# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Human_development_index,_UN)
title: Human development index, UN
uri: Human-development-index-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(Human_development_index,_UN)
content:
 
<p>
Increased plutocracy is increasing the income disparity between countries
along with income disparity within most
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/13/growth-of-gulf-between-rich-and-poor-countries-recipe-for-much-darker-future-says-un">countries</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(ai_racism_chatgpt_gemini_bias)
title: AI discrimination
uri: AI-discrimination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(ai_racism_chatgpt_gemini_bias)
content:
 
<p>
Bullshit generators such as ChatGPT increasingly show racial stereotypes
in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/16/ai-racism-chatgpt-gemini-bias">judging people's employ-ability.</a>
<p>
They don't actually understand anything, including the concept of
"employ-ability" or "bigotry", so employers should not use them for
that purpose.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(olivia_rodrigo_stops_distribution)
title: Olivia Rodrigo concerns
uri: Olivia-Rodrigo-concerns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(olivia_rodrigo_stops_distribution)
content:
 
<p>
Singer Olivia Rodrigo became a champion of freedom by distributing
condoms and emergency contraception pills at her concerts.  But now
she has ceased that practice, citing a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/16/olivia-rodrigo-stops-distribution-morning-after-pill">vague concern about "children"
that attend.</a>
<p>
I can't tell whether "children" in her statement refers to the people
we normally call "children" &mdash; pre-teens &mdash; or to everyone under 18.
But either way, I can't see even a lick of sense in that decision to
stop.  Whatever a person's age, if person is going to be sexually
penetrated, it is good for that person to have a condom available.  Whatever a
female's age, if she may get pregnant, it is useful for her to have
emergency contraception available.
<p>
Unless she presents clearly some other reason, I have to think that
she has yielded to an incoherent right-wing moral panic.

<p>
 


title: Neuralink concerns
uri: Neuralink-concerns
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(neuroscience_research_aus_neuralink_musk)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(neuroscience_research_aus_neuralink_musk)

content:
 
<p>
Advances in brain-machine 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/17/neuroscience-research-australia-neuralink-elon-musk-brain-chips"> interfaces are dangerous.</a>
<p>
Musk has spoken in favor of fascism more than once.  He could make
Neuralink implants trigger pleasure in the brain whenever the patient
hears words that endorse fascism.  If the Neuralink itself is not
capable of relaying the sound that the patient is hearing, the
apparatus to run it could simply have an internet-connected
microphone.
<p>
The only way to make them safe is if users have full control
over the software that operates them and talks directly with them.
They also need to be able to study the circuit diagram and verify
that the device was built honestly.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(trump_voter_rolls)
title: Voter Rolls Being Targeted
uri: Voter-Rolls-Being-Targeted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(trump_voter_rolls)
content:
 
<p>
Unofficial groups of Republicans are trying to rig elections by
pressuring local election officials in some states to 
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240303170045/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/us/politics/trump-voter-rolls.html/">remove voters
from he voting lists.</a>
<p>
In Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia they have had successes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(keir_starmer_labour_party)
title: Keir Starmer Labour Party
uri: Keir-Starmer-Labour-Party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(keir_starmer_labour_party)
content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: *It's as if Keir Starmer is seeking out all the
positive reasons to vote 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/11/keir-starmer-labour-party-british-democracy">Labour &mdash; and deleting them.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(punjabi_farmers_modi)
title: Punjabi Farmers and Modi
uri: Punjabi-Farmers-and-Modi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_March_2024_(punjabi_farmers_modi)
content:
 
<p>
Modi made a campaign promise to Indian farmers, then broke it.
When they protested this, 
<a href="https://assemblyforhumanrights.org/punjabi-farmers/f/promises-promises-farmers-in-peril-but-modi-does-not-care">they met with repression</a>
<p>
of the sort that 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/03/indian-farmers-continue-historic-protests-after-250-million-people-rise-against">he had previously reserved for Muslims.</a>

<p>
 


title: PoemsEssaysNovels, and free expression
uri: PoemsEssaysNovels-and-free-expression
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(PoemsEssaysNovels,_and_free_expression)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(PoemsEssaysNovels,_and_free_expression)

content:
 
<p>
Some writers are boycotting PEN America events because
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/pen-america-festival-authors-withdraw-israel-gaza-war-protest">it
has refused to take a stand</a> about
the war in Gaza.  In one case they demanded that PEN America uninvite another writer for per
stand about the war in Gaza.  (They too had been invited to the same event.)
<p>
PEN is right to refuse to take a side on that conflict, and all other conflicts, so it can
influence all sides to respect the safety of writers and their freedom to write and publish.
<p>
PEN has acted similarly in regard to Putin's invasion of Ukraine: reproaching the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>
for their bombardment of Ukrainian museums and cultural institutions, but not calling for war
to defeat Putin's aggression and repression.
<p>
I don't have a principle of political neutrality in my personal life &mdash; do not hesitate to
say that Putin is the enemy of freedom and call for defeating his aggression &mdash; but I
appreciate PEN's reasons to have such a principle, and I respect it for sticking to that.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Driver's_licence_or_prison,_FL)
title: Driver's license or prison, FL
uri: Driver-s-license-or-prison-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Driver's_licence_or_prison,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
Florida Republicans passed a bill to imprison people for conviction of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/ron-desantis-prison-sentences-undocumented-immigrants">driving
without a driver's license</a>.
Since unauthorized immigrants can't get a license, they tend to do this.  So they are the ones
who will mainly be imprisoned -- and, perhaps, deported very soon.
<p>
Massachusetts made arrangements so that anyone who resides in the state and is capable of
driving can get an official driver's license, valid for driving.

<p>
 


title: "Noble" effort for reproductive health
uri: Noble-effort-for-reproductive-health
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Noble_effort_for_reproductive_health)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Noble_effort_for_reproductive_health)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/missouri-law-divorce-pregnancy-violence-abortion">Three US states forbid divorce</a> for anyone who is pregnant.
That can be used by the other spouse for coercion.
<p>
I wonder whether it is feasible to get around this problem by going to
another state &mdash; Nevada.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Long_covid_demographics,_USA)
title: Long-Covid demographics, USA
uri: Long-Covid-demographics-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Long_covid_demographics,_USA)
content:
 
<p>
Almost
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/long-covid-symptoms-cdc">7% of Americans</a>
(around 18 million) currently have symptoms of long Covid.  Around 4 million have it to a
debilitating degree.
<p>
This is a national catastrophe.  Governments should take more measures to reduce the spread of
Covid-19; we know that won't eliminate it, but reducing the number of people who get sick will
also reduce the number that get long Covid and become incapacitated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(US%26ndash;Netanyahu_breaking_point)
title: US&ndash;Netanyahu breaking point
uri: US-Netanyahu-breaking-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(US%26ndash;Netanyahu_breaking_point)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/schumer-netanyahu-speech-biden-reaction">Biden says Schumer made "good speech"</a>
in breaking with Benjamin Netanyahu.*
<p>
Schumer called Netanyahu an obstacle to peace.  Amen.  He also called for the US to pressure
Israel into changing its deadly approach to Gaza.  Amen.
<p>
Biden's expression of support suggests he is telling Netanyahu that he's approaching the point
of real pressure on Israel.  I just hope Biden's approach is not going to asymptotically slow.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Food_wars___Gaza)
title: Aid wars, Gaza
uri: Aid-wars-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Food_wars___Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Hamas says that Israeli soldiers fired directly at a crowd of
Palestinians waiting for some aid to arrive.  They killed 20 and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/palestinians-killed-wounded-idf-israel-forces-aid-gaza">wounded more than 150</a>.
<p>
Israel said that this did not happen.  We don't know for certain what actually happened.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(brazil_anti_dengue_mosquitoes)
title: Anti-dengue mosquitoes
uri: Anti-dengue-mosquitoes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(brazil_anti_dengue_mosquitoes)
content:
 
<p>
Brazil is deploying bacteria-infected mosquitoes to block 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/15/brazil-to-release-millions-of-anti-dengue-mosquitoes-as-death-toll-from-outbreak-mounts">the spread of
dengue fever.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(maui_wildfires)
title: Maui wildfires
uri: Maui-wildfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(maui_wildfires)
content:
 
<p>
People in Maui are organizing to help the survivors of the Lahaina fire
to avoid desperately selling their burned houses to people who aim
to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/maui-wildfires-community-land-trust">profit by reselling to rich people.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(bernie_sanders_four_day_workweek)
title: 32 hour work week
uri: 2024-03-20-32-hour-work-week
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(bernie_sanders_four_day_workweek)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders has proposed a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/15/bernie-sanders-four-day-workweek">law to require a 32-hour work week.</a>
<p>
This might be an improvement in businesses in which working is "just a
job".  I think it would be a big problem for idealistic nonprofit
organizations such as the FSF.  The staff are already as productive as
one could reasonably wish for; they couldn't become more productive
just because of a cut in hours.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(china_nobel_prize)
title: Mo Yan's nobel prize
uri: Mo-Yan-s-nobel-prize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(china_nobel_prize)
content:
 
<p>
China falls prey to lunatic nationalism which resembles in spirit the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/16/china-nobel-prize-winner-tarred-as-one-of-three-new-evils-amid-rise-in-nationalist-fervour">QAnonsense disinformation in the US.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(bolsonaro_brazil_coup)
title: Brazil coup
uri: 2024-03-20-Brazil-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(bolsonaro_brazil_coup)
content:
 
<p>
* Bolsonaro presented top military
   officials with a plan to carry out a coup d’état after his defeat
   in the October 2022 election, two 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/bolsonaro-brazil-coup-lula-testimony">former commanders have told the
   police.*</a>
<p>
I hope this sends Bolsonaro to prison for the rest of his life.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fake_abortion_clinics)
title: Urgent: Fake abortion clinics
uri: Urgent-Fake-abortion-clinics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Urgent:_Fake_abortion_clinics)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/stop-funding-anti-choice-crisis-pregnancy-centers-2">state
governments to stop funding</a>
phony abortion services ("crisis pregnancy centers").
<p>
If you take any advice from a "crisis pregnancy centers", you're
likely to find yourself having a cry, sis ;-{.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Blacks' Walmart, Target, closures
uri: Urgent-Blacks-Walmart-Target-closures
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Urgent:_Blacks_Target,_Walmart_closures)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Urgent:_Blacks_Target,_Walmart_closures)

content:
 
<p>
In the US, or wherever these stores operate:
<a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/crime-wave-panic/">call on Walmart and
Target</a>
to stop pretending that shoplifting is mainly in neighborhoods
where blacks live, and stop pushing cruel "tough on crime" policies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Havana_syndrome_occult)
title: Havana syndrome occult
uri: Havana-syndrome-occult
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Havana_syndrome_occult)
content:
 
<p>
*Medical studies find
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/18/havana-syndrome-study-government-officials">no
trace of physical harm</a>
in Havana syndrome patients.*
<p>
This gives support to the theory that the problem is psychosomatic.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Gaza_as_a_forever_war)
title: Gaza as a forever war
uri: Gaza-as-a-forever-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Gaza_as_a_forever_war)
content:
 
<p>
Areas of Gaza where Israel believed it had defeated HAMAS and kicked it out
have seen
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/israel-shifa-raid-shows-its-grip-is-slipping-as-a-forever-war-looms">HAMAS fighters reappear</a>.
It looks like truly defeating HAMAS
is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_February_2024_(Explanations_around_Netanyahu,_HAMAS_and_the_US)">not possible</a>
&mdash; they would have to continue the war indefinitely.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


title: Scientific research org discredited, AUS
uri: Scientific-research-org-discredited-AUS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Scientific_research_org_discredited,_AUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Scientific_research_org_discredited,_AUS)

content:
 
<p>
A right-wing Australian political leader is attacking renewable energy
by making
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/15/csiro-peter-dutton-gencost-report-nuclear-energy-renewables-cost">false
criticisms of a study</a> of electricity options publicized by CSIRO.  This time, CSIRO is
rebuking the false criticism, which is likely to be motivated somehow by money from
the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(UNRWA_funding_unpaused,_AUS)
title: UNRWA funding unpaused, AUS
uri: UNRWA-funding-unpaused-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(UNRWA_funding_unpaused,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
*Australia reinstates funding to UNRWA to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/15/unrwa-funding-australia-reinstates-gaza-aid-october-7-hamas-claims">provide aid in Gaza</a>.*
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Interest_rates_for_the_people,_UK)
title: Interest rates for the people, UK
uri: Interest-rates-for-the-people-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Interest_rates_for_the_people,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK economy and low-wage workers are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/17/the-guardian-view-on-the-bank-of-englands-week-ahead-its-time-to-start-cutting-rates">suffering from the high interest rates</a>.
<p>
The ostensible reason for high rates &mdash; to control inflation &mdash; was
foolish because the cause of inflation was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Price-gouging_corporations)">the greed of the rich</a>.
The increased rates enabled companies to gouge and be even more greedy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Banks_upping_global_meat_and_dairy)
title: Banks upping global meat and dairy
uri: Banks-upping-global-meat-and-dairy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Banks_upping_global_meat_and_dairy)
content:
 
<p>
*Financiers providing billion-dollar support for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/18/banks-driving-increase-in-global-meat-and-dairy-production-report-finds">industrial livestock
companies</a>
to expand leading to unsustainable rise in production [of meat and dairy].*

<p>
 


title: UN climate plan discludes meat eating
uri: UN-climate-plan-discludes-meat-eating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(UN_climate_plan_discludes_meat_eating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(UN_climate_plan_discludes_meat_eating)

content:
 
<p>
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/18/bewildering-to-omit-meat-eating-reduction-from-un-climate-plan">a plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions</a>
but it does not include eating less meat.

<p>
 


title: Social Security and upcoming election
uri: Social-Security-and-upcoming-election
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Social_Security_and_upcoming_election)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Social_Security_and_upcoming_election)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-biggest-contrast-in-the-upcoming">Social Security</a>
has a long-term fiscal shortfall because its last
reform, in the 1980s, did not reckon with the increased inequality
of incomes in the US since then.
<p>
The simple fix is to make rich people pay the same share of their
high business income that the rest of us pay out of our smaller incomes. 

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(for_profit_bail_industry_alec)
title: For profit bail industry
uri: For-profit-bail-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(for_profit_bail_industry_alec)
content:
 
<p>
For-profit bail bonds companies are trying to prohibit the operation
of charities that 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2024/03/18/for-profit-bail-industry-teams-up-with-alec-to-target-charitable-bail-funds/">provide bail for non-rich people.</a>
<p>
ALEC, the perverse organization that pushes any sort of right-wing law
at the state level, is supporting the campaign.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(billionaire_wealth_up)
title: Millionaire wealth up
uri: Millionaire-wealth-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(billionaire_wealth_up)
content:
 
<p>
*Wealth of US Billionaires Hits $5.5 
<a href="https://inequality.org/great-divide/billionaire-wealth-up-88-percent-over-four-years/">Trillion—Up 88% Since
 Pandemic Hit.*</a>
 
 <p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(bernie_sanders_foreign_policy)
title: Bernie sanders foreign policy
uri: Bernie-sanders-foreign-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(bernie_sanders_foreign_policy)
content:
 
<p>
* Bernie Sanders Says US Must 'Fundamentally 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/bernie-sanders-foreign-policy">Rethink' Its Foreign
 Policy.*</a>
 <p>
  It must stop launching coups to put right-ming plutocratist governments
in power.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(married_man_hologram_japan)
title: Virtual wife
uri: Virtual-wife
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(married_man_hologram_japan)
content:
 
<p>
*The man who married a hologram in Japan can no longer communicate
with his virtual wife. 
<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/the-man-who-married-a-hologram-in-japan-can-no-longer/426715">The software that allowed the interaction is
no longer supported&hellip;*</a>
<p>
If a computational activity is truly important to you, <Em>never</Em> depend
on being able to continue it by means of nonfree software controlled
by someone else!  That is asking to lose.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(france_fast_fashion)
title: France fast fashion
uri: France-fast-fashion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(france_fast_fashion)
content:
 
<p>
France is passing a special sales tax on "fast fashion" to reduce
the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/france-fast-fashion-law-environmental-surcharge-lower-house-votes">environmental harm that it does.</a>

<p>
 


title: Putin-forces EU operations like cold war
uri: Putin-forces-EU-operations-like-cold-war
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Putin-forces_EU_operations_like_cold-war)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Putin-forces_EU_operations_like_cold-war)

content:
 
<p>
How Putin is returning Russian spying and murder operations in foreign countries
to resemble the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/volkov-attack-russia-return-to-cold-war-era-spying">Soviet Union's activities</a>
in the 70s and 80s.
<p>
He seems to expect that
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> will convince US Republicans
to root for the Russian side instead of the American side, so the more outrageously he attacks
the US, the more support he will win.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Putin-Trump,_Orbán,_sirens)
title: Putin-Trump, Orbán, sirens
uri: Putin-Trump-Orbán-sirens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Putin-Trump,_Orbán,_sirens)
content:
 
<p>
*Putin bromance has US intelligence officials
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/18/us-intelligence-trump-putin-threat">fearing second Trump term</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Democracy_metrics_in_decline,_EU)
title: Democracy metrics in decline, EU
uri: Democracy-metrics-in-decline-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Democracy_metrics_in_decline,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
*Rule of law declining across EU*, due to the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/18/rule-of-law-declining-across-eu-report-warns">influence
of far-right parties</a> which
don't believe in respecting legal rights.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Hidden_anti-Palestinianism,_USA)
title: Hidden anti-Palestinianism, USA
uri: Hidden-anti-Palestinianism-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Hidden_anti-Palestinianism,_USA)
content:
 
<p>
Alongside general antimuslimism, the US now has
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/18/muslim-islamophobia-palestinians/">bigotry against Palestinians</a>.

<p>
 


title: Double profiteering: toxic ground, FL
uri: Double-profiteering-toxic-ground-FL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Double-profiteering:_toxic-ground,_FL)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_March_2024_(Double-profiteering:_toxic-ground,_FL)

content:
 
<p>
Toxic chemicals buried next to defunct factories can make people in
the neighborhood sick.  They can spread into the grounds of
neighboring homes.  New construction on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/17/florida-toxic-waste-jacksonville">the
same ground</a> can mobilize them to spread more.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(kidnapped_stats)
title: Kidnapping fears and stats
uri: Kidnapping-fears-and-stats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(kidnapped_stats)
content:
 
<p>
Kidnapping of children is so rare in the US that parents who worry
about it are giving 
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/real-world-stats-about-the-odds-of-your-kid-being-kidnapped-and-everything-else/">themselves pointless grief.</a>
<p>
The article compares that risk with other risks children face.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(peruvian_court_of_nauta)
title: Marañón River
uri: Marañón-River
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(peruvian_court_of_nauta)
content:
 
<p>
A court in Peru decided that the River Marañón has 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/landmark-ruling-the-peruvian-court-of-nauta-recognizes-the-rights-of-the-maranon-river-and-the-indigenous-communities-as-its-guardians">"intrinsic rights".</a>
<p>
In philosophical terms, that is absurd, because exercising rights
requires volition, and the river is not capable of that.
<p>
The practical content of the decision is good.  To preserve the
river's existence, ensure it continues to flow, restore damage, reduce
pollution in it, and protect it's ecosystems are legitimate and
important responsibilities &mdash; of humans, including the state.
<p>
However, to call those goals "rights" of the river itself is absurd,
because the river cannot think, want, or decide anything.  It is not
in fact capable of exercising rights.
<p>
There is no need to base policies to protect nature on an incoherent
philosophical foundation.  We can establish a responsibility to
protect rivers without asserting that they have rights.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(joe_biden_big_tech_defeat)
title: Biden's big tech defeat
uri: Biden-s-big-tech-defeat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(joe_biden_big_tech_defeat)
content:
 
<p>
Biden negotiated changes in NAFTA, weakening business power in the area of
international 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/18/joe-biden-has-just-dealt-a-big-defeat-to-big-tech">digital business.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(canada_halt_arms_sales_israel)
title: Arms sales to Israel
uri: Arms-sales-to-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(canada_halt_arms_sales_israel)
content:
 
<p>
Canada will halt arms sales to Israel, based on reproach in the
legislature for Israel's disregard for the likes of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/19/canada-halt-arms-sales-to-israel">Palestinian
civilians in Gaza.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(devon_tory_mps)
title: Devon politics
uri: Devon-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(devon_tory_mps)
content:
 
<p>
Some districts in the UK are experimenting with an unofficial primary election
which helps the voters figure out which opposition party they support has the
best chance of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/20/revolution-britain-politics-devon-tory-mps-afraid">defeating the incumbent party.</a>
<p>
This is not part of the official electoral system, but helps voters
determine how to vote tactically in the official election.

<p>
 


title: Millions of displaced Congolese, DRC
uri: Millions-of-displaced-Congolese-DRC
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Millions_of_displaced_Conglolese,_DRC)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Millions_of_displaced_Conglolese,_DRC)

content:
 
<p>
*It's time to ask
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/14/why-us-and-uk-fund-rwanda-while-atrocities-mount-up-in-drc-vava-tampa">why the US and UK fund Rwanda</a>
while atrocities [it supports] mount up in DRC.*
<p>
The western sponsors of Rwanda may be racists and they may enjoy seeing black Africans suffer.
But I am skeptical that they join such a complex and selective scheme involving dividing groups
of blacks against each other.  I suspect that money is somehow at the root of that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Bill_to_tame_LLM_releases,_CA)
title: Bill to tame LLM "releases", CA
uri: Bill-to-tame-LLM-releases-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Bill_to_tame_LLM_releases,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
California is
<a href="https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/regulation/california-lawmaker-unveils-landmark-ai-bill">considering a bill</a>
that would require companies to test large "artificial intelligence" models for "unsafe"
behavior before "releasing" them, and set up ways to shut them down completely.
<p>
The best known large language models do not properly qualify as "intelligence", but I expect
that the bill would define the term with the usual misguided usage.  In terms of substance,
that is the right decision: the bill would be useless for is purpose if it did not cover
bullshit generators.
<p>
The bill would apply to "released" programs.  Bullshit generators are typically not released at
all -- you can't get a copy of GPT4, not even an executable copy.  They are made available for
use only as SaaSS (Service as a Software Substitute):
<p>
I expect that the author intends the law to apply to those systems, and it would be ineffective
if it did not apply to them.  That implies that the bill's sponsor, or perhaps the author of
the article, is distorting the word "released" to include unreleased programs.
<p>
This will cause further confusion.  It is sure3y possible to write the law to have the intended
meaning without spreading confusions about the meaning of words.
<p>
There is a substantive issue, too.  Will this law effectively prohibit the real release of free
software to do machine learning?  It could do that, depending on the precise wording.

<p>
 


title: Greenland greening, glaciers receding
uri: Greenland-greening-glaciers-receding
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Greenland_greening,_glaciers_receding)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Greenland_greening,_glaciers_receding)

content:
 
<p>
*Climate experts sound
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/flourishing-vegetation-greenland-ice-sheet-alarm-climate-crisis">alarm over thriving plant life</a>
at Greenland ice sheet.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Minimum_wage_battle,_Minneapolis)
title: Minimum wage battle, Minneapolis
uri: Minimum-wage-battle-Minneapolis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Minimum_wage_battle,_Minneapolis)
content:
 
<p>
Ride companies <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#guber">Guber</a> and Lyft threaten to leave Minneapolis now
that the city has voted to require them to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/20/uber-lyft-leaving-minneapolis-minnesota-minimum-wage">pay at least minimum wage</a>.
<p>
The officials that voted to require paying drivers decent wage say that those
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_November_2023_(Benefits_owed_to_drivers_by_Guber_and_Lyft)">exploitative
and gouging companies</a> are
welcome to leave.  May this start a world-wide movement to end such exploitation of workers.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Support Schumer's rebuke to Netanyahu
uri: Urgent-Support-Schumer-s-rebuke-to-Netanyahu
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_Support_Schumers_rebuke_to_Netanyahu)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_Support_Schumers_rebuke_to_Netanyahu)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.jstreet.org/sign/thank-you-majority-leader-schumer/?t=1007&akid=347591%2E538688%2E3isynt">Support Senator Schumer's rebuke</a>
to Netanyahu, and the pressure on Israel to stop the mass killing of Palestinian civilians.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Ships with renewable, not fracked, energy
uri: Urgent-Ships-with-renewable-not-fracked-energy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_Ships_with_renewable,_not_fracked,_energy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_Ships_with_renewable,_not_fracked,_energy)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.stand.earth/page/51837/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=email-ea">call on Canada</a>
to power ships with renewable energy, not fracked methane.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: ExxonMobile-enabled climate upheaval
uri: Urgent-ExxonMobile-enabled-climate-upheaval
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_ExxonMobile_enabled_climate_upheaval)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_March_2024_(Urgent:_ExxonMobile_enabled_climate_upheaval)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.350.org/signup/march-24-em-us-exxon/?akid=389330.1151744.rio11l&rd=1&source=em20240315-1-subs-us%7D">Tell ExxonMobile</a>:
you caused the climate crisis &mdash; not us.
<p>
When a few powerful entities &mdash; such as, major oil companies &mdash; reshape the system
that most people live in so that only by making difficult efforts can they avoid putting the
world in grave danger, those entities become responsible for the harm they have led and
pressured people to do.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(un_israeli_restrictions_gaza_food)
title: Gaza food aid
uri: Gaza-food-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(un_israeli_restrictions_gaza_food)
content:
 
<p>
*UN [high commissioner for human rights] says Israeli restrictions on Gaza food aid may 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/19/un-israeli-restrictions-gaza-food-aid-war-crime-hunger">constitute a war crime,*</a>
<p>
because *Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid may amount to "starvation as a method of war."*

<p>
 


title: US poisoned prison water
uri: US-poisoned-prison-water
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(us_prison_water_rat_fur_arsenic_copper)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(us_prison_water_rat_fur_arsenic_copper)

content:
 
<p>
*Rat fur, arsenic and copper: the dangerous 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/19/us-prison-water-rat-fur-arsenic-copper">ingredients lacing US
prison water.*</a>
<p>
This joins many other cruel and gratuitous forms of punishment,
including 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/24/us-solitary-confinement-prisons">solitary confinement which is a form of torture.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(giant_pandas_adelaide_zoo)
title: Adelaide zoo
uri: Adelaide-zoo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(giant_pandas_adelaide_zoo)
content:
 
<p>
Don't panda to China's "panda diplomacy" &mdash; China uses these
cute-seeming animals to extract diplomatic 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/adelaide-zoo-giant-pandas-wang-wang-fu-ni-china-foreign-minister-visit">concessions that have
real importance.</a>
<p>
I've posted 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/05/berlins-panda-cubs-cause-debate-about-chinese-human-rights">about this before.</a>
<p>
China doesn't give or sell pandas, it only lends them for a limited
time, and any offspring belong to China.  So China can demand
concessions from countries that have pandas and don't want to
relinquish them.
<p>
Oddly enough, Taiwan has some pandas which it actually owns.
If Taiwan can produce some baby pandas, it could undermine
China's panda diplomacy.

