# articles

feed_id: f39515ebff48c61e22472c7f7c0cbb64
title: Banning apps for snooping
uri: Banning-apps-for-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Banning_apps_for_snooping%29
content:
<p>
India has banned 50 apps made by Chinese companies based on concern that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/29/india-bans-tiktok-after-himalayan-border-clash-with-chinese-troops">they
are being used for snooping on Indian users</a>.

<p>
One must ask if the Indian government thinks it is acceptable for US
companies, or Indian companies, to <a href="media/26fdda7e.dog.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/dog.jpg">snoop on Indian users</a>.

<p>
If these apps were free software and were running on a free operating
system, then India would not be able to ban them, and people would be
able to assure that they don't snoop, <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html ">or fix them not to snoop</a>.


feed_id: 850c8613982f8e28b1f6f17a7fca7aa6
title: Republican senators plan to prohibit services from offering end-to-end encryption
uri: Republican-senators-plan-to-prohibit-services-from-offering-end-to-end
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Republican_senators_plan_to_prohibit_services_from_offering_end-to-end_encryption%29

content:
<p>

Republican senators plan to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/03/earn-it-bill-governments-not-so-secret-plan-scan-every-message-online">prohibit services from offering end-to-end encryption</a>, by a set of practices to be decided later by various agencies that want to snoop on everyone.
<p>
This will restrict the nonfree communications applications that are supplied by specific services.  If you are wise, you will not trust them; you will use free programs, independent of whatever communications servers you use, to do the encryption.  However, lots of other people will use those nonfree applications, and that will allow the US government to snoop on almost everyone in the US.


feed_id: 3b1a941cda4836cc05ca3afa4273925c
title: Across the US, corporations are suing local governments
uri: Across-the-US-corporations-are-suing-local-governments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Accross_the_US%2C_corporations_are_suing_local_governments%29

content:
<p>

All across the US, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/24/report-corporations-are-suing-cities-across-usa">corporations are suing local governments</a> &mdash; for instance, for trying to protect people from Covid-19.
<p>
These corporations are responsible for the specific wrongs they do, but the system that facilitates it is broken and we need to fix it.


feed_id: e1860a95db23d08db404c30201a1cac9
title: Facebook announced plans to block some hate messages
uri: Facebook-announced-plans-to-block-some-hate-messages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Facebook_announced_plans_to_block_some_hate_messages%29

content:
<p>

Ceding to pressure from advertisers, Facebook announced plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/29/how-hate-speech-campaigners-found-facebooks-weak-spot">block some hate messages and misinformation about voting</a>. This will hamper the bully and his supporters from using the platform to stir up hatred and interfere with voting.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">Facebook mistreats users</a> in fundamental ways; let us not think that this change makes Facebook ok.


feed_id: 9e42b2a73f1f8fd9a7226b63f8d55058
title: Demands of NYPD to cut budget
uri: Demands-of-NYPD-to-cut-budget
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Demands_of_NYPD_to_cut_budget%29
content:
<p>

*Hundreds of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/30/occupy-city-hall-hundred-protesters-demand-nypd-cut-budget-1bn">Occupy City Hall protesters demand NYPD cut</a> budget by $1bn.*


feed_id: d6261ca55e1eaa26576e1094b178cd7b
title: If more Americans wore masks
uri: If-more-Americans-wore-masks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28If_more_Americans_wore_masks%29
content:
<p>

*If <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/masks-slow-spread-coronavirus-experts-cultural-shift">more Americans wore masks</a> the pandemic would slow, experts say.*


feed_id: a110c1905f05c94f25889a01b78977c9
title: Urgent: Dismiss Larry Summers as an advisor
uri: Urgent-Dismiss-Larry-Summers-as-an-advisor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#2_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Dismiss_Larry_Summers_as_an_advisor%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/remove-summers">dismiss Larry Summers</a> as an advisor.


feed_id: d74b6f144cddc6e14e92c99a2b990d1c
title: Prosecution for investigation on war crimes
uri: Prosecution-for-investigation-on-war-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Prosecution_for_investigation_on_war_crimes%29

content:
<p>
Australia aims to prosecute an Australian journalist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/02/australian-federal-police-ask-prosecutors-to-consider-charges-against-abc-journalist">for investigating war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan</a>.


feed_id: bdcc9598226da022550b739a63fbe031
title: Militarists from both side working together
uri: Militarists-from-both-side-working-together
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Militarists_from_both_side_working_together%29

content:
<p>
In the House of Representatives, militarist Democrats and militarist
Republicans <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/02/house-democrats-working-with-liz-cheney-restrict-trumps-planned-withdrawal-of-troops-from-afghanistan-and-germany/">are working together to keep the war in Afghanistan going</a>.

<p>
16 Democrats in the senate helped defeat an amendment <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/02/here-are-16-democrats-who-voted-gop-kill-amendment-withdraw-all-us-troops-end-afghan">to repeal the
authorization for use of military force</a>.
  The amendment would also have withdrawn US troops from Afghanistan,
but I think repealing the authorization is even bigger.

<p>
Compared with past attempts, having 40 senators vote for this
is a lot of progress.  In a few more years maybe we can win.

<p>
US citizens, if your senator is one of those listed, complain!


feed_id: f4f327502cbbc116d90e23bb8da244a3
title: E-waste fortune poisoning people and animals
uri: E-waste-fortune-poisoning-people-and-animals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28E-waste_fortune_poisoning_people_and_animals%29

content:
<p>
E-waste contains a fortune in tiny amounts of gold and platinum.  Because
we do not recover it, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/10bn-precious-metals-dumped-each-year-electronic-waste-un-toxic-e-waste-polluting">it poisons people and animals</a>.


feed_id: 33c68f2684ba5965d20f7b1d437195ab
title: No Arizona rainy season
uri: No-Arizona-rainy-season
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28No_Arizona_rainy_season%29
content:
<p>
Arizona's rainy season fails to be rainy, and three large fires are
sending smoke around <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/arizona-wildfires">that could augment the damage done by the
many cases of Covid-19 in the state</a>.

<p>
Nothing could have avoided the failure of rain,
except perhaps curbing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> since 10 years ago,
but the US could have curbed Covid-19 if it tried.


feed_id: ad5000620ce5ca49ee1c15ea02d9b3b0
title: Fish unable to survive
uri: Fish-unable-to-survive
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Fish_unable_to_survive%29
content:
<p>
*60% of fish species <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/fish-species-survival-climate-warming-study">could be unable to survive in [their current
habitats] by 2100 – study</a>.*


feed_id: e1fc181bc367a82c3a80288bdee6d198
title: Shutting down bars, restaurants and cinemas
uri: Shutting-down-bars-restaurants-and-cinemas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Shutting_down_bars%2C_restaurants_and_cinemas%29

content:
<p>
California has shut down bars, restaurants and cinemas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/01/california-coronavirus-bars-restaurants-movie-theaters">in counties
where Covid-19 is growing</a>.


feed_id: 77ebc83c39d52fc8ddd4f5fdbfdcdd4d
title: Laws to facilitate cutting down forests
uri: Laws-to-facilitate-cutting-down-forests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Laws_to_facilitate_cutting_down_forests%29

content:
<p>
The right-wing laws to facilitate cutting down forests in New South Wales
(Australia) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/land-clearing-new-south-wales-rises-60-per-cent-since-laws-relaxed">have been effective</a>.


feed_id: 1af5d9f231ff4e0a96bd883aa4cb676b
title: Opposing annexation plans
uri: Opposing-annexation-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Opposing_annexation_plans%29
content:
<p>
*Plurality of Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/06/30/plurality-americans-oppose-israels-annexation-plans">Oppose Israel's Annexation Plans</a>.*

<p>
Organizing in a US Jewish community <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=82086">to oppose annexation</a>.

<p>
*1080 European Lawmakers Sign Petition <a href="https://imemc.org/article/1080-european-lawmakers-sign-petition-to-reject-israeli-annexation-of-west-bak/">to Reject Israeli Annexation of
West Bank</a>.*


feed_id: 575444760dd36402f2b370331a4bef98
title: Disregarding workers complaints about protective gear
uri: Disregarding-workers-complaints-about-protective-gear
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Disregarding_workers_complaints_about_protective_gear%29

content:
<p>
OSHA systematically disregarded workers' complaints <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/30/beyond-outrageous-says-sanders-trump-officials-ignored-labor-safety-complaints">that employers did not
give them protective gear</a>.


feed_id: a7c93afc3539b4a0acca59cf85810e66
title: Banking Corporation in support of repression
uri: Banking-Corporation-in-support-of-repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Banking_Corporation_in_support_of_repression%29

content:
<p>
The Hong Kong and Singapore Banking Corporation is centered in Hong Kong
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2020/jul/01/as-the-hong-kong-security-law-comes-into-force-hsbc-silence-is-deafening">has publicly supported China's repression law</a>.

