ecuador</a>)
<p>

President Moreno is planning to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/29/ecuador-austerity-imf-disaster">allow the IMF to put dooH niboR
in charge of Ecuador</a>.
<p>
This is to please foreign creditors.
<p>
The idea that the IMF would ever <em>help</em> a country it lends to is,
alas, folly.  That's what it was initially intended for, but its
mission, since the 1980s if not earlier, was to impoverish the poor.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Covid_vaccine_rush_could_make_pandemic_worse)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Covid_vaccine_rush_could_make_pandemic_worse)">Covid vaccine rush could make pandemic worse</a>)
<p>

*Covid vaccine rush <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/30/covid-vaccine-rush-could-make-pandemic-worse-say-scientists">could make pandemic worse</a>, say scientists.*
<p>
If people use a vaccine that is not very effective, they could start
taking foolish risks, imagining that the vaccine protected them.  This
would play into the hands of the Republicans who wish to spread the
disease.  The wrecker could pretend to be protecting us while achieving
the opposite.
<p>
The long-term effect might be to encourage distrust for all vaccines,
including those that have been thoroughly tested.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(People_in_Belarus_felt_they_could_ignore_politics)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(People_in_Belarus_felt_they_could_ignore_politics)">People in Belarus felt they could ignore politics</a>)
<p>

People in Belarus felt they could ignore politics and live under the regime.
Now they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/reporting-on-belarus-courage-violence-and-creepers-with-cameras">no longer consider that safe</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Michael_Moore_warns_repeat_of_2016_Trump_win)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Michael_Moore_warns_repeat_of_2016_Trump_win)">Michael Moore warns repeat of 2016 Trump win</a>)
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/29/michael-moore-donald-trump-repeat-2016-warning">Michael Moore warns</a> that Donald Trump is on course to repeat 2016 win.*

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Germany_integrating_refugees)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Germany_integrating_refugees)">Germany integrating refugees</a>)
<p>

Germany has been very successful in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/angela-merkel-great-migrant-gamble-paid-off">integrating a large number of
refugees</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(The_British_Museum_is_starting_to_acknowledge_slave-owning_past)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(The_British_Museum_is_starting_to_acknowledge_slave-owning_past)">The British Museum is starting to acknowledge slave-owning past</a>)
<p>

The British Museum is starting to acknowledge the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/30/it-is-not-hans-sloane-who-has-been-erased-from-history-but-his-slaves">slave-owning past of
its founder</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Public_transit_faces_death_spiral)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Public_transit_faces_death_spiral)">Public transit faces death spiral</a>)
<p>

*Public transit <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/30/public-transit-transport-death-spiral-congress">faces 'death spiral'</a> without $32bn injection from Congress.*

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Extinction_Rebellion_proposes_a_citizens’_assembly)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Extinction_Rebellion_proposes_a_citizens’_assembly)">Extinction Rebellion proposes a citizens’ assembly</a>)
<p>

Extinction Rebellion proposes a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/30/extinction-rebellion-democracy-climate-emergency-bill-citizens-assembly">citizens’ assembly designed to feed
proposals to Parliament</a>.  Any proposal that gets 80% support in the
assembly, Parliament would be required to vote on.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Protesters_marched_again_in_Minsk)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Protesters_marched_again_in_Minsk)">Protesters marched again in Minsk</a>)
<p>

Protesters marched again in Minsk <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/belarus-protesters-defy-crackdown-to-march-through-minsk-lukashenko">despite Lukashenko's threats</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Intelligence_officials_stopped_from_testifying_about_threats_to_election_security)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Intelligence_officials_stopped_from_testifying_about_threats_to_election_security)">Intelligence officials stopped from testifying about threats to election security</a>)
<p>

The wrecker has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/30/outcry-as-us-intelligence-stops-in-person-reports-to-congress-on-election-security">stopped intelligence official from testifying</a> to
Congress about threats to election security.

<p>
<li><a name="1_September_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_your_senators_to_pass_the_Delivering_for_America_Act)" />1 September 2020 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_September_2020_(Urgent:_Call_on_your_senators_to_pass_the_Delivering_for_America_Act)">Urgent: Call on your senators to pass the Delivering for America Act</a>)
<p>

US citizens: call on your senators to pass the <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-senate-save-usps">Delivering for America
Act</a>.

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

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

</ul>
<br>
<hr>

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