<p>
 


title: UN staff accusations
uri: UN-staff-accusations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(un_staff_west_bank_israeli_authorities_harassment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(un_staff_west_bank_israeli_authorities_harassment)

content:
 
<p>
*UN staff in West Bank accuse 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/19/un-staff-in-west-bank-accuse-israeli-authorities-of-campaign-of-harassment">Israeli authorities of campaign of harassment.</a>
<p>
Documents seen by the Guardian list hundreds of incidents, including
UNRWA workers allegedly being blindfolded and beaten.*
<p>
I see no reason to doubt these accusations.  Those employees are
Palestinians.  It is quite common for the Israeli soldiers and border
patrol, or the fanatical "settlers", to treat 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/05/gazan-detainees-beaten-and-sexually-assaulted-at-israeli-detention-centres-un-report-claims">Palestinians brutally.</a>
<p>
Why would they make an exception for those who work for UNRWA?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(tiktok_ban_moral_panic_senate)
title: TikTok moral panic
uri: TikTok-moral-panic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(tiktok_ban_moral_panic_senate)
content:
 
<p>
*Yes, TikTok sucks. But the rules for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/20/the-tiktok-ban-moral-panic-usa-senate-protect-us-tech-hegemony-china">tech giants must be better than
"it's only bad if China does it."*</a>
<p>
I think countries can indeed be safer by barring antisocial media
platforms that accumulate data for adversary countries.
<p>
It is true that this also helps dictatorships block the influence of
anyone from outside the dictator's power.  But dictators already do
that, as it suits them, So I don't think this is a valid argument
about what a free country should do.
<p>
However, it is equally dangerous for a "domestic" company to collect
lots of personal data about people, with which to manipulate and
control them.  And using peer pressure to make almost everyone
"consent" is not an excuse.  We need to protect American minors, and
American adults, from Facebook and Ex-Twitter as well as Lies Social,
and to do it in a way that respects freedom of speech.
<p>
My proposal is to require recommendation engines to be independent
from platforms, using a standard protocol, so that any user can choose
to send an edited subset of per viewing history on any platform to any
recommendation engine, anonymously. then choose to follow (or not)
some or all of the recommendation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(manuel_zelaya_reflects_on_coup)
title: Zelaya reflects on the coup
uri: Zelaya-reflects-on-the-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(manuel_zelaya_reflects_on_coup)
content:
 
<p>
When the US supported the coup against 
<a href="https://www.democracynow.org/2019/7/3/manuel_zelaya_reflects_on_the_coup">President Zelaya of Honduras,</a>
the coup-installed government under President Hernández gave coup
investors large parts of the country to rule as fiefs.
<p>
The new government has revoked these fiefdoms, and Hernández is
in a US prison convicted of narcotrafficking, but the coup investors
are trying to impose their 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/19/honduras-crypto-investors-world-bank-prospera/">long-term power through a secret court
run by the World Bank.</a>
<p>
It seems that CAFTA, 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">a business-supremacy treaty, includes an ISDS clause</a>
<p>
which they hope the World Bank will help them enforce.
<p>
Honduras has announced it will abrogate its membership in CAFTA and
defy the World Bank.  Bravo!
<p>
Such treaties often have a clause saying that the special power of
foreign investors will continue for some number of decades even if the
country pulls out of the treaty.  Rejecting CAFTA may not be enough to
make the World Bank drop the cases.  If not, there will be struggles
around the world to convince other governments to refuse to support the
coup investors.
<p>
I can't forecast which side Obama will take, but it is clear that the
wrecker would take the side of the investors if they bribe him enough.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(carmakers_driver_tracking_insurance)
title: Driver data being shared
uri: Driver-data-being-shared
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(carmakers_driver_tracking_insurance)
content:
 
<p>
GM cars snoop on their drivers, and GM makes the data available
(through a broker) to 
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240311120515/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html">insurance companies.</a>
<p>
To make this data available to anyone but the owner or renter of the
car should be a crime.  If the car is owned by a rental company, that
company should not have access to it either.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(wto_failed_agreement_covid)
title: WTO fails to reach agreement
uri: WTO-fails-to-reach-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(wto_failed_agreement_covid)
content:
 
<p>
The campaign by poor countries for the World Trade Organization to
temporarily suspend patents on treatments and vaccines for Covid-19
was defeated by governments in the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/14/wto-fails-to-reach-agreement-on-providing-global-access-to-covid-treatments">pockets of Big Pharma.</a>
<p>
Patents are the expensive, gruesome way to fund drug research.  We
should abolish those patents and fund the research with public money.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(trump_incitements_to_violence)
title: Trump’s warnings of violence
uri: Trump-s-warnings-of-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(trump_incitements_to_violence)
content:
 
<p>
In case there is any doubt that the wrecker's talk of a "bloodbath" if
he loses the election was a threat to seize power through violence,
there sure plenty of instances of his making 
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/trumps-incitements-to-violence-must">such threats and inciting
violence.</a>
<p>
The wrecker was caught after a speech telling someone he wanted Americans
to show him the sort of deference that 
<a href="https://okmagazine.com/p/donald-trump-called-psycho-praising-north-korea-dictator-hot-mic-moment/">North Koreans show Dictator Kim.</a>
North Koreans have a rational reason to show total obedience to Dictator Kim:
he will have them jailed or killed if they don't.
<p>
That is indeed what he wants.  He recently called for imprisoning Liz
Cheney for participating in the congressional investigation of the
wrecker's role in the Jan 6 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/18/trump-liz-cheney-prison-jan-6-investigation">attack on the Capitol.</a>
<p>
Americans who don't want to be ruled by a repressive and brutal tyrant
must make sure to defeat the wrecker in the election, and be ready to
defeat his violent supporters afterward.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(effective_movement_for_palestine)
title: An effective movement for Palestine
uri: An-effective-movement-for-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(effective_movement_for_palestine)
content:
 
<p>
In advocating peace and an end to the injustice of the occupation of
Palestine, we should welcome support from 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/19/to-build-an-effective-movement-for-palestine-we-need-every-ally">Israelis that work for these
goals.</a>
<p>
The doctrinaire hostility towards Israel, described in the article,
seems designed to create a mirror image of Netanyahu, and thus make
sure the conflict can never be resolved except by total defeat for
Israel or Palestine.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Condition military aid to Israel
uri: Urgent-Condition-military-aid-to-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Condition_military_aid_to_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Condition_military_aid_to_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/israel-conditionmilitaryaid?akid=9617.223515._chdvN&c0=israel-conditionmilitaryaid.3FqDpx&rd=1&source=em20240316&t=1006">call
on Biden</a> to condition US military aid to Israel on Israel's allowing US humanitarian aid to
reach people in Gaza.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Unlawful spying in Section 702
uri: Urgent-Unlawful-spying-in-Section-702
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Unlawful_spying_under_Section_702)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Unlawful_spying_under_Section_702)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/section-702-protestors/?t=1001&akid=31997%2E96703%2EDDNx8_">call on Congress</a>
to reject the extension of dangerous,
unlawful spying under Section 702.
<p>
We may have already won this one, but it is not certain yet.
Signing this is still important.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Gouging by Medicare Advantage
uri: Urgent-Gouging-by-Medicare-Advantage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Gouging_by_Medicare_Advantage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Urgent:_Gouging_by_Medicare_Advantage)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-president-biden-reclaim-medicare?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=ssw-email">call on Biden</a>
to end the gouging of private Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Weaponizing_space,_UN)
title: Weaponizing space, UN
uri: Weaponizing-space-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Weaponizing_space,_UN)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/19/us-japan-nuclear-weapons-ban-space-un-war">US and Japan push</a>
for ban on nuclear weapons in space with UN security
council resolution.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Electoral_deceit,_Modi_govt,_IND)
title: Electoral deceit, Modi govt, IND
uri: Electoral-deceit-Modi-govt-IND
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Electoral_deceit,_Modi_govt,_IND)
content:
 
<p>
An Indian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/21/opposition-leader-arvind-kejriwal-arrested-in-india">opposition
party</a> leader has been arrested on corruption charges one month before the election.
<p>
I can't say it is impossible that there is a valid reason for charges, but given Modi's general
tendencies. I think this is more likely to be a dirty trick.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Electoral_deceit,_Maduro_govt,_VEN)
title: Electoral deceit, Maduro govt, VEN
uri: Electoral-deceit-Maduro-govt-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Electoral_deceit,_Maduro_govt,_VEN)
content:
 
<p>
Maduro's government in Venezuela has barred an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/venezuela-maria-corina-machado-campaign-manager-arrest">opposition
leader</a> from running in elections, after she won an election, and now has arrested her
campaign staff, accusing them of bizarre plots, more extreme than what
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> does in the US.

<p>
 


title: Climate disruption, upheavals, W. Africa
uri: Climate-disruption-upheavals-W-Africa
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Climate_disruption,_upheavals,_W._Africa)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Climate_disruption,_upheavals,_W._Africa)

content:
 
<p>
* A searing heatwave that struck west Africa in February was made 4C hotter and 10 times more
likely by human-caused <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/21/west-africa-heatwave-climate-crisis-study">a study</a>
has found.*

<p>
 


title: Climate conduct racketeering, conspiracy
uri: Climate-conduct-racketeering-conspiracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Climate_conduct_racketeering,_conspiracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Climate_conduct_racketeering,_conspiracy)

content:
 
<p>
*Public Citizen [&hellip;] proposed the idea [&hellip;] to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/21/fossil-fuel-companies-homicide-climate-deaths-lawsuit">prosecute
[fossil fuel] companies</a>
for millions of deaths due to climate crisis.*
<p>
*Each year, extreme temperatures take 5 million lives, while
400,000
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#28_September_2022_(Laws_to_suppress_climate_activists)">people die</a>
from climate-related hunger and disease.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Penury_and_child_poverty,_UK)
title: Penury and child poverty, UK
uri: Penury-and-child-poverty-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Penury_and_child_poverty,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Penury in Britain is spreading among the citizens. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/21/poverty-britain-society-failing-poorest-people">It
is visible</a> in malnutrition, theft of food, and homelessness.
<p>
The Tories have been ramping up the poverty, in small steps, for 13 years, but they managed to
disguise it.  Now it is visible everywhere and cannot be disguised,
<p>
Corbyn would have found ways to so something about poverty &mdash; for instance, through
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_February_2024_(Brexit_stated_intentions,_actual_results)">a
customs union with the EU</a>.

<p>
 


title: Kidney xenotransplant milestone, USA
uri: Kidney-xenotransplant-milestone-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Kidney_xenotransplant_milestone,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Kidney_xenotransplant_milestone,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/21/pig-kidney-transplant-patient-medical-milestone">genetically
modified pig's kidney</a> has been transplanted into a human who suffered from kidney failure.

<p>
 


title: Boeing's quality-control errors, sources
uri: Boeing-s-quality-control-errors-sources
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Boeing's_quality-control_errors,_sources)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Boeing's_quality-control_errors,_sources)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: Tracing Boeing's frequency of bad manufacturing and maintenance to its use of
top-down management which prioritizes increased
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-boeing-is-such-as-shitty-company">profit over
all other goals</a>.

<p>
 


title: UK Earl, his boarding school devastating
uri: UK-Earl-his-boarding-school-devastating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(UK_Earl,_his_boarding_school_devastating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(UK_Earl,_his_boarding_school_devastating)

content:
 
<p>
A student in an English boarding school describes the persistent
cruelty that crushed the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/mar/17/boarding-schools-impact-charles-spencer">humanity out of the students</a>.
<p>
Students at such schools included elite children, and many became political or business leaders,
and the cruelty they are taught manifested itself in many government policies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Labour_as_despicable_as_Starmer,_UK)
title: Labour as despicable as Starmer, UK
uri: Labour-as-despicable-as-Starmer-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Labour_as_despicable_as_Starmer,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Labour has become a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/21/labour-party-cancelling-membership-policies">hostile
environment</a> for anyone believing in the very policies Starmer relied upon to secure the
leadership.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(River-to-sea_chanting,_arrests,_UK)
title: River-to-sea chanting arrest, UK
uri: River-to-sea-chanting-arrest-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(River-to-sea_chanting,_arrests,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The UK government is blatantly disrespecting freedom of speech as it
arrests someone
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/21/woman-bailed-after-chanting-from-the-river-to-the-sea-in-manchester-protest">for singing a song</a>
that calls for eliminating Israel.
<p>
I don't agree with the political position of that song, but people have a right to sing it.

<p>
 


title: Parks, sidewalks vs homeless camps, FL
uri: Parks-sidewalks-vs-homeless-camps-FL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Parks,_sidewalks_vs_homeless_camps,_FL)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Parks,_sidewalks_vs_homeless_camps,_FL)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> has obtained
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/21/desantis-ban-homeless-sleeping-parks-florida">a
law in Florida</a> prohibiting sleeping in parks and on sidewalks.  It is part of the
Republican campaign of persecuting the homeless.

<p>
 


title: Republican austerity plan unveiled, USA
uri: Republican-austerity-plan-unveiled-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Republican_austerity_plan_unveiled,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_March_2024_(Republican_austerity_plan_unveiled,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
Republicans
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/21/house-republicans-ban-universal-school-lunches/">propose to prohibit states</a>
from subsidizing school lunch.
<p>
[ironic truth]<br>
They believe this wastes money which could be better spent on making billionaires richer.<br>
[/ironic truth]


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Xi_and_Hong_Kong)
title: Xi and Hong Kong
uri: Xi-and-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Xi_and_Hong_Kong)
content:
 
<p>
Xi thought he could crush the spirit of Hong King and still benefit
from it economically.  He crushed its spirit, indeed, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/23/xi-jinping-seals-hong-kong-fate-as-failed-state">ended up
with a wreck of a once-great city</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(School_meeting_gun_bill_vetoed)
title: School meeting gun bill vetoed
uri: School-meeting-gun-bill-vetoed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(School_meeting_gun_bill_vetoed)
content:
 
<p>
The Republican governor of Wyoming vetoed a bill passed by the
Republican-dominated legislature that would have
permitted <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/23/wyoming-governor-veto-concealed-carry-guns-public-schools">carrying
concealed guns in public schools</a> in public meetings.
<p>
It's good that at least some Republicans are not total extremists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Food_delivery_exploitation)
title: Food delivery exploitation
uri: Food-delivery-exploitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Food_delivery_exploitation)
content:
 
<p>
Food delivery companies can only be profitable if they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/19/food-delivery-apps-exploitation-worker-rights">exploit their
workers</a> by underpaying them.
<p>
This is in addition to <a href="/food-delivery.html">the ways they exploit restaurants and their customers</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Bank_lies)
title: Bank lies
uri: Bank-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Bank_lies)
content:
 
<p>
Banks have a clever (but unsupported) theory <a href="https://www.levernews.com/the-lie-banks-use-to-protect-their-late-fee-profits/">to claim that their
sneaky extra profits can't be reduced</a>.  It asserts that these
extra profits are irresistible, and any laws again one scheme
will lead banks to replace it with another.
<p>
The article presents boast theoretical arguments and empirical facts to
reject that theory.  What is really happening is that banks are trying
to intimidate the public by saying, "You can't beat us, so give up."
<p>
But we can beat any sort of gouging if we elect politicians who really work
for us and really want to beat them.

<p>
 


title: Political violence come from right wing
uri: Political-violence-come-from-right-wing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Political_violence_come_from_right_wing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Political_violence_come_from_right_wing)

content:
 
<p>
Political violence comes mainly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/20/left-smeared-angry-mob-target-political-violence">from right-wing extremists, whipped up
by right-wing extremist leaders</a>.  But many falsely blame the left.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Planet_roaster_meeting)
title: Planet roaster meeting
uri: Planet-roaster-meeting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Planet_roaster_meeting)
content:
 
<p>
Oil-company executives and their loyal servants held a meeting at
which they declared that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/20/fossil-fuels-oil-and-gas-clean-energy">reducing fossil fuel use was a "fantasy"</a>, and
that we should give up on it.
<p>
Their statements appear to claim that the task is intrinsically hard,
but in fact the difficulty is created by them.  The part they don't
say is that the main obstacle to achieving that goal is all the money
they spend opposing it.  They spend it on misleading the public and
they <a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/e2f81fdc?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">spend it on the support of politicians</a>.
<p>
If the public is "unwilling to pay for a world with less carbon
pollution," it is because they don't grasp the scope of the disaster
the current path is leading to, from fires, floods, medical problems
and failures of agriculture.  By denying this, the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>
lead the public to suppose that they have a painless option.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Misleading_over_sustainability)
title: Misleading over sustainability
uri: Misleading-over-sustainability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Misleading_over_sustainability)
content:
 
<p>
*The Dutch airline KLM has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/dutch-airline-klm-misled-customers-green-claims-court-rules">misled customers with vague environmental
claims</a> and painted “an overly rosy picture” of its sustainable aviation
fuel, a court has found.*
<p>
I saw a partly similar instance of subtle greenwashing recently: an
airline company ad on a wall in Boston asserted that the gas generated
by a collection of trash could power one flight per day.  (Presuming,
I suppose, that some planes' engines are converted to operate on
methane.)  It might be true -- I can't insist that it is false -- but
it would make hardly any difference to the harm <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is doing.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Israel's_man-made_famine)
title: Israel's man-made famine
uri: Israel-s-man-made-famine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Israel's_man-made_famine)
content:
 
<p>
*‘<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/man-made-famine-charge-israel-mounting-evidence-un-gaza">Man-made famine’ charge against Israel</a> is backed by mounting body of
evidence.*
A UN court may consider charges.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Texas_immigration_law_blocked)
title: Texas immigration law blocked
uri: Texas-immigration-law-blocked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Texas_immigration_law_blocked)
content:
 
<p>
The Texas law that authorizes the state to arrest and prosecute people
given a mere suspicion that they are unauthorized immigrants has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/20/texas-border-law">blocked by a federal appeals court</a>.
<p>
We depend on the Supreme Court to block state laws that tie federal
law in knots, but right-wing judges can't be trusted with that
responsibility.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Greenhouse_gas_limits)
title: Greenhouse gas limits
uri: Greenhouse-gas-limits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Greenhouse_gas_limits)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has announces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/20/biden-car-transportation-emission-regulation-pollution">stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions</a> from
cars and trucks.
<p>
The progress has been <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/epa-caves-to-industry-pressure-finalizes-weaker-auto-pollution-rule">slowed down in response to planet roasters'
lobbying</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(US_advocating_for_Gaza_ceasefire)
title: US advocating for Gaza ceasefire
uri: US-advocating-for-Gaza-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(US_advocating_for_Gaza_ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
The US now advocates a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/21/us-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-with-draft-un-resolution">UN Security Council resolution to call for an
"immediate ceasefire in Gaza"</a> and release by HAMAS of its remaining
hostages.
<p>
It was clear that Biden was moving in this direction for several
months with small steps.  I am sure he had pressing political reasons
to do it that way.  Nevertheless, given the thousands of civilians
being killed, the US had an obligation to reach this point much sooner.
<p>
Both of those ought to happen, but suppose HAMAS refuses to release
the remaining hostages -- what then?  Israel has an obligation to
protect the civilian population, hostages or no hostages; the
resolution needs to reinforce that obligation too, or it could fail
entirely.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Bat_houses)
title: Bat houses
uri: Bat-houses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Bat_houses)
content:
 
<p>
Bats are important parts of ecosystems; some farms are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/21/bats-mezcal-rice-avocados-pecans-conservation">setting up bat houses</a>
so as to get the benefit of their presence.

<p>
 


title: Thugs convicted on torturing black men
uri: Thugs-convicted-on-torturing-black-men
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Thugs_convicted_on_torturing_black_men)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_March_2024_(Thugs_convicted_on_torturing_black_men)

content:
 
<p>
Several white Mississippi <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have been convicted of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/20/mississippi-goon-squad-sentencing">torturing two blacks</a>,
apparently out of sheer hatred and are receiving long prison
sentences.  One has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)
<p>
I join in disgust for the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who committed this crime, the whites
referred to as "white" in that article.  But the article does not
suggest reserving that lower-case form for torturers and other violent
bigots.  On the contrary, it practices simple <a
href="/bigotry.html">race-based bigotry</a>, similar in its root to
the bigotry that underlay the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs'</a> crime of torture.
<p>
I do not make a false equivalence here.  Symbolic verbal bigotry is
far less as an evil than physical torture.  Torture is correctly
punished as a crime, while verbal bigotry, in itself, is punished only
by our expressions of disapproval.  But said verbal bigotry and that
particular act of torture are both instances of bigotry, and bigotry
is always wrong.  We should reproach minor symbolic bigotry as well as
extreme violent bigotry.
<p>
Normally I will not link to articles that practice this symbolic
bigotry, but I make exceptions for some articles because I consider
them important -- and I label them like this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Starbucks_union_talks)
title: Starbucks union talks
uri: Starbucks-union-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Starbucks_union_talks)
content:
 
<p>
Starbucks has decided to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/22/starbucks-union-talks-trader-joes-amazon-rei">negotiate with the employees' union</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(US's_asymptotic_approach_on_Gaza)
title: US's asymptotic approach on Gaza
uri: US-s-asymptotic-approach-on-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(US's_asymptotic_approach_on_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Russia and China vetoed the US security council resolution on Gaza
complaining that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/gaza-ceasefire-vetoed-un">it did hold back from actually ordering a ceasefire</a>.
<p>
I agree that this is a shortcoming.  Biden is playing the asymptotic
approach again.  Russia and China complained about this, validly.
(Quite possibly they were also trying to deny the US any credit.)
<p>
Nonetheless, I would have approved it because it is a step forward,
even though not quite as much as to end the asymptotic approach.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Thug_impunity)
title: Thug impunity
uri: Thug-impunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Thug_impunity)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans openly demand <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/22/mary-moriarty-minnesota-reform-police-union-removal/">impunity for official thugs</a>; they demand
prosecutors resign for prosecuting thugs.
<p>
If we don't want thugs to maim, kill and imprison with impunity, we must stand firm against it now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Fake_mushroom_book_risk)
title: Fake_mushroom book risk
uri: Fake_mushroom-book-risk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Fake_mushroom_book_risk)
content:
 
<p>
Various companies and even unknown individuals publish mushroom
identification books, or offer online dis-services that purport to
identify them, <a href="https://www.citizen.org/article/mushroom-risk-ai-app-misinformation/">falsely claiming these are based on "artificial
intelligence"</a>.
<p>
In fact, they are based on bullshit generators, and taking their
advice can leave you sick or even dead.  But people call these
"artificial intelligence", which suggests that the output hey generate
is based on knowledge or understanding of the subject matter.
<p>
I urge people to criticize writers and companies that stretch the term
"intelligence" to cover the capacity to fabricate plausible-sounding
bullshit.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Landlords_and_housing_crisis)
title: Landlords and housing crisis
uri: Landlords-and-housing-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Landlords_and_housing_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
In the 1970s, Britain had policies that rendered owning houses and
renting them out unprofitable; private landlords sold their rental
houses to cities for use as public housing.  Then in the 80s the
Tories specifically <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/19/end-of-landlords-surprisingly-simple-solution-to-uk-housing-crisis">set out to promote private landlords again</a> and
to eliminate public housing.
<p>
It is clear how the private landlords made rental housing far more
expensive.  What I to not see is how this created a scarcity of
housing available for rental.  However, the practice of building
mansions which rich people will buy only as investments has certainly
taken much housing space off the rental market.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Urgent:_Break_up_UnitedHealth)
title: Urgent: Break up UnitedHealth
uri: Urgent-Break-up-UnitedHealth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_March_2024_(Urgent:_Break_up_UnitedHealth)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Department of Justice
to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/unitedhealth-doj-investigation/?t=1002&akid=32007%2E96703%2EroKDY6">break
up UnitedHealth's medical treatment almost-monopoly</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(russian_officials_lauding_torture)
title: Russia's torture
uri: Russia-s-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(russian_officials_lauding_torture)
content:
 
<p>
Putin's state boats about torturing the terrorists that killed 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/25/russian-officials-lauding-torture-was-unthinkable-now-it-is-proud-to-do-so">attendees at a music event.</a>
<p>
I have no more sympathy for those terrorists than you do,
but we must never tolerate torture, not even torturing terrorists.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(deportation_bill_australia_rushed)
title: Rushed deportation bill
uri: Rushed-deportation-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(deportation_bill_australia_rushed)
content:
 
<p>
Australia plans to order people awaiting deportation to take various steps
to arrange permission for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/26/deportation-bill-australia-rushed-passes-lower-house-immigration-detention">their own deportation.</a>

<p>
 


title: Health Care Lawsuit
uri: Health-Care-Lawsuit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(lawsuit_could_rescind_health_care_benefits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(lawsuit_could_rescind_health_care_benefits)

content:
 
<p>
Right-wing judges will soon have a chance to allow US private medical
insurance plans to 
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/this-new-lawsuit-could-rescind-your-health-care-benefits/">charge for preventive medicine.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_()
uri: 2024-03-29-
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_()
content:
 
<p>
Measles infections are growing rapidly in the US; anti-vaxxer are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/26/increase-measles-cases-vaccine">putting people in danger,</a>
<p>
and not only the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/30/new-zealand-parents-refuse-use-of-vaccinated-blood-in-life-saving-surgery-on-baby">people who heed what they say.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(assange_granted_appeal)
title: Assange granted appeal
uri: Assange-granted-appeal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(assange_granted_appeal)
content:
 
<p>
Julian Assange's 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/mar/26/julian-assange-granted-permission-to-appeal-against-extradition-to-us">ultimate appeal</a>
<p>
ruled that (1) the US has to provide
assurances of protecting Assange from certain cruel practices that are
not unusual in the US, and (2) if the US does that, he will get
another appeal in the UK about whether the charges against him were
politically motivated.
<p>
This isn't victory but it is a step in that direction.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(your_children_wont_play)
title: The war on play
uri: The-war-on-play
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(your_children_wont_play)
content:
 
<p>
The other side of children's spending a harmful amount of time
on antisocial media platforms is children's spending little time
playing outdoors &mdash; because playing outdoors is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/commentisfree/2024/mar/26/remember-playing-out-with-friends-your-children-wont-play">firmly discouraged
by society.</a>
<p>
This is related to the hyper cautious attitude promoted by parents' fear.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Don't divert public school funds to private schools
uri: Urgent-Don-t-divert-public-school-funds-to-private-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Urgent:_Don't_divert_public_school_funds_to_private_schools)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Urgent:_Don't_divert_public_school_funds_to_private_schools)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on US states <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-dont-divert-public-school-funds-to-private-schools-3">not to divert public school funds to
    private schools</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Campaign_against_London's_mayor)
title: Campaign against London's mayor
uri: Campaign-against-London-s-mayor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Campaign_against_London's_mayor)
content:
 
<p>

  Tories, even their leaders, are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/26/the-guardian-view-on-fake-campaign-videos-the-costs-of-spreading-false-information-are-real">spreading falsehoods</a> for their campaign
against London's mayor, 
  in addition to voter suppression, and changing
the voting system too.
</p>
</li>

 


title: President Maduro blocked opposition from running
uri: President-Maduro-blocked-opposition-from-running
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(President_Maduro_blocked_opposition_from_running)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(President_Maduro_blocked_opposition_from_running)

content:
 
<p>

  President Maduro of Venezuela <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/26/nicolas-maduro-blocks-presidential-candidate-corina-yoris-venezuela">blocked the main opposition candidate</a>
from signing up to run.
</p>
<p>
This violates an agreement he made, as well as being obviously unjust.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Container ship hit bridge in Baltimore
uri: Container-ship-hit-bridge-in-Baltimore
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Container_ship_hit_bridge_in_Baltimore)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Container_ship_hit_bridge_in_Baltimore)

content:
 
<p>

A container ship hit an important bridge in Baltimore, and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/26/biden-pay-baltimore-bridge">bridge
    collapsed</a>.
</p>
<p>
  The bridge was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/26/baltimore-bridge-condition-up-to-code-supersized-ships">not designed to survive such a collision</a>, as such large
ships did not exist when it was built.
</p>
<p>
What caused the ship to go off course. and whether that was anyone's
fault, is a side issue.  Accidents will happen and mistakes will
happen.  We should design systems so that mistakes and accidents won't
turn into disasters.  The replacement bridge should be designed so
that ships traveling near or under it cannot possibly damage it no
matter what strange things they may do.
</p>
</li>

 


title: GM's response to collecting data on drivers
uri: GM-s-response-to-collecting-data-on-drivers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(GM's_response_to_collecting_data_on_drivers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(GM's_response_to_collecting_data_on_drivers)

content:
 
<p>

GM's response to being caught massively collecting data on drivers' actions
is to say it will <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2024/03/22/gm-data-firms-lexis-nexis/73057931007/">stop providing that data to two particular data brokers</a>.
  That minor change is intended to avoid change in GM's fundamentally
unjust basic decision: to track drivers and collect data about them.
</p>
<p>
It appears that GM did not provide drivers' location data to those
data brokers, but that data is being collected by the network through
which the data are transmitted.  I would expect that GM collects GPS
data from the GPS receiver in the car.  It should be illegal for a
car's systems to record that data.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Tech firms to mass hire factcheckers
uri: Tech-firms-to-mass-hire-factcheckers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Tech_firms_to_mass_hire_factcheckers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Tech_firms_to_mass_hire_factcheckers)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/mar/26/tech-firms-poised-to-mass-hire-factcheckers-before-eu-elections">Tech firms poised to mass hire factcheckers before EU elections.</a>*
  Too bad for the US that they won't do this in the US.
</p>
<p>
When referring to the platform formerly known as Twitter, please don't
use the name that its fascist purchaser wants us to use.  I recommend
calling it <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: US abstained on vote for ceasefire for Ramadan
uri: US-abstained-on-vote-for-ceasefire-for-Ramadan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(US_abstained_on_vote_for_ceasefire_for_Ramadan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(US_abstained_on_vote_for_ceasefire_for_Ramadan)

content:
 
<p>

  * The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/25/un-gaza-ceasefire-vote">US abstained in a vote</a> for a resolution that “demands an
   immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan”. It also demanded the
   release of hostages by Hamas, but did not make the ceasefire
   dependent on hostage release,*
</p>
<p>
  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/25/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-israel-aid">points out that it is illegal</a>, by US law, to
provide weapons to armies that block US humanitarian assistance.
Israel's army is doing that now.
</p>
<p>
She calls for cutting off immediately the supply of US weapons to Israel.
I support this.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Software to recognize "homeless encampments"
uri: Software-to-recognize-homeless-encampments
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Software_to_recognize_homeless_encampments)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_March_2024_(Software_to_recognize_homeless_encampments)

content:
 
<p>

  San Diego is trying out a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/25/san-jose-homelessness-ai-detection">software system to recognize "homeless encampments"</a>.
</p>
<p>
They define "encampments" more broadly than you might expect.  For
instance, they define "vehicles that people are living in" as
"encampments".  While breaking up an encampment in the usual sense of
that word is likely to bring attention from the press, forcing someone
who lives in an RV to move it is not big enough to do that, which
means they could get away with it without even reproach.
</p>
<p>
San Francisco went to the absurd length of prohibiting parking an RV
in the city.  As a result, people who live in houses but own an RV
can't leave the RV nearby in order to prepare for a trip.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(china_cyber_attack_uk_us)
title: APT 31 hacking group
uri: APT-31-hacking-group
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(china_cyber_attack_uk_us)
content:
 
<p>
China is accused of using cracking to harm Chinese expat dissidents
and various others who interfere with China' 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/26/china-cyber-attack-uk-us-explained-hack-apt-31">efforts to export
its tyranny.</a>
<p>
The US government ought to publish an official list of those targets
who wish to prove they were attacked by China.  For political
candidates, this would be an endorsement that few can match.
<p>
<blockquote>
I'm Susan.  China fears me enough to try sabotage against me.
It seems China did not attack my opponent, who has opposed
bills to support Taiwan.
<p>
Show China what you think &mdash; Vote for me on November 5!
</blockquote>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(coercive_control_courtroom)
title: Coercive control courtroom
uri: Coercive-control-courtroom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(coercive_control_courtroom)
content:
 
<p>
The crime of coercive control turns out to be hard to prosecute.
This article 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/23/but-he-didnt-hit-you-did-he-inside-the-coercive-control-courtroom">describes various difficulties.</a

<p>
 


title: Musk's X lawsuit
uri: Musk-s-X-lawsuit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(federal_judge_dismisses_musks_x_lawsuit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(federal_judge_dismisses_musks_x_lawsuit)

content:
 
<p>
The musk-ket lost his lawsuit against an organization that scraped many tweets so as to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/federal-judge-dismisses-elon-musks-x-lawsuit-against-nonprofit-researchers">measure how Ex-Twitter handled disinformation.</a>
<p>
One of the dangers of services' (or dis-services)' requiring a nonfree
client program to access them is that these client programs give them
more power to interfere with scraping.  They may go beyond threatening to sue, and make it actually impossible.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(australian_military_5m_laser)
title: Australian military drone
uri: Australian-military-drone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(australian_military_5m_laser)
content:
 
<p>
Australia has developed a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/26/australian-military-buys-5m-laser-based-anti-drone-system">laser system to destroy drones.</a>
<p>
The article says nothing about its effective range, but I think
Ukraine needs this, and fast.  So do ships passing through the Bab
al-Mandeb.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(mansion_top_greed_grabs)
title: Surtaxes on expensive property
uri: Surtaxes-on-expensive-property
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(mansion_top_greed_grabs)
content:
 
<p>
Some local governments in the US have passed surtaxes on very expensive 
<a href="https://inequality.org/great-divide/coming-soon-to-a-mansion-near-you-a-tax-on-over-the-top-greed-grabs/">apartments and houses.</a>
<p>
We should do this at the state or federal level &mdash;
that would be more effective.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(san_jose_homelessness_ai_detection)
title: San Jose AI detection
uri: San-Jose-AI-detection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_March_2024_(san_jose_homelessness_ai_detection)
content:
 
<p>
San Diego is trying out a software system to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/25/san-jose-homelessness-ai-detection">recognize "homeless encampments".</a>
<p>
They define "encampments" more broadly than one might expect.  For
instance, they define "vehicles that people are living in" as
"encampments".  While breaking up an encampment in the usual sense of
that word is likely to bring attention from the press, forcing someone
who lives in an RV to move it is not big enough to do that, which
means they could get away with it without even reproach.
<p>
San Francisco went to the absurd length of prohibiting parking an RV
in the city.  As a result, people who live in houses but own an RV
can't leave the RV nearby in order to prepare for a trip.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Travel_bans)
title: Travel bans
uri: Travel-bans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Travel_bans)
content:
 
<p>
Australia's government is proposing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/28/labor-deportation-bill-blacklist-entire-countries-citizens-visas-australia-immigration">national travel bans</a> against
countries that sometimes refuse to cooperate with deporting their
citizens from Australia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Censorship)
title: Censorship
uri: 2024-03-30-Censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Censorship)
content:
 
<p>
Facebook and Google are accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/27/meta-and-google-accused-of-restricting-reproductive-health-information">censoring information</a> about
abortion and birth control while allowing misinformation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Putin_and_sexual_violence)
title: Putin and sexual violence
uri: Putin-and-sexual-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Putin_and_sexual_violence)
content:
 
<p>
Putin has made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/25/russia-weaponising-sexual-violence-ukraine-values">sexual violence a policy</a> of occupation in conquered parts of
Ukraine.  This article
offers suggestions for future prosecution of the criminals, and
systems to discourage stats from doing this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Chinese_repression)
title: Chinese repression
uri: 2024-03-30-Chinese-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Chinese_repression)
content:
 
<p>
Chinese students in Britain who criticize the Chinese dictatorship
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/25/china-students-uk-beijing-transnational-repression-surveillance">face various sorts of intimidation</a>, and one university has blocked
professors from teaching them about the issue.
<p>
It would be useful to organize a system to give Chinese students the
advice to rent post office boxes, or find non-Chinese people to
receive snail mail for them, so they can give their families addresses
which are not where they live.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Torture)
title: Torture
uri: 2024-03-30-Torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Torture)
content:
 
<p>
*The UK says it "does not participate in, solicit, encourage or
condone" torture, but it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/27/concern-rise-requests-uk-share-intelligence-despite-torture-risks">shares secret information on individuals with
other countries</a> while realizing that they might in response torture them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Division_and_lies)
title: Division and lies
uri: Division-and-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Division_and_lies)
content:
 
<p>
*Tories are taking to heart [the wrecker]’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/27/tories-are-taking-to-heart-trumps-playbook-of-division-and-lies">playbook of division and lies</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(UN_women's_rights_commission)
title: UN women's rights commission
uri: UN-women-s-rights-commission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(UN_women's_rights_commission)
content:
 
<p>
Salafi Arabia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/27/saudi-arabia-un-womens-rights-commission">turned the UN Commission on Status of Women into a mockery</a>
by winning the leadership of that commission.
<p>
I can only imagine that it used its financial power to corrupt other
governments, but I am amazed that no country opposed its selection.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Phoenix_heat_protection_rule)
title: Phoenix heat protection rule
uri: Phoenix-heat-protection-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Phoenix_heat_protection_rule)
content:
 
<p>
*Phoenix passes landmark rule requiring <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/27/phoenix-workers-heat-protection-law">heat protection for outdoor workers</a>.*
Enforcing these rights <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_November_2023_(Enslavement_of_workers_in_broad_range_of_fields)">for enslaved outdoor workers</a> will be difficult.
Typically they are either blocked or intimidated out of communication
with state officials.  The lack of these protections threatens their lives.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Neurological_problems)
title: Neurological problems
uri: Neurological-problems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Neurological_problems)
content:
 
<p>
Local climate disasters cause lasting neurological problems -- <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/27/everybody-has-a-breaking-point-how-the-climate-crisis-affects-our-brains"> for children,
and for fetuses
(supposing that they later become persons).