<p>
How about moving your money out?


feed_id: 5e647cec52b4ae944046013a2fa04c26
title: Suing against affordable insulin
uri: Suing-against-affordable-insulin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Suing_against_affordable_insulin%29
content:
<p>
The main trade organization of US drug companies is suing to overturn
a Minnesota law to provide affordable insulin, to save the diabetics
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/01/big-pharma-trade-group-blasted-morally-bankrupt-suing-block-minnesota-insulin">whose lives are endangered by the high price of insulin in the US</a>.

<p>
Most major drug companies are members of PHRMA.  Each one should
either explain what it is doing to end gouging on insulin and other
drugs, or quit PHRMA.


feed_id: a6eec4275f8a6b2ea5fec5f3a6721738
title: Choosing who run the repression apparatus
uri: Choosing-who-run-the-repression-apparatus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Choosing_who_run_the_repression_apparatus%29

content:
<p>
How the government of China <a href="https://thechinacollection.org/hong-kongs-national-security-law-first-look/">chooses the people who run new Hong Kong
repression apparatus, and directs what it does</a>.

<p>
They have the power <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/01/hong-kongs-security-laws-usher-in-new-era-of-chinese-control">to jail people arbitrarily within wide, vague
limits</a>.


feed_id: 4800425ea61523725fea34d0527caeef
title: Anti-War Mobilization
uri: Anti-War-Mobilization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Anti-War_Mobilization%29
content:
<p>
Medea Benjamin: *A New Anti-War Mobilization <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/01/new-anti-war-mobilization-must-topple-trump-and-challenge-biden">Must Topple Trump—and
Challenge Biden</a>.*


feed_id: 74414be638c0a55671dcaa8d157407da
title: Approving Medicaid extension
uri: Approving-Medicaid-extension
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Approving_Medicaid_extension%29
content:
<p>
Oklahoma voters rebuked their Republican politicians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/01/people-have-spoken-thwarting-gop-push-cuts-oklahoma-voters-approve-medicaid">by approving an initiative
to extend Medicaid to cover many more people</a>.


feed_id: 043baa7772aca71e6e0abfe1497b16b6
title: Hinting real responsibility of violence
uri: Hinting-real-responsibility-of-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_July_2020_%28Hinting_real_responsibility_of_violence%29

content:
<p>
US journalism has punctured the rule <a href="https://www.niemanlab.org/2020/06/its-time-to-change-the-way-the-media-reports-on-protests-here-are-some-ideas/">never to hint that uniformed
thugs are the ones responsible for violence at protests</a>.


feed_id: 2e3baa1db4de2c07da0a5c1ba0760643
title: Greed is a danger to public health
uri: Greed-is-a-danger-to-public-health
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Greed_is_a_danger_to_public_health%29

content:
<p>

*'Greed Is a Danger to Public Health': Progressive Caucus <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/03/greed-danger-public-health-progressive-caucus-urges-ban-big-pharma-coronavirus-price">Urges Ban on Big Pharma Coronavirus Price-Gouging</a>.*
<p>
If Gilead Sciences' executives are shamelessly greedy, they could drive the price up by reducing production and making rich customers bid for the doses.  This would be no less bad than setting a high fixed price.
<p>
The effective way to prevent gouging on remdesivir, and make sure it is available when needed, is to allow other companies to compete to produce it.  That is what we ought to do.


feed_id: 6a319a76433efd2166e3ca45362284d3
title: Cancellation might feel good, but it's not activism
uri: Cancellation-might-feel-good-but-it-s-not-activism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Cancellation_might_feel_good%2C_but_it%27s_not_activism%29

content:
<p>

*Cancellation might feel good, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/03/cancellation-activism-persuasion-cancel-culture-twitter">but it's not activism</a>.*
<p>
*While denouncing someone can get you high, it ignores human complexity, and is no substitute for the hard work of persuasion.*


feed_id: e13e950a6e5c94ffe10e1b7090f2e4b0
title: Nathan Law trying to persuade other countries impose sanctions
uri: Nathan-Law-trying-to-persuade-other-countries-impose-sanctions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Nathan_Law_trying_to_persuade_other_countries_impose_sanctions%29

content:
<p>

Hong Kong democracy campaigner Nathan Law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/03/hong-kong-activist-nathan-law-i-dont-know-when-ill-go-back">has left to try to persuade other countries to impose sanctions</a>.
<p>
Since China has made that activity a crime, he may never be able to return home.


feed_id: 243e9e5ceb4cff0184d4212c48452626
title: Hugo's Tacos in Los Angeles
uri: Hugo-s-Tacos-in-Los-Angeles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Hugo%27s_Tacos_in_Los_Angeles%29
content:
<p>

Hugo's Tacos in Los Angeles <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article243867532.html">closed its stores</a> because of repeated harassment by customers who demanded service but refused to wear a mask.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has already trained his supporters to throw off all scruples against lying; they eagerly invent and spread disinformation to attack his enemies.
<p>
Following his lead, they have now translated that contempt from the internet to the physical domain.  The attitude of mask-rejectors is, "If I cause you to get sick, or even to die, fuck you.  If you're not on my side, your life means nothing to me."
<p>
Now there has been another plot twist: the bully <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/trump-does-u-turn-stating-hes-all-for-masks-as-case-numbers-soar/">changed his stance on masks 180 degrees</a> this week.
<p>
The governor of Texas, a fervent anti-masker, turned too, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/02/texas-governor-face-mask-order-coronavirus-covid-19">making masks mandatory in public places</a>, with two exceptions: religious activities and voting.
<p>
That latter exception would be consistent with the theory that Republicans are intentionally spreading coronavirus so that Democrats won't dare vote.
<p>
I think that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s supporters will be reluctant to change their attitude towards masks 180 degrees overnight.  I suspect they will keep on defying the use of masks.


feed_id: 3e5de14599cdbab474873a22964f021d
title: Amazon deals with thug departments for access to Ring
uri: Amazon-deals-with-thug-departments-for-access-to-Ring
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Amazon_deals_with_thug_departments_for_access_to_Ring%29

content:
<p>

Amazon has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/02/hundreds-police-departments-deadly-histories-partner-amazons-ring-surveillance">deals with 1400 thug departments in the US</a> to facilitate their access to Ring street surveillance cameras.
<p>
Amazon does not do face recognition on the video from these cameras, but individuals and <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments that get copies of the videos could do this using some other system.

I think that it should be <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">illegal to install cameras that transmit video over the internet and watch public areas</a>, without a special warrant for a specified place and a specified period of time.
  


feed_id: d60e17306da5baee6fc2b97080fc20ff
title: German climate defense activists have occupied a coal mine
uri: German-climate-defense-activists-have-occupied-a-coal-mine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28German_climage_defense_activists_have_occupied_a_coal_mine%29

content:
<p>

German climate defense activists have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/02/ende-gelande-when-laws-fail-it-time-blockades">occupied a coal mine</a> which is used to feed electric generation. They demand ending coal combustion now, rather than tarrying lackadaisically until 2038.
<p>
Germany's industrial strength is great.  It can replace the coal capacity with renewables and batteries in two years if it makes this a national priority equivalent to repelling an invasion of CO2.


feed_id: 99aef21b96a1c7fb6c0ed9797fda5fd2
title: Radiation threshold for evacuation
uri: Radiation-threshold-for-evacuation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Radiation_threshold_for_evacutation%29

content:
<p>

It appears Connecticut proposed to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/02/states-might-allow-high-doses-radiation-public-evacuating-nuclear-accident">raise the radiation threshold for evacuation after a nuclear power plant accident</a>, because evacuation would be more dangerous during Covid-19 than it was before.
<P>
I won't criticize this attempt to find the safest path between two dangers.  The basic idea seems valid to me.  However, this should remind us that we should replace nuclear power plants with renewable energy plus storage batteries.
<p>
While renewable electric generation was expensive, the US government bought large quantities of solar cells to stimulate research to make them cheaper.  That was a success.  We need investment now to make large energy storage facilities cheaper.


feed_id: 41087cc763eb212400e6979a3366ef08
title: Oregon ballot initiative to decriminalize possession
uri: Oregon-ballot-initiative-to-decriminalize-possession
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Oregon_ballot_initiative_to_decriminalize_possession%29

content:
<p>

Oregon will vote on a <a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/oregon-drug-decriminalization-and-treatment-measure-qualifies-for-november-ballot/">ballot initiative</a> to decriminalize possession of all forbidden drugs.
<p>
Many other legalization initiatives are being pursued in other states.