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Junk_science_articles)
title: Junk science articles
uri: Junk-science-articles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Junk_science_articles)
content:
 
<p>
Antiabortion campaigners publish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/23/anti-abortion-junk-science-supreme-court">articles with bad science designed
to create an appearance of reasons to restrict abortion medicine</a>.
Then other antiabortion campaigners cite those papers in court cases. 

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Voter_suppression)
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2024-03-30-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Voter_suppression)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories have hit on a clever method of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/23/left-without-a-voice-october-general-election-could-leave-students-in-uk-unable-to-vote">excluding university
students from voting</a> in the next UK election.
This method is simply to hold the election in October.
<p>
The problem follows from the current rules of the electoral system.  It
needs fixing by changing the rules.
<p>
Part of the cause of the problem is the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_September_2023_(Voter-ID_playbook,_UK)">ID requirement</a> that the Tories
introduced recently.
ID requirements in the US are imposed by right-wing parties for the sake of voter suppression, and the UK is no different.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Urgent:_Affirm_immigrant's_rights)
title: Urgent: Affirm immigrant's rights
uri: Urgent-Affirm-immigrant-s-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Urgent:_Affirm_immigrant's_rights)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Democrats in Congress and the White House to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-to-demand-democrats-in-congress-and-the-white-house-affirm-immigrants-rights?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-sign-to-demand-citizenship-instead-of-cages-for-our-immigrant-neighbors">affirm immigrants' rights</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Freedom to Vote Act and DISCLOSE Act
uri: Urgent-Freedom-to-Vote-Act-and-DISCLOSE-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act_and_DISCLOSE_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Urgent:_Freedom_to_Vote_Act_and_DISCLOSE_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to end the "Citizens" United era and pass
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/fight-back-against-big-moneys-influence-overturn-citizens-united-and-pass-the-disclose-act-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=031524-citizens-united">the Freedom to Vote Act and the DISCLOSE Act</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Wood_burning_pollution)
title: Wood burning pollution
uri: Wood-burning-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Wood_burning_pollution)
content:
 
<p>
Measurements of pollution in a small German village found that burning
wood <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/22/how-one-german-village-exemplifies-the-cancer-risk-from-wood-burning">doubled the level of some pollution</a> that is dangerous for human
health.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Humanitarian_aid)
title: Humanitarian aid
uri: Humanitarian-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Humanitarian_aid)
content:
 
<p>
Israel interferes in many ways with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/22/obstacles-to-gaza-aid-deliveries-visual-guide">delivery of humanitarian aid</a> to
Gaza.  There are many ways it could increase the amount that other
countries can deliver.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Democrats_and_inequality)
title: Democrats and inequality
uri: Democrats-and-inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(Democrats_and_inequality)
content:
 
<p>
*Democrats who attack inequality <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/22/democrats-inequality-franklin-d-roosevelt">do better in elections</a>. The party
should take notice.*
<p>
The reason most Democrats in office are plutocratists is, I suspect,
that the plutocrats give them money and astroturf campaign support.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(UFOs)
title: UFOs
uri: UFOs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#30_March_2024_(UFOs)
content:
 
<p>
The US government UFO craze of the past few years <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/22/ufologists-sean-kirkpatrick-pentagon-report-uaps">has no meaningful
basis</a>.

 


title: RMS will give a talk in Reggio Emilia
uri: RMS-will-give-a-talk-in-Reggio-Emilia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Reggio_Emilia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Reggio_Emilia)

content:
 
<p>
Richard Stallman will give a talk, <a href="/talks.html#07apr2024"><em>Free Software and
Freedom in Computing</em></a> in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on April 7, 2024 at 16:00 at Unimore.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Bologna)
title: RMS will give a talk in Bologna
uri: RMS-will-give-a-talk-in-Bologna
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Bologna)
content:
 
<p>
Richard Stallman will give a talk, <a href="/talks.html#09apr2024"><em>Software libre and freedom in the digital society.</em></ in Bologna, Italy, on April 9, at 15:00 - 17:00 at the University of Bologna.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Supreme Court on homelessness
uri: Urgent-Supreme-Court-on-homelessness
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_on_homelessness)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_on_homelessness)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-the-supreme-court-affirm-the-right-to-adequate-shelter?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=20240220SWSCOTUSHomeless_CHN">call
on the Supreme Court</a> to uphold the appeals court decision that cities cannot fine, ticket,
arrest, or otherwise punish homeless people for sleeping on public property when no shelter is
available for them.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Congress restart funding UNRWA
uri: Urgent-Congress-restart-funding-UNRWA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(Urgent:_Congress_restart_funding_UNRWA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#31_March_2024_(Urgent:_Congress_restart_funding_UNRWA)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/unrwa-funding-gaza/?t=1001&akid=32024%2E96703%2ET7NJXM">call on Congress</a>
to fund humanitarian aid to Gaza.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Deportation-prison solitary confinement
uri: Urgent-Deportation-prison-solitary-confinement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Urgent:_Deportation-prison_solitary_confinement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Urgent:_Deportation-prison_solitary_confinement)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/end-solitary-ice-detention?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on Biden</a>
to end solitary confinement in deportation prisons.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Republican plans to privatize
uri: Urgent-Republican-plans-to-privatize
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Urgent:_Republican_plans_to_privatize)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Urgent:_Republican_plans_to_privatize)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/protect-medicare-privatization/?t=1001&akid=31896%2E96703%2ER153tR">call
on Congress</a> to reject Republican plans to privatize Medicare.

<p>
 


title: Heavy-duty vehicle-emissions, EPA std
uri: Heavy-duty-vehicle-emissions-EPA-std
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Heavy-duty_vehicle-emmissions,_EPA_stds)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Heavy-duty_vehicle-emmissions,_EPA_stds)

content:
 
<p>
The Biden administration has set new environmental standards for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/biden-administration-finalizes-long-term-truck-pollution-standards">trucks
and buses</a>, to reduce the toxic pollution and greenhouse pollution they emit.

<p>
 


title: World court fresh orders, Thursday, Gaza
uri: World-court-fresh-orders-Thursday-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(World_court_fresh_orders,_Thursday,_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(World_court_fresh_orders,_Thursday,_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
*The International Court of Justice
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/28/famine-is-setting-in-icj-orders-israel-to-unblock-gaza-food-aid">has
ordered Israel</a> to allow unimpeded access of food aid into Gaza.*
It also ordered HAMAS to free all its hostages.
<p>
I wonder what the court can do if one or the other disobeys this order.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.



<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Neoliberalism)
title: Neoliberalism
uri: 2024-04-02-Neoliberalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Neoliberalism)
content:
 
<p>
Neoliberalism can be understood as a philosophy designed to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/30/playground-politics-bullies-competition">justify
the domination of society by bullies</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Dogs'_tortured_minds_and_bodies)
title: Dogs' tortured minds and bodies
uri: Dogs-tortured-minds-and-bodies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Dogs'_tortured_minds_and_bodies)
content:
 
<p>
On <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/30/if-we-are-a-nation-of-dog-lovers-why-do-we-torture-their-minds-and-bodies">the sociopathic aspects of humans' love of dogs</a>.
<p>
<blockquote>
The decision
   to buy a breed which has lots of health issues may in fact be
   deliberate. These dogs require care, and this in turn produces feelings
   of love and satisfaction in their carers. We stunt and cripple them in
   order to nurse them, in order to feel good about ourselves.
</blockquote>
<p>
There are many injured human beings that could being cared for,
and not because of any choice of their own.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Oil_and_gas_facilities)
title: Oil and gas facilities
uri: Oil-and-gas-facilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Oil_and_gas_facilities)
content:
 
<p>
Extractors of oil and fossil gas are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/28/oil-and-gas-fossil-fuels-report">rapidly building new facilities</a>
and eliminating any possibility of limiting global heating to 1.5°C.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Senator_Brown)
title: Senator Brown
uri: Senator-Brown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Senator_Brown)
content:
 
<p>
The Republican opponent of Senator Sherrod Brown is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/28/republican-bernie-moreno-questionable-campaign-claims">claiming that
Colombia was a socialist country in 1971</a>, when he left it.  That is
not even remotely close to the truth.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Torture)
title: Torture
uri: 2024-04-02-Torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#1_April_2024_(Torture)
content:
 
<p>
A video shows an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/25/west-papuan-man-footage-torture-water-allegedly-indonesia">act of torture in Indonesian-occupied New Guinea</a>,
allegedly carried out by Indonesian soldiers.
<p>
The Indonesian government said it will try to identify those who did it.

<p>
 


title: Palestinians applying for asylum in Australia
uri: Palestinians-applying-for-asylum-in-Australia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Palestinians_applying_for_asylum_in_Australia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Palestinians_applying_for_asylum_in_Australia)

content:
 
<p>

  Palestinians fleeing Gaza <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/26/gaza-palestine-immigrants-australia-cancelled-visas">cannot apply for asylum in Australia</a> except
inside Australia, which means they must first go as visitors, then
wait in penury.
</p>
<p>
This is a consequence of Australia's policy of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_December_2023_(Deportation_over_minor_charges)">maximum repression
    forever against refugees</a> who arrive without authorization.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Toxic pesticides in genetically modified corn in US
uri: Toxic-pesticides-in-genetically-modified-corn-in-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Toxic_pesticides_in_genetically_modified_corn_in_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Toxic_pesticides_in_genetically_modified_corn_in_US)

content:
 
<p>

Pertinent to the US-Mexico dispute about allowing US GMO corn exports
into Mexico, a study found <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/high-levels-of-genetically-engineered-toxins-and-glyphosate-in-gmo-corn-pose-serious-health-risks-in-mexico">high levels of toxic pesticides</a> in
genetically modified corn in the US.
</p>
<p>
Since corn is pollinated by the wind, the modified genes will spread
from one field to another.  No one in the US, or Mexico if it allows
GMOs corn, can be confident of not propagating these genes.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Ex-twitter_as_enemy_of_privacy)
title: Ex-twitter as enemy of privacy
uri: Ex-twitter-as-enemy-of-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Ex-twitter_as_enemy_of_privacy)
content:
 
<p>

Ten years ago, Twitter <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/25/elon-musk-x-dataminr-surveillance-privacy/">filed a lawsuit against massive US government
    surveillance</a>,  It thus gained a reputation for standing for privacy,
though the lawsuit was lost at the appeals court level.
  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a>, however,
is now owned by Elon Husk, and it has become in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_September_2023_(Civil_rights_groups_campaign_against_Musk)">general an enemy of
    privacy as well as other liberal values</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Texas woman who voted while ineligible
uri: Texas-woman-who-voted-while-ineligible
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Texas_woman_who_voted_while_ineligible)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Texas_woman_who_voted_while_ineligible)

content:
 
<p>

The Texas woman who was convicted of voting while ineligible, which
she did unaware that she was ineligible, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/28/crystal-mason-texas-woman-acquitted">has been acquitted on appeal</a>.
</p>
<p>
  He was a target of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Lawfare_on_voter_registration_organizations)">right-wing lawfare</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Taliban_resume_execution_by_stoning)
title: Taliban resume execution by stoning
uri: Taliban-resume-execution-by-stoning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Taliban_resume_execution_by_stoning)
content:
 
<p>

  The Taliban have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/28/taliban-edict-to-resume-stoning-women-to-death-met-with-horror">resumed execution by stoning</a>.
  Christians and Jews used to practice the same cruelty, but have
learned it is wrong.
</p>
<p>
The US tried for 20 years to support a somewhat liberal government in
Afghanistan, but it never won enough support to win.  The Taliban'
vicious fanaticism <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#22_August_2012_(Kucinich_on_US_interventions)">recruited fanatics more than the non-fanatical
    government could recruit supporters</a>.  That approach, tempting though
it was in principle, did not succeed in Afghanistan.
  even in 2012.
</p>
<p>
But that doesn't mean nothing can be done.  There must be Afghan women
who would willingly die to kill some Taliban.  Is there any feasible
way to train them and infiltrate them into Afghanistan?
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Malnutrition_by_CO2_emissions)
title: Malnutrition by CO2 emissions
uri: Malnutrition-by-CO2-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Malnutrition_by_CO2_emissions)
content:
 
<p>

The harm done by CO2 emissions goes beyond climate disaster.  The
higher level of CO2 in the air leads many plants to grow with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/28/vegetables-losing-nutrients-biofortification">smaller
    amounts of nutrients</a>.  That can cause widespread malnutrition.
</p>
<p>
The article says HarvestPlus's new varieties are not patented.  The
use of the word "patent" here is a confusion, since plant varieties
made by breeding cannot be patented.  I think the article is referring
to plant variety monopolies, a narrower system that the WTO imposed on
most of the world.  It is not much like patents, but it does create a
private monopoly over selling seeds or plants.  It does not last as
many years as patents do, but it does make farmers pay "rent" (in
economic terms) for what they grow.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Matt Gaetz demands information from US military
uri: Matt-Gaetz-demands-information-from-US-military
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Matt_Gaetz_demands_information_from_US_military)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Matt_Gaetz_demands_information_from_US_military)

content:
 
<p>

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a loyal servant of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>, has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/28/matt-gaetz-africa-coups-us-trained-pentagon/">demanded
    information from the US military</a> about African generals that launched
coups d'état after receiving US military training.
</p>
<p>
It is a good question to investigate, but Gaetz may not like the
answers.  I expect that those generals' training by the US began
before Biden was elected and that it has been going on under the last
several US presidents, including <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> when he was
president.
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) Final warning about return-to-office mandate
uri: (satire)-Final-warning-about-return-to-office-mandate
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_((satire)_Final_warning_about_return-to-office_mandate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_((satire)_Final_warning_about_return-to-office_mandate)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/evan-gershkovich-given-final-warning-about-return-to-of-1851374747">Evan Gershkovich Given Final Warning About Return-To-Office Mandate.</a>*
</p>
<p>
For those who don't recognize the name, reporter Evan Gershkovich
has been a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#31_March_2023_(russia_espionage_gershkovich)">prisoner of Putin for over a year now</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Bolton says bullshitter lacks real brains to be dictator
uri: Bolton-says-bullshitter-lacks-real-brains-to-be-dictator
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Bolton_says_bullshitter_lacks_real_brains_to_be_dictator)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Bolton_says_bullshitter_lacks_real_brains_to_be_dictator)

content:
 
<p>

Bolton, formerly an official appointed by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>, says the
latter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/30/john-bolton-donald-trump-dictatorship">lacks the brains to be a real dictator</a>, and has no coherent
political philosophy to base policies on.
</p>
<p>
If that is true, that does not imply he is no threat to democracy and
freedom.  If he is not coherent in his thinking, he will follow
advisors, and some of them will propose extremely harmful policies.
Some of the sabotage measures he imposed in his first term have not
been corrected, including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_September_2020_(Dejoy_investigations)">Postmaster DeJoy</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#25_September_2018_(Bullys_arrest_policy)">repression of unauthorized immigrants</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#7_May_2020_(Permitting_medical_disinformation_about_Covid-19)">medical disinformation</a> that poisoned public health efforts,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#25_November_2016_(Trumps_tax_plan)">tax cuts for the rich</a>,
and a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#8_January_2021_(Summary_of_events)">coup attempt</a>.
</p>
<p>
Some of his attacks on the United States may never be undone, such as
the defeat of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#13_May_2018_(The_nuclear_deal_with_Iran)">efforts to keep Iran non-nuclear</a> and reconcile the
conflict with it,
the three right-wing extremists <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_December_2019_(Detrumpification)">he put on the Supreme Court</a>,
the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#12_December_2021_(Supreme_Court_abortion_ruling)">elimination of a constitutional right to abortion and birth control</a>,
  the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_(The_corrupter_pardoned_Michael_Flynn)">pardoning of criminals convicted of helping him try to cheat
    the United States</a>,
  and the dropping or surrendering of lawsuits meant to punish big companies
for cheating or mistreating the public,
</p>
<p>
If he had enough brains to do, or let others do, those things,
he has enough brains to do tremendous harm if he grabs the presidency again.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Big_US_companies_pushing_inflation)
title: Big US companies pushing inflation
uri: Big-US-companies-pushing-inflation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Big_US_companies_pushing_inflation)
content:
 
<p>

Big US companies, now with reduced competition, are <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/record-corporate-profits-coming-from">pushing inflation
    up again</a>.
  As always, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> politicians say this demonstrates a need
to impose more hardship on non-rich Americans.
</p>
<p>
Biden's reinvigoration of antitrust law in the US will hamper
schemes to reduce competition even further, but won't eliminate
the mergers of the past.
</p>
<p>
Senator Warren's bill could counteract the high prices that
insufficient competition tends to lead to.  However, I think my
<a href="/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">progressive tax proposal for corporations</a>
  could impel large companies to split themselves up
and thus give us back some of the lost competition.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Toxic chemicals in containers of ship
uri: Toxic-chemicals-in-containers-of-ship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Toxic_chemicals_in_containers_of_ship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Toxic_chemicals_in_containers_of_ship)

content:
 
<p>

On the container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key, there were
containers with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/30/baltimore-bridge-collapse-environment-hazard">toxic chemicals inside that were destroyed by the
    collision</a>, and others that may fall off.
</p>
<p>
Every time a container ship is damaged, there is a risk of poisoning
from toxic contents of containers.  It seems to me that we should make
special containers for such cargoes, and have laws to require their
use when the contents call for them.
</p>
<p>
The same safety containers could prevent train derailments and truck
collisions from causing something even worse.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: The UNRWA drama, a history with USA, ISR
uri: The-UNRWA-drama-a-history-with-USA-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(The_UNRWA_drama,_a_history_with_USA,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(The_UNRWA_drama,_a_history_with_USA,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
*Israel's attempt to destroy UNRWA is part of its starvation
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/26/israel-unrwa-palestine">strategy</a>
 in Gaza.*

<p>
 


title: Julian Assange's political, legal hopes
uri: Julian-Assange-s-political-legal-hopes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Julian_Assange's_political,_legal_hopes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(Julian_Assange's_political,_legal_hopes)

content:
 
<p>
The US cannot assure Britain that that the First Amendment will apply to Julian Assange outside
the US, because an old Supreme Court decision says it does not.  This probably means that
Assange's last appeal will proceed, and go on for a long time during the US election campaign.
<p>
The article contends that Biden's interest, as well as justice, argues for
<a href="https://progressive.org/latest/five-reasons-biden-should-drop-the-extradition-of-julian-assange-blum-20240327/">dropping the charges</a>
against Assange.
<ul>
<li> To ask (even rhetorically) whether Assange has been "punished enough" is to normalize
horrible abuse.  The conditions that Assange has suffered in Belmarsh prison are too cruel even
for the worst criminals.  <em>No one</em> should be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jul-oct.html#25_October_2012_(Is_execution_a_form_of_torture)">kept alone in a cell</a>
for 23 hours a day.
<li> Giving Assange a plea bargain would be better than trying him as
a spy, but it is not enough for freedom of the press.  The US should
drop all the charges against Assange.
<li> The threat to the freedom of national security journalism in the US is a direct
consequence of the Espionage Act.  As long as it stands in its current form, it will tempt
prosecutors and their superiors to prosecute journalists.  We can struggle to keep the
government resisting that temptation, but what we really need is to add a public interest
defense to the Espionage
</ul>
<p>
The concept of spying means reporting secretly to some entity.  Public reporting about state
crimes that Americans have a right <em>and a duty</em> to consider in their political
activities is not legitimately considered spying.
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(song_lyrics_study)
title: Song lyrics study
uri: Song-lyrics-study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(song_lyrics_study)
content:
 
<p>
*Song lyrics getting simpler, more repetitive, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/29/song-lyrics-getting-simpler-more-repetitive-angry-and-self-obsessed-study">angry and
self-obsessed*</a>
<p>
&mdash; in various genres at once.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(intelligence_community_white_house)
title: US intelligence skewed reports
uri: US-intelligence-skewed-reports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(intelligence_community_white_house)
content:
 
<p>
US intelligence agencies have a continuing tendency to skew their reports
to 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/29/intelligence-community-white-house/">please the president.</a>
<p>
This undermines their ability to help the
president face reality &mdash; whatever the unpleasant aspect may be.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(russian_journalist_jailed_navalny)
title: Russian journalist jailed
uri: Russian-journalist-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(russian_journalist_jailed_navalny)
content:
 
<p>
*Russian journalist who covered Navalny trials jailed on 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/29/russian-journalist-who-covered-navalny-trials-jailed-on-extremism-charges">extremism charges.*</a>
<p>
Putin, like the bullshitter in the US, believes that presenting himself
as a total oppressor will intimidate people into giving up all resistance.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(mps_and_activists_challenge)
title: North Sea oil and gas
uri: North-Sea-oil-and-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(mps_and_activists_challenge)
content:
 
<p>
The UK government claims that extracting oil and gas in the UK
supports 200,000 jobs.  Activists are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/25/mps-and-activists-challenge-claim-north-sea-oil-gas-industry-supports-200000-jobs">calling that claim into question.</a>
<p>
I would not trust any claims the fossil fuel industry makes about how
much it benefits the rest of society.  But whether that claim is true
or false is a secondary issue.
<p>
The principal question in this issue is how many additional deaths it
will cause in the coming climate disaster.  When the government
downplays that question, it is prioritizing the short term over the
long term.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(uptick_in_biden_dojs)
title: Corporate prosecutions
uri: Corporate-prosecutions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#2_April_2024_(uptick_in_biden_dojs)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has increased prosecution of corporations &mdash; it is a good start
but 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/uptick-in-biden-dojs-corporate-prosecutions-is-encouraging-but-insufficient">he should increase it more.</a>
<p>
The decrease in this is part of one of plutocratists' goals: impunity
for the plutocrats.  Plutocratist Democrats have joined with plutocratist
Republicans to achieve it.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
uri: Urgent-The-Radiation-Exposure-Compensation-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Urgent:_The_Radiation_Exposure_Compensation_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Urgent:_The_Radiation_Exposure_Compensation_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/house-recaextension?akid=9639.223515.4WWR-r&c0=house-recaextension.FKCK2U&rd=1&source=em20240327&t=1006">call
on House</a> to pass the RECA bill, which would continue compensating victims of radiation
sickness caused by nuclear bomb tests and uranium mining.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Long-lasting, Port of Baltimore, blockage
uri: Long-lasting-Port-of-Baltimore-blockage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Long-lasting,_Port_of_Baltimore,_blockage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Long-lasting,_Port_of_Baltimore,_blockage)

content:
 
<p>
The destruction of the Francis Scott Key
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/31/baltimore-bridge-collpase-engineers-removing-wreckage">Bridge blocked the port</a>
of Baltimore.  That damages the US economy as a whole.

<p>
 


title: Real news costs money, disinfo does not
uri: Real-news-costs-money-disinfo-does-not
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Real_news_costs_while_disinfo_is_free)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Real_news_costs_while_disinfo_is_free)

content:
 
<p>
As the main remaining
<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/attytood/fake-news-paywalls-media-election-trump-media-technology-group-20240326.html">US newspapers become paywalled</a>
(and therefore off limits to me), disinformation "news" sites are springing up which are gratis.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Grifter's plan for Social Security
uri: Urgent-Grifter-s-plan-for-Social-Security
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Urgent:_Grifter's_plan_for_Social_Security)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Urgent:_Grifter's_plan_for_Social_Security)

content:
 
  <p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-media-make-sure-voters-know-the-stakes-for-social-security?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-why-is-the-media-ignoring-this">call on the Media</a>
to make sure voters <em>know</em> the stakes for Social Security.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Voting_rights_win,_MT)
title: Voting rights win, MT
uri: Voting-rights-win-MT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Voting_rights_win,_MT)
content:
 
<p>
*Montana supreme court strikes down
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/28/montana-supreme-court-republican-voting-restrictions">Republican-passed voting restrictions</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Endangered_Species_Act_rules_poor)
title: Endangered Species Act rules poor
uri: Endangered-Species-Act-rules-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#3_April_2024_(Endangered_Species_Act_rules_poor)
content:
 
<p>
The Biden administration corrected 7 of the 31 blows that
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>, when president, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/biden-administration-finalizes-weak-endangered-species-rules">struck against endangered species</a>
protection in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Dumps_of_discarded_clothes,_CHL)
title: Dumps of discarded clothes, CHL
uri: Dumps-of-discarded-clothes-CHL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Dumps_of_discarded_clothes,_CHL)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/chile-fashion-pollution">Enormous
quantities</a> of used clothing are sent to Chile through the port of Iquique.  Those not
resold get dumped in the Atacama desert, where the synthetics do not degrade.  Instead they
catch fire and spread pollution.

<p>
 


title: Private equity in medical treatment, USA
uri: Private-equity-in-medical-treatment-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Private_equity_in_medical_treatment,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Private_equity_in_medical_treatment,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
Boeing-style management, coming soon to
<a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/what-happens-when-private-equity">an emergency room</a>
near you.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Austerity's_effects_on_democracy,_UK)
title: Austerity's effects on democracy, GBR
uri: Austerity-s-effects-on-democracy-GBR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Austerity's_effects_on_democracy,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Budget cuts for public services (that help non-rich people)
not only make life difficult and painful, they teach people
to give up
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/17/austerity-damages-public-services-and-peoples-faith-in-the-future">hope that voting</a>
can make things better.
<p>
That is exactly what right-wingers want.  The rich people they serve
know from experience that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_August_2020_(How_capitalists_make_use_of_plutocratist_politicians_and_parties)">voting for plutocratist politicians</a>
can make <em>their</em> lives more wealthy.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Apple_antitrust_sliding_into_place)
title: Apple antitrust sliding into place
uri: Apple-antitrust-sliding-into-place
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Apple_antitrust_sliding_into_place)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/02/jon-stewart-interview-lina-khan-apple">Apple told</a>
podcast host Jon Stewart not to interview Lina Khan,
Biden's antitrust crusader.
<p>
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I expect that Apple attacks
viewers' freedom with every episode of Apple TV.&nbsp;&nbsp; I expect that "TV+"
signifies 
"TV+<a href="https://defectivebydesign.org">DRM</a>+surveillance+NDA", &Dagger;
and now "+censorship" as well.
<p>
Please summon your willpower to reject it, along with other similar unjust disservices.
<p id="footn9">
&Dagger; For the issues of surveillance and the antisocializing contract,
see <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/ebooks.html">GNU philosophy</a>.
That page is about ebooks, but streaming disservices typically do the same things.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Congresscritter's_haste_to_nuke'em)
title: Congresscritter's haste to nuke'em
uri: Congresscritter-s-haste-to-nuke-em
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Congresscritter's_haste_to_nuke'em)
content:
 
<p>
A Republican Congresscritter called on the US to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/31/tim-walberg-republican-congressman-gaza">kill
everyone in Gaza</a> with nuclear weapons.  He claims that this would somehow be better, but
that cannot be true in any rational sense.  I would guess that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a> has lead him into
deranged thinking.
<p>
He also wants to attack Russia with nuclear weapons, apparently not
realizing that Putin would retaliate with nuclear weapons and
wipe out civilization and maybe extinguish humanity.
<p>
Republicans' speeches are not meant as serious policy proposals;
they are only meant to stir up hatred they can use.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Doctors_report_Israeli_sniping,_Gaza)
title: Doctors report IDF sniping, Gaza
uri: Doctors-report-IDF-sniping-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Doctors_report_Israeli_sniping,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Foreign volunteer doctors in Gaza report on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/gaza-palestinian-children-killed-idf-israel-war">Palestinian
children</a> apparently shot by snipers, with a shot in the head, a shot in the chest, or one
of each.
<p>
This fits a pattern of Israeli soldiers' shooting at civilians, even
groups carrying makeshift white flags.  Some old people have also been
shot dead in the same way.
<p>
The article also describes the Israeli army's pattern of not convicting
soldiers for even outrageous killing of obviously harmless civilians.

<p>
 


title: Israeli drones kill 7 aid workers, Gaza
uri: Israeli-drones-kill-7-aid-workers-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Israeli_drones_kill_7_aid_workers,_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Israeli_drones_kill_7_aid_workers,_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
Aid workers in Gaza were returning from distributing food that had
arrived by ship, when three successive
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/charities-halt-gaza-operations-after-israeli-drones-kill-aid-workers">Israeli
drone attacks</a> hit their three vehicles and killed 7 of them.  In response, the humanitarian
charities that ran the operation have suspended their activities in Gaza.
<p>
Israel said that the attack was done intentionally, and offered the excuse that an armed HAMAS
fighter was accompanying them (but not in order to attack anyone).  So what?  That is no excuse
to attack a group of civilians, let alone a group of aid workers!
<p>
That statement shows that Israel's policies are such as to systematically lead to attacks on
aid workers, and that its "cooperation" with aid deliveries is bogus.
<p>
The article reports that that HAMAS fighter had in fact remained at the warehouse and did not
accompany the aid workers who were attacked.  But that detail does not matter.  Even if he had
accompanied them, that would not have excused the wrong of attacking an aid convoy.  Local
temporary truces are normal and important in war, and Israel must respect them when aid
agencies make them.  It must also generally avoid attacking civilians even though some HAMAS
fighters are near them.
<p>
The US government response, though critical of Israel, was too weak.  We cannot expect the
demanded investigation to seek the truth, and Israel could easily draw it out for six months
hoping the world will get distracted.  Perhaps the US made that response before Israel stated
the details in the article.
<p>
Unless the facts stated in the article are incorrect, the only remaining question is why
commanders concluded it was acceptable to knowingly attack an aid convoy that they had agreed
to protect.  Such a sensitive policy decision must have come from a high level &mdash; from
ministers, I expect.
<p>
One must speculate that the purpose of this attack was to make the aid operations suspend
bringing food to Gaza.  A hypothetical sincere investigation might confirm this, but
governments are not often that sincere about their motives.
<p>
The US should skip the useless "investigation" and tell Israel to change these policies and
respect truces for aid deliveries, or it will receive no more arms.

<p>
 


title: Israeli Rabbi champions for peace, AUS
uri: Israeli-Rabbi-champions-for-peace-AUS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Israeli_Rabbi_champions_for_peace,_AUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Israeli_Rabbi_champions_for_peace,_AUS)

content:
 
<p>
Rabbi Avi Dabush hid his family from HAMAS on Oct 7.  Now he campaigns
internationally
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/meet-the-israeli-rabbi-and-survivor-of-7-october-attack-now-in-australia-to-campaign-for-peace">for
peace in Gaza</a>.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Congressional corporate taxation
uri: Urgent-Congressional-corporate-taxation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Urgent:_Congressional_corporate_taxation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Urgent:_Congressional_corporate_taxation)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-end-rampant-corporate-tax-dodging-rein-in-excessive-executive-pay?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=group-coalition-on-human-needs">call
on Congress</a> to increase taxes on corporations in these several ways.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Laws on shipowners', oil cos', damages
uri: Laws-on-shipowners-oil-cos-damages
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Laws_on_shipowners_and_oil_cos._damages)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Laws_on_shipowners_and_oil_cos._damages)

content:
 
<p>
A 19th century law limits the liability of the shipowner for
destroying
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240402051940/https://www.levernews.com/big-oil-could-help-shipowner-avoid-liability-for-bridge-collapse/">the bridge in Baltimore</a>.
Ship-owning companies have lobbied hard to block revision of that law.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Urgent:_Biden_can_save_SS)
title: Urgent: Biden can save SS
uri: Urgent-Biden-can-save-SS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Urgent:_Biden_can_save_SS)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-on-support-biden-and-democrats-who-want-to-protect-social-security-from-cuts?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=direct_link">call
on Congress</a> to make the rich pay the same tax rate for social security as other working
Americans.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!  Main
Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(US_meddlings_in_Honduras)
title: US meddlings in Honduras
uri: US-meddlings-in-Honduras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(US_meddlings_in_Honduras)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/honduras-president-arrested/">The history</a> of US
use of Juan Hernández, both as president of Honduras and before and after.
<p>
Here are the notes I made about the coup against President Zelaya.
<table>
<tr><td>29 June 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#29 June 2009 (Military in Honduras overthrew President Zelaya)">Military in Honduras overthrew President Zelaya</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>01 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#01 July 2009 (Cesar Ham was not killed)">Cesar Ham was not killed</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>05 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#05 July 2009 (Honduras">Honduras' government has suspended basic human rights</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>06 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#06 July 2009 (Article about the coup in Honduras)">Article about the coup in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>7 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#7 July 2009 (Antics continue in Honduras)">Antics continue in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>08 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#08 July 2009 (Zelaya and Micheletti have agreed to mediation by Oscar Arias)">Zelaya and Micheletti have agreed to mediation by Oscar Arias</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>9 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#9 July 2009 (Zelaya and Micheletti agree to mediation in Honduras)">Zelaya and Micheletti agree to mediation in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>25 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#25 July 2009 (Support for ousted president in Honduras)">Support for ousted president in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>26 July 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#26 July 2009 (Zelaya can">Zelaya can't re-enter Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 August 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#12 August 2009 (Reason for the coup in Honduras)">Reason for the coup in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>24 September 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#24 September 2009 (Ousted Honduran President now home)">Ousted Honduran President now home</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>24 September 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#24 September 2009 (Coup gov">Coup gov't besiege Brazilian embassy in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>27 September 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#27 September 2009 (Zelaya is attracting world attention)">Zelaya is attracting world attention</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>4 October 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#4 October 2009 (Organization of American States arranges negotiations in Honduras)">Organization of American States arranges negotiations in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>02 November 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#02 November 2009 (Zelaya will return as president)">Zelaya will return as president</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>7 November 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#7 November 2009 (Zelaya hamstrung again)">Zelaya hamstrung again</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>01 December 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#01 December 2009 (Honduras)">Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>1 December 2009</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#1 December 2009 (Mock election in Honduras)">Mock election in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>26 December 2010</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#26 December 2010 (A highly questionable response)">A highly questionable response</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>24 May 2011 </td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#24 May 2011 (Honduran Reintegration)">Honduran Reintegration</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>31 May 2011</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#31_May_2011_(Zelaya_Returns)">Zelaya Returns</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>5 June 2011</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#5_June_2011_(Justice_Still_Not_Done)">Justice Still Not Done</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>17 June 2011</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#17_June_2011_(Zelaya_Government_Cheating)">Zelaya Government Cheating</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>17 July 2011</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#17_July_2011_(Journalist_Assassinated)">Journalist Assassinated</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>15 February 2012</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#15_February_2012_(Honduras_Thugs)">Honduras Thugs</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>06 October 2014</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_October_2014_(Clinton_admits_anti-democratic_meddling)">Clinton admits anti-democratic meddling</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>28 April 2015</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#28_April_2015_(Plutocracy_in_Honduras)">Plutocracy in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>3 September 2016</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#3_September_2016_(Clintons_support_for_coup_in_Honduras)">Clinton's support for coup in Honduras</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>26 November 2017</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_(Honduras_president)">Honduras president</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>24 December 2017</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_(Hernández_congratulated)">Hernández congratulated</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>27 July 2019</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#27_July_2019_(An_interview_with_Manual_Zelaya)">An interview with Manual Zelaya</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>27 July 2019</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#27_July_2019_(Border_thugs_discussion_group)">Border thugs discussion group</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>1 December 2021</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#1_December_2021_(Honduras_presidential_election)">Honduras presidential election</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>22 March 2024</td><td> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_March_2024_(manuel_zelaya_reflects_on_coup)">Zelaya reflects on the coup</a></td></tr>
</table>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Trento)
title: RMS will give a talk in Trento
uri: RMS-will-give-a-talk-in-Trento
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Trento)
content:
 
<p>
In Trento, Italy, April 10th, Richard Stallman will give a talk,
<a href="/talks.html#10apr2024">Free Software and Your Freedom</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Iran,_extranational_stabbing,_UK)
title: Iran, extranational stabbing, UK
uri: Iran-extranational-stabbing-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Iran,_extranational_stabbing,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
An Iranian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/29/counter-terror-investigation-iranian-journalist-stabbed-outside-london-home">dissident
living in London</a> and working for a Farsi news channel was stabbed by a group of attackers
outside his home.
<p>
One must suspect they were sent by some organ of the Iranian government.
<p>
The channel says that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/30/iran-international-revolutionary-guards-journalist-stabbed-london">Iran
has been harassing relatives</a> of their employees for over a year.

<p>
 


title: Int'l study accredits Havana Syndrome
uri: Int-l-study-accredits-Havana-Syndrome
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Int'l_study_accredits_Havana_Syndrome)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Int'l_study_accredits_Havana_Syndrome)

content:
 
<p>
There are once again claims that symptoms called the "Havana syndrome" result from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/havana-syndrome-linked-to-russian-unit-media-investigation-suggests">Russian
ultrasound beams</a>.  But scientists have found
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_March_2024_(Havana_syndrome_occult)">no sign of any hostile cause</a>.
<p>
Before the question of whether Russians are intentionally generating some sort of ultrasound,
the first question ought to be, <em>is there</em> any unusual ultrasound in the places and
times where people report having the "Havana syndrome"?
<p>
Sound waves are well understood physically.  Has an ultrasound spectrum scanner been developed,
and used to determine for certain whether the symptoms' onset is associated with anything
unusual in the sonic spectrum?

<p>
 


title: Sniper bullet finds fireworks boy, ISR
uri: Sniper-bullet-finds-fireworks-boy-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Sniper_bullet_finds_fireworks_boy,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#5_April_2024_(Sniper_bullet_finds_fireworks_boy,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
An Israeli
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/firework-family-boy-killed-israeli-police-justice-rami-halhouli">sniper
in East Jerusalem</a> shot and killed a Palestinian boy who was holding a firework that makes
pretty lights.  At a time of celebration.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Urgent:_Equator_Principles)
title: Urgent: Equator Principles
uri: Urgent-Equator-Principles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Urgent:_Equator_Principles)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the biggest US banks to <a href="https://act.350.org/signup/march-24-em-us-banks-equator-principles/">stick with the Equator
Principles</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_voting_obstacles)
title: Urgent: Ban voting obstacles
uri: Urgent-Ban-voting-obstacles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_voting_obstacles)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to ban voter-ID laws and other
artificial obstacles to voting, by <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-stop-voter-suppressive-id-laws?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">passing the Right to Vote Act</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Anti-sex_movement)
title: Anti-sex movement
uri: Anti-sex-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Anti-sex_movement)
content:
 
<p>
Rebecca Solnit: *The Republican party has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/02/the-republican-party-has-become-a-full-fledged-anti-sex-movement">become a full-fledged
anti-sex movement</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Geothermal_power)
title: Geothermal power
uri: Geothermal-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Geothermal_power)
content:
 
<p>
Research aims to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/02/geothermal-energy-electricity">generate 10% of electricity demand</a> from geothermal
power by 2050.
<p>
If the technology works, we could do it faster than that -- by
spending money to build faster.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Supreme_court_and_banks)
title: Supreme court and banks
uri: Supreme-court-and-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Supreme_court_and_banks)
content:
 
<p>
The US Supreme Court may soon rule that US states <a href="https://www.levernews.com/the-supreme-court-may-give-us-another-2008-financial-crisis/">cannot make any
rules about how banks treat their customers</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(California_atmospheric_rivers)
title: California atmospheric rivers
uri: California-atmospheric-rivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(California_atmospheric_rivers)
content:
 
<p>
Although atmospheric rivers in California have caused floods and
mudslides, doing lots of damage, they have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/02/california-snowpack-survey-average">lifted the state out of the
drought</a> that has lasted many years.
<p>
The drought was a stage in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>, and the heavy rains another
stage.  We don't know what the next stage will be.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Spyware)
title: Spyware
uri: Spyware
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Spyware)
content:
 
<p>
*Poland launches inquiry into [right-wing] previous government's
 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/poland-launches-inquiry-into-previous-governments-spyware-use">spyware use</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Election_integrity_denier)
title: Election integrity denier
uri: Election-integrity-denier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Election_integrity_denier)
content:
 
<p>
For the today's fascist Republican Party, run by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/01/republican-election-integrity-denier">"election integrity" means stealing the election</a>.

<p>
 


title: Arms flow from US to Israel continues
uri: Arms-flow-from-US-to-Israel-continues
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Arms_flow_from_US_to_Israel_continues)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Arms_flow_from_US_to_Israel_continues)

content:
 
<p>
*Flow of arms from US to Israel continues <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/01/flow-of-arms-from-us-to-israel-continues-despite-ceasefire-abstention">despite [the US's] ceasefire
abstention</a> [in the UN Security Council].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Israel_and_Al-Jazeera)
title: Israel and Al-Jazeera
uri: Israel-and-Al-Jazeera
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Israel_and_Al-Jazeera)
content:
 
<p>
Israel is about to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/al-jazeera-faces-security-threat-ban-after-israel-passes-new-law-benjamin-netanyahu">ban the operations of al-Jazeera</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Privatizing)
title: Privatizing
uri: Privatizing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Privatizing)
content:
 
<p>
Margaret Thatcher did Britain great harm through <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/30/what-now-for-thames-water-as-investors-turn-off-the-taps">privatizing many
public services, including water supply</a>.  Since then, the "investors"
in water supply have extracted profits without actually investing in
the upkeep of the facilities.
<p>
Now they have run it into the ground and want to raise rates,
supposedly to pay for the belated investment that they skimped on
before.  But it appears the government has decided to make them go
bankrupt instead.
<p>
That could create a great opportunity to renationalize those facilities,
but I can't believe Tories would want to do that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Bullshit_generator_and_Modi)
title: Bullshit generator and Modi
uri: Bullshit-generator-and-Modi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Bullshit_generator_and_Modi)
content:
 
<p>
A bullshit generator <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/26/india-confronts-google-over-gemini-ai-tools-fascist-modi-responses">happened to output text that made a valid point
about Modi</a>, and this triggered a sort of scandal.
<p>
It has to happen sometimes.
<p>
I have a suspicion that Google added special code to prevent
outputting accurate criticism of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a>, but had not
likewise so about Modi.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(exxonmobile_greenwashing)
title: Investigation into ExxonMobil
uri: Investigation-into-ExxonMobil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(exxonmobile_greenwashing)
content:
 
<p>
Exxon boasted about a supposed carbon-capture system which it never
actually started to build.  The mere idea of it was basis enough
to produce the results Exxon wanted &mdash; <a>to reduce public pressure to reduce
fossil 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/31/exxonmobil-accused-of-greenwashing-over-carbon-capture-plan-it-failed-to-invest-in">fuel extraction and combustion.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_ai_hamas_airstrikes)
title: Hamas airstrikes
uri: Hamas-airstrikes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_ai_hamas_airstrikes)
content:
 
<p>
Sources in Israeli intelligence agencies say that Israel approved
killing 20 civilians to get one low-ranking HAMAS fighter,
who may have been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israel-gaza-ai-database-hamas-airstrikes">identified only by heuristics.</a>
<p>
<blockquote>
   Two sources said that during the early weeks of the war they were
   permitted to kill 15 or 20 civilians during airstrikes on low-ranking
   militants. Attacks on such targets were typically carried out using
   unguided munitions known as "dumb bombs", the sources said, destroying
   entire homes and killing all their occupants.

   "You don’t want to waste expensive bombs on unimportant people &mdash; it's
   very expensive for the country and there’s a shortage [of those
   bombs],"
</blockquote>
<p>
If someone's death was not important enough to use a smart bomb, but
worth killing 20 civilians, those civilians' lives must have been
valued at very little.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(system_to_track_asian_hornets)
title: System to track hornets
uri: System-to-track-hornets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(system_to_track_asian_hornets)
content:
 
<p>
A machine learning system has been trained to distinguish bee-eating
Asian hornets 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/03/early-warning-system-track-asian-hornets-university-of-exeter">from other types of wasps.</a>
<p>
If this works in practice, I will judge it to be artificial
intelligence, since it will have demomstrated some understanding of a
narrow but important domain.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(trump_expanded_gag_order_impact)
title: Expanded gag order
uri: Expanded-gag-order
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(trump_expanded_gag_order_impact)
content:
 
<p>
The corrupter is seriously attempting to bully courts into letting him
be a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/03/trump-expanded-gag-order-impact">above the law.</a>
<p>
He seems to believe it is possible, and he may be right.
<p>
If he can indeed do this, it is a reflection of the fact that these
charges are legitimate and his trials are honest.  No one facing bogus
charges in China, Russia or India could entertain hope of overcoming
them this way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(bookseller_of_kabul)
title: Bookseller of Kabul
uri: Bookseller-of-Kabul
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(bookseller_of_kabul)
content:
 
<p>
The "Bookseller of Kabul" rebuilds the book store destroyed by the
Taliban and accumulates copies of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/i-wanted-to-end-my-life-bookseller-of-kabul-rebuilds-destroyed-business">the books they destroyed.</a>
<p>
I expect that there is no way to buy from his business except via
unjust nonfree software, and that makes me sad.  Of course, people in
Afghanistan face much bigger attacks on their freedom than this.  But
this is saddening nonetheless.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(robert_kennedy_jr_cnn_interview)
title: RFK CNN Jr. Interview
uri: RFK-CNN-Jr-Interview
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(robert_kennedy_jr_cnn_interview)
content:
 
<p>
Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr has gone off the deep end
in regard to preserving 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/02/robert-f-kennedy-jr-cnn-interview-biden-trump">democracy in the US.</a>
<p>
He has clamped onto a borderline issue of government influence on
antisocial media platforms, and says that is more dangerous than
the insurrectionist's stated plans to impose fascism if he can.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(cattle_trees_climate_change)
title: Farmer climate change solution
uri: Farmer-climate-change-solution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(cattle_trees_climate_change)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing to pay farmers to grow trees instead of cows, as a way of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/02/cattle-trees-climate-change-solution">ending global heating.</a>
<p>
As stated, that proposal is too simplistic.  There are many places on
Earth where the native ecosystems did not include many trees,
including the Great Plains in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(windrush_british_government)
title: Windrush victim
uri: Windrush-victim
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(windrush_british_government)
content:
 
<p>
The British government promised to compensate the harm it did to
thousands of immigrants who moved lawfully to Britain from colonies
decades ago, when young, and had no proof of what happened.  That was
five years ago.  But it is so slow to carry out that promise that it
seems to be "waiting for them to die" so it won't have to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/01/windrush-victim-home-office-waiting-for-us-to-die-off-compensation">compensate
them for real.</a>
<p>
The UK government seems to become incompetent when facing any sort of
task that involves correcting mistakes or 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/05/sajid-javid-accused-of-buying-silence-of-windrush-citizens">dealing with unusual
situations.</a>
<p>
Sometimes it is due to privatization of dealing with
citizens &mdash; something that is generally harmful to the citizens how
need 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/06/suella-bravermann-plans-to-ditch-key-windrush-pledges">whatever service.</a>
<p>
I suspect that putting computers in charge is a cause,
and cuts in spending on functionaries is another.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(ekrem_imamoglu_presidency)
title: Emerging Istanbul mayor
uri: Emerging-Istanbul-mayor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(ekrem_imamoglu_presidency)
content:
 
<p>
Ekrem Imamoğlu, a secularist, seems to have a chance to be the next
president of Turkey, if only 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/who-is-ekrem-imamoglu-istanbul-mayor-recep-tayyip-erdogan-reign-president-ak-party">Erdoğan doesn't sabotage the election.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(start_up_thermal_energy_industry)
title: Energy storage innovation
uri: Energy-storage-innovation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(start_up_thermal_energy_industry)
content:
 
<p>
Developing mechanical and thermal batteries to store store 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/01/thermal-energy-storage-industry">energy as
compression or heat.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_rules_of_engagement)
title: Rules of engagement
uri: 2024-04-06-Rules-of-engagement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_rules_of_engagement)
content:
 
<p>
Israel's rules of engagement in Gaza are secret, but evidence shows
that either they are so lax as to be meaningless, or else generally
ignored in practice.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israels-rules-of-engagement-seem-looser-than-ever-if-they-are-followed-at-all"></a>
<p>
*Zomi and her colleagues [killed in the aid convoy] were saving
lives. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/03/zomi-and-her-colleagues-were-saving-lives-their-deaths-deserve-our-outrage">Their deaths deserve our outrage.*</a>
<p>
Things like this happen in war, and no army can make them absolutely
impossible.  But a civilized army takes steps that make them far less
frequent.  Israel seems to be shrugging that off.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(canada_mikmaw_fishermen)
title: Fishermen left shoeless
uri: Fishermen-left-shoeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(canada_mikmaw_fishermen)
content:
 
<p>
Canada's enforcement of laws against over fishing of eels was carried
out in a way that endangered the lives of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/canada-mikmaw-fishermen-left-shoeless">accused illegal fishers.</a>
<p>
Over fishing leads to extinction.  Around the world, treaties are cited
as an excuse to continue over fishing, but no treaty can justify
causing extinction.  Where the world has the benefit of real
enforcement against over fishing, it should enforce them against
everyone, regardless of per ethnicity.
<p>
However, thugs must protect the lives of those they arrest.  The thugs
should have brought those men to a place where they could stay indoors
and be safe without shoes.  A police station would have sufficed.
<p>
Confiscating people's shoes outdoors in a cold region can result in
maiming or even death, so it should be prosecuted as attempted murder.
Countries should enforce this against everyone, including uniformed
thugs.  Likewise against the person on duty at the gas station, who
threatened their lives by making them walk into the cold.
<p>
Every gas station should be required to make its phone available for
people to call for help.  This should be a legal requirement.
However, things should not have reached that point.  The thugs
presumably had a phone, or a radio.  They also had a responsibility to
make this call.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(jan_6_megaphone_rioter)
title: Capitol rioter sentenced
uri: Capitol-rioter-sentenced
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(jan_6_megaphone_rioter)
content:
 
<p>
One of the leaders of the corrupter's attack on the Capitol was
sentenced to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/03/jan-6-megaphone-rioter-prison">7 years in prison.</a>
<p>
Despite the influence of the corrupter, who claims that these
convicts are "hostages", juries keep on convicting them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(torture_abughraib_case)
title: Abu Ghraib torture case
uri: Abu-Ghraib-torture-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(torture_abughraib_case)
content:
 
<p>
Iraqis subject to privatized US government torture at Abu Ghraib
are about to 
<a href="https://ccrjustice.org/home/get-involved/tools-resources/fact-sheets-and-faqs/factsheet-torture-abu-ghraib-and-al-shimari-v">have their case heard.</a>
<p>
One of the reasons why government activity must not be privatized is
that the company is not the state and its employees are not state
employees.  If they do horrible things, it is much harder to hold them
accountable.  If the company outsources its workers, that makes
it even harder.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(shell_greenpeace_lawsuit)
title: Shell’s Greenpeace case
uri: Shell-s-Greenpeace-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(shell_greenpeace_lawsuit)
content:
 
<p>
Emma Thompson and Greta Thunberg, and other prominent people, have called
on Shell to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/01/public-figures-urge-shell-to-drop-lawsuit-against-greenpeace">drop its case against Greenpeace.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Ties_as_anachronistic)
title: Ties as anachronistic
uri: Ties-as-anachronistic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Ties_as_anachronistic)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich sees a sign that the pressure to wear a tie may soon fade
away: Biden appeared in public with Obama and Bill Clinton,
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-end-of-the-necktie">none of
them wearing a tie</a>.
<p>
It is not impossible; I've read that President Kennedy freed
American men from the demand to wear hats by refusing to wear
one himself.  Thanks perhaps to him, no one has ever tried
to pressure me to wear one.
<p>
Ironically, this winter I started wearing a hat sometimes, but I don't
treat it as an obligation: I simply do what feels comfortable based on
the weather.
<p>
As for ties, however, <a><a href="/rms-lifestyle.html#ties">I reject them</a> actively firmly.

<p>
 


title: Tackling extremes in identity politics
uri: Tackling-extremes-in-identity-politics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Tackling_intolerance_in_identity_politics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Tackling_intolerance_in_identity_politics)

content:
 
<p>
*What
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/31/batley-school-what-teacher-in-hiding-can-tell-us-about-our-failure-to-tackle-intolerance">a
teacher in hiding</a> can tell us about our failure to tackle intolerance.* British campaigners
for Islamist censorship of "blasphemy" stirred up violent hatred against the teacher of a class
that was studying religious hatred and the means used to stir it up.  Now, three years later,
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> is still hiding from the death threats they inspired.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Google_as_not_on_tracking)
title: Google as not on tracking
uri: Google-as-not-on-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Google_as_not_on_tracking)
content:
 
<p>
Google was caught tracking users' browsing even when they had enabled
"incognito mode".  In the settlement of a lawsuit, Google has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/01/google-destroying-browsing-data-privacy-lawsuit">agreed
to destroy the data</a> it thus collected.
<p>
Abuses like tracking the actions of users cannot be excused by mere consent.

<p>
 


title: Farm subsidies maximizing pollution, EU
uri: Farm-subsidies-maximizing-pollution-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Farm_subsidies_maximizing_pollution,_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Farm_subsidies_maximizing_pollution,_EU)

content:
 
<p>
*EU pumps four times more money into
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/01/eu-four-times-more-money-farming-animals-than-growing-plants-cap-subsidy">farming
animals</a> than growing plants.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Timing_a_Justice's_retirement)
title: Timing a Justice's retirement
uri: Timing-a-Justice-s-retirement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(Timing_a_Justice's_retirement)
content:
 
<p>
Arguing that Justice Sotomayor should retire now and thus ensure
her
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/01/for-the-sake-of-all-of-us-sonia-sotomayor-needs-to-retire-from-the-us-supreme-court">replacement
can be chosen</a> by Biden.  I agree.
<p>
Justice Breyer was going to stay on the court until death,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#28_January_2022_(Justice_retiring)">but
he yielded</a> to this same argument and retired so another Liberal could take his place.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Urgent:_Pressure_the_Israeli_govt)
title: Urgent: Pressure the Israeli govt
uri: Urgent-Pressure-the-Israeli-govt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Urgent:_Pressure_the_Israeli_govt)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/famine-gaza?akid=9646.223515.A4Rvbu&c0=famine-gaza.y41VEG&rd=1&source=em20240330&t=1006">Call on Biden</a>
to pressure the Israeli government to allow increased aid to Gaza.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Urgent:_Global_plastic_waste)
title: Urgent: Global plastic waste
uri: Urgent-Global-plastic-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Urgent:_Global_plastic_waste)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/global-plastics-treaty-us/">call on the US</a>
to push for a strong treaty to reduce
global plastic waste.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Forced_birth_defects_expensive)
title: Forced birth defects expensive, TN
uri: Forced-birth-defects-expensive-TN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_April_2024_(Forced_birth_defects_expensive)
content:
 
<p>
Kathryn Archer's fetus was developing birth defects that were likely to be fatal shortly after
birth, Prenata surgery coulc partially correct them, giving it a longer life of helplessness.
She wanted an abortion, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/04/tennessee-abortion-ban">Republicans
dominating Tennessee</a> had prohibited this.
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Military_AI_databases,_ISR)
title: Military AI databases, ISR
uri: Military-AI-databases-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Military_AI_databases,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Israel has implemented in real life the most horrible fictional scenario of a bloodbath caused by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/israel-gaza-ai-database-hamas-airstrikes">letting algorithms choose</a>
targets for bombing.
<p>
<table cellpadding=5>
<tr valign="top">
<td>
&clubs;
</td>
<td>
   When it came to targeting low-ranking Hamas and PIJ suspects, they said, the preference was
   to attack when they were believed to be at home. “We were not interested in killing [Hamas]
   operatives only when they were in a military building or engaged in a military activity,”
   one said. "It’s much easier to bomb a family’s home. The system is built to look for them in
   these situations."
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td>
&clubs;
</td>
<td>
   Another said that after the 7 October attacks by Hamas, the atmosphere in the IDF was
   "painful and vindictive". "There was a dissonance: on the one hand, people here were
   frustrated that we were not attacking enough. On the other hand, you see at the end of the
   day that another thousand Gazans have died, most of them civilians."
</tr>
</table>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Urgent:_The_greed_of_Big_Pharma)
title: Urgent: The greed of Big Pharma
uri: Urgent-The-greed-of-Big-Pharma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Urgent:_The_greed_of_Big_Pharma)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/big-pharma-greed-novo/?t=1001&akid=32034%2E96703%2EauDQ5v">call on Biden</a>
to direct Medicare to lower drug costs and fight Big Pharma's greed.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Apply over-pricing laws, Big Grocery
uri: Urgent-Apply-over-pricing-laws-Big-Grocery
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Urgent:_Apply_over-pricing_laws_to_corporate_grocery)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Urgent:_Apply_over-pricing_laws_to_corporate_grocery)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/ftc-fdr-grocery-prices/?t=1001&akid=32071%2E96703%2Ecmnh_4">call
on the FTC</a> to enforce the law and stop supermarket chains from putting massive profits over consumers.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(USA_to_ISR:_reach_HAMAS_deal,_NOW)
title: USA to ISR: reach HAMAS deal, NOW
uri: USA-to-ISR-reach-HAMAS-deal-NOW
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(USA_to_ISR:_reach_HAMAS_deal,_NOW)
content:
 
<p>
*Protect civilians and aid workers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/israel-us-gaza-joe-biden-benjamin-netanyahu-phone-call">or risk losing US support</a>,
Biden tells Israel.*
<p>
That is a big step towards making Israel stop killing them.
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_rules_of_engagement)">We now know it</a>,
that the cause was a <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Military_AI_databases,_ISR)">central policy</a>,
not mere mistakes or randomness.
<p>
*Amid the slaughter and with famine looming,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/04/slaughter-famine-israel-allies-killing-bombing-aid-workers-west">Israel’s allies must say</a>
enough
is enough. If not now when?*
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Pivital_point_in_Gaza_war)
title: Pivotal point in Gaza war
uri: Pivotal-point-in-Gaza-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(Pivital_point_in_Gaza_war)
content:
 