feed_id: e83012f68a24d9d46be14c67f61281ef
title: A bill to end qualified immunity for officials that violate people's constitutional rights
uri: A-bill-to-end-qualified-immunity-for-officials-that-violate-people-s-c
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28A_bill_to_end_qualified_immunity_for_officials_that_violate_people%27s_constitutional_rights%29

content:
<p>

Senators have proposed a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/02/markey-bill-backed-sanders-and-warren-moves-abolish-qualified-immunity-cops-once-and">bill to end qualified immunity for officials that violate people's constitutional rights</a>.
<p>
It should be noted that qualified immunity applies to civil suits by victims, but not in criminal prosecution.


feed_id: 9ec4a76c931cca583b726f20e06deadb
title: California requires thug departments to show their training materials
uri: California-requires-thug-departments-to-show-their-training-materials
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28California_requires_thug_departments_to_show_their_training_materials%29

content:
<p>

California requires thug departments to show their training materials, but some try to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/06/california-agency-blocks-release-police-use-force-and-surveillance-training">use copyright as an excuse</a> to keep them secret.


feed_id: 45a6f2e5bb512e00e8254215890facc8
title: Confederate symbols
uri: Confederate-symbols
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Confederate_symbols%29
content:
<p>

*What if we <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/02/what-if-we-treated-confederate-symbols-the-way-we-treated-the-defeated-nazis">treated Confederate symbols the way we treated the defeated Nazis</a>?*


feed_id: 9098e085aad502090e094939abe6bcd7
title: Ireland voted for radical change
uri: Ireland-voted-for-radical-change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Ireland_voted_for_radical_change%29
content:
<p>

*Ireland voted for radical change, but it may end up with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/02/ireland-sinn-fein-greens-opposition-radical">greenwashed austerity</a>.*


feed_id: 33f0cd1b1734e86debdbd9a0b933a137
title: Cattle-feed crops' water consumption
uri: Cattle-feed-crops-water-consumption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Cattle-feed_crops%27_water_consumption%29

content:
<p>

*Cattle-feed crops, which end up as beef and dairy products, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/02/agriculture-cattle-us-water-shortages-colorado-river">account for 23% of water consumption in the US</a>.*


feed_id: fbcb0d119733ea91025c2c5cc5814e44
title: Legislators' pro-pipeline letters
uri: Legislators-pro-pipeline-letters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Legislators%27_pro-pipeline_letters%29

content:
<p>

*Revealed: legislators’ pro-pipeline letters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/02/us-legislators-pro-pipeline-letters-ghostwritten">ghostwritten by fossil fuel company</a>.*


feed_id: d9fbfd4acfaeb425821d28c5d491c899
title: How we can truly repay our frontline health workers
uri: How-we-can-truly-repay-our-frontline-health-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28How_we_can_truly_repay_our_frontline_health_workers%29

content:
<p>

*How we can truly repay our frontline health workers: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/frontline-workers-student-debt-relief-covid-19">clear their debts</a>.*


feed_id: b8a08ea6b26d1e016734073d071288f9
title: Urgent: Online voter registration nationwide
uri: Urgent-Online-voter-registration-nationwide
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Online_voter_registration_nationwide%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on state legislators & election officials to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-online-voter-registration-nationwide">implement online voter registration nationwide</a>.
<p>
They should take care not to exclude freedom-lovers: make it work for people who won't run Javascript.


feed_id: c4f412cf170ba580637b2cfa8cabf415
title: Urgent: nonfree Javascript on site for Juneteenth events
uri: Urgent-nonfree-Javascript-on-site-for-Juneteenth-events
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_nonfree_Javascript_on_site_for_Juneteenth_events%29

content:
<p>

I was thinking of joining a Juneteenth rally, but when I found a <a href="https://www.sixnineteen.com/">site</a> that was said to list the events, I found that the site depended totally on running nonfree Javascript software.  Without that, the <a href="https://www.sixnineteen.com/">site</a> would not show me anything whatsoever.
<p>
There will be another Juneteenth next year. If you can contact the people who run the site, please ask them to provide a way to download the whole list of scheduled events, so that people who won't run Javascript can see the list and show up at one.


feed_id: b800404f31d08873a80bedb858f2fc23
title: Immigrants' medical bills and unemployment
uri: Immigrants-medical-bills-and-unemployment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Immigrants%27_medical_bills_and_unemployment%29

content:
<p>

We need to cover immigrants' medical bills and unemployment, or <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/03/citing-unconscionable-and-irresponsible-omission-aclu-demands-equal-covid-19">they won't get tested for Covid-19 and they won't be able to stay home if sick</a>.


feed_id: 02b54eaa685f26aff25ae580959aa60d
title: Rational, scientific approach to reopening
uri: Rational-scientific-approach-to-reopening
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Rational%2C_scentific_approach_to_reopening%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/03/what-corporate-media-isnt-telling-you-about-risks-reopening">The rational, scientific approach to reopening the economy carefully and slowly.</a>


feed_id: aa153a05a8c741d8bf30cecedafd2123
title: A way to let poor countries out of the IMF trap
uri: A-way-to-let-poor-countries-out-of-the-IMF-trap
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28A_way_to_let_poor_countries_out_of_the_IMF_trap%29

content:
<p>

A global Green New Deal would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/03/why-we-need-global-green-new-deal-right-now">provide a way to let flattened, indebted poor countries out of the IMF trap</a>.


feed_id: 3d41717681798c9583d6c76faa78e9b4
title: Britons were prosecuted for "aiding terrorism"
uri: Britons-were-prosecuted-for-aiding-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Britons_were_prosecuted_for_aiding_terrorism%29

content:
<p>

Britons were prosecuted for "aiding terrorism" for helping their relative go to Syria to fight for Rojava.  The judge just ended the trial by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/03/trial-collapses-of-three-britons-accused-of-aiding-man-to-go-to-fight-in-syria">declaring them innocent</a>.
<p>
Shame on Britain for trying to criminalize this.


feed_id: 5a7b86584d100ae6af2161df7eeddbef
title: Troops sent to Washington armed with bayonets
uri: Troops-sent-to-Washington-armed-with-bayonets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Troops_sent_to_Washington_armed_with_bayonets%29

content:
<p>

The conman <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/03/horrendous-us-military-confirms-bayonets-were-issued-troops-responding-george-floyd">really did send troops to Washington armed with bayonets</a>, as well as (of course) rifles to mount them on, with protesting Americans as the enemy.


feed_id: c7ab889f3239b492da13c854cd8c3279
title: Tim Bray recommends hot to split up Google
uri: Tim-Bray-recommends-hot-to-split-up-Google
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Tim_Bray_recommends_hot_to_split_up_Google%29

content:
<p>

Tim Bray recommends how to <a href="https://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/202x/2020/06/25/Break-Up-Google">split up Google</a>, taking account solely business questions and competition.
<p>
He doesn't address the issues of making users run nonfree software, and making them get accounts and identify themselves, which are the main reason I don't use Google services.  But even in regard to competition, we need to go further.  Gmail is too big; it should be split into several companies that compete.


feed_id: 53e9d41ee9530c1ec10fc028394844ad
title: Recognition to groups as a family
uri: Recognition-to-groups-as-a-family
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Recognition_to_groups_as_a_family%29
content:
<p>

Somerville, Mass, has given <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/02/metro/somervilles-polyamory-ordinance-is-first-nation/">limited legal recognition</a> to groups of any number of people that declare themselves to constitute a family.


feed_id: ad832e27f86778fa57f4a24e0de97ae2
title: Bill to accelerate installation of internet fiber everywhere
uri: Bill-to-accelerate-installation-of-internet-fiber-everywhere
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Bill_to_accelerate_installation_of_internet_fiber_everywhere%29

content:
<p>

Congress is considering a bill to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/06/house-introduces-universal-fiber-broadband-plan">accelerate installation of internet fiber everywhere</a>.
<p>
This practical boost would be very useful, but watch out for three points the article doesn't mention:

<ul>
  <li>
    If the "innovations in applications and services" are as malicious as the existing applications and services, then far from being beneficial, they will saddle us with a struggle to <em>avoid</em> using them.

  <li>
    The networks that invite us to connect might, perhaps through sheer inattention, be designed so they require us to run nonfree software to get connected.