<p>
Biden's threat to stop support for Israel led it to make a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/05/the-guardian-view-on-biden-gaza-warning-it-is-much-too-late-it-must-not-be-too-little">concession
to allow aid</a>
into Gaza through Israel.
<p>
Whether Israel will really allow all the food, water, medical supplies and other aid that the
people of Gaza need is something that remains to be seen.  We can't take for granted Israel
will sincerely implement what it has agreed to.
<p>
However, there is also the matter that we now know from whistleblowers that the Israeli army
was disregarding its obligation to avoid
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#6_April_2024_(israel_ai_hamas_airstrikes)">wanton killing of civilians</a>.
The US must not tolerate the continuation of this attitude towards causing civilian casualties.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(JBS_meats_and_consumer_fraud,_NY)
title: JBS meats and consumer fraud, NY
uri: JBS-meats-and-consumer-fraud-NY
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#8_April_2024_(JBS_meats_and_consumer_fraud,_NY)
content:
 
<p>
New York State is suing JBS, the biggest meat company for greenwashing that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/letitia-james-jbs-meat-lawsuit-greenwashing">tried to pretend</a>
it was reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
<p>
 


title: A symbol of harmony
uri: A-symbol-of-harmony
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(hindus_muslim_religious_discord_harmony)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(hindus_muslim_religious_discord_harmony)

content:
 
<p>
About a mosque in Varanasi where both Hindus and Muslims come to say 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/05/the-hindu-caretaker-and-his-mosque-a-symbol-of-harmony-amid-india-religious-discord">their respective prayers.</a>
<p>
I myself do not pray to anything, because I don't believe there is
anything to pray to.  But I am glad that Hindus and Muslims coexist
in peace and tranquility.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(un_human_rights_netanyahu)
title: Possible war crimes
uri: Possible-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(un_human_rights_netanyahu)
content:
 
<p>
The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to hold Israel
accountable for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/05/un-human-rights-council-israel-gaza-biden-netanyahu">possible war crimes.</a>
"Hold accountable" is rather vague &mdash; I don't see precisely what the
resolution called for.
<p>
Meanwhile, Biden threatened to cut off support, and this compelled
Netanyahu to agree to open more channels for humanitarian aid into
Gaza.  This demonstrates that Biden can compel Israel to change an
inhumane practice in war.
<p>
Whether these changes will end the starvation in Gaza remains to be
seen.  I would not sell Netanyahu anything on credit.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(australia_idf_officials_aid_worker)
title: Israeli inquiry
uri: Israeli-inquiry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(australia_idf_officials_aid_worker)
content:
 
<p>
Australia demands that Israel save pertinent evidence and permit an
independent investigation into the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/05/australia-calls-for-idf-officials-to-be-stood-down-during-investigation-into-aid-worker-killings">killing of an Australian aid worker</a>
<p>
who was in the WCK aid convoy attacked by a drone.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(bandage_brands_toxic_pfas)
title: Toxic bandage brands
uri: Toxic-bandage-brands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(bandage_brands_toxic_pfas)
content:
 
<p>
The biggest US brands of bandages contain PFAS, which can be absorbed 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/bandage-brands-toxic-pfas">directly into the skin.</a>
<p>
How much of a dose a person is likely to get from wearing these
bandages, the article does not say, and perhaps no one knows.  I think
it would not be an easy experiment to do.  But it would surely be safer
not to have them in bandages.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(no_labels_biden_vote_director)
title: No Labels director vote
uri: No-Labels-director-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(no_labels_biden_vote_director)
content:
 
<p>
No Labels has abandoned the idea of running a candidate for president.
Its director said that between Biden and the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/05/no-labels-biden-vote-director">wrecker he would vote for
Biden.</a>

<p>
 


title: Starlight tours
uri: Starlight-tours
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(darrell_night_freezing_deaths_scandal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(darrell_night_freezing_deaths_scandal)

content:
 
<p>
Thugs in Saskatoon made a practice of arresting indigenous people and
leaving them at isolated places, on freezing cold nights, when their
clothing was not adequate to survive.  They were likely to die as a
result.  One victim knew a place where 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/25/darrell-night-who-exposed-canada-police-freezing-deaths-scandal-dies-at-56">he could find shelter, and
survived to testify.</a>
<p>
Two thugs who were known to have killed indigenous people in this way
were later convicted of a crime for that, and sentenced to prison.
That's better than what usually happens to killer thugs, which is that
they are never prosecuted at all; but the crime they were convicted of
was an understatement.
<p>
They should have been charged with murder.  They must have expected
that the men they dumped in the cold were likely to die as a result,
and intended that result.
<p>
It seems that the attempt to kill Darrell Night was motivated only
by his being merely a nuisance.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(women_turkey_democracy_elections)
title: Turkey democracy
uri: Turkey-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(women_turkey_democracy_elections)
content:
 
<p>
Things are looking up in Turkey for democracy; a secularist and
democratic opposition party won most of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/06/women-turkey-democracy-elections-female">votes in local elections.</a>
<p>
But it is not certain that the public will be allowed to go ahead
peacefully to vote that way.  Erdoğan has used horrible dirty tricks
before, 
<p>
even starting a civil war
<p>
as an excuse to redo an election and get more votes by appealing to a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-nov-feb.html#7 January 2004 (our forces)">misguided idea of patriotism</a>,
much as Dubya did by attacking Iraq.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(paris_15_minute_city)
title: 15-minute neighborhoods
uri: 15-minute-neighborhoods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(paris_15_minute_city)
content:
 
<p>
Paris is constructing "15-minute neighborhoods" (what most people want
every day is available close by), and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2024/apr/06/why-has-15-minute-city-taken-off-paris-toxic-idea-uk-carlos-moreno">people generally like them a lot.</a>
<p>
It is a shame that right-wing disinformation killed this in the UK.
This is far from the worst harm that right-wing disinformation has done,
but it is noteworthy for being so evidently false, so easy to confirm
as false.  We need to change our social systems so that they cease
to facilitate lies, even lies as blatant as this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(nj_prisons_deaths_preventable)
title: US prisoner deaths
uri: US-prisoner-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_(nj_prisons_deaths_preventable)
content:
 
<p>
*US prisoners are dying from treatable conditions&hellip;
inmates who died of
preventable conditions were 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/04/new-jersey-prisons-deaths-preventable">deemed malingerers and "time wasters".*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_((satire)_thomas_discount)
title: (Satire) 50% Discount
uri: (Satire)-50-Discount
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_April_2024_((satire)_thomas_discount)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Clarence Thomas Announces 50% Discount 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/clarence-thomas-announces-50-discount-on-all-favorable-1851282570">On All Favorable Rulings.*</a>

<p>
 


title: Universities' profits excluding all else
uri: Universities-profits-excluding-all-else
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Universities'_profits_excluding_all_else)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Universities'_profits_excluding_all_else)

content:
 
<p>
Indiana has prohibited spending
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/indiana-sex-research-center-state-funds-blocked">state research funds</a>
for studying sexuality and sexual behavior.  
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinsey_Institute">The Kinsey Institute</a> and its
extensive collections are now threatened.  The university trustees are about to vote on some
way to react to this and have refused to tell the institute's staff what the plan is.
<p>
Indiana Republicans' next planned attack on academic freedom is
to undermine the system of tenure for professors, which is supposed
to protect academic freedom. 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_December_2019_(Corruption_of_Tufts_University)">Once undermined</a>
it will no longer achieve that purpose.
<p>
I have to point out that universities have already, with no compulsion
at all,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jan-apr.html#26_January_2014_(The_result_of_skimping_on_higher_education)">eliminated
tenure</a> for a large fraction of their professors: they are "adjunct" professors, hired term
by term, who can be "junct" after any term without giving reasons.  One of my friends was junct
by Harvard University in this way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Religious_harmony,_UK)
title: Religious harmony, UK
uri: Religious-harmony-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Religious_harmony,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*"We stand together": Bradford
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/04/we-stand-together-bradfords-muslim-and-jewish-leaders-join-forces-for-ramadan">Muslim
and Jewish</a> leaders join forces for Ramadan event.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Artist-solidarity_win,_UK)
title: Artist-solidarity win, UK
uri: Artist-solidarity-win-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Artist-solidarity_win,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Manchester theatre
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/04/manchester-theatre-restores-cancelled-palestinian-event-after-artists-protest">restores
canceled Palestinian event</a> after artists protest.*
<p>
It was initially canceled because a mainstream Jewish organization accused one of the
participants &mdash; false, as it happens &mdash; of trying to excuse the Holocaust.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Antisemitism_subtlties)
title: Antisemitism subtleties
uri: Antisemitism-subtleties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Antisemitism_subtlties)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/4/3/2233168/-All-Antisemitism-is-Not-the-Same?_=2024-04-03T08:25:25.000-07:00">Distinguishing
various kinds</a> of antisemitism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Troop_withdrawal_in_Gaza)
title: Troop withdrawal in Gaza
uri: Troop-withdrawal-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Troop_withdrawal_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/israel-withdraws-troops-from-southern-gaza-for-tactical-reasons">Israel
has withdrawn</a> its troops from southern Gaza, leaving a smaller number in northern Gaza
where not much active fighting is happening.
<p>
This could lead to an end of the fighting, but we can't take that for
granted.
<p>
*The Israeli cabinet’s decision followed warnings from foreign ministry officials that if aid
was not increased, Israel would risk sanctions and arms embargoes.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Urgent:_Arming_vs_helping_Israelies)
title: Urgent: Arming vs helping Israelis
uri: Urgent-Arming-vs-helping-Israelis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Urgent:_Arming_vs_helping_Israelies)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-nsm20?akid=9651.223515.bgqkSD&c0=congress-nsm20.kvh6vF&rd=1&source=em20240402&t=1006">call
on Congress</a> to stop arms for Israel if it doesn't fully allow humanitarian aid access.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Air_defense_weak,_UKR)
title: Air defense weak, UKR
uri: Air-defense-weak-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Air_defense_weak,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
*Ukraine's air defense missiles are running out,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/06/ukraines-air-defence-missiles-are-running-out-zelenskiy-warns">Zelenskiy
warns</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Political_assassination)
title: Political assassination
uri: Political-assassination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Political_assassination)
content:
 
<p>
Political Assassination is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/06/political-assassins-back-with-licence-to-kill">spreading to more and more countries</a>.
<p>
The US
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#03_January_2013_(Americas_secret_government)">continues to practice</a>
it occasionally, but not as much as in the
decades from 2000 to 2020, when it was often carried out using fighter
planes and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#1_September_2021_(Assassination_via_drones)">drones</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Urgent:_US_post-offices_as_banks)
title: Urgent: US post-offices as banks
uri: Urgent-US-post-offices-as-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#10_April_2024_(Urgent:_US_post-offices_as_banks)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-support-the-usps-and-underserved-communities-we-need-postal-banking?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4&source=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4">Call
on Congress</a> to establish postal banking, so as to support the USPS and under-served
communities.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Asbestos usage bans and history, USA
uri: Asbestos-usage-bans-and-history-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Asbestos_usage_bans_and_history,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Asbestos_usage_bans_and_history,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
Decades after recognizing that asbestos is dangerous to humans who breathe it, the US is
<a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/derrick-jackson/a-triumph-and-disgrace-the-very-slow-road-to-banning-asbestos/">slowly
moving step by step</a> towards banning its use.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Credentialed_journalist_booted,_CO)
title: Credentialed journalist booted, CO GOP
uri: Credentialed-journalist-booted-CO-GOP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Credentialed_journalist_booted,_CO)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/07/journalist-ejected-from-colorado-republican-assembly">head
of the Colorado Republican Party</a>, an insurrectionist
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trumpery">trumppet</a>, ordered the exclusion of a
local reporter, preemptively prohibiting her from covering the event.

<p>
 


title: Satire: Excuses to delay legal hearings
uri: Satire-Excuses-to-delay-legal-hearings
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Satire:_Excuses_to_delay_legal_hearings)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Satire:_Excuses_to_delay_legal_hearings)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter's</a>]
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-s-best-excuses-for-delaying-legal-hearings-1851288002">Best</a>
Excuses For Delaying Legal Hearings.*

<p>
 


title: Satire: Killing all connections to HAMAS
uri: Satire-Killing-all-connections-to-HAMAS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Satire:_Killing_all_connections_to_HAMAS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Satire:_Killing_all_connections_to_HAMAS)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Israel Orders [Air] Strike On
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/israel-orders-strike-on-chef-jose-andres-boyhood-home-1851388482">Chef
José Andrés' Boyhood Home</a>.*
(He is the founder of World Central Kitchen.)

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Urgent:_Libre_tax-filing_software)
title: Urgent: Libre tax-filing software
uri: Urgent-Libre-tax-filing-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Urgent:_Libre_tax-filing_software)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://my.fsf.org/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=10&reset=1">call on the IRS</a>
to make a web site for filing tax returns
that is libre, not merely gratis.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(abdellatif_freed)
title: Abdellatif freed
uri: Abdellatif-freed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(abdellatif_freed)
content:
 
<p>
Australia kept an Egyptian refugee in deportation prison for 12 years
because the government gave undue respect to a conviction in absentia
in an Egyptian court which used 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/09/refugee-sayed-abdellatif-freed-after-almost-12-years-in-australian-immigration-detention">torture to get "evidence".</a>
<p>
Kafkaesque rigidity prolonged his imprisonment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(lab_grown_meat_ban)
title: Lab-grown meat ban
uri: Lab-grown-meat-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(lab_grown_meat_ban)
content:
 
<p>
Some Republican-ruled states want to prohibit 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/09/us-states-republicans-banning-lab-grown-meat">lab-grown meat.</a>
<p>
Some of those states have already passed laws to punish making pictures
of how farms treat their animals.  We know the reason for both kinds
of laws: to serve the powerful few companies that dominate US agriculture,
and also to oppose efforts to curb global heating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(cow_mooing_french_parliament_rules)
title: Mooing cows
uri: Mooing-cows
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(cow_mooing_french_parliament_rules)
content:
 
<p>
A new French law says that people who move into living spaces near
existing activities that normally make noise have no right to demand
an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/09/cows-can-keep-mooing-at-night-french-parliament-rules"> end to the noise.</a>
<p>
This is simple common sense.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(cps_case_press_photographer_legakis)
title: Lawful photography
uri: Lawful-photography
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(cps_case_press_photographer_legakis)
content:
 
<p>
A UK thug accused press photographer Dimitris Legakis of "assaulting" per,
and arrested him.  Seven months later, just before the trial, prosecutors
realized Legakis had 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/09/cps-wrong-case-press-photographer-dimitris-legakis">committed no crime, and dropped the case.</a>
<p>
The thug seems to have accused Legakis of a fictitious crime &mdash;
something not unusual for thugs.  Dropping the prosecution was the
right thing for prosecutors to do, but it isn't enough.  It is
necessary also to teach thugs to lose that unjust habit.
<p>
What has been done towards that end?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(hp_leasing_printing_monitoring)
title: HP printer rental
uri: HP-printer-rental
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(hp_leasing_printing_monitoring)
content:
 
<p>
HP invites customers to rent printers, with a contract that requires
the printer to be reachable over the internet from HP, so it can monitor
lots of 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/hp-wants-you-to-pay-up-to-36-month-to-rent-a-printer-that-it-monitors/">things about what the renter prints.</a>
<p>
Supposedly HP makes this snooping legitimate by making the renter
explicitly consent to it.  Balderdash!  Massive surveillance cannot be
justified by the manufacture of consent.
<p>
If we seriously want to stop companies from putting digital shackles
on people, this sort of monitoring and control should be a crime.  It
should be punished with prison for the people who implemented it, as
well as with fines to, or dissolution of, the company.

<p>
 


title: Arabic science
uri: Arabic-science
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(why_arabic_world_turned_away_from_science)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(why_arabic_world_turned_away_from_science)

content:
 
<p>
*Why the Arabic World Turned 
<a href="https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/why-the-arabic-world-turned-away-from-science">Away from Science.*</a>
<p>
Science thrived in the Islamic world until around 1000 CE, but since
then has lost its impetus and its influence.  The article speculates
about what the causes was, and whether there is a chance of changing it
today.  One suggested cause is that Islam never recognized autonomous
institutions of study that were not controlled by religious authorities.
<p>
Today there are Arabs who do science, but they often do it in parts
of the world where Islam does not dominate.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(jail_monopoly_videocalls_lawsuit)
title: Prison phone lawsuit
uri: Prison-phone-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(jail_monopoly_videocalls_lawsuit)
content:
 
<p>
*Lawsuits filed by a civil rights group allege that county jails in
Michigan banned in-person visits in order to gouge prisoners and
their families, as part of a "quid pro quo kickback scheme" with 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/03/jails-banned-family-visits-to-make-more-money-on-video-calls-lawsuits-claim/">prison phone companies.*</a>
<p>
The reason "prison phone companies" exist is to exploit an opportunity
to gouge people who can least afford it &mdash; people who can't work
except for a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/24/us-prison-labor-workers-slavery-13th-amendment-constitution">minuscule wage.</a>
<p>
We need laws to require that these phone calls have a low price, or
even zero price.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(tiktok_ban_journalists_safety)
title: TikTok tracking
uri: TikTok-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(tiktok_ban_journalists_safety)
content:
 
<p>
TikTok is accused of tracking journalists to find out who has
met physically with TikTok employees to 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/07/tiktok-ban-journalists-safety/">investigate the company.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(bjp_democracy_election)
title: India election
uri: India-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(bjp_democracy_election)
content:
 
<p>
*"BJP v democracy": India’s opposition alliance cries 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/09/bjp-versus-democracy-india-opposition-alliance-cries-foul-as-election-nears">foul as election nears.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(nyc_gov_chatbot_lying)
title: NYC Chatbot deception
uri: NYC-Chatbot-deception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(nyc_gov_chatbot_lying)
content:
 
<p>
New York City has set up a Chatbot, supposedly to give people
information about legal questions based on official web sites.  The
site uses a bullshit generator, so its 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/03/nycs-government-chatbot-is-lying-about-city-laws-and-regulations/">answers are often incorrect.</a>
<p>
The article describes this behavior as "lying", but that cannot be
true.  The definition of "a lie" is a false statement, made knowing
that it is false, intending that it deceive someone.  A bullshit
generator doesn't know that its output "means" anything, let alone
whether a statement in that output is true or false.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Record_global_heating,_past_1.5℃)
title: Record global heating, past 1.5℃
uri: Record-global-heating-past-1-5
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(Record_global_heating,_past_1.5℃)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2024/apr/09/tenth-consecutive-monthly-heat-record-alarms-confounds-climate-scientists">Tenth
consecutive monthly heat record</a> alarms and confounds climate scientists.*
<p>
The world has warmed more in the past year than models predicted, and has exceeded the 1.5°C
limit at which drastic consequences were expected.  Scientists wonder whether this is an
inexplicable temporary blip or an inexplicable lasting change.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(WTO_sabotaged)
title: WTO sabotaged
uri: WTO-sabotaged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(WTO_sabotaged)
content:
 
<p>
The US has sabotaged the WTO by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/dysfunction-and-division-darken-the-wtos-30-year-dream-of-free-trade">blocking appointment of "judges"</a> to
implement its dispute appeals procedure.
See how I have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#20%20September%202003%20(WTO%20negotiations)">condemned the WTO</a> in the past.
<p>
The WTO "dispute resolution procedure" is much like <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">an ISDS clause</a>
except that businesses cannot directly sue countries for making laws
to protect human right, public health, the environment, or their
citizens' standard of living.  In the WTO, only another member country
can do that.  But a big enough company can generally get the
government of the country it claims to be located in to sue on its
behalf.
<p>
With the dispute resolution system spiked, the WTO will be unable to do
much to countries that relax the unjust copyright laws that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#16_July_2012_(Pirate_Bay_charged_under_US_orders)">persecute people
who share with other people</a>,
and may be unable to pressure countries to <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">make exceptions in patent law
for software, medicine and agriculture.</a>
<p>
If the WTO limited itself to preventing international dumping of products,
I would support it.  But it goes far beyond that, into injustice.
<p>
Trade agreements is one of the few areas in which <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> did
good things,  For instance, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#24_April_2018_(US:_Trump_TPP)">keeping the US out of the TPP</a>,
and spiking the WTO.  But that is no reason to vote for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>,
since Biden has continued the same policies.  What's more, Biden
has taken broad action against monopolies in the US.
<p>
In any case, the danger that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> would impose fascism and
abolish human rights in the US outweighs other the political issues.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Antarctica_temperature_fluctuations)
title: Antarctica temperature fluctuations
uri: Antarctica-temperature-fluctuations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Antarctica_temperature_fluctuations)
content:
 
<p>
Antarctica has begun experiencing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/06/simply-mind-boggling-world-record-temperature-jump-in-antarctic-raises-fears-of-catastrophe">big temperature fluctuations</a>
which are likely to make <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> start causing bigger changes there.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Vagrancy_Act_arrests)
title: Vagrancy Act arrests
uri: Vagrancy-Act-arrests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Vagrancy_Act_arrests)
content:
 
<p>
There have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/07/homeless-people-arrested-vagrancy-act-england-wales-police">2500 arrests of people simply for being homeless</a> in the UK
since 2019.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Google's_bullshit_generator)
title: Google's bullshit generator
uri: Google-s-bullshit-generator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Google's_bullshit_generator)
content:
 
<p>
Google tried to make its bullshit generator respond to questions about
morals by saying that it can't judge those questions because they are
for each person to judge.  That's not a bad idea, in general.
However, on some specific questions, such as "Who negatively impacted
society more, Elon tweeting memes or Hitler?" <a href="https://readwrite.com/calls-to-shut-down-gemini-after-googles-ai-chatbot-refuses-to-say-if-hitler-or-musk-is-worse/">to assert that there is
no right answer is taking a kind of stand</a>.
<p>
Perhaps if it said, "That asks for a moral judgment -- this system lacks
the capability to make such judgments," it would achieve the intended result.
<p>
Of course, there are many other topics that a <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialIntelligence">bullshit
generator</a>
lacks the capability to give valid responses about.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Vending_machine_facial_recognition)
title: Vending machine facial recognition
uri: Vending-machine-facial-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Vending_machine_facial_recognition)
content:
 
<p>
Vending machines installed in a university in Canada <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vending-machines-facial-recognition-technology-2024-2">have cameras</a>,
but various companies assert that they don't identify persons
or store photos of them.  They only detect that some person
is in front of the machine and perhaps wants to use it.
<p>
In my view, the injustice of most cameras that watch people lies in
tracking people.  A camera that can't identify a person (or a car) is
not an injustice.  But it makes sense to demand that the company
demonstrate at the technical level that these cameras cannot identify
persons.
<p>
We can't take on trust any statements about what the machine actually
does today if that depends on software, because <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">the machine's owner
could install different software any day</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Climate-smart_agriculture_funds)
title: Climate-smart agriculture funds
uri: Climate-smart-agriculture-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Climate-smart_agriculture_funds)
content:
 
<p>
*More than half of federal funding for "climate-smart" agriculture in
the US goes to farming practices that are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/28/us-farming-climate-crisis-funding">unlikely to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions</a>.*
<p>
In some cases, this is because the funding pays for changes that
reduce emissions, but they effectively subsidize raising livestock,
and that is likely to mean more livestock and therefore more
emissions.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Drop charges on Julian Assange
uri: Urgent-Drop-charges-on-Julian-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_on_Julian_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_on_Julian_Assange)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the US to drop charges against Julian Assange.
<ol>
<li>
Phone the White House at 202-456-1111 (only 11-3pm, Tues, Wed & Thur).
<li>
Phone the Department of Justice at 202-353-1555 x1.
<li>
Phone your congresscritter via 202-224-3121
and ask per to support H.Res.934.
</ol>
It is useful to do all three.
<p>
See
<a href="https://assangedefense.org/press-releases/">assangedefense.org/press-releases</a>
for more information

<p>
 


title: Any medical treatment attacked, Gaza
uri: Any-medical-treatment-attacked-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Any_medical_treatment_attacked,_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Any_medical_treatment_attacked,_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
Foreign doctors who volunteered to work in Gaza claim that Israel
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/targeting-healthcare-workers-airstrikes-constant-fear-uk-doctors-gaza">intentionally
targets</a> medical facilities and personnel.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


title: Republican personhood in abortion vs IVF
uri: Republican-personhood-in-abortion-vs-IVF
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Republican_personhood_in_abortion_vs_IVF)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Republican_personhood_in_abortion_vs_IVF)

content:
 
<p>
*Alabama IVF ruling leaves Republicans stuck between
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/republicans-alabama-ivf-ruling">their
base and the broader public</a>.*
<p>
I am not surprised by this good news As <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bully">the bully</a> pushes his followers into increasingly extreme
and cruel positions, he is sure to generate more and more opposition.  Republicans'
<a href="https://stallman.org/republican-election-rigging.html">usual methods of rigging elections</a> won't help them if the demographic groups that
normally vote Republican start doing rejecting them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Ex-president_on_criminal_trial,_COL)
title: Ex-president's criminal trial, COL
uri: Ex-president-s-criminal-trial-COL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Ex-president_on_criminal_trial,_COL)
content:
 
<p>
Colombia's former president, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#horrible">Alvaro Horrible</a>, will be tried for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/09/alvaro-uribe-colombia-witness-tampering">witness tampering and fraud</a>.
<p>
He has been tied to the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#18_July_2013_(Mass_protests_to_keep_land)">paramilitaries</a>,
gangs of criminals with close connections to the army, who were Colombia's worst terrorists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Satanic_Temple_bomb,_Witch_City,_MA)
title: Satanic Temple bomb, Witch City, MA
uri: Satanic-Temple-bomb-Witch-City-MA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Satanic_Temple_bomb,_Witch_City,_MA)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/09/explosive-device-satanic-temple-salem">bomb
was planted</a> on the Satanic Temple.  It did little damage, due to an apparent malfunction,
but it looks like right-wing terrorism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(New_EPA_rules_finally_cleanup_air)
title: New EPA rules finally cleanup air
uri: New-EPA-rules-finally-cleanup-air
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(New_EPA_rules_finally_cleanup_air)
content:
 
<p>
A new <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> rule will require
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/09/epa-chemical-plants-rules">200 US
chemical plants</a> to be redesigned to reduce toxic pollution.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Gun_sales'_loopholes_closed)
title: Gun sales' loopholes closed
uri: Gun-sales-loopholes-closed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#12_April_2024_(Gun_sales'_loopholes_closed)
content:
 
<p>
*US will require
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/11/gun-show-internet-sale-mandatory-background-check">background
checks</a> for gun shows and online firearm sales.*
<p>
This is a step forward, but we urgently need strict laws about safe storage and transport of guns.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Ecuadorian_diplomatic_faux_pas,_MEX)
title: Ecuadorian, diplomatic faux pas, MEX
uri: Ecuadorian-diplomatic-faux-pas-MEX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Ecuadorian_diplomatic_faux_pas,_MEX)
content:
 
<p>
*Mexico calls on UN to expel Ecuador over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/11/ecuador-embassy-raid-mexico">embassy
raid</a> as tensions soar.*
<p>
To legitimize the practice of invading other countries' embassies would further destabilize
what remains of the conventions and rules of international relations.
<p>
That may have helped arrest a crook this time.  In London, 10 years ago, it would have enabled
the UK to grab Julian Assange sooner.  But overall, these specific effects will average out to
zero; what will remain is less stability.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(More_PFAS_regulations,_lawsuits)
title: More PFAS regulations, lawsuits
uri: More-PFAS-regulations-lawsuits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(More_PFAS_regulations,_lawsuits)
content:
 
<p>
*US imposes first-ever limits on levels of [four specific] toxic PFA
substances
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/10/pfas-forever-chemicals-limits-drinking-water">in drinking water</a>.*
<p>
No level of these substances is absolutely safe, but a smaller concentration causes a smaller
danger.  Even though no nonzero level leads to zero danger, a small enough level makes for a
danger that is insignificant, practically speaking, compared with the other dangers of life.
The effort to reduce PFA substance levels beyond that is not efficient reduction of the danger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Satire:_Finger_exercises)
title: Satire: Finger exercises
uri: Satire-Finger-exercises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Satire:_Finger_exercises)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/cdc-recommends-6-hours-of-clicking-per-day-for-healthy-1851379046">*CDC Recommends 6 Hours</a>
Of Clicking Per Day For Healthy Fingers.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Satire:_God_to_delete)
title: Satire: A Gotta dalita
uri: Satire-A-Gotta-dalita
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Satire:_God_to_delete)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *God To Delete Several Million
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-to-delete-several-million-humans-due-to-inactivity-1851392075">Humans Due To Inactivity</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Amazon rainforest as bargaining chip, COL
uri: Amazon-rainforest-as-bargaining-chip-COL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Amazon_rainforest_as_bargaining_chip,_COL)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Amazon_rainforest_as_bargaining_chip,_COL)

content:
 
<p>
*Colombian Amazon
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/11/colombian-amazon-deforestation-surges-armed-groups">deforestation
surges</a> as armed groups tighten grip.* The groups started as rebels fighting a repressive
government, but now they use the forest as a hostage.  Meanwhile, the erstwhile provincial rebel
group made peace and disarmed, so it is no longer there to keep the others down.

<p>
 


title: Palestinian village raided, brutalized
uri: Palestinian-village-raided-brutalized
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Palestinian_village_raided,_brutalized)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Palestinian_village_raided,_brutalized)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/one-dead-after-israeli-settlers-storm-palestinian-village-in-west-bank">Violent
Israeli colonists</a> in Palestinian territory attacked a Palestinian village, killing one
Palestinian and injuring many.  They were searching for a missing teenager who seems not to
have been there at all.  However, people who hate some others are often in a rush to declare
them guilty of crimes, which may not even have happened at all.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


title: Ireland, Spain, push EU for Palestine
uri: Ireland-Spain-push-EU-for-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Ireland,_Spain,_move_EU_for_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Ireland,_Spain,_move_EU_for_Palestine)

content:
 
<p>
*Ireland and Spain reiterate plan to form
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/ireland-and-spain-reiterate-plan-to-form-alliance-to-recognise-state-of-palestine">alliance
to recognize state</a> of Palestine.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Buying_EU_govt_influence,_RUS)
title: Buying EU govt influence, RUS
uri: Buying-EU-govt-influence-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Buying_EU_govt_influence,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/belgium-investigates-alleged-russian-payments-to-meps">Belgium investigates</a>
alleged Russian payments to MEPs.*
<p>
*Belgian [prime minister] says Russia is trying to influence
forthcoming elections to weaken European support for Ukraine.*

<p>
 


title: Sargassum belt polycrisis, CARICOM
uri: Sargassum-belt-polycrisis-CARICOM
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Sargassum_seaweed_polycrisis,_Caribbean)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#13_April_2024_(Sargassum_seaweed_polycrisis,_Caribbean)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/11/toxic-gas-livelihoods-under-threat-and-power-outages-how-sargassum-seaweed-causes-chaos-in-caribbean">Enormous
excesses</a> of sargassum seaweed are choking coasts in the Caribbean, and emitting hydrogen
sulfide gas, which is foul-smelling and even toxic in large enough amounts.
<p>
The dangerous excess is partly caused by the large amounts of
fertilizer runoff that humans' farms now release to the Atlantic Ocean.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(More_Midwest_fires_earlier,_USA)
title: More Midwest fires earlier, USA
uri: More-Midwest-fires-earlier-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(More_Midwest_fires_earlier,_USA)
content:
 
<p>
It is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/12/midwest-early-wildfire-season">early
spring</a>, and the US Midwest is already suffering from wildfires.