  <li>
    Those networks may make ever user identify perself, as a so-called security measure.
</ul>

These concerns are not mere speculation.  The reason I do not have fiber internet is that I could not find a way to get that connected without connecting to a web site and running its nonfree software.


feed_id: 50887b6cd93871dab054eea0dff08e35
title: Mining on Indigenous Territories
uri: Mining-on-Indigenous-Territories
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Mining_on_Indigenous_Territories%29
content:
<p>

*Mining on Indigenous Territories [in Amazonia] Brings <a href="https://amazonwatch.org/news/2020/0702-mining-on-indigenous-territories-brings-devastation">Ecological Devastation, Land Invasions, and Renewed Cycles of Violence</a>.*


feed_id: 9e2570bfb2fe9b8d632ae81c56aaa5f1
title: Venezuelans who fled to Colombia
uri: Venezuelans-who-fled-to-Colombia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Venezuelans_who_fled_to_Colombia%29
content:
<p>

Venezuelans who fled to Colombia now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/04/get-me-back-to-caracas-desperate-venezuelans-leave-lockdown-bogota">can't find any work</a>, so some are returning home.


feed_id: 3be04b254372783bf7dcf2c3e83793e6
title: Muslim countries don't criticize China
uri: Muslim-countries-don-t-criticize-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Muslim_countries_don%27t_criticize_China%29

content:
<p>

Muslim countries don't trouble to criticize China's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/04/why-do-muslim-states-stay-silent-over-chinas-uighur-brutality">imprisonment and brainwashing of a million Uighurs</a>. They get too much financial support from China.


feed_id: 622901d621bbd5b3b586fa232c4ee6a3
title: Suspicious fires and explosions in Iran
uri: Suspicious-fires-and-explosions-in-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Suspicious_fires_and_explosions_in_Iran%29

content:
<p>

Iran has been struck with a suspicious series of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/04/fire-breaks-out-at-power-station-in-iran">fires and explosions</a>.


feed_id: 1ccddbe3f18a4535ffd5db114a9c1ac4
title: Urgent: Demand Bob Kroll resign as head of the Minneapolis thug union
uri: Urgent-Demand-Bob-Kroll-resign-as-head-of-the-Minneapolis-thug-union
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Deman_Bob_Kroll_resign_as_head_of_the_Minneapolis_thug_union%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on officials to <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/sign-petition-bob-kroll-must-go/">demand Bob Kroll resign as head of the Minneapolis thug union</a>.


feed_id: 10b5fb7a444930de7e12c6d57ef76e1e
title: Eating in UK restaurants
uri: Eating-in-UK-restaurants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Eating_in_UK_restaurants%29
content:
<p>

The UK will require people eating in restaurants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/24/businesses-face-privacy-minefield-contact-tracing-rules-england-campaigners">identify themselves</a>.
<p>
New Zealand's previous system, recording info about customers on paper, respected anonymity.  It made the information available to collect when contact tracing needed it, but avoided creating a tracking database that the state could use for unjust purposes.
<p>
I am alarmed to read that New Zealand now requires customers to scan a QR code &mdash; with a Stalin's Dream device, evidently.  That is not safe. And what about the people who don't have a portable phone?


feed_id: 4c11eaed2212cda8cbc6982762abfa74
title: Australia's government not interested in endangered species
uri: Australia-s-government-not-interested-in-endangered-species
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Australia%27s_government_not_insterested_in_endangered_species%29

content:
<p>

Australia's extractivist government is not interested in endangered species, so it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/04/australias-register-of-threatened-species-critical-habitat-not-updated-in-15-years">stopped bothering to update records of where they live</a>.


feed_id: 70b7750af381b63a44dfedf7080ac261
title: Progressives are trying to reclaim the term "populist"
uri: Progressives-are-trying-to-reclaim-the-term-populist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Progressives_are_trying_to_reclaim_the_term_populist%29

content:
<p>

Progressives are trying to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/01/progressive-populism-and-21st-century-challenge">reclaim the term "populist"</a>, which around 1900 referred to a campaign to strengthen democracy and reduce economic inequality.


feed_id: 2696de10283d33260bc9859e7fc38658
title: Kamala Harris's Wikipedia page
uri: Kamala-Harris-s-Wikipedia-page
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Kamala_Harris%27s_Wikipedia_page%29
content:
<p>

One supporter is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/02/kamala-harris-wikipedia/">persistently deleting everything from Kamala Harris's Wikipedia page</a> showing her hash approach towards small-time street crime as well as her lax approach towards the theft of billions.


feed_id: 58b38b2a1308fa52f7813e476a2476ac
title: Heatwaves have become longer
uri: Heatwaves-have-become-longer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Heatwaves_have_become_longer%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/03/heatwaves-longer-since-1950s-study-frequency">*Heatwaves have become longer in most of the world since 1950s.*</a>
<p>
The change in the next 20 years could exceed the past 60 years.


feed_id: e468c9be491600be1143dc76d0c5f913
title: UK judge fined Greenpeace for occupying North Sea oil platform
uri: UK-judge-fined-Greenpeace-for-occupying-North-Sea-oil-platform
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28UK_judge_fined_Greepeace_for_occupying_North_Sea_oil_platform%29

content:
<p>

A judge in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/03/judge-fines-greenpeace-80000-over-north-sea-oil-rig-occupation">fined Greenpeace heavily</a> for occupying a North Sea oil platform last year.
<p>
The judge's reasons are all valid, in a narrow sense, disregarding the fact that oil extraction is leading to the death of billions of people.
<p>
Once a government goes to those lengths to snuff out climate defense protests, I fear it will succeed, removing the last obstacle to mass murder.


feed_id: 8e8d5415b374652791b41562c971998d
title: UK wants to send a girl back to Sudan
uri: UK-wants-to-send-a-girl-back-to-Sudan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28UK_wants_to_send_a_girl_back_to_Sudan%29

content:
<p>

The UK wants to send a girl <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/03/priti-patel-accused-of-shameful-bid-to-deport-girl-at-risk-of-fgm">back to Sudan where she would suffer female genital mutilation</a>.
<p>
To evade legal obligations, the government will pretend to send her to Bahrain, never mind that Bahrain would not let her stay there and would send her to Sudan.


feed_id: 996d065c1159f3870cf817c6676bd183
title: Urgent: Reject support from thug unions
uri: Urgent-Reject-support-from-thug-unions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_support_from_thug_unions%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/cut-ties-fop/">call on elected officials to reject support from thug unions.</a>


feed_id: fd070560c76b25e5305cb658d0164c2c
title: Explosion in research facility
uri: Explosion-in-research-facility
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Explosion_in_research_facility%29
content:
<p>
There was an explosion in Iran's research facility for uranium enrichment,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/satellite-image-raises-suspicions-of-attack-at-iran-nuclear-site">perhaps due to an attack by Israel or the US or a proxy group</a>.


feed_id: 4a525b834ce1adf0894c2285826441e6
title: Coronavirus spreading
uri: Coronavirus-spreading
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Coronavirus_spreading%29
content:
<p>
Coronavirus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/coronavirus-texas-mayors-serious-trouble-hospital-beds-florida-trump">is spreading exponentially in Arizona, Florida and Texas</a>.


feed_id: b67b9796b4407ff64f3c912d652a033c
title: Outlawing words of protest
uri: Outlawing-words-of-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Outlawing_words_of_protest%29
content:
<p>
*Hongkongers face a Kafkaesque reality <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/05/hongkongers-face-a-kafkaesque-reality-as-censors-outlaw-the-words-of-protest">as censors outlaw the words of protest</a>.*

<p>
Some are protesting with blank signs.  Some tried the word "Conscience"
and were arrested for that.  Hong Kongers are deleting their files,
wiping out parts of their lives, fearing they will be prosecuted for that.

<p>
The one possible good side of this is that the world will see how evil
China is.  It will be hard for people, in any country, to convince
themselves that getting close to China is safe.

<p>
China will seek to use overseas Hong Kongers as hostages, hoping that
we will tone down our condemnation lest it give China the idea of
punishing them.  To do that would mean becoming agents of China.  We
must tell Hong Kongers that they should stay away from our discussions
rather than ask us to censor them for China.

<p>
People discussing Hong Kong will have to watch out for Chinese agents
of disinformation, provocation, or pleading, some of whom may be
Hong Kongers who have cracked.

<p>
Academics have the duty to refuse to censor their judgment of Chinese
tyranny in order to be able to visit Hong Kong or China again.

<p>
With all the injustices that the US has done, it is far less evil than
China.  We have to steer between two facile errors: (1) equating the
US with China, and (2) excusing the wrongs of the US because it is not
as bad as China.


feed_id: b8780678388d6304ca187a64e83299ef
title: Facebook is out of control
uri: Facebook-is-out-of-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Facebook_is_out_of_control%29
content:
<p>
*Facebook is out of control. If it were a country <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/05/facebook-is-out-of-control-if-it-were-a-country-it-would-be-north-korea">it would be North Korea</a>.*
  One man decides whether to allow it to wreak havoc on any particular
target.

<p>
People say they need to try to use Facebook to persuade people of
something-or-other.  But even if something-or-other is a good thing,
Facebook is a much bigger bad thing.  Because if you think you are
using Facebook, <a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">really Facebook is using you</a>.