<p>
 


title: Network of ghost roads
uri: Network-of-ghost-roads
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(ghost_roads_asia_pacific_aoe_rainforest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(ghost_roads_asia_pacific_aoe_rainforest)

content:
 
<p>
*Network of "ghost roads" paves the way for leveling 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/13/ghost-roads-pave-way-for-deforestation-rainforest-asia-pacific-aoe">Asia-Pacific
rain forests.*</a>


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(layan_nasir_jailed)
title: Layan Nasir
uri: Layan-Nasir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(layan_nasir_jailed)
content:
 
<p>
Not all Palestinians are Muslims.  Israeli soldiers came to arrest
unarmed Christian Palestinian at home, at night, in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/13/shhh-or-ill-shoot-you-family-of-jailed-christian-woman-tell-of-israeli-raid">the West Bank.</a>
<p>
They are planning to hold her in prison indefinitely, with no
official charges and therefore no trial.  However, there is suspicion
that she in prison for political organizing.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_()
title: Repression of activism
uri: Repression-of-activism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_()
content:
 
<p>
The UK is erecting a repressive system to crush protests, especially
protests demanding measures to save civilization from climate
disaster.  People are imprisoned for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/13/climate-crisis-protest-activism-repression">holding protest signs, as in China.</a>
<p>
I don't recall that Starmer Labour is any better on this issue than
the Tories.


<p>
 


title: Shoplifting crackdown
uri: Shoplifting-crackdown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(facial_recognition_tools_england_wales)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(facial_recognition_tools_england_wales)

content:
 
<p>
The UK proposes to use facial recognition systems on important streets,
including mobile vans, to find people wanted for arrest.
And not only for heinous crimes &mdash; even shoplifters 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/10/shoplifting-crackdown-to-include-55m-for-facial-recognition-tools-in-england-and-wales">would be sought this way.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Braga)
title: RMS will give a talk in Braga
uri: RMS-will-give-a-talk-in-Braga
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(RMS_will_give_a_talk_in_Braga)
content:
 
<p>
In Braga, Portugal, April 17th, Richard Stallman will give a talk,
<a href="/talks.html#17apr2024">Free Software and Freedom in a Digital Society</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(CJPA_news_link_tax)
title: CJPA news link tax
uri: CJPA-news-link-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(CJPA_news_link_tax)
content:
 
<p>
Google is testing a response to California's "news link tax", which is to      
<a href="https://blog.google/products/news/california-journalism-preservation-act-puts-news-ecosystem-at-risk/">remove all news links</a> from what users post on Google platforms.
<p>
I see this as a counterattack rather than as a compelled reaction.
But it is a fact that nothing can stop Google from retaliating this
way.  Whether Google's claims are right that the tax encourages
further concentration and hollowing out of the newspaper business,
I don't know.
<p>
The article talks about possible "better alternative" in a vague way,
and I have no idea what Google means to suggest.  But I do have a
suggestion.
<p>
Adopt a tax on web sites that display advertising and allow users to
post their own messages.  The tax should be based on the amount of
usage and/or the amount of advertising.  The money should be
distributed to news organizations in a way that <Em>does not depend</Em> on
who does or does not post links to them.  This way, Google and other
platforms could not evade the tax by counterattacking.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(us_drones_error_prone_ukraine_china)
title: US military drones
uri: US-military-drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(us_drones_error_prone_ukraine_china)
content:
 
<p>
Reportedly US military drones have
<a href="https://mishtalk.com/economics/us-drones-are-expensive-and-error-prone-so-ukraine-turns-to-china/">proved
unreliable</a> in Ukraine, so Ukraine is buying commercial Chinese drones (and spare parts),
which work better.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(chatgpt_peer_review)
title: Peer review corruption
uri: Peer-review-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(chatgpt_peer_review)
content:
 
<p>
There is evidence that peer reviewers are using bullshit generators
(chatbots) to 
<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01051-2">generate evaluations of submitted papers.</a>
<p>
Since those programs don't really understand the articles that are
being reviewed, or the subject that those are about, this is asking
for error.
<p>
Please don't call 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialIntelligence">those programs "AI"!</a>


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(putin_far_right_europe_ukraine)
title: Pro-Putin far right
uri: Pro-Putin-far-right
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(putin_far_right_europe_ukraine)
content:
 
<p>
*The pro-Putin far right is on the march across Europe &mdash; and it could 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/11/putin-far-right-europe-ukraine-eu-slovakia-russian">spell tragedy for Ukraine.*</a>


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(israel_aid_gaza_famine)
title: Aid not reaching Gaza
uri: Aid-not-reaching-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#14_April_2024_(israel_aid_gaza_famine)
content:
 
<p>
Israel promised to allow more aid into Gaza, but it has not
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/11/aid-still-not-reaching-gaza-as-top-us-official-warns-famine-has-started">really
done that.</a>  Famine has started.
<p>
Israel said it would allow aid into Gaza from the north, but instead of doing this using the
existing crossing, it has decided to build a new crossing first.  That's as absurd as
extinguishing a life-threatening urban fire by ordering a new fire engine and waiting for it to
arrive.
<p>
However, there seems to be other impediments to distributing aid inside Gaza once it gets
across the border.
<p>
Perhaps these are not directly Israel's doing, but they are consequences of Israel's actions.
I can imagine that truck owners don't want to risk that their trucks be destroyed by Israeli
drones, and drivers don't want to risk getting killed that way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Food_production_down,_UK)
title: Food production crisis building, UK
uri: Food-production-crisis-building-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Food_production_down,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Britain has had a year of heavy rain, which has damaged wheat
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/10/uk-food-production-down-record-rainfall-farmers">production</a>.
<p>
This is surely related somehow to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.  Whether it will continue, get better, or get
worse, I have no basis to predict.  But it is a dangerous situation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Coal_burning_up,_China)
title: Global coal-power up 2%
uri: Global-coal-power-up-2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Coal_burning_up,_China)
content:
 
<p>
China is building new
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/11/worlds-coal-power-capacity-rises-despite-climate-warnings">coal-fired
generators</a> faster than the US and Europe are closing them.

<p>
 


title: Corp. rename butt of media jokes, UK
uri: Corp-rename-butt-of-media-jokes-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Corp._rename,_butt_of_media_jokes,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Corp._rename,_butt_of_media_jokes,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
A corporation that changed its name to "abrdn" claims to be entitled to certain kinds of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/08/mocking-the-abrdn-name-is-corporate-bullying-says-chief-investment-officer">human
kindness</a> that we think humans deserve.  Corporations are not in fact persons, and they are
not entitled to human rights or even human kindness.
<p>
I conjecture that the name "abrdn" was meant to acknowledge that large
corporations are often a brdn on society, and to encourage regulating
them more strictly ;-}.
<p>
Where the article comments on a matter of trademark law, it injects
gratuitous confusion by using the propaganda overgeneralization of
"the intellectual property" instead of the objective and concrete
term, "the trademark".
<p>
Trademarks are nothing whatsoever like copyrights or patents or trade
secrets &mdash; be careful
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">never to generalize</a> about all those laws.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(security_law_hong_kong)
title: Mount Zero’s closure
uri: Mount-Zero-s-closure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(security_law_hong_kong)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong's people have been silenced by China, which is using many different
laws to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/hong-kong-national-security-law-2020-impacts">disguise the extent of repression.</a>
<p>
This repression is what China today means.  This is why we must defend
whatever targets China aims to conquer in the future.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(starmer_tory_voters)
title: Labour and the Sun
uri: Labour-and-the-Sun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(starmer_tory_voters)
content:
 
<p>
*Starmer is courting Tory voters so hard it’s almost as though he
wants to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/12/starmer-tory-voters-the-sun-coup-selling-out">lose his own.*</a>
<p>
I think he wants to convert the Labour Party into a competent but
mainly plutocratist party, which would make policies mainly to benefit
the wealthy, and carry them out competently.  This would occupy the
space that the Tory Party has abandoned to become the party of cruel
rigidity.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/12/carers-allowance-benefit-error-30p-a-week-dwp">party of cruel
rigidity.</a>
<p>
Labour would then try to win elections by preventing any
non-plutocratist opposition party from becoming a real alternative.
<p>
It is true that victory for a political cause usually requires
compromises.  The crucial thing is to distinguish the compromises that
you can safely make from <a>the compromises that would 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/compromise.html">undermine your
values.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(reich_hush_money_case)
title: Trump case
uri: Trump-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(reich_hush_money_case)
content:
 
<p>
The cheater is about to be tried for violating campaign finance laws
to hush up a scandal that could have interfered with his chances
of getting elected.  Describing it as a matter of a "sex scandal" 
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/dont-call-it-the-hush-money-case">covers up what is really at stake.</a>

<p>
 


title: Negative experiences
uri: Negative-experiences
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(negative_experience_survey_risk_veterans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(negative_experience_survey_risk_veterans)

content:
 
<p>
*Negative experiences during military service are the main drivers of
extremist 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/11/military-veterans-extremism-risk/">beliefs amongst veterans,*</a>
<p>
suggests a small survey.
<p>
These "negative experiences" are likely to involve hatred, bullying
and war crimes.  How ironic that their reaction to such violence leads
them to commit or advocate similar violence themselves.
<p>
It is a mistake to classify "Antifa" as "extremist", since it means
only participation in organized activity against a form of violence
(fascism).  That sometimes takes the form of fighting violent
fascists, but basically it is nonviolent 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/archive-2002.html#rosa_antifa_wien">resistance against fascists.</a>
<p>
Right-wing disinformation
in the US portrayed Antifa a few years ago as a violent movement,
which 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/23/revealed-california-police-antifa-misinformation">it was not.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(colombian_captial_water_supply)
title: Bogotá water supply
uri: Bogotá-water-supply
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(colombian_captial_water_supply)
content:
 
<p>
Due to El Niño plus Global heating, much of South America is
suffering from record droughts, and Bogotá is facing 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/colombia-bogota-drought-water-rationing">exhaustion of
water in two months.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Iran_strikes,_ISR)
title: Iran strikes, ISR
uri: Iran-strikes-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Iran_strikes,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Iran launched many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/i-hope-everything-is-behind-us-israelis-take-stock-after-night-of-airstrikes">missiles and drones</a>
against Israel.
<p>
Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate was not, in and of itself, a war crime.  It was an
attack on military personnel of a country which was already at war with Israel.
<p>
I don't know what specific targets Iran's missiles and drones were aimed at, but I don't see a
reason why that attack would be a war crime.  It seems that this is simply not war.
<p>
Judged in terms of its effects in the current context, Israel's attack was a manipulative
provocation.  Netanyahu must have figured that Iran would retaliate, and that this would give
Israel an opportunity to attack Iran in a much bigger way and justify it as "retaliation".  He
may have hoped that western countries would talk western countries into "standing by Israel" in
war against Iran.
<p>
I am not the only one to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/14/israel-iran-drag-us-war-netanyahu-biden/">suspect that</a>.
<p>
I hope those countries' governments are wise enough to refuse to fall for Netanyahu's efforts
to lure them into war, or lure them into disregarding the urgency of ending the siege of Gaza.
<p>
This could be an opportunity to squeeze Netanyahu out of the Israeli government.  They could
tell Israel, "We will support Israel against Iranian attack, provided it adopts a defensive
posture and provided Netanyahu is not its prime minister."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Urgent:_Fossil-fuel_policy_rallies)
title: Urgent: Fossil-fuel policy rallies
uri: Urgent-Fossil-fuel-policy-rallies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(Urgent:_Fossil-fuel_policy_rallies)
content:
 
<p>
In the US: join rallies for curbing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> on
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/ahead-of-earth-day-youth-climate-groups-plan-hundreds-of-demonstrations-to-demand-president-biden-declare-a-climate-emergency-end-the-era-of-fossil-fuels">April 19 and April 22</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_((satire)_gated_community)
title: (Satire) gated community
uri: (Satire)-gated-community
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_((satire)_gated_community)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Residents [of a Gated Community] Establish More Exclusive
Gated [Nested] 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/residents-establish-more-exclusive-gated-community-with-1851388295">Community Within First.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(climate_target_org_sbti)
title: Carbon-offsetting revolt
uri: Carbon-offsetting-revolt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(climate_target_org_sbti)
content:
 
<p>
*The UN-backed [107]Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which
certifies whether a company is on track to help limit global heating
to under 1.5°C,* has bought into the idea that "carbon offsets" are
valid methods for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/11/climate-target-organisation-faces-staff-revolt-over-carbon-offsetting-plan-sbti">curbing global heating.</a>
<p>
The organization's staff condemn the plan and say it is not in fact
based on science.
<p>
I've said for many years that we cannot trust them to achieve the
goal,
<p>
because it is easy to set up bogus offsets that won't really reduce emissions
but only pretend to.
<p>
For similar reasons, a "carbon market" would be easy to game and
therefore to render ineffective.  It appeals to the 
<a href="https://pluralistic.net/2022/03/18/greshams-carbon-law/#papal-indulgences">worshipers of the
Invisible Hand.</a>
<p>
<p>
By contrast, a carbon tax really would
pressure companies to emit less greenhouse gas.

<p>
 


title: Prescription concerns
uri: Prescription-concerns
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(doctors_ai_prescription_aus_concerns)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(doctors_ai_prescription_aus_concerns)

content:
 
<p>
*"What we’re seeing is not tele[medicine]": alarm over doctors using
AI and prescribing 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/11/doctors-ai-prescriptions-australia-concerns-consumers-health-forum">without seeing patients.*</a>
<p>
Medicine is intended to result in better health (better than it would
otherwise have been), but it is misleading to refer to medicine as
"health", and likewise to refer to telemedicine as "telehealth".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(octopus_eyesight_ocean_temperature)
title: Heat stress
uri: Heat-stress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(octopus_eyesight_ocean_temperature)
content:
 
<p>
Ocean temperatures of 25°C lead to the premature death of octopus
mothers, from heat stress, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/10/octopus-eyesight-loss-ocean-temperatures-global-heating">before their eggs have hatched.</a>
<p>
The article is confused when it talks about "unborn offspring".
Octopus eggs are not "born", any more than birds' chicks are "born"
when they hatch.  Baby octopuses do not develop inside their mother.
However, the mother must circulate water for them constantly until
they are ready to swim away.
<p>
It is too bad that the experiment did not report on the visual
capabilities of octopuses that did hatch at 25°C.  That is the only
way to tell for certain whether that water high temperature will damage
their vision.
<p>
It is possible that octopuses can evolve to adopt to warmer
conditions, if the change is not terribly fast.  Or they can survive
farther from the equator.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(amazon_ai_cashierless_technology)
title: Cashier-free shops
uri: Cashier-free-shops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#15_April_2024_(amazon_ai_cashierless_technology)
content:
 
<p>
Amazon's notorious checkout-less stores supposedly used secret scanning
and AI systems to figure out what each shopper bought.  Actually they
used remote workers in low-wage 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/10/amazon-ai-cashier-less-shops-humans-technology">countries to watch the shoppers.</a>
<p>
What Amazon had invented was a new method of replacing workers in the US
with outsourcing to low-wage workers.  But if they ever succeed in really
automating this, workers will lose even more.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_April_2024_(Individualism_vs_commonwealth)
title: Individualism vs commonwealth in voting
uri: Individualism-vs-commonwealth-in-voting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#16_April_2024_(Individualism_vs_commonwealth)
content:
 
<p>
*To Save US Democracy,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/common-good-democracy">Prioritize the Common Good</a>.*
<p>
Democracy is weakened (and then threatened) by
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#21_April_2011_(Moyers_On_Plutocracy)">policies
that serve specifically the plutocrats</a>, rather than people in general.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Damage_by_satellite_debris)
title: Damage by satellite debris
uri: Damage-by-satellite-debris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Damage_by_satellite_debris)
content:
 
<p>
Communications companies plan to launch a total of a million
satellites by the 2040s.  So many satellites could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/16/dead-satellite-space-earth-magnetic-field">damage the
ionosphere or Earth's magnetic fields.
<p>
This is in addition to the danger that some will be hit by space junk,
creating a chain reaction that will block humanity off from space travel
for millenia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Thugs_investigated)
title: Thugs investigated
uri: Thugs-investigated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Thugs_investigated)
content:
 
<p>
Investigating the Los Angeles <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> deparment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/04/los-angeles-police-jason-maccani-death">for a series of shotings</a>
in which <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> encountered people who were carrying various harmless
objects and jumped to the conclusion that they had weapons.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(US,_UK,_and_Jordan_vs._Iran)
title: US, UK, and Jordan vs. Iran
uri: US-UK-and-Jordan-vs-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(US,_UK,_and_Jordan_vs._Iran)
content:
 
<p>
Reportedly US, UK and Jordanian planes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/us-and-uk-forces-help-shoot-down-iranian-drones-over-jordan-syria-and-iraq">shot down Iranian attack drones
before they reached Israel</a>.
<p>
That was a good way to defeat the Iranian attack -- not attacking any
Iranians, only their machines.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Modi's_repression)
title: Modi's repression
uri: Modi-s-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Modi's_repression)
content:
 
<p>
Modi is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/i-was-told-id-be-killed-if-i-didnt-leave-himalayan-state-is-a-testing-ground-for-modis-nationalism">weaponizing Hindu pilgrimage sites</a> in the Himalayan state of
Uttarakhand, and trying out repression of Muslims.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Fossil_fuel_disinformation)
title: Fossil fuel disinformation
uri: Fossil-fuel-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Fossil_fuel_disinformation)
content:
 
<p>
Explaining and puncturing the fossil fuel industry's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/14/climate-disinformation-explainer">five principal
disinformation approaches</a>.
<p>
Here's another one: politicians who want to act fast enough to avert
disaster are overeager -- the "grown-ups" are the ones who will move
slowly, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/14/grownup-leaders-are-pushing-us-towards-catastrophe-says-former-us-climate-chief">surely, and therefore arrive too late</a>."
<p>
Perhaps these grown-ups would buy a fire engine that can't go faster
than 10 miles per hour.

<p>
 


title: American Zionists quash Jews' criticism
uri: American-Zionists-quash-Jews-criticism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(American_Zionists_quash_Jews'_criticism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(American_Zionists_quash_Jews'_criticism)

content:
 
<p>
Israel used the influence of its American supporters to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/03/03/israel-our-palestine-question-zionism-american-jews/">quash American
Jews' criticism of treatment of Palestinians</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(UK_oceanic_bans,_a_win_for_13_MPAs_)
title: UK oceanic bans, a win for 13 MPAs
uri: UK-oceanic-bans-a-win-for-13-MPAs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(UK_oceanic_bans,_a_win_for_13_MPAs_)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/15/environment-conservation-france-protest-uk-ban-bottom-trawling-fishing-uk-eu-trade-deal-tca">UK has banned</a>
the destructive fishing method of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Dragnet_fishing_CO2)">bottom trawling</a>.
giving some real protection to several "protected" marine areas.
The ban applies to all fishing boats, including French ones.
<p>
[irony]<br/>
France should retaliate by banning bottom trawling in some French
waters.  Eventually the two countries could entirely eliminate
that practice near their coasts.<br/>
[/irony]

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Jordanian_airspace,_Iran_and_Israel)
title: Jordanian airspace and its people
uri: Jordanian-airspace-and-its-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(Jordanian_airspace,_Iran_and_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Iran is reportedly threatening to attack Jordan if it does not allow Iran's attack drones to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/jordan-difficult-balancing-act-row-downing-iranian-drones-israel">cross
Jordanian airspace</a> to get at Israel.

<p>
 


title: NYT wordsmithing restrictions on Gaza
uri: NYT-wordsmithing-restrictions-on-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(NYT_wordsmithing_restrictions_on_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(NYT_wordsmithing_restrictions_on_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
The New York Times
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/15/nyt-israel-gaza-genocide-palestine-coverage/">stated
rules</a> of word usage that support Israel's point of view about Gaza and its inhabitants.

<p>
 


title: All MPAs+, no trawling, an EU first, GRC
uri: All-MPAs-no-trawling-an-EU-first-GRC
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(All_MPA++,_no_trawling,_an_EU_first,_GRC)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(All_MPA++,_no_trawling,_an_EU_first,_GRC)

content:
 
<p>
Greece will ban
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/16/greece-becomes-first-european-country-to-ban-bottom-trawling-in-marine-parks">bottom
trawling</a> in protected marine areas.

<p>
 


title: Tobacco-use forever-ban on 15yr-olds, UK
uri: Tobacco-use-forever-ban-on-15yr-olds-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Tobacco-use_forever-ban_on_15yr-olds,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Tobacco-use_forever-ban_on_15yr-olds,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
The UK is considering
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/16/what-rishi-sunak-anti-smoking-bill-and-will-it-pass">a law to forever ban</a>
sales of tobacco to anyone born after 2008.
<p>
Tobacco is deadly and addictive.  I wish everyone would avoid ever
using it, and I wish all smokers would quit.  I personally urge people
to quit.  But I oppose prohibition of drugs that people want to use,
because it tends to cause great harm to society in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#02_November_2012_(Legalization_of_marijuana_in_US_states)">other ways</a>.

<p>
 


title: Pro-Palestinian professor canceled, DEU
uri: Pro-Palestinian-professor-canceled-DEU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Pro-Palestinian_professor_canceled,_DEU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Pro-Palestinian_professor_canceled,_DEU)

content:
 
<p>
University of Cologne
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/apr/10/nancy-fraser-cologne-university-germany-job-offer-palestine">retracted
an offer</a> of a visiting professorship to Nancy Fraser over opinions she stated about the war in Gaza.
<p>
I disagree firmly with Professor Fraser's views &mdash; legitimization of HAMAS's large
terrorist action, and assertion that Israel's very existence is an injustice.  But those are
tangents to the issue at hand.  People have a right to advocate those views, and should bot be
blacklisted for them.

<p>
 


title: Pro-Palestinian valedictorian canceled
uri: Pro-Palestinian-valedictorian-canceled
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Pro-Palestinian_valedictorian_canceled)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#18_April_2024_(Pro-Palestinian_valedictorian_canceled)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/usc-valedictorian-speech-palestine">*USC
draws backlash</a> for canceling valedictorian’s speech due to support for Palestine.*
<p>
Whether she was actually going to talk about that in her canceled speech is unknown, but
supposing she was, "support for Palestine" is a rather broad category.  There are many
different views that qualify, and most of them are not threatening anyone.
<p>
The concern for "security" that the university claimed was a bogus
excuse &mdash; in effect, "We are gagging you for your own safety."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(RMS_dará_una_charla_en_Córdoba)
title: RMS dará una charla en Córdoba
uri: RMS-dará-una-charla-en-Córdoba
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(RMS_dará_una_charla_en_Córdoba)
content:
 
<p>
Richard Stallman dará una conferencia, <a href="/talks.html#26apr2024"><em>El software libre,
libertad, y sociedad</em></a>, en Córdoba, Spain, Viernes, el 26 de April, de 17:30 a 18:50 en
la Colegio Mayor Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.  La conferencia es en español.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Biden_considering_Assange_case)
title: Biden considering Assange case
uri: Biden-considering-Assange-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Biden_considering_Assange_case)
content:
 
<p>
As predicted, the US "assurances" about
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/where-is-julian-assange">Julian Assange's US
trial</a> are designed to give the misleading impression that the First Amendment would apply
to him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Palestine_as_full_member_of_UN)
title: Palestine as full member of UN
uri: Palestine-as-full-member-of-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Palestine_as_full_member_of_UN)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/17/united-nations-biden-palestine-statehood/">Leaked Cables</a>
Show White House Opposes Palestinian Statehood.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Heatwave_deaths_in_April_in_Mali)
title: Heatwave deaths in April in Mali
uri: Heatwave-deaths-in-April-in-Mali
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Heatwave_deaths_in_April_in_Mali)
content:
 
<p>
*Lethal heatwave in Sahel worsened by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/18/lethal-heatwave-in-sahel-worsened-by-fossil-fuel-burning-study-finds">fossil
fuel burning</a>, study finds*, perhaps by 1.5°C.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Oil-extraction_leasing_reforms)
title: Oil-extraction leasing reforms
uri: Oil-extraction-leasing-reforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Oil-extraction_leasing_reforms)
content:
 
<p>
Leasing of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sierra-club-statement-on-reforms-to-federal-oil-and-gas-leasing-program">federal
land</a> for oil and gas extraction will no longer be a near-giveaway.

<p>
 


title: Lukashenko's brutal political prisons
uri: Lukashenko-s-brutal-political-prisons
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Lukashenko's_brutal_political_prisons)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Lukashenko's_brutal_political_prisons)

content:
 
<p>
*Belarus [political]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/belarus-prisoner-katsiaryna-novikava-account-written-on-toilet-paper">prisoner
smuggles out account</a> of brutal jail written on toilet paper.*

<p>
 


title: LLM developmental attributes, devices
uri: LLM-developmental-attributes-devices
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(LLM_developmental_attributes,_devices)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(LLM_developmental_attributes,_devices)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/16/techscape-ai-gadgest-humane-ai-pin-chatgpt">Present-day
bullshit generators</a>' output may be recognizable by certain words they tend to use strangely
often, including "delve".

<p>
 


title: Tax Day in a representative democracy
uri: Tax-Day-in-a-representative-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Tax_Day_in_a_representative_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Tax_Day_in_a_representative_democracy)

content:
 
<p>
*I Want My Taxes to Be Used for Our
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/taxes-true-national-security">True National
Security</a>: Helping People in Need.*

<p>
 


title: Rafah ground invasion imminent, Gaza
uri: Rafah-ground-invasion-imminent-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Rafah_ground_invasion_imminent,_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Rafah_ground_invasion_imminent,_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
Israel's fight with Iran has given Rafah a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/16/anything-could-happen-gaza-strip-left-hanging-while-israel-plots-response-to-irans-attack">respite
from an attack</a> by Israeli ground troops (if indeed Israel still intends to attack Rafah).
<p>
When an enemy tries to attack you, but the attempt does essentially no damage, this is an
opportunity to end the cycle of retaliation by
<em>doing nothing</em> in response.  If Israel had leaders who were statesmanlike and wanted
peace, they would gratefully welcome the opportunity.  Instead, it has war hawks who want to
push the US into war with Iran, are galled by their lack of success at this, and are planning
to try again.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Climate_disruption,_flooding_in_UAE)
title: Climate disruption, flooding in UAE
uri: Climate-disruption-flooding-in-UAE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#19_April_2024_(Climate_disruption,_flooding_in_UAE)
content:
 
<p>
On
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/cloud-seeding-dubai-floods">cloud seeding</a>
&mdash; what it can do, and its limits.

<p>
 


title: Near-total abortion ban
uri: Near-total-abortion-ban
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(arizona_republicans_block_abortion_ban)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(arizona_republicans_block_abortion_ban)

content:
 
<p>
*Arizona Republicans again block effort to repeal 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/arizona-republicans-block-abortion-ban">1864 near-total
 abortion ban.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_((satire)_eric_trump)
title: (Satire) Potential Juror
uri: (Satire)-Potential-Juror
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_((satire)_eric_trump)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Eric Trump Only Potential Juror Uninformed Enough To 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/eric-trump-only-potential-juror-uninformed-enough-to-se-1851410986">Serve
At Father's Trial.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(kari_lake_gun_election)
title: Kari Lake
uri: Kari-Lake
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(kari_lake_gun_election)
content:
 
<p>
Kari Lake, an insurrectionist Republican candidate for the US Senate,
called on Republicans to carry guns around the time of the election.
We know that will lead to killings, which insurrectionists hope will give
them a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/17/kari-lake-gun-glock-election">chance to steal the election.</a>
<p>
Lake said that Washington is a swamp.  Evidently she is an alligator
that can't wait to get in and bite people.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(sweden_russia_unsafe_oil_fleet)
title: Unsafe oil fleet
uri: Unsafe-oil-fleet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(sweden_russia_unsafe_oil_fleet)
content:
 
<p>
Russia exports lots of oil from the Baltic Sea in ships that go
through the narrow passages around Denmark.  These ships are badly
maintained, and likely  to cause disaster even 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/18/swedish-foreign-minister-tobias-billstrom-unsafe-russian-oil-fleet-baltic-sea-environmental-catastrophe">without an intention
to do so.</a>
<p>
Whether the ships are insured is almost irrelevant, since an insurance
company could hardly make up for the damage that a big oil spill could
do in those confided waters.  The crucial issue is to stop allowing
unseaworth ships to pass through.
<p>
Regardless of future between Ukraine and Russia, it would be wise to
require all oil shipments between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to
be sent through pipelines across Denmark, not by ship.  Pipeline leaks
on land will make smaller spills than ship disasters.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(paris_cruelty_olympic_games)
title: Olympian cruelty
uri: Olympian-cruelty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(paris_cruelty_olympic_games)
content:
 
<p>
Paris is displaying the usual Olympian cruelty by "cleaning up"
homeless people and squats to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/hundreds-evicted-france-squat-paris-olympics">look pretty for the games.</a>
<p>
These games tend to do permanent harm to street vendors, due to new
strict laws, and to everyone that travels on streets, due to new
surveillance measures.  In addition they tend to enrich companies
at the expense of the public.
<p>
If your city proposes to host the Olympic Games,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#25_July_2021_(End_to_the_Olympic_games)">I urge you organize to defeat the proposal.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(undercover_stl_louis_police)
title: Undercover officer
uri: Undercover-officer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(undercover_stl_louis_police)
content:
 
<p>
St Louis thugs went on a rampage at a protest, attacking based on no
grounds.  Oops! 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/17/undercover-st-louis-police-23m">They attacked an undercover thug.</a>
<p>
Some of the attackers were jailed for this, which is good.  But what
we really should demand is that thugs be jailed for rampaging against
innocent people even when those are <Em>not</Em> actually thugs in disguise.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(us_reimposes_venezuela_sanctions)
title: Oil sanctions
uri: Oil-sanctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(us_reimposes_venezuela_sanctions)
content:
 
<p>
*US reimposes sanctions on Venezuela as hope for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/us-reimposes-venezuela-sanctions">democracy crumbles.*</a>
<p>
Maduro and his lieutenants deserve sanctions, but US trade sanctions
tend to fall on the people who are victims, not culprits.