<p>
So don't be a zucker!  And don't encourage anyone else to be a zucker.

<p>
For Facebook to cease to mistreat its useds would require big changes.
But ceasing to promote hate, lies and violence (above love, truth and
peace) requires only changing <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#24_June_2020_(Profiting_by_stirring_up_division)">the propagation system to reduce the R
value that polarizing statements tend to get on Facebook</a>.
  Censorship, as such, is not necessary.


feed_id: a29cf13d84e1e2e2431982ac7c33e1ad
title: Fight against war crimes
uri: Fight-against-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Fight_against_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>
*Srebrenica 25 years on: how the world lost <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/srebrenica-25-years-on-how-the-world-lost-its-appetite-to-fight-war-crimes">its appetite to fight war crimes</a>.*

<p>
Since <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>, the US has become responsible for atrocities around the
world &mdash; and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-jan-apr.html#06 January 2006 (Pressure and bribes)">has constantly fought the ICC's efforts to prosecute them</a>.
  Dubya start this, Obama continued it, and the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> has pushed even
harder on it.


feed_id: ad7866237f781e1ffb4f171c7f08d66f
title: Slowing the march of right-wing populism
uri: Slowing-the-march-of-right-wing-populism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Slowing_the_march_of_right-wing_populism%29

content:
<p>
*Knife-edge Polish presidential race <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/knife-edge-polish-presidential-race-could-slow-the-march-of-populism">could slow the march of
(right-wing) populism</a>.*

<p>
I added "(right-wing)" so we will not forget that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#8_September_2011_(Populist_Uprising)">populism around 1900
was a movement for reducing inequality</a>.


feed_id: 7e7f9f38977ef9e4369c95a353030462
title: Unfit to challenge bid for hegemony
uri: Unfit-to-challenge-bid-for-hegemony
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Unfit_to_challenge_bid_for_hegemony%29

content:
<p>
*Weak, divided, incompetent... the west <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/05/weak-divided-incompetent-the-west-is-unfit-to-challenge-xis-bid-for-global-hegemony">is unfit to challenge Xi’s bid for global hegemony</a>.*


feed_id: aabc8f2977d540fb8be5781b8ce60595
title: The real work begins
uri: The-real-work-begins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28The_real_work_begins%29
content:
<p>
*Mississippi's racist state flag has finally come down. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/05/mississippi-confederate-flag-white-supremacy">Now the real work
begins</a>.*


feed_id: d8c2813ba549955bb463d3f7ca66ba23
title: Woodrow Wilson
uri: Woodrow-Wilson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Woodrow_Wilson%29
content:
<p>
How should we remember Woodrow Wilson, "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/05/washington-dc-woodrow-wilson-statues-reckoning">a great American president
and, on the other hand, &hellip; a racist son of a bitch</a>."

<p>
Perhaps with a statue in which one side depicts a great president
and the other side depicts a supporter of the KKK.


feed_id: 9e80f0dfff8fd9b42ab94616401e97d8
title: Uselessness of orthodox economics
uri: Uselessness-of-orthodox-economics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Uselessness_of_orthodox_economics%29
content:
<p>
*This pandemic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/05/pandemic-orthodox-economics-covid-19">has exposed the uselessness of orthodox economics</a>.*

<p>
*Costs outweighing benefits is the oldest excuse for not taking
   precautions &mdash; and is a recipe for disaster when the benefits, or
   the costs of inaction, are vastly undervalued.*


feed_id: 48a6ae0462932efe125c7499b262f62f
title: Pressuring pipeline's insurers
uri: Pressuring-pipeline-s-insurers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Pressuring_pipeline%27s_insurers%29
content:
<p>
A campaign to stop the Trans Mountain Pipeline <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/04/whos-insuring-trans-mountain-pipeline">by pressuring insurance
companies not to insure it</a>.


feed_id: d34575187e6644dce46633e0766896fb
title: Fireworks for crowd control
uri: Fireworks-for-crowd-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Fireworks_for_crowd_control%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/police-department-celebrates-fourth-of-july-by-using-fi-1844265934">satire</a>) *In an effort to ease tensions with the public and restore
   their tarnished public image, the New York Police Department reportedly
   commemorated Independence Day this week by using fireworks for crowd
   control.*


feed_id: 712e3b70700d1a6dc7b75efaf81aa08a
title: Cops, rave and covid-19
uri: Cops-rave-and-covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Cops%2C_rave_and_covid-19%29
content:
<p>
London cops, apparently not thuggish this time, shut down a dangerous
rave, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/04/seven-police-injured-while-breaking-up-illegal-music-event-in-west-london">but the participants threw bricks at them and broke bones of two</a>.

<p>
That the rave was illegal is what authorize the cops to act, but
morally it is a minor detail.  What does matter morally is that the
rave would tend to spread Covid-19.  It therefore threatened harm to
people in general.  For public safety, raves can't be allowed until
the Covid-19 problem is licked.


feed_id: 19f5acc80457c0b7e65be234f379ca29
title: Returning home to find work
uri: Returning-home-to-find-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Returning_home_to_find_work%29
content:
<p>
Venezuelans who fled to Colombia now can't find any work, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/04/get-me-back-to-caracas-desperate-venezuelans-leave-lockdown-bogota">so some are
returning home</a>.


feed_id: d0086050fc87a5c5692665f22fdcbcab
title: Terrorism conviction for using encryption
uri: Terrorism-conviction-for-using-encryption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#6_July_2020_%28Terrorism_conviction_for_using_encryption%29

content:
<p>
Leaders of Amnesty Turkey were convicted of "terrorism" charges based
on the assertion that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/03/former-amnesty-turkey-leaders-convicted-on-terror-charges">one of them had a certain encryption app on his
phone</a>.  Although investigation reported he did not even have it.

<p>
They were arrested while <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#9_July_2017_(Turkey_arrests_Amnesty_International_director)">holding an event with a visiting foreign encryption
expert to teach people how to use encryption</a>.


feed_id: 9abd11cffd3d26245e337f17b0d27a33
title: Reopening pubs in England
uri: Reopening-pubs-in-England
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Reopening_pubs_in_England%29
content:
<p>

Under the current rules and situation in England, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/several-pubs-in-england-close-after-positive-coronavirus-tests">reopening pubs is a step too far</a>.


feed_id: 51e86a269a15f21008671567b7f69c70
title: People in quarantine in Melbourne
uri: People-in-quarantine-in-Melbourne
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28People_in_quarantine_in_Melbourne%29
content:
<p>

People in total quarantine in Melbourne pointed out the danger of their apartment buildings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/07/melbourne-residents-in-hard-lockdown-say-they-pleaded-for-more-help-three-months-ago">three months ago, and asked for help in controlling the spread of coronavirus</a>, but they did not get help.
<p>
All of Melbourne is now under stay-at-home orders due to the beginning of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/07/coronavirus-victoria-update-191-new-covid-19-cases-as-community-transmission-soars">second wave of Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It seems that reopening business went too fast.


feed_id: 88c6849b08f885197b41ce7435c07007
title: Hong Kong, a police state
uri: Hong-Kong-a-police-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Hong_Kong%2C_a_police_state%29
content:
<p>

Hong Kong is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/hong-kong-police-given-sweeping-powers-under-new-security-law">officially a police state</a>.


feed_id: ba1340db8405123a7e16d8efea755e00
title: Fossil fuel companies taking Covid-19 aid
uri: Fossil-fuel-companies-taking-Covid-19-aid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Fossil_fuel_companies_taking_Covid-19_aid%29

content:
<p>

*Over 5,600 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/07/fossil-fuel-industry-coronavirus-aid-us-analysis">fossil fuel companies have taken at least $3bn in US Covid-19 aid</a>.*


feed_id: 3cc5d76c2222427975aed0fec6aeb473
title: Goal to eradicate poverty by 2030
uri: Goal-to-eradicate-poverty-by-2030
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Goal_to_eradicate_poverty_by_2030%29
content:
<p>

*Goal to eradicate poverty by 2030 ‘<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/07/we-squandered-a-decade-world-losing-fight-against-poverty-says-un-academic">completely off track</a>’, says outgoing special rapporteur, with Covid-19 likely to impoverish millions more.*


feed_id: d552a86958caad58981b1fa0bfa08164
title: A woman who wants to live childfree
uri: A-woman-who-wants-to-live-childfree
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28A_woman_who_wants_to_live_childfree%29

content:
<p>

A woman who wants to live childfree practices <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/06/more-women-like-me-are-choosing-to-be-childfree-is-this-the-age-of-opting-out">explaining this to us</a>. I hope that, with practice she will feel able to tell her friends this. As with any other group that hides, coming out and showing people that "each of you knows some of us" will help win acceptance and reduce the pressure.


feed_id: 29a6413500a8477ac6f6c571246bbd3c
title: Atlantic coast pipeline
uri: Atlantic-coast-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Atlantic_coast_pipline%29
content:
<p>

The companies that wanted to develop the Atlantic Coast Pipeline have given up on the project.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/06/future-does-not-belong-you-climate-campaigners-say-big-oil-after-cancellation-600">Years of resistance helped to bring this about.</a>


feed_id: 76531b880d2f27d81437041116cd2f8d
title: UK's big accountancy firms
uri: UK-s-big-accountancy-firms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28UK%27s_big_accountancy_firms%29
content:
<p>

*UK's big accountancy firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/06/uk-big-four-accountancy-audit-frc-kpmg-pwc-deloitte-ey">told to split off audit arms by 2024</a>.*
<p>
This will eliminate an important kind of moral hazard.  All countries should do this.


feed_id: 9ebd97567c10b45225b85ea1bb9ac229
title: Shifting global development loans away from fossil fuels
uri: Shifting-global-development-loans-away-from-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Shifting_global_development_loans_away_from_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>

Efforts to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/06/build-back-better-we-must-ditch-public-financing-fossil-fuels">shift global "development" loans away from fossil fuels</a> need to move quickly, if they are to substantially reduce global heating disaster.


feed_id: 1b1d9cacaf40943e925043aa0b30d57c
title: There is a glut of natural gas
uri: There-is-a-glut-of-natural-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28There_is_a_glut_of_natural_gas%29
content:
<p>

There is a glut of natural gas, due to faster than expected construction of renewable electric generation.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/07/multibillion-dollar-gas-projects-in-jeopardy-as-global-market-collapses">Many proposed natural gas terminals are being canceled.</a>
<p>
Indeed, a major US fracking company recently went bankrupt.
<p>
So what is California Governor Newsom thinking when he <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/06/new-permits-newsom-ramps-fracking-california">authorizes continued fracking and even new wells</a>?


feed_id: d69d0c82645ff16b4b3b0c366855263a
title: Bully's new plan to make foreign students' lives difficult
uri: Bully-s-new-plan-to-make-foreign-students-lives-difficult
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Bully%27s_new_plan_to_make_foreign_students%27_lives_difficult%29

content:
<p>

The bully has a new plan to make foreign students' lives difficult: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/06/colleges-resort-online-learning-ice-issues-needlessly-cruel-rule-pushing">bar them from the US if their schools are classes online</a>.
<p>
Distance learning, as such, is not wrong.  (Whether it is as good for learning as being in a university and going to classes physically is an open question, outside my expertise.)  However, they are almost surely doing it with nonfree software, and that is an injustice.
<p>
I expect the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> is doing this simply as another way to express hostility to foreigners, and is not interested in what the universities do.  But if this does convince some universities to stop making students use nonfree software, that will be a positive side effect.


feed_id: 512f263b8f356b09e6b12b3818e544f0
title: The Tobin tax
uri: The-Tobin-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28The_Tobin_tax%29
content:
<p>

Proposing to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/06/shrink-wall-street-guarantee-good-jobs">combine the Tobin tax on stock transactions with guaranteeing a job to every American</a>.


feed_id: 5ed52ae4e3e0820e50b22ed86e002e07
title: (satire) U.S. service member bounties
uri: (satire)-U-S-service-member-bounties
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_U.S._service_member_bounties%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *[the bully] reportedly slaughtered dozens of U.S. service members Monday in hopes of <a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-slaughters-dozens-of-american-troops-in-hopes-of-1844282774">cashing in on the bounties</a> [being paid by Russia].*


feed_id: 73b0404408b8d7d683aba5e1d2a19138
title: Criminal charges after false accusations
uri: Criminal-charges-after-false-accusations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Criminal_charges_after_false_accusations%29

content:
<p>

A black man watching birds in Central Park <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/amy-cooper-charged-black-birdwatcher-new-york">asked a woman to put her dog on a leash</a>.  She responded by calling 911 and making a false accusation against him.  She now faces criminal charges.
<p>
One aspect of racism is that whites think they can get away with bullying blacks with false charges.  To Kill a Mockingbird presents a fictional example.


feed_id: a48117fbe4b6ad5f43c6b100cfa7b447
title: Noctilucent clouds
uri: Noctilucent-clouds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Noctilucent_clouds%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/jul/06/rare-night-clouds-may-be-warning-sign-of-climate-crisis">Noctilucent clouds are caused by methane in the air</a>.  They are spreading, as harbinger of disaster.


feed_id: c5224211e791f22eaf044af93377f2b8
title: A gang of white supremacists attacked Vauhxx Booker
uri: A-gang-of-white-supremacists-attacked-Vauhxx-Booker
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28A_gang_of_white_supremacists_attacked_Vauhxx_Booker%29

content:
<p>

A gang of white supremacists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/indiana-assault-race-noose-vauhxx-booker">attacked Vauhxx Booker</a> when he went to a lake for the fourth of July.  Then injured his head, and threatened to get a noose.
<p>
He called 911, and the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> came, but they didn't arrest any of the attackers.


feed_id: 11a662880016361c8a7ce76936ab1908
title: Thugs shot James Garcia
uri: Thugs-shot-James-Garcia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Thugs_shot_James_Garcia%29
content:
<p>

Phoenix thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/phoenix-police-shooting-james-jay-garcia">shot James Garcia</a> while he was in his parked car.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> said Garcia had a gun.  It's possible he did &mdash; not everything they say is a lie.  If he did, their violent response was nonetheless recklessly abrupt.


feed_id: 42b8f1f21a1a16978ce838a5d91f24f8
title: Antisocialists and boogaloo
uri: Antisocialists-and-boogaloo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Antisocialists_and_boogaloo%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">Antisocialist</a> Party presidential candidate gave an interview to a
podcast closely associated with the ‘boogaloo’ movement <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/libertarian-2020-candidate-jo-jorgensen-podcast-boogaloo-movement">that proposes
a right-wing uprising against the US government</a>.

<p>
That party calls itself "<a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#libertarian">libertarian</a>", but I dispute their entitlement
to that term.  It is a way of pushing their perverse definition of
"liberty" which says that <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">the government should not help people</a> and businesses <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#1_July_2020_(00_per_dose)">should be able to gouge without hindrance</a>.
  They call all positive government activities "socialism",
so I think the right term for them is "<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">antisocialists</a>".


feed_id: 566c53ec1b2eb6241bebb3e7dfd8d27a
title: Pipeline shut down by court
uri: Pipeline-shut-down-by-court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Pipeline_shut_down_by_court%29
content:
<p>
A court shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/dakota-access-pipeline-environment-oil">its environmental
review did not satisfy legal requirements</a>.

<p>
I am glad, but keep in mind that it is not a final outcome.


feed_id: 38eee52a87443aa75578b5d88e180589
title: Wealth tax for covid-19
uri: Wealth-tax-for-covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Wealth_tax_for_covid-19%29
content:
<p>
A one-time wealth tax of 10% would give the UK the funds it needs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/arts-wealth-tax-rishi-sunak-nhs-public-services">to undo the
damage of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
However, it first needs to finish getting rid of the disease.


feed_id: 6b7138e0dfabfe346cacdd0faf05fad9
title: Urgent: stop donating towards military weapons
uri: Urgent-stop-donating-towards-military-weapons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_stop_donating_towards_military_weapons%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/blackrock-ceo-stop-funding-nypd/">call on BlackRock CEO Larry Fink</a> to stop donating towards
military weapons for the New York Thug Department.


feed_id: 1125c693c65431553ba0bb67a46f803c
title: Climate mayhem cost
uri: Climate-mayhem-cost
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Climate_mayhem_cost%29
content:
<p>
A revised study estimates that climate mayhem was responsible for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/12/climate-crisis-to-blame-for-67bn-of-hurricane-harvey-damage-study">67
billion dollars of the 90 billion caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017</a>.


feed_id: 92df5ba1538cc9b287765052dc615316
title: Mild cases of Covid-19
uri: Mild-cases-of-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Mild_cases_of_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Many "mild" cases of Covid-19, patients not hospitalized, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/coronavirus-covid-19-mild-symptoms-who">lead to
persistent medical problems, occasionally even strokes</a>.
  Some of them are fatal.

<p>
In other words, the "let it spread until herd immunity" approach
would saddle millions of people with medical difficulties.


feed_id: e0b856d835c638b01480b314a9038ba7
title: Threat on sharks
uri: Threat-on-sharks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Threat_on_sharks%29
content:
<p>
Despite years of effort, sharks are still threatened <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/06/shark-finning-why-the-oceans-most-barbaric-practice-continues-to-boom">by catching them
and keeping only the fins</a>.