<p>
 


title: British politics
uri: British-politics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(british_politis_protesters_palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(british_politis_protesters_palestine)

content:
 
<p>
*   Britain’s latest descent into authoritarianism fits a depressingly
   familiar pattern. This is how it tends to work: a subversive group is
   identified by political elites and presented as a danger to the nation,
   often being additionally labelled as allies or dupes of hostile foreign
   enemies. An air of national emergency is contrived, with exaggerated,
   distorted, or simply invented evidence used to justify claims of an
   imminent threat. The ensuing repressive measures are supposedly to
   defend the security of both 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/07/british-politics-powerful-lose-control-protesters-suffer-extremists-palestine">individual citizens and the nation alike.*</a>
<p>
This year's target is "supporters of Palestine", a term that covers
a wide range of views.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(israel_settlement_building)
title: Settlement-building
uri: Settlement-building
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(israel_settlement_building)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel has sped up settlement-building in East Jerusalem
since 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/revealed-israel-has-sped-up-settlement-building-in-east-jerusalem-since-gaza-war-began">Gaza war began.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(pro_israel_money_congress)
title: Pro-Israel money
uri: Pro-Israel-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(pro_israel_money_congress)
content:
 
<p>
Pro-Israel money pours in to unseat prominent 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/17/pro-israel-money-progressives-congress-challenges">progressives in Congress.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(climate_crisis_average_income_drops)
title: Climate crisis income study
uri: Climate-crisis-income-study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(climate_crisis_average_income_drops)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate crisis: average world incomes to drop by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/17/climate-crisis-average-world-incomes-to-drop-by-nearly-a-fifth-by-2050">nearly a fifth by 2050.</a>
<p>
Cost of environmental damage will be six times higher than price of limiting global heating to 2°C, study finds.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(First_hemp-lime_facility,_MN)
title: First hemp-lime facility, MN
uri: First-hemp-lime-facility-MN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(First_hemp-lime_facility,_MN)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/hempcrete-indigenous-tribe-minnesota">Lower
Sioux tribe</a> has developed hempcrete as a building material, and reports that it saves
energy in summer and winter, as well as being low cost.

<p>
 


title: Park Güell tourist crowds, Barcelona
uri: Park-Güell-tourist-crowds-Barcelona
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Park_Güell_tourist_crowds,_Barcelona)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Park_Güell_tourist_crowds,_Barcelona)

content:
 
<p>
Barcelona has removed bus line 116 (which goes to the beautiful Parc Güell) from Google and
Apple maps,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/16/barcelona-bus-route-removed-map-apps-tourist-overcrowding-park-guell">to
discourage the tourists</a> from using it to get to the park.
<p>
This seems perverse to me.  Do they want the tourists not to visit Parc Güell?  To take taxis
to get there?  To travel by a more circuitous route?  To walk a long distance?
<p>
If lots of people use line 116, the sensible and helpful thing to do is to run more frequent
buses on part or all of that line.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Homelessness_as_a_profit_center,_CA)
title: Homelessness as a profit center, CA
uri: Homelessness-as-a-profit-center-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Homelessness_as_a_profit_center,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
California cities have privatized destruction of homeless encampments.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/us-homeless-encampments-companies-profiting-sweeps">Companies
have been paid</a> at least $100 million, and perhaps much more.
<p>
Privatizing a government activity tends to make it more expensive.  It also tends to become
less accountable, leading to more cruel abuse and more callous careless abuse.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: The conscripted surveillance provision
uri: Urgent-The-conscripted-surveillance-provision
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Urgent:_Conscripted_surveillance_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#20_April_2024_(Urgent:_Conscripted_surveillance_bill)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/fisa-everyone-is-a-spy/?t=1001">call
on Congress</a> to reject the surveillance bill that would allow government agencies to
conscript any conveniently available American to start spying on whoever the agency directs.
<p>
Alas, I don't have any more details about this.  But we should treat it as a real danger.
Please phone each of your senators at <a href="tel:202-688-0628">202-688-0628</a> and urge per to oppose that bill.
<p>
While you are at it, you could also urge those same senators to refuse
to extend section 702
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">mass surveillance</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(High_court_and_First_Amendment)
title: High court and First Amendment
uri: High-court-and-First-Amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(High_court_and_First_Amendment)
content:
 
<p>
A Republican-packed US appeals court approved state laws that hold
nonviolent
<a href="https://link.mp.reason.com/a/2534/click/3083/254870/1146db8aabdb286d0580fc9a472994b33bb9cad8/ea8221b104cc92022137abeff116f607a2aaebbf">protest
organizers liable</a> for unplanned and unorganized violence at the protest.  This is an attack
on the right to protest.
<p>
The Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal against that ruling.

<p>
 


title: Huge win for UAW union, and the South
uri: Huge-win-for-UAW-union-and-the-South
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Huge_win_for_UAW_union,_and_the_South)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Huge_win_for_UAW_union,_and_the_South)

content:
 
<p>
Volkswagen workers in Tennessee
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/19/volkswagen-unionize-uaw-tennessee">voted
to unionize</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Oceanic_PFAS_coughing-up_onto_land)
title: Oceanic PFAS coughing-up onto land
uri: Oceanic-PFAS-coughing-up-onto-land
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Oceanic_PFAS_coughing-up_onto_land)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/19/ocean-spray-pfas-study">Breaking
waves launch</a> enormous quantities of certain PFAS into the air.  Does this make the
distribution in manufactured products insignificant by comparison?
<p>
To what extent are these the same PFAS that get into the environment via manufacturing?

<p>
 


title: Columbia U. raids, congressional hearing
uri: Columbia-U-raids-congressional-hearing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Columbia_U._raids,_congressional_hearing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Columbia_U._raids,_congressional_hearing)

content:
 
<p>
Columbia University's president has bent over to placate right-wing
congresscritters by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/19/far-right-columbia-university-student-arrests">attacking protesting students</a>.
<p>
The cops that the president called to clear out the protesters bent over backwards to destroy
their things and supplies, and deny them access to medicine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Land_system-change_protections,_AK)
title: Land system-change protections, AK
uri: Land-system-change-protections-AK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Land_system-change_protections,_AK)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/19/biden-alaska-oil-gas-restrictions">Biden
administration</a> moves to restrict oil and gas leases on 13m acres in Alaska.*
<p>
Alaskan <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> called the new rule "illegal."  I hope that
killing you is illegal, because that's what more drilling would do.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Israel_retaliation,_Iran)
title: Israel retaliation, Iran
uri: Israel-retaliation-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Israel_retaliation,_Iran)
content:
 
<p>
Netanyahu launched
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/israel-iran-drone-strike-reaction">an
air attack</a> against an Iranian air base.  Reportedly it did little damage, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/iran-plays-down-impact-of-israeli-airstrikes-but-remains-on-high-alert">Iran
does not plan to retaliate</a>.
<p>
Israel could consider that its honor is now satisfied, and let the fighting drop.
<p>
But I have a feeling that Netanyahu will not be satisfied with this sword dance, because his
manipulation has not succeeded, and that he will continue attacking Iran until he provokes a
substantial counterattack.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Boeing_whistleblower_to_congress)
title: Boeing whistleblower to congress
uri: Boeing-whistleblower-to-congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#21_April_2024_(Boeing_whistleblower_to_congress)
content:
 
<p>
Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour
<a href="media/9d41d788.apple-touch-icon.svg" data-original-source="https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon.svg">testified to Congress</a>
that there is no longer any safety culture
at the company, and engineers who point out dangers are ignored, shunned, and even threatened.
<p>
*Salehpour says he faced retaliation as he repeatedly sought to raise the flag inside Boeing
over three years. "I was ignored," he told the Senate’s permanent subcommittee on
investigations. "I was told not to create delays. I was told, frankly, to shut up."*
<p>
I am skeptical that the current management could undo the harm that they have become part of.
It is hard for a person to change attitude that drastically and fully understand what it means.
Replacing the upper management alone would not be sufficient &mdash; several levels would need
to be replaced.  But I don't see how that could be possible either.  I hope someone knows.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_April_2024_(NSA_pwning_business_comms._equip.)
title: NSA pwning business comms. equip.
uri: NSA-pwning-business-comms-equip
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_April_2024_(NSA_pwning_business_comms._equip.)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/warrantless-spying-expansion-senate">The US has
adopted the law</a> to conscript people in to spying on computer and phone data for US secret
agencies.
<p>
It's not really "everyone" in the US that could be forced to spy in his way.  But it is more
people than you might think.
<p>
*Former and current U.S. officials told The Washington Post that the new language was intended
to apply to data [server] storage centers, but civil liberties advocates like Goitein warn it
could be used to compel any business &mdash; such as a grocery store, gym, or laundry service
&mdash; to allow the National Security Agency (NSA) to scoop up data from its phones or
computers.*
<p>
*"The provision effectively grants the NSA access to the communications equipment of almost any
U.S. business, plus huge numbers of organizations and individuals," Goitein wrote on social
media early Saturday. "It's a gift to any president who may wish to spy on political enemies,
journalists, ideological opponents, etc."*

<p>
 


title: Oppressive system vs. protesters, UK
uri: Oppressive-system-vs-protesters-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_April_2024_(Oppressive_system_vs._protesters,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#22_April_2024_(Oppressive_system_vs._protesters,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
The UK is gradually eliminating the right to protest in ways people might actually notice.
Nonviolent protesters have been sentenced to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/19/victimise-people-protest-britain-destroy-families-not-in-my-name">years
in prison</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(brussels_berlin_free_speech)
title: Political debate
uri: Political-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(brussels_berlin_free_speech)
content:
 
<p>
Politicians right and left are trying to censor political views,
but censorship by the right wing has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/21/left-silences-right-right-silences-left-but-censorship-stops-us-pushing-for-change">an easier time succeeding.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(lsu_oil_firms_influence)
title: Oil firms influence
uri: Oil-firms-influence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(lsu_oil_firms_influence)
content:
 
<p>
Louisiana State University is accused of selling oil companies
the opportunity to influence research topics or 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/21/louisiana-state-university-oil-firms-influence">even control research.</a>
<p>
I have the impression that many other US universities do this,
and even more in other countries.

<p>
 


title: Wales speed limit petition
uri: Wales-speed-limit-petition
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(wales_transport_minister_speed_limits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(wales_transport_minister_speed_limits)

content:
 
<p>
Wales (part of the UK) has given local communities control over
which streets to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/20/wales-to-change-guidance-on-20mph-speed-limits-transport-minister-says">limit to 20 mph.</a>
<p>
Many citizens had objected to the way the Welsh government set this up.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(UK_water_firm)
title: Sewage laws
uri: Sewage-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(UK_water_firm)
content:
 
<p>
* insiders say UK water firms knowingly 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/20/dirty-secret-insiders-say-uk-water-firms-knowingly-breaking-sewage-laws">break sewage laws.*</a>
<p>
If the government really wanted this to stop, it could stop them.
Seeing as the UK government can make it a crime to protest in
"annoying" ways, it could, it could clearly make it a crime, punished
by imprisonment, to intentionally pollute the waters.
<p>
So why doesn't it?  I speculate that it is a matter of values.  Under
plutocratist rule, letting the "investors" extract money they are
supposedly entitle do takes priority.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(advertainment_pop_culture)
title: Lukewarm adverts
uri: Lukewarm-adverts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(advertainment_pop_culture)
content:
 
<p>
Advertainment is taking over movie-making.  Why spend money on product
advertisements to accompany some sort of show if you can have the show
based 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/20/monopoly-the-movie-pop-culture-lukewarm-adverts-barbie-shrek">entirely on your product?</a>
<p>
The article highlights a general tendency towards milking assets that
are available rather than making anything new.
<p>
To describe the result, the article falls into the intellectual
pitfall of the misleading term "intellectual property", which twists
thinking about any of the disparate laws that have been crammed into
it.
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html"></a>
<p>
If you want to think clearly about copyright, for instance, shun
the term "intellectual property" and say you are talking about
"copyright".  Don't bring patents into that discussion &mdash; they are
totally different from copyright.  Also don't bring in trademarks,
or trade secrets, or publicity rights.
<p>
For this article's point, the term "licensing rentierism" would fit better
and avoid that confusion.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Catastrophic_flooding,_CN-GD)
title: Catastrophic flooding, CN-GD
uri: Catastrophic-flooding-CN-GD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Catastrophic_flooding,_CN-GD)
content:
 
<p>
Guangdong province in China is the latest place to be hit by formerly-unusual
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/23/china-floods-death-toll-guangdong-province-pearl-river-delta">torrential
rains</a>.
<p>
Will this teach China that continuing to increase its greenhouse emissions would be deadly?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Permafrost_regime_shift)
title: Permafrost regime shift
uri: Permafrost-regime-shift
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Permafrost_regime_shift)
content:
 
<p>
Due to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>, *northern permafrost region
<a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-04-northern-permafrost-region-emits-greenhouse.html">[now]
emits more</a> greenhouse gases than it captures.*
<p>
This is an example of a positive feedback.  Positive feedbacks, which we can't entirely
predict, are what can destroy civilization.

<p>
 


title: National, progressive rebranding, SAU
uri: National-progressive-rebranding-SAU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(National,_progressive_rebranding,_SAU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(National,_progressive_rebranding,_SAU)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> is running a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/16/saudi-arabia-moderate-country-travel-ban-crime-womens-rights">marketing
campaign</a> to pretend it is something other than repressive and sexist.

<p>
 


title: Yanis Varoufakis censored, banned, DEU
uri: Yanis-Varoufakis-censored-banned-DEU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Yanis_Varoufakis_censored,_banned,_DEU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(Yanis_Varoufakis_censored,_banned,_DEU)

content:
 
<p>
Yanis Varoufakis presents the
<a href="https://jacobin.com/2024/04/yanis-varoufakis-germany-banned-palestine-gaza">text of
the speech</a> over which Germany banned his presence and even from presenting videos of his
views.  This puts political freedom in Germany under grave threat.
<p>
In the text he affirms his solidarity with all victims of atrocities, including Jews and
Palestinians.  I don't agree with every detail of his views, but rather than quibble, I say his
heart is in the right place.
<p>
Zoom demands that users make accounts and identify themselves before they can participate in a
call.  This puts Zoom in position to block any conference in Germany in which Varoufakis tried
to participate.
<p>
That is one of many reasons why Zoom is an injustice and <a href="/zoom.html">we should
denounce and reject it</a>.

<p>
 


title: The pregnant denied medical treatment
uri: The-pregnant-denied-medical-treatment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(The_pregnant_denied_medical_treatment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(The_pregnant_denied_medical_treatment)

content:
 
<p>
Some hospitals in abortion-forbidding states
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/19/pregnant-women-denied-care-us-hospitals">turn
women away</a> from emergency rooms so as not to get stuck choosing between the crime of saving
them or the liability of letting them die.
<p>
The US government s trying to enforce the law that emergency rooms can't just send a patient
away.  Now the case has
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/19/idaho-abortion-supreme-court-emtala/">come to the
Supreme Court</a>, where right-wing fanatics may decide to kill women in the name of the
sacredness of fetuses.

<p>
 


title: World Bank and IMF meet on polycrisis
uri: World-Bank-and-IMF-meet-on-polycrisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(World_Bank_and_IMF_meet_on_polycrisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#24_April_2024_(World_Bank_and_IMF_meet_on_polycrisis)

content:
 
<p>
The new president of the World Bank
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/17/billions-more-overseas-aid-climate-world-bank-imf-spring-summit">wants
funds to invest</a> in decrbonization of poor countries.
<p>
This lending program would be a good idea, but the highest priorities
for investments in decarbonization are:
<ol>
<li>
Getting wealthier countries to invest in <em>their own</em> decarbonization, They produce a lot
more greenhouse gas than poor counries do.  They do invest in renewable electric generation,
but their fossil fuel extraction is still
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Plans_for_big_increases_in_fossil_fuel_extraction)">increasing
year by year</a>,   and greenhouse emissions likewise.
<li>
Putting an end to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_August_2023_(Climate_justice,_some_examples)">funding
for "aid"</a> that takes the form of "investment" and "development" of fossil fuel extraction,
transport and combustion in poor countries.
</ol>
Shifting those funds to decarbonization aid would be the best way to start that.
<p>
But if we don't require these actions. decarbonization won't get off the ground.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Salman_Rushdie)
title: Salman Rushdie
uri: Salman-Rushdie
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Salman_Rushdie)
content:
 
<p>
*Salman Rushdie warns young people against forgetting
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/21/salman-rushdie-warns-young-people-against-forgetting-value-of-free-speech">value
of free speech</a>.*
<p>
How dangerous, how foolish, and what a shame: young people motivated by good causes think they
can make the world better by tactics of bullying.  It makes them kin to fascists, and once they
eliminate freedom of speech, it is the fascists that take advantage.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Narendra_Modi)
title: Narendra Modi
uri: Narendra-Modi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Narendra_Modi)
content:
 
  <p>
Modi is building a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/messianic-spell-how-narendra-modi-created-a-cult-personality">cult
of personality</a> to manipulate the Indian public.
<p>
I urge Indians to think deeply and do what
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#21_November_2013_(Indias_greatest_hero_of_freedom_and_justice)">Dr Ambedkar would have</a>
done.

<p>
 


title: Sanctions against extremist groups in ISR
uri: Sanctions-against-extremist-groups-in-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Sanctions_against_extremist_groups_in_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Sanctions_against_extremist_groups_in_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
The US and Europe have put sanctions on two right-wing Israelis who are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/us-and-eu-sanctions-israeli-extremists-far-right-politics">leaders
of the movement</a> to take Palestinians' land, and associated with pogroms against them.
<p>
I don't know how much good this will do, but at least it is an effort in the right direction.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Murder_charges_on_cops,_CA)
title: Murder charges on cops, CA
uri: Murder-charges-on-cops-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Murder_charges_on_cops,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
The California <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who killed Mario Gonzalez by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/19/police-charged-killing-mario-gonzalez-california">holding
him down</a> for a long time face charges of manslaughter.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Tightening_Internet_control,_China)
title: Tightening Internet control, China
uri: Tightening-Internet-control-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Tightening_Internet_control,_China)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/apple-removes-whatsapp-and-threads-from-chinese-app-store">Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads</a>
from [Apple' China] App Store,
<p>
We could hardly expect Apple to defy government orders to stop distributing a certain program,
whether those orders are backed by valid judgments or arbitrary commands.  But why does that
choice come down to Apple at all?  For a simple reason:
<p>
Because Apple doesn't allow users to freely install application programs!
<p>
Apple is compelled to serve repressive governments in repressing Apple customers because Apple
designs the software to give it unjust power over users in the first place.
<p>
We should not forget that the apps for WhatsApp and Threads (like those for Facebook and
Instagram) are themselves nonfree and therefore freedom-trampling.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Pro-Iranian_Iraqi_bases_attacked)
title: Pro-Iranian Iraqi bases attacked
uri: Pro-Iranian-Iraqi-bases-attacked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Pro-Iranian_Iraqi_bases_attacked)
content:
 
<p>
There was an air attack on Iraqi army auxiliaries that unofficially support Iran.  At the
moment it is hard to know whether the attack was done by Israel or by
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  The US probably
knows but is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/20/explosion-hits-base-of-iranian-aligned-iraqi-army-unit">not
telling</a> us.
<p>
If this was Netanyahu's doing, he is playing a dangerous game, and the US should demand he stop
provoking Iran if he wants any help when Iran retaliates.

<p>
 


title: Columbia U. President shocks nation, USA
uri: Columbia-U-President-shocks-nation-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Columbia_U._President_shocks_nation,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Columbia_U._President_shocks_nation,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
The Columbia and Barnard chapters of the American Association of University Professors have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/20/columbia-barnard-student-protesters">condemned
the president of Columbia</a> for repression of students protesting in support of Palestine.
<p>
They said, “We are shocked at her failure to mount any defense of the free inquiry central to
the educational mission of a university in a democratic society and at her willingness to
appease legislators seeking to interfere in university affairs.”
<p>
The president of Columbia has acted like a coward, and had better develop some courage soon.
<p>
"In favor of Palestine" includes a range of views &mdash; including some I agree with and
others (for instance, calling for the elimination of Israel) that I oppose.  People, including
students, are entitled to the right to advocate any of those views, or other views different
entirely, whether you agree with them or not, whether I agree with them or not.  We depend on
this freedom and we must defend it firmly.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(The_science_of_tree-_and_plant-life)
title: The science of tree- and plant-life
uri: The-science-of-tree-and-plant-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(The_science_of_tree-_and_plant-life)
content:
 
<p>
Questioning the claim that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/23/mother-trees-and-socialist-forests-is-the-wood-wide-web-a-fantasy">trees communicate and plan</a>.
<p>
To control transfer of nutrients is far simpler than consciousness.  Trees can do fairly
complex behaviors without anything like consciousness,

<p>
 


title: Columbia U. arrests peaceful protesters
uri: Columbia-U-arrests-peaceful-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Columbia_U._arrests_peaceful_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_April_2024_(Columbia_U._arrests_peaceful_protesters)

content:
 
<p>
*54 Columbia Law School Faculty Condemn Administration for Mass
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/22/gaza-protests-arrests-columbia-law-school/">Arrests
and Suspensions</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Retired_GP_suspended_for_activism)
title: Retired GP suspended for activism
uri: Retired-GP-suspended-for-activism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Retired_GP_suspended_for_activism)
content:
 
<p>
The UK now claims that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/23/retired-uk-gp-suspended-for-five-months-over-climate-activism">engaging in protests of civil disobedience
makes one unfit to practice medicine</a>.
<p>
As a reason, that's absurd, but as an excuse for unjustified punishment
of protesters it may fly.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Caribou_endangered)
title: Caribou endangered
uri: Caribou-endangered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Caribou_endangered)
content:
 
<p>
Unless/until old growth trees increase again, the only way to save
the mountain caribou of western Canada is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/23/wolf-culls-canada-caribou-saving-endangered-mountain-caribou">kill some wolves in those
regions</a>.

<p>
 


title: Activist tried to provoke his own arrest
uri: Activist-tried-to-provoke-his-own-arrest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Activist_tried_to_provoke_his_own_arrest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Activist_tried_to_provoke_his_own_arrest)

content:
 
<p>
A long-suffering British cop confronted a Jewish activist who tried to
cross the route of a protest for Palestine, claiming it was to get to
the other side.  The cop repeatedly offered to escort him to the other
side, but the activist did not find that satisfactory; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/22/met-officer-antisemitism-campaigner-gideon-falter-longer-video-sky-news">instead he
tried to provoke his own arrest</a>.
<p>
The cop did not take the bait.  Despite that, the activist is going to
all lengths to present the cops as having acted antisemitically.  I
don't think that was the case.
<p>
I admire that cop who refused to be a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>.  All cops confronting
nonviolent protesters ought to maintain that level of self-control.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(The_Maidan_martyrs)
title: The Maidan martyrs
uri: The-Maidan-martyrs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(The_Maidan_martyrs)
content:
 
<p>
*The Maidan martyrs: a decade on from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/20/maidan-kyiv-protests-10-years-ukraine">Kyiv’s bloody revolution</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Israeli_colonist_violence)
title: Israeli colonist violence
uri: Israeli-colonist-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Israeli_colonist_violence)
content:
 
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/22/israel-settlers-violence-against-palestine-west-bank">description of violence by Israeli colonists</a> (often helped by
soldiers) against Palestinians in the West Bank part of Palestine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Public_toilet_in_San_Francisco)
title: Public toilet in San Francisco
uri: Public-toilet-in-San-Francisco
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Public_toilet_in_San_Francisco)
content:
 
<p>
San Francisco has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/22/san-francisco-public-toilet-bathroom-opens">built a public toilet</a> for <em>only</em> 200,000 dollars.
<p>
The toilet's existence is an improvement, but the city can't afford
to do the whole job if it is that expensive.
<p>
If the city required every restaurant, while it is open for business,
to allow any orderly person to use its toilet, it would have thousands
of toilets available for the public, and the total burden of taking
care of them could be far less.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Removing_Chiang_Kai-shek_statues)
title: Removing Chiang Kai-shek statues
uri: Removing-Chiang-Kai-shek-statues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Removing_Chiang_Kai-shek_statues)
content:
 
<p>
*Taiwan pledges to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/23/taiwan-pledges-to-remove-760-statues-of-chinese-dictator-chiang-kai-shek">remove 760 statues</a> of Chinese dictator Chiang Kai-shek.*
<p>
The US was hypocritical to claim to be defending freedom by supporting
military dictators in Taiwan until the 1980s.  But, ironically, freedom had
the last laugh; Taiwan is a democracy now.
<p>
What to do with all the removed statues?  Here's an idea: add old
weapons and make them into a mockery of an ancient dictator's
terra-cotta army.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Republicans_against_vaccine_laws)
title: Republicans against vaccine laws
uri: Republicans-against-vaccine-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Republicans_against_vaccine_laws)
content:
 
<p>
New Hampshire Republican crazies are <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/04/new-hampshire-republicans-polio-mmr-measles-vaccine-antivax-bill/">working on repealing the existing
vaccine requirements</a> for polio and measles.
The danger this poses to other people will not be limited to the
children of right-wing fools.
<p>
There should be no religious exceptions to the duty to protect the
whole population from dangerous diseases by getting yourself and your
children vaccinated.  The only exception should be for medical reasons,
in case a person for special medical conditions cannot be vaccinated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Coral_gametes)
title: Coral gametes
uri: Coral-gametes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Coral_gametes)
content:
 
<p>
A clever idea to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/20/scientists-experiment-is-beacon-of-hope-for-coral-reefs-on-brink-of-global-collapse">attract coral gametes to dying reef</a> could help
them evolve to adapt to increasing heat.
<p>
However, this will do nothing to protect against ocean acidifidation,
caused by <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#25_June_2021_(Capturing_CO2)">increasing concentration of CO2 in the water</a> itself.  At some
point this will dissolve the shells of all coral, as well as mollusks
and crustaceans in general.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Republicans_and_power_grabbing)
title: Republicans and power grabbing
uri: Republicans-and-power-grabbing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Republicans_and_power_grabbing)
content:
 
<p>
Governor Sununu, Republican, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/19/death-of-republican-party-consequences">proudly told America he would swallow any
lie in order to make a Republican the next president</a>.
"Grab power" is all that the Republican Party stands for how -- that
and intimidating mainstream organizations that might dare to condemn
those lies,

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Rich_countries_against_Haiti)
title: Rich countries against Haiti
uri: Rich-countries-against-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Rich_countries_against_Haiti)
content:
 
<p>
200 years ago, Haiti's slave revolt won freedom, and nominal
independence, but since then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/16/plundered-and-corrupted-200-years-haiti-doomed-end-in-anarchy">rich countries have intervened over and
over to drive Haiti into submission</a>.
<p>
Haitians showed their capacity for democracy by twice electing
Aristide president.  I think they could succeed if only the US did not
knock them down again.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Slaves_in_Russian_army)
title: Slaves in Russian army
uri: Slaves-in-Russian-army
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_April_2024_(Slaves_in_Russian_army)
content:
 
<p>
It is not unusual to recruit people in poor countries to "work" in
another country, where they find themselves enslaved.  Now some are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/he-had-no-idea-he-was-being-sent-to-a-war-zone-the-indian-and-nepalese-men-on-frontlines-in-ukraine">slaves in the Russian army</a>, fighting for Putin to conquer Ukraine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Honduras_abortion_ban)
title: Honduras abortion ban
uri: Honduras-abortion-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Honduras_abortion_ban)
content:
 
<p>
*Honduras <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/24/honduras-referred-to-un-human-rights-committee-over-total-abortion-ban">referred to UN human rights committee</a> over total abortion ban.*

*UK accused by Amnesty of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/24/uk-accused-amnesty-destabilising-human-rights-globally-gaza-israel-russia-ethiopia-sudan-myanmar">‘deliberately destabilising’ human rights</a>
globally* for political reasons.
<p>
*The damning Amnesty report also criticises Israel's allies for the
failure to stop the "indescribable civilian bloodshed" in Gaza.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Protect_rights_to_stand_for_views)
title: Protect rights to stand for views
uri: Protect-rights-to-stand-for-views
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Protect_rights_to_stand_for_views)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: Universities should <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-most-important-thing-i-teach">protect the right to stand for views</a>
that disagree with whoever-it-might-be, while protecting students from
practical harassment.
<p>
This calls for insisting on the difference between (1) actual
harassment and (2) supposed "harassment" that consists of disagreeing.
Punishing so-called "microaggressions" can easily be stretched into a
excuse for macrointimidation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(avani_dias_journalism_modi)
title: Reporting in India
uri: Reporting-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(avani_dias_journalism_modi)
content:
 
<p>
India drove out an Australian journalist for the ABC network by
various sorts of harassment including sending DMCA takedown notices
for her stories.  The government objected to what 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/23/abc-south-asia-correspondent-avani-dias-narendra-modi-government">she said in news
coverage.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(ai_beauty_contest)
title: Miss AI
uri: Miss-AI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(ai_beauty_contest)
content:
 
<p>
There is a "AI beauty contest" for images drawn by generative systems,
whose "conversations" (if they pretend to have any) are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/23/miss-ai-artificial-intelligence-models-gendered-beauty-norms">output from
bullshit generators.</a>
<p>
This is an extrapolation of the absurdity of beauty contests wiht real women.
and highlights that absurdity.
<p>
The corrupter bought a beauty contest, and was accused of rigging the outcome
so that the contestants had to go to bed with him to have a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/04/sheena-monnin-donald-trump-miss-usa-lawsuit">chance of winning.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(trump_trial_superhero_shadow)
title: Shadow of the superhero
uri: Shadow-of-the-superhero
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(trump_trial_superhero_shadow)
content:
 
<p>
The corrupter's torpidity in his criminal trial punctures the false
"strongman" image that he cultivates with so much bluster and
pretension when he is in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/23/trump-trial-superhero-shadow">control of his life.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(iranian_women_hijab_crackdown)
title: Hijab crackdown
uri: Hijab-crackdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(iranian_women_hijab_crackdown)
content:
 
<p>
*Iranian women violently dragged from streets by [religious thugs]
 amid 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/24/iranian-women-violently-dragged-from-streets-by-police-amid-hijab-crackdown">hijab crackdown.*</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent consideration
uri: Urgent-consideration
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(sarah_benn_british_medical_association)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(sarah_benn_british_medical_association)

content:
 
<p>
British doctors' associations have condemned the suspension of Dr
Sarah Benn from medical practice, which was done for no reason except
that she was convicted of protesting against 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/24/doctors-condemns-suspension-retired-gp-uk-climate-protest-british-medical-association">government policies that
endanger human health.</a>
<p>
There is no reason whatever to think that she has become incapable of
properly practicing medicine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(nestle_accountability)
title: Nestle accountability
uri: Nestle-accountability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(nestle_accountability)
content:
 
<p>
*Nestlé has been criticized for adding sugar and honey to infant milk
and cereal 
<a href="https://theconversation.com/sugar-in-baby-food-why-nestle-needs-to-be-held-to-account-in-africa-228297">products sold in many poorer countries.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(unrwa_operations)
title: UNRWA operations
uri: UNRWA-operations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(unrwa_operations)
content:
 
<p>
*Germany to resume funding of UNRWA aid operations in Gaza&hellip;
after review says Israel has
   provided no 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/24/germany-to-resume-funding-of-unrwa-aid-operations-in-gaza">evidence of terrorist links.*</a>
<p>
Other countries must do likewise &mdash; because the alternative is horrible.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(climate_related_power_outages)
title: Climate-related power outages
uri: Climate-related-power-outages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(climate_related_power_outages)
content:
 
<p>
*   Power outages in the US are surging, as climate-related extreme weather
   strain an already 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/24/climate-related-power-outages-surging-in-the-us">burdened energy grid.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Labour_rail_nationalization)
title: Rail nationalization
uri: Rail-nationalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Labour_rail_nationalization)
content:
 
<p>
Labour says it will re nationalize 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/24/labour-promises-rail-nationalisation-within-five-years-of-coming-to-power">Britain's railways.</a>
<p>
At last a clear decision that it will improve one area than
right-wing rule has wrecked.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(bytedance_tiktok_usa_ban)
title: ByteDance
uri: ByteDance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(bytedance_tiktok_usa_ban)
content:
 
<p>
Word is that TikTok will shut down in the US rather than sell its US
business to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/25/bytedance-shut-down-tiktok-than-sell">some other company.</a>
<p>
To shut down TikTok would be a great start.  Maybe then we could shut
down the other sites that use "recommendation engines" programmed to
maximize "engagement with the site" &mdash; in other words, addiction.
<p>
However, much of the harm done by addictiveness could be prevented
by taking recommendation engines out of the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_February_2024_(Misogynistic_messages)">control of the platform itself.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(us_military_troops_gaza_aid_pier)
title: Gaza aid pier
uri: Gaza-aid-pier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(us_military_troops_gaza_aid_pier)
content:
 
<p>
The US is building a pier in Gaza to receive aid.  But Biden has given
Israel plenty of opportunity to choke off the flow of aid 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/26/us-military-troops-gaza-aid-pier">once it gets
onto the pier.</a>
<p>
I also wonder if there will really be a "third party" available to
transport the aid into Gaza.  It would not surprise me if the amount of
aid that really arrives is far too little.
<p>
Biden should have taken Netanyahu down a peg by showing that the US
does not need Israel's approval to deliver aid to Gaza.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(afghan_woman_life_under_taliban)
title: Mahtab Eftekhar
uri: Mahtab-Eftekhar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(afghan_woman_life_under_taliban)
content:
 
<p>
Being a woman in Afghanistan is so horrible that even being a woman in
Iran is a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/26/married-at-10-abused-and-forced-to-flee-without-her-children-an-afghan-woman-on-life-under-the-taliban">big step up.</a>
<p>
I'd be tempted to support forcibly removing the Taliban from power so
that they can't do these things any more.  But that is not a real
solution.  We tried that already, and it led to 20 years of war that
we were slowly 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#14_September_2023_(Remember_the_9%2F11_war_lies)">but steadily losing.</a>
<p>
I don't think we know a way to fight that war and win.
<p>
This is why I still believe that removing US troops from 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-may-aug.html#24_August_2021_(Support_for_withdrawal)">Afghanistan was the right thing to do.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(BSI_risky_silence_microsoft)
title: BSI's risky silence
uri: BSI-s-risky-silence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(BSI_risky_silence_microsoft)
content:
 
<p>
If you thought that the insertion of a back door in XZ indicates a
problem with free software, please compare that with the worse problem
of nonfree software.  
<a href="https://www.heise.de/en/opinion/Opinion-The-BSI-s-risky-silence-on-Microsoft-issues-9687605.html">Microsoft's servers are in far worse shape.</a>
<p>
And that's not to mention the ways the developers/owners of those
programs can break those programs' "security" &mdash; that exists only if
they 
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">choose to let it exist.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(meps_vote_climate_policies)
title: MEPs vote
uri: MEPs-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(meps_vote_climate_policies)
content:
 
<p>
The European Parliament has voted take the EU out of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/24/meps-vote-to-leave-energy-charter-treaty-climate">Energy
Charter Treaty.</a>
<p>
That treaty is a threat to civilization because it penalizes member
countries for effective measures to reduce use or extraction of fossil
fuels.
<p>
Even worse, it was designed to be impossible to effectively get out
of.  It says that countries that abrogate it are still subject to the
treaty;s punishments for reducing the profits of petroleum companies.
<p>
If the EU decides to defy that, it may be powerful enough to kill the
ghost of the treaty.