<p>
I had a small chance to oppose this directly at a restaurant in Taiwan.


feed_id: 96fe27ca1ac664365f115732eb06d9fd
title: Pulling back from Black Lives Matter
uri: Pulling-back-from-Black-Lives-Matter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Pulling_back_from_Black_Lives_Matter%29

content:
<p>
Some officials are pulling back support for Black Lives Matter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/black-lives-matter-protests-change-demands">now
that it is a matter of policy and spending changes</a>.

<p>
I disagree with the article on one point: wearing a Black Lives Matter
badge <em>is</em> political.  It is a campaign for political policy changes.
Thus, people who are required to take a neutrality position on TV
can't show support or opposition.


feed_id: 2edb12897f3dc33ec3490354dca849ec
title: The big boys will become even more powerful
uri: The-big-boys-will-become-even-more-powerful
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28The_big_boys_will_become_even_more_powerful%29

content:
<p>
*If small businesses fail after Covid-19, the big boys will become even
 more powerful. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/state-intervention-amazon-recovery-covid-19">A radical 1930s policy could be the answer</a>.*


feed_id: 75bd87f327cd8fd44c1e82d7544f12b4
title: Rightwing zealot in charge of public land
uri: Rightwing-zealot-in-charge-of-public-land
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Rightwing_zealot_in_charge_of_public_land%29

content:
<p>
*[The conman] wants to put a rightwing zealot in charge of public land. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/06/trump-public-land-pick-william-perry-pendley">Here's why it
matters</a>.*


feed_id: b0e96217cceaa56b2394122b393c2f1f
title: Courts and internet communications
uri: Courts-and-internet-communications
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Courts_and_internet_communications%29

content:
<p>
US courts are starting to use internet communications, and <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-virtual-criminal-justice-may-make-the-system-more-equitable/">this has a
potential to improve the judicial system</a>.

<p>
It sounds good, but, it won't be just if people have to use Zoom to
participate.  When meetings with colleagues and teachers (including
classes) impose Zoom &mdash; or any nonfree program &mdash; that is unjust too.
When lawyers are required to use a nonfree program, that too is
unjust.


feed_id: 404cf074ed9a10a55152959182f1688b
title: Blocked from speaking to the public
uri: Blocked-from-speaking-to-the-public
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Blocked_from_speaking_to_the_public%29

content:
<p>
The conman has blocked Dr Fauci <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/05/no-wonder-trump-administration-doesnt-want-anthony-fauci-tv/">from speaking to the public for three
months</a>.


feed_id: 13722b0c2e8669f6b2c5ce976ab31642
title: Giveaway to Wall Street
uri: Giveaway-to-Wall-Street
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Giveaway_to_Wall_Street%29
content:
<p>
Canada is allowing BlackRock to convert its infrastructure bank <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/05/how-ottawa-driving-cost-infrastructure-listening-wall-street">into a
giant giveaway to Wall Street</a>.


feed_id: ec05d5e0fcc26fe4bd4883a2a3c2fb70
title: Necessary lockdown
uri: Necessary-lockdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Necessary_lockdown%29
content:
<p>
The UK has imposed a necessary lock down in the city of Leicester,
where there was an outbreak of Covid-19.  However, this would not have
been necessary <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/05/government-errors-leicester-covid-19-spike">if government had done its job properly earlier</a>.

<p>
Melbourne, Australia, recently ordered the residents of certain large
apartment buildings not to leave their apartments except in an
emergency.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/explosive-potential-victoria-sends-500-police-to-contain-coronavirus-in-public-housing-high-rises">Coronavirus was spreading quickly in these buildings</a>.

<p>
The start of this was managed thoughtlessly, but since then the city
has arranged to bring them food, waive their rent, and give them some
money to make up for missed work.  Since this quarantine is only for 5
days &mdash; enough time to test everyone &mdash; I think it is legitimate.  It
should keep coronavirus from spreading to everyone in the building,
and thence to many other people.

<p>
I suppose the residents that are actually infected will be quarantined
for two more weeks.


feed_id: e1e6126eda11520a3d70b516a11fcb7a
title: Statue of Lincoln
uri: Statue-of-Lincoln
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_%28Statue_of_Lincoln%29
content:
<p>
Some demand to remove s statue of Lincoln which presented him as
having just broken the chains of a black slave.  A letter published by
Frederic Douglass and the history of abolitionism <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/05/frederick-douglass-letter-lincoln-statue">show that the criticism
is only half right</a>.

<p>
The issue about statues of President Grant reflects hypercritical
attitude which has become common.  His temporary co-ownership of a
farm with slaves on it was a small aspect of his life, and a small
effect on the world.  His defeat of the Confederacy, and his work, as
president, for equality were enormous.  Doesn't a great good outweigh
a small wrong?

<p>
If we take a perfectionist attitude towards judging our heroes, we
will soon have none.


feed_id: 2f74a3be7983abdce3464022de299907
title: No clear PPE strategy
uri: No-clear-PPE-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28No_clear_PPE_strategy%29
content:
<p>
*UK has no clear PPE strategy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/uk-has-no-clear-ppe-strategy-for-second-wave-of-coronavirus-mps-warn">for second wave of coronavirus, MPs warn</a>.*

<p>
Bogus Johnson screwed this up once, and he's heading for doing it again.


feed_id: ad02756a050f3cc1c5535e5db6a273d8
title: Medical products' problems ignored
uri: Medical-products-problems-ignored
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Medical_products%27_problems_ignored%29

content:
<p>
Several medical treatments and products for women have caused problems,
which the medical community did not attend to because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/08/denial-of-womens-concerns-contributed-to-medical-scandals-says-inquiry">it had a tendency
to disregard complaints from women</a>.


feed_id: 593e1fd1c02b2066ea242e6db659548a
title: Activists treated as criminals
uri: Activists-treated-as-criminals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Activists_treated_as_criminals%29
content:
<p>
*After Barr Ordered FBI to "Identify Criminal Organizers,
 " <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/12/fbi-jttf-protests-activists-cookeville-tennessee/">Activists Were Intimidated at Home and at Work</a>.*


feed_id: d68e935730ec3a7cc2b1a02aaf329de2
title: Statue of Cecil Rhodes
uri: Statue-of-Cecil-Rhodes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Statue_of_Cecil_Rhodes%29
content:
<p>
Professor Simukai Chigudu, a Zimbabwean, talks about his wish to
remove the statue of Cecil Rhodes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/12/oxford-black-professors-cecil-rhodes-british-empire">who colonized Zimbabwe and some
neighboring countries and ran the whole as his plantation</a>.


feed_id: af2e8115e30e286c01cb64debeb5387b
title: Bolsonaro finally made it
uri: Bolsonaro-finally-made-it
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Bolsonaro_finally_made_it%29
content:
<p>
Bolsonaro, after doing everything possible to expose himself to
coronavirus, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/jair-bolsonaro-coronavirus-positive-test-brazil-president">caught it last week</a>.

<p>
On Saturday he carried it to a meeting with a number of right-wing
cronies, not wearing as mask.

<p>
Bolsonaro claimed that the majority who don't get seriously ill in
the short term escaped unscathed.  We just recently learned <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_(Mild_cases_of_Covid-19)">that most
of them have significant medical problems afterward</a>.  There has not
been time to find out whether they are permanent or resolve after
a few months.


feed_id: 101e2dda52c7046f95385dccaa4e85ea
title: Progressive tax rate on businesses
uri: Progressive-tax-rate-on-businesses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Progressive_tax_rate_on_businesses%29

content:
<p>
Seattle has once again enacted a tax on business income,
but better this time: <a href="https://gizmodo.com/tax-amazons-successor-passed-seattles-city-council-and-1844287164">the tax rate is progressive</a>.

<p>
Only big businesses have to pay the tax: just 800 of them in the city
of Seattle.


feed_id: fddc8d269219f9d636a61783e1468b12
title: Political contributions after going bankrupt
uri: Political-contributions-after-going-bankrupt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Political_contributions_after_going_bankrupt%29

content:
<p>
*Purdue Pharma <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/07/purdue-pharma-bankrupt-donations/">Made Political Contributions After Going Bankrupt</a>.*


feed_id: cd2cf599d026de600059f0ea4f6985b8
title: Trying to coerce expatriated dissidents to go back
uri: Trying-to-coerce-expatriated-dissidents-to-go-back
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Trying_to_coerce_expatriated_dissidents_to_go_back%29

content:
<p>
The FBI says that China is trying to coerce Chinese dissidents in the US to
go back to China, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/07/china-christopher-wray-operation-fox-hunt">using threats against them and their families</a>.
  Those that do could face a horrible fate.

<p>
The article uses the term "intellectual property espionage"; as
always, <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property" is intended to confuse</a>.