<p>
 


title: Amnesty Int'l on UK's universal failings
uri: Amnesty-Int-l-on-UK-s-universal-failings
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Amnesty_Int'l_on_UK's_universal_failings)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#26_April_2024_(Amnesty_Int'l_on_UK's_universal_failings)

content:
 
<p>
*UK accused by Amnesty of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/24/uk-accused-amnesty-destabilising-human-rights-globally-gaza-israel-russia-ethiopia-sudan-myanmar">‘deliberately
destabilizing’ human rights</a> globally* for political reasons.
<p>
*The damning Amnesty report also criticizes Israel's allies for the
failure to stop the "indescribable civilian bloodshed" in Gaza.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(EPA_rule_on_coal-powered_generators)
title: EPA rule on coal-powered generators
uri: EPA-rule-on-coal-powered-generators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(EPA_rule_on_coal-powered_generators)
content:
 
<p>

The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> has made a rule that coal-powered generators must in the
future <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/25/new-rule-compels-us-coal-fired-power-plants-to-capture-emissions-or-shut-down">capture most of the greenhouse pollution they emit</a>, or shut
down.
</p>
<p>
The article is not clear about exactly which kinds of pollution this
covers.  Does it include all <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#27_November_2023_(PM2.5_particulate_pollution)">particulates</a>?  Does it include toxic
chemicals?  Does it include the fallout that consists of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#31%20August%202009%20(Effects%20of%20uranium%20in%20normal%20coal%20ash%20documented)">uranium</a>
naturally present in coal?
</p>
<p>
The coal industry continues demanding to be given billions for
development of "carbon capture and storage", but when it sees a demand
to start using that everywhere 15 years from now, it wants to fight.
That demonstrates that their unending "development" of such capture is
not meant as a serious solution, but rather as an excuse to let it
continue.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Oil lobbyists at UN plastic pollution talks
uri: Oil-lobbyists-at-UN-plastic-pollution-talks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Oil_lobbyists_at_UN_plastic_pollution_talks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Oil_lobbyists_at_UN_plastic_pollution_talks)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/25/fears-grow-over-rising-number-of-oil-lobbyists-at-un-plastic-pollution-talks">Fears grow over rising number of oil lobbyists at UN plastic pollution talks.</a>*
</p>
<p>
Allowing any representatives of oil companies in events intended to
reduce the dangerous uses of petroleum simply invites their sabotage.
Even if they claim that it is impossible for them to change faster,
we can be sure that the real reason it is impossible is because they
are trying hard to resist it.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Slovakia's_right-wing_government)
title: Slovakia's right-wing government
uri: Slovakia-s-right-wing-government
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Slovakia's_right-wing_government)
content:
 
<p>

Slovakia's new right-wing government is moving to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/25/we-want-to-work-freely-slovakian-journalists-protest-against-rtvs-plans">exert political control
    over government support for independent media</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Thugs fire rubber-coated hard bullets at protesters
uri: Thugs-fire-rubber-coated-hard-bullets-at-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Thugs_fire_rubber-coated_hard_bullets_at_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Thugs_fire_rubber-coated_hard_bullets_at_protesters)

content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/25/emory-university-protest-arrests">fired rubber-coated hard bullets at protesters in Emery University</a>,
as well as tear gas.
</p>
<p>
  USC <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/25/usc-cancels-commencement-gaza-protests">cancelled its combined graduation ceremony entirely</a>, claiming this
was because of "safety measures."
</p>
<p>
That is balderdash.  The only new safety concern on the USC campus
comes from the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that are arresting students at the behest of
those same administrators.  They can cure the safety problems easily
by simply resigning.
</p>
<p>
There are several standard kinds of falsehood that are normally used as excuses
for repression.
</p>

<ul>
<li>"Security" or "safety", as we see in this case.

<li>Claiming to be protecting people in the neighborhood
from the inconvenience or disturbance of a protest.
One must ask how much actual inconvenience or disturbance
they actually experienced.  And also whether they were also
among the protesters who were repressed.
</li>

<li>Demonization of harmless activities by referring to them
with terms that presuppose that they were somehow harmful.
</li>

<li>Terms such as "trespassing", which appear to be objective
condemnation but really mean nothing except "We administrators drew an
arbitrary line and you crossed it."
</li>

</ul>

 


title: Brazilian indigenous groups rally against railroad through Amazonia
uri: Brazilian-indigenous-groups-rally-against-railroad-through-Amazonia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Brazilian_indigenous_groups_rally_against_railroad_through_Amazonia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Brazilian_indigenous_groups_rally_against_railroad_through_Amazonia)

content:
 
<p>

Brazilian indigenous groups <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/major-brazilian-mobilization-demands-indigenous-land-rights-in-the-face-of-mounting-threats">rallied together in Brasilia against the 
    construction of a railroad through Amazonia</a>, intended by its backers
to facilitate mining and deforestation.
</p>
<p>
It disturbs me that Lula was not there.  We was formerly a strong
protector of the forest.  I hope he has not surrendered to the
deforesters.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Council of Europe human rights watchdog condemns UK's Rwanda bill
uri: Council-of-Europe-human-rights-watchdog-condemns-UK-s-Rwanda-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Council_of_Europe_human_rights_watchdog_condemns_UK's_Rwanda_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Council_of_Europe_human_rights_watchdog_condemns_UK's_Rwanda_bill)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/23/council-of-europe-human-rights-watchdog-condemns-uk-rwanda-scheme">Council of Europe human rights watchdog condemns UK's Rwanda bill</a>.*
</p>
<p>
Various countries are trying to make it difficult for people to ask
for asylum there.  Sending them to another place to wait for years
while their cases are considered is a popular method, which has been
used by Australia, the UK and the US.  It is an injustice regardless
of details.
</p>
<p>
But that's not the only method in use.  Another is to slow down
the processing of each case.  Reducing the funding for handling cases
will generally achieve that.  If each asylum seeker has to wait for
years while forbidden to work, it will drive many to give up.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Effect_of_traffic_noise_on_birds)
title: Effect of traffic noise on birds
uri: Effect-of-traffic-noise-on-birds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Effect_of_traffic_noise_on_birds)
content:
 
<p>

An experiment on one species of bird found that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/25/noise-from-traffic-stunts-growth-of-baby-birds-study-finds">traffic noise
    stunts their growth even in the egg</a>.
  And continues to do so after they hatch, too.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Robert Reich: A university's mission
uri: Robert-Reich-A-university-s-mission
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Robert_Reich:_A_university's_mission)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Robert_Reich:_A_university's_mission)

content:
 
<p>

Robert Reich: a university's mission is to encourage students to debate
and consider ideas.  <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-most-important-thing-i-teach-555">Shutting down protest is betrayal of its mission</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(New_government_installed_in_Haiti)
title: "New government" installed in Haiti
uri: New-government-installed-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(New_government_installed_in_Haiti)
content:
 
<p>

  A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/25/new-haiti-government-sworn-in-during-secret-ceremony">"new government" was installed in Haiti</a>.
  The article says nothing about who chose the members of the new government.
The previous one was chosen, more or less, by the US government.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Advice for New York City School Chancellor
uri: Advice-for-New-York-City-School-Chancellor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Advice_for_New_York_City_School_Chancellor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Advice_for_New_York_City_School_Chancellor)

content:
 
<p>

The House Anti-Education Committee (not its official name)
has called the New York City School Chancellor to testify.
Here is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/4/24/2237003/-NYC-School-Chancellor-will-Testify-before-Congress?_=2024-04-24T07:58:45.000-07:00">advice for him</a>.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Delay of corrupter's trial for insurrection
uri: Delay-of-corrupter-s-trial-for-insurrection
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Delay_of_corrupter's_trial_for_insurrection)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Delay_of_corrupter's_trial_for_insurrection)

content:
 
<p>

The right-wing judges that dominate the Supreme Court have decided to
use <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> ridiculous claim of immunity as an excuse to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/25/supreme-court-trump-immunity-claim">delay
    his trial for insurrection</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: The terms "pro-Palestine" and "pro-Israel"
uri: The-terms-pro-Palestine-and-pro-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(The_terms_pro-Palestine_and_pro-Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(The_terms_pro-Palestine_and_pro-Israel)

content:
 
<p>

Using the terms "pro-Palestine" and "pro-Israel" leads people to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/25/pro-palestine-israel-language-conflict">think
    of those two nations as pure enemies</a>, and assume that one's gain is
always the other's loss.
  This is the feeling with which I've stated that <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">I am pro-Israel
    and pro-Palestine</a>.
</p>
<p>    
I love the call, quoted at the end of the article for *liberation for
everyone "between every river and every sea."*
</p>
<p>
I like the spirit shown by celebrating Jewish and Muslim holidays in
encampments.  That makes their total rejection of antisemitism and
antimuslimism as clear as can be.  However, I don't want my rejection
of antisemitism and antimuslimism to submerge my peaceful and
persistent advocacy of Atheism.
</p>
<p>
Hmm.  If and when it is normal to have a 4-day work week, people could
(if they wish) celebrate the Muslim sabbath on Friday, the Jewish
sabbath on Saturday, and the Christian sabbath on Sunday.  The
fanatics of each religion could rage against that.
</p>
<p>
That sort of combine-them-all approach can be good for things that are
mainly symbolic, like sabbath.  It is not applicable, however, to
substantive questions of right and wrong &mdash; for those, we need to
think about each issue in substance.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Drug trial to prove cost of tuberculosis treatment
uri: Drug-trial-to-prove-cost-of-tuberculosis-treatment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Drug_trial_to_prove_cost_of_tuberculosis_treatment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#27_April_2024_(Drug_trial_to_prove_cost_of_tuberculosis_treatment)

content:
 
<p>

  Doctors without Borders carried out a large drug trial, seeking approval of a treatment for tuberculosis, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/25/cost-of-developing-new-drugs-may-be-far-lower-than-industry-claims-trial-reveals">able to do it for only 34 million dollars</a>,
Big Pharma claims they cost billions, and use that as an excuse for making
drugs so expensive.
</p>
<p>
It seems that is one more reason for taking drug trials away from
pharma companies.  The main reason is that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#26_October_2012_(System_for_testing_medicines_corrupted)">their influence corrupts
    the results</a>.
</p>
<p>
The research should also be funded by governments or noncommercial
organizations.  That would eliminate all the supposed arguments for
patents on medicines.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Revulsion against anti-abortion is splitting Republican party
uri: Revulsion-against-anti-abortion-is-splitting-Republican-party
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Revulsion_against_anti-abortion_is_splitting_Republican_party)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Revulsion_against_anti-abortion_is_splitting_Republican_party)

content:
 
<p>

The public revulsion against anti-abortion extremes is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/17/anti-abortion-activists-republican-lawmakers-ivf-alabama">splitting
    the Republican Party</a>.
</p>
<p>
May the fragments fall on the ground and be trampled by Americans' boots!
</p>
</li>

 


title: Unawareness of injustice of "modern digital society"
uri: Unawareness-of-injustice-of-modern-digital-society
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Unawareness_of_injustice_of_modern_digital_society)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Unawareness_of_injustice_of_modern_digital_society)

content:
 
<p>

Unawareness of the injustice of "modern digital society" leads to thinking
about internet connections that misses half the point.  Here is an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/17/half-uk-families-excluded-modern-digital-society-study">example</a>.
</p>
<p>
The concept of "digital inclusion" as a goal presumes that the ways
people normally participate in "modern digital society" are just fine,
and labors systematically to help people surrender to what is demanded
of them.
</p>
<p>
Most people judge every Internet "service" in superficial terms, and
know no other way because they have never learned about the
injustices: massive surveillance, demands for personal data,
addictivity, antisocializing contracts, DRM, and more.  In addition,
people confronted with a demand to "use snooper.com <em>now</em> to do this"
tend to see the immediate inconvenience of refusing <em>now</em> more vividly
than the long-term harm of having an account on snooper.com.
</p>
<p>
In Spain, a friend has told me, banks are making it inconvenient and
expensive to withdraw cash from your own bank account.  You can do
that only if you physically go to a bank branch when it is open, which
is some hassle outside of big cities.  But he has decided now to
withdraw cash enough to last for some weeks so he can make a habit of
paying cash.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Justice_Sotomayor)
title: Justice Sotomayor
uri: Justice-Sotomayor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Justice_Sotomayor)
content:
 
<p>

  Justice Sotomayor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/27/sonia-sotomayor-retirement-supreme-court">had better retire now</a>, so we can replace
her with another liberal, rather than risk dying in office
and be replaced by Republicans with another right-winger.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Ecuador_ban_on_ISDS_clauses)
title: Ecuador ban on ISDS clauses
uri: Ecuador-ban-on-ISDS-clauses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Ecuador_ban_on_ISDS_clauses)
content:
 
<p>

Ecuador has voted to <a href="https://progressive.international/wire/2024-04-22-ecuador-votes-to-keep-foreign-corporate-courts-out/en">affirm its constitutional ban on ISDS clauses</a>,
which I call <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html"> "I Sue Democratic States" clauses</a>.
</p>
<p>
Some have criticized my term, saying that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#isds">ISDS</a> clauses are not
specifically limited to democratic states.  That is true &mdash; but in
practice it tends to be democratic states that are targets for them.
That's because the kind of law that foreign corporations target that
way is a kind that tends to be passed by democratic states.  Most
dictators rarely pass laws that would make foreign corporations treat
the populace better.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Professors support for violated rights of arrested students
uri: Professors-support-for-violated-rights-of-arrested-students
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Professors_support_for_violated_rights_of_arrested_students)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Professors_support_for_violated_rights_of_arrested_students)

content:
 
<p>

Professors at several US universities which have brought in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
to arrest students, steal their property and make them homeless,
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/27/us-faculty-university-students-campus-protests-gaza">showing strong support for the violated rights of those students</a>.
</p>
<p>
If those university presidents thought they were going to quickly crush
all opposition, they have now learned otherwise.
</p>
<p>
I expect to see some law professors bringing suit against the universities
from students who were suspended or made homeless.
</p>
Turning back to the reason all of this is so important, it seems that
Israel continues not to attack Rafah.  Maybe Biden has brought
sufficient pressure to make Netanyahu change that plan.
<p>
However, I have not seen that Gaza is getting enough humanitarian aid
to prevent thousands of additional avoidable deaths.
</p>

 


title: Participants in corrupter's fake electors scheme
uri: Participants-in-corrupter-s-fake-electors-scheme
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Participants_in_corrupter's_fake_electors_scheme)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Participants_in_corrupter's_fake_electors_scheme)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/27/fake-electors-2020-presidential-election">Summarizing what is happening</a> to the participants in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a>
fake electors scheme to steal the 2020 election.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Origins_of_QAnon)
title: Origins of QAnon
uri: Origins-of-QAnon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Origins_of_QAnon)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/04/27/backpage-com-sex-trafficking-qanon-conspiracy-moral-panic/">
  QAnon Was Born Out of the Sex Ad Moral Panic That Took Down
  Backpage.com.</a>*
</p>
<p>
I've seen a number of sex-related moral panic articles the Guardian,
and I generally find they are based on a series of exaggerations
of the likely magnitude of side issues &mdash; the tail wagging the dog.
</p>
<p>
I've read articles in which prostitutes say that legalization enables
them to look up information about the customer's behavior towards
other prostitutes.  It makes sense that would be useful for them, but
it boggles my mind that anyone considering being a prostitute's
customer would agree to reveal per real name to anyone involved in the
transaction.  Or pay by a credit card at all.  That seems like asking
for trouble.  If I were ever inclined to be a a prostitute's customer
(which is unlikely), I would pay cash and give no one any identifying
information.  We can't help knowing the sorts of scandal that have
resulted when the wrong person found out, and anonymity is the only
plausible protection.
</p>
</li>

 


title: How Google decided to enshittify search
uri: How-Google-decided-to-enshittify-search
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(How_Google_decided_to_enshittify_search)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(How_Google_decided_to_enshittify_search)

content:
 
<p>

  Enshittification, and the <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/24/naming-names/">
  detailed story of how Google
  decided to enshittify search</a>.
</p>
<p>
It should be clear that making users depend on nonfree software
is a considerable part of what makes a company "too big to care".
So this is one more reason why we need to reject nonfree software.
</p>
<p>
  The article makes a vague comment using the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">incoherent term "IP laws"</a>.
Those laws have very little in common, so it is a mistake to generalize
about them by using that term;
  I carefully never use it, because anything that is meaningful to say
is a matter of one particular law, or perhaps the subtle interaction
of more than one of them.  The article gives no details, so I have
no idea what actual events that vague comment refers to.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Harvey_Weinstein's_New_York_trial)
title: Harvey Weinstein's New York trial
uri: Harvey-Weinstein-s-New-York-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#28_April_2024_(Harvey_Weinstein's_New_York_trial)
content:
 
<p>

An appeals court ruled that Harvey Weinstein's New York trial in
which he was convicted of rape, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/25/harvey-weinstein-rape-conviction">carried out wrong</a>.
  This does not
mean he has been found innocent.  It means the trial needs to be done
over.
</p>
<p>
I am no expert on trials, but I think the result of the new trial
is likely to be the same as the first trial.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(weather_tracker_east_rivers_africa)
title: Weather tracker
uri: Weather-tracker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(weather_tracker_east_rivers_africa)
content:
 
<p>
I suspect that flooding in East Africa was caused by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/26/weather-tracker-heavy-rainfall-flooding-death-east-africa"> atmospheric
rivers.</a>
<p>
I think it can happen anywhere that the prevailing winds arrive over a large
body of water.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(gaza_bomb_filled_debris)
title: Bomb-filled debris
uri: Bomb-filled-debris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(gaza_bomb_filled_debris)
content:
 
<p>
*Gaza's 37m tonnes of bomb-filled debris could take 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/26/gazas-37m-tonnes-of-bomb-filled-debris-could-take-14-years-to-clear-says-expert">14 years to clear,
says expert.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(air_canada_epinak_headdress)
title: Nepinak’s headdress
uri: Nepinak-s-headdress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(air_canada_epinak_headdress)
content:
 
<p>
A leader of an indigenous tribe brought a headdress onto an Air Canada
flight and was told it had to be put in the baggage compartment.
She objected that her headdress was sacred and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/26/air-canada-first-nations-headdress-removed">therefore deserved
special treatment.</a>
<p>
That demand for privilege should be refused.  We all face the
possibility of being required to check some item rather than carry it
into the cabin, and 
<a href="media/b5233e16.cabin-baggage.png" data-original-source="https://www.stallman.org/images/cabin-baggage.png">we deserve equal treatment.</a>
<p>
The rules don't have to be rigid; it is good if they are somewhat
flexible.  However, that flexibility should apply equally to all
passengers, not in a discriminatory way based on a passenger's
ethnicity or religion.

<p>
 


title: Political arrest
uri: Political-arrest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(palestinian_academic_freespeech_israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(palestinian_academic_freespeech_israel)

content:
 
<p>
Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian of Hebrew University in Jerusalem was
arrested and treated quite harshly, and charged with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/26/political-arrest-palestinian-academic-nadera-shalhoub-kevorkian-israel-civil-liberties-threat">publishing
unacceptable views.</a>
<p>
(They are similar, in
grand lines, to my views and the views of many of my readers.)
<p>
Many colleagues and other academics have condemned the arrest as
political repression.  Even Hebrew University condemned it.
<p>
The cruel treatment of Shalhoub-Kevorkian in jail adds to the
nastiness of this, but the core of the issue is the intention to
prosecute people in Israel who demand a cease-fire.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(trump_noaa_climate_crisis)
title: Project 2025 Noaa
uri: Project-2025-Noaa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(trump_noaa_climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
*   Climate experts fear [the wrecker] will follow a blueprint created
   by his allies to gut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
   Administration (NOAA), disbanding its work on climate science and
   tailoring its 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/26/trump-presidency-gut-noaa-weather-climate-crisis">operations to business interests.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(taxing_big_fossil_fuel_firms)
title: Taxing big fossil fuel
uri: Taxing-big-fossil-fuel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(taxing_big_fossil_fuel_firms)
content:
 
<p>
*Taxing big fossil fuel firms "could raise $900bn in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/29/taxing-big-fossil-fuel-firms-raise-billions-climate-finance">climate finance
 by 2030."*</a>
 
 <p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(china_cashless_society)
title: Cashless society
uri: 2024-04-30-Cashless-society
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(china_cashless_society)
content:
 
<p>
China reaffirmed its plan to eliminate cash, and thus keep track of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/29/china-slows-cashless-society-transition-cash-digital-currency-mobile-payment-system">all purchases anyone makes.</a>
<p>
Despite some recent compromises, the government remains dead set on
tracking everything that people do.
<p>
The anonymous use of cash is the basis for other freedoms.
If you think that using cash is too inconvenient, please approach
the matter with a problem-solving spirit.  Can you find a way
to make it convenient enough to bring enough cash with you whenever
you leave the house?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(media_freedom_eu_crisis)
title: Media freedom breaking point
uri: Media-freedom-breaking-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(media_freedom_eu_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
Freedom of the press is being hammered in several 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/29/media-freedom-perilously-close-breaking-point-several-eu-countries">European Union
countries.</a>

<p>
 


title: Torres Strait Islanders
uri: 2024-04-30-Torres-Strait-Islanders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(torres_strait_islanders_climate_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(torres_strait_islanders_climate_crisis)

content:
 
<p>
Torres Strait Islanders, who live on islands between Australia and New
Guinea, are suing about the damage that sea-level rise will do to their
homes if we don't curb 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/29/torres-strait-island-elders-climate-change-class-action">global heating in 20 years.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(reich_litmus_test)
title: Important litmus test
uri: Important-litmus-test
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(reich_litmus_test)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich warns that SCROTUS are already warning that they might
arbitrarily override the next congressional election as a stepping
stone to 
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-most-important-litmus-test-of">stealing the presidency.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(A_suicide_around_an_ELIZA_effect)
title: A suicide around an ELIZA effect
uri: A-suicide-around-an-ELIZA-effect
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(A_suicide_around_an_ELIZA_effect)
content:
 
<p>
Chatbots can lead people to suicide. 
<a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkadgm/man-dies-by-suicide-after-talking-with-ai-chatbot-widow-says">What
should we make</a> of that?
<p>
It seems that chatbots can build, with susceptible people, various sorts of
self-reinforcing loops of conversation, such that both get stuck in the loop together.
<p>
Of course, this happens to people in interactions with other people.  Getting
out of them is a challenge.

<p>
 


title: A long wait in the casualty dept, UK
uri: A-long-wait-in-the-casualty-dept-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(A_long_wait_in_the_casualty_dept,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(A_long_wait_in_the_casualty_dept,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
Inga Rublite died after waiting 8 hours in an emergency room in Britain.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/26/woman-found-too-late-under-coat-in-nottingham-ae-after-eight-hour-wait">None of the staff</a>
had even looked at her or taken her blood pressure.
<p>
The fault does not belong to the overwerloaded staff.  It belongs to the Tories,
who have cut medical spending over and over, simply so the rich can pay less taxes.
<p>
Now that Labour has also caved to the rich and their demand for low taxes,
Britain needs a party to champion what Labour used to stand for.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Thermonator, a robotized flamethrower
uri: Thermonator-a-robotized-flamethrower
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(Thermonator,_a_robotized_flamethrower)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#29_April_2024_(Thermonator,_a_robotized_flamethrower)

content:
 
<p>
A four-legged robot with a flamethrower is now available for anyone to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/26/robot-flamethrower-dog-thermonator">purchase
in the US</a>.  Supposedly it is not intended for war.  Maybe that means it is
intended for criminal gangs?
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(Medical_abortion_ban_science)
title: Medical abortion ban "science"
uri: Medical-abortion-ban-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(Medical_abortion_ban_science)
content:
 
<p>
*Junk science is cited in abortion ban cases. Researchers are [calling
for retraction of] the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/28/junk-science-papers-abortion-cases">"fatally
flawed" work</a>*.  They object on the grounds of scientific methodology, not
based on the conclusions as such.

<p>
 


title: The ancient civilization myth, debunked
uri: The-ancient-civilization-myth-debunked
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(The_ancient_civilization_myth,_debunked)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(The_ancient_civilization_myth,_debunked)

content:
 
<p>
An archeologist describes the enormous weight of evidence that shows there was never a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/28/lost-civilisations-make-good-tv-ancient-apocalypse-but-archaeology-real-stories-hold-far-more-wonder">lost
ancient civilization</a>.  The archeological evidence shows hunter gatherers
all around the inhabited worlds.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(New_Spanish_pun)
title: New Spanish pun
uri: 2024-05-02-New-Spanish-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#1_May_2024_(New_Spanish_pun)
content:
 
<p>
New Spanish pun:
<blockquote>
<a href="/spanish-puns.html#bellota">La ninfa de roble.</a>
</blockquote>
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#30_April_2024_(University_protesters_debacle,_MA)
title: University protesters debacle, MA
uri: University-protesters-debacle-MA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#30_April_2024_(University_protesters_debacle,_MA)
content:
 
<p>
At a Gaza solidarity encampment in Northeastern University, "pro-Israel"
counterprotesters shouted "Kill the Jews!  Anybody onboard?", acting as
dishonest provocateurs.  The encampment responded with shouting and booing.
<p>
The university administration soon after cited this as a reason to tear up the
encampment and
<a href="https://huntnewsnu.com/77835/encampment/video-footage-reveals-kill-the-jews-remark-used-to-justify-police-intervention-made-by-pro-israel-counterprotester-in-provocation/">arrest the protesters</a>.
<p>
They have since tried to bury the crucial distinction between what the Gaza
solidarity protesters said and their adversaries' provocations.  That is deceitful.
<p>
If I learned I had made a mistake like this, I would be mortified, and I would
do everything possible to unmake it.  I would apologize for the arrests, drop
all charges, return or replace any property stolen by cops, and authorize the
reestablishment of the encampment.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_April_2024_(trump_noaa_climate_crisis)
title: Project 2025 NOAA
uri: Project-2025-NOAA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_April_2024_(trump_noaa_climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate experts fear [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>] will follow a blueprint created by his allies to
gut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), disbanding its
work on climate science and tailoring its
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/26/trump-presidency-gut-noaa-weather-climate-crisis">operations
to business interests.*</a>

<p>
 