<p>
I presume this is meant to refer to spying to obtain trade secrets,
"Trade secrets" is a coherent term, unlike "intellectual property".
That does not mean we should reflexively condemn attempts to "steal"
those secrets, because keeping a generally useful technical
information secret is an attack against humanity.  Since 1984 or so I
have refused on principle to accept a nondisclosure agreement for
generally useful technical information, such as software.  I carefully
refuse such agreements, because it is wrong to carry them out.

<p>
So if China is trying to obtain the trade secrets of US companies, the
morally valid response is to obtain the trade secrets of Chinese
companies &mdash; and publish them.


feed_id: 1b7d7e2c97a410fd345fc8035c486cb4
title: Trans rights activists and feminists
uri: Trans-rights-activists-and-feminists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Trans_rights_activists_and_feminists%29

content:
<p>
Many trans rights activists and many feminists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/07/trans-rights-have-been-pitted-against-feminism-but-were-not-enemies">want to 
reach agreement and support each other</a>.


feed_id: 9767b047a78376c702fb102dfc64d9fd
title: Yazidi women are strong
uri: Yazidi-women-are-strong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Yazidi_women_are_strong%29
content:
<p>
*‘Yazidi women are strong’: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/07/yazidi-women-are-strong-kurdistans-female-landmine-clearance-teams">Kurdistan's female landmine clearance teams</a>.*


feed_id: dc0c6a1ba7f72f39d07550c7a5cddb15
title: Scihub
uri: Scihub
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Scihub%29
content:
<p>
Scihub is loved by the scientists that write the articles it
redistributes.  <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/03/monument-toppling-season/#citation-needed">Only those parasites, the journal publishers, hate it</a>.

<p>
If we can simply eliminate the publishers of paywalled journals, there 
will be no more opposition to Scihub


feed_id: 1dcd644360fa7fbd1c02425959e88d36
title: Minuscule FDR
uri: Minuscule-FDR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Minuscule_FDR%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson wants to be thought of as an FDR <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/04/boris-johnsons-new-deal-is-roosevelt-lite">by launching a minuscule
imitation of FDR's New Deal</a>.


feed_id: 2542a953222995d51f07d09f286d9f63
title: Warning citizens of danger of going in China
uri: Warning-citizens-of-danger-of-going-in-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Warning_citizens_of_danger_of_going_in_China%29

content:
<p>
Australia has warned its citizens <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/07/china-travel-warning-australians-told-they-may-be-at-risk-of-arbitrary-detention">of the danger inherent in going to China</a>.

<p>
All countries should do that.  But it is ironic that Australia also
has made a law <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#21_August_2018_(Australia's_encryption_bill) ">that claims global jurisdiction and requires
free software developers to stay away from Australia</a>.


feed_id: a7eb96cbd5490090ecbbef83033fd4ff
title: Movies and abortion
uri: Movies-and-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#8_July_2020_%28Movies_and_abortion%29
content:
<p>
Movies are escaping from the decades-old pattern <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/jul/06/saint-frances-how-a-new-wave-of-taboo-busting-comedies-are-tackling-abortion">of presenting
abortion as inexplicably unthinkable</a>.

<p>
That strange tendency became known decades ago,
  and I wonder whether the antiabortionist right-wing played some part
in establishing it.  In any case, I'm glad to see it go.
Movies that treat abortion as a normal part of life will help
spread that idea, especially in countries which repress abortion
in the name of religion.

<p>
To see abortions mentioned as asides in movies which are mainly
about something else would do even more.


feed_id: 2e045d6f86daa798abbf92ef493c06c0
title: The War on Logic
uri: The-War-on-Logic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28The_War_on_Logic%29
content:
<p>

*The War on Logic: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/07/war-logic-contradictions-and-absurdities-houses-military-spending-bill">Contradictions and Absurdities in the House’s Military Spending Bill</a>.*
<p>
The House refused even to limit the power of the president to aim the US military at peaceful protesters.


feed_id: 470dc9622029f5b8f1be4e4d39612e12
title: Deregulated interest on payday loans
uri: Deregulated-interest-on-payday-loans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Deregulated_interest_on_payday_loans%29

content:
<p>

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been thoroughly perverted and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/07/cfpb-director-urged-resign-over-new-rule-exposing-consumers-predatory-debt-traps">has just deregulated interest on payday loans</a>.
<p>
If our system were not set up to impoverish people, there would be no issue about payday loans because people would not need them.  But until we can fix the system at a deeper level, these band-aids are important.


feed_id: 61b45b3a2fa1e6749fa17fc5e7c6f814
title: Dangerous Complacency
uri: Dangerous-Complacency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Dangerous_Complacency%29
content:
<p>

*'Dangerous Complacency': UN Expert Issues Scathing Report <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/07/dangerous-complacency-un-expert-issues-scathing-report-denouncing-global-failures">Denouncing Global Failures to Tackle Poverty</a> Even Before Covid Pandemic.*
<p>
He says that global efforts to reduce poverty let themselves be deluded by the World Bank, and achieved almost nothing, but presented an image of success because China reduced poverty in China.


feed_id: 02da403269848cf200c09689c8c4e2b5
title: Deforesters are burning the Amazon even faster than last year
uri: Deforesters-are-burning-the-Amazon-even-faster-than-last-year
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Deforesters_are_burning_the_Amazon_even_faster_than_last_year%29

content:
<p>

Deforesters are <a href="https://amazonwatch.org/news/2020/0707-calling-for-an-amazon-ceasefire">burning up the Amazon forest again this year</a>, even faster than last year.
<p>
Bolsonaro considers the forest an obstacle to farming.


feed_id: 2fd17a117b3137eafb3f3fd144f3ec1f
title: China is trying to bully tech companies
uri: China-is-trying-to-bully-tech-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28China_is_trying_to_bully_tech_companies%29

content:
<p>

China is trying to bully tech companies to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/07/business/hong-kong-security-law-tech.html">act as censorship proxies over Hong Kong</a>, threatening to arrest their employees.
<p>
China has no need to threaten Apple; Apple surrendered years ago.


feed_id: e49b31484e297aa5d7024280a089e514
title: UK plans on deporting two twins to different countries
uri: UK-plans-on-deporting-two-twins-to-different-countries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28UK_plans_on_deporting_two_twins_to_different_countries%29

content:
<p>

The UK plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/07/london-born-twins-face-deportation-to-different-countries">deport two twins to different countries</a>. Both have lived since birth in the UK.
<p>
The US has done similar deportations for decades.
<p>
Each twin is in prison for gross bodily harm &mdash; which suggests getting into a fight.  Since they are were brought up in foster care after their mother died, it doesn't surprise me.  A good society would have helped them better.  But even if someone can't live in society, sending per to a country which isn't and never was per home only makes things worse.


feed_id: d84bb4311e5f90f55126f73261108088
title: (satire) Consulting firm Hewitt Lord
uri: (satire)-Consulting-firm-Hewitt-Lord
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Consulting_firm_Hewitt_Lord%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *In a lengthy report laying out recommendations it described as absolutely essential to its client’s future success, consulting firm Hewitt Lord Advisors <a href="https://www.theonion.com/consulting-firm-recommends-keeping-consulting-firm-on-f-1844292011">suggested Tuesday that a business keep the consulting firm on for six more months</a>.*


feed_id: 02e7d175f8a38b028b8acc839526b261
title: Changes in the new NAFTA
uri: Changes-in-the-new-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Changes_in_the_new_NAFTA%29
content:
<p>

The changes in the new NAFTA have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/07/will-new-nafta-make-pandemic-worse-mexicans">made little difference to the domination of Mexico by lawless US businesses</a>.
<p>
In other words, it is still a <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>.
<p>
Nonetheless, the new NAFTA eliminates one of the outrageous parts of the old one: the ISDS clause that authorizes foreign companies to sue governments over laws that get in the way of their profits. We must eliminate all ISDS clauses.


feed_id: a6b3483f3b4bb948436169d09559830e
title: Urgent: Migratory Bird Protection Act
uri: Urgent-Migratory-Bird-Protection-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Migratory_Bird_Protection_Act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: phone your congresscritter to ask per to sponsor the Migratory Bird Protection Act.

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


feed_id: 904e31c6df501a9ac412d6f786f538c6
title: Urgent: call on Congress to pass the Eric Garner Act
uri: Urgent-call-on-Congress-to-pass-the-Eric-Garner-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_call_on_Congress_to_pass_the_Eric_Garner_Act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.leftaction.com/sign/hr-4408">pass the Eric Garner Act</a>, prohibiting thugs from using chokeholds.

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


feed_id: d55a20a7d816a43ed1557a11dda500ab
title: Urgent: Give the USPS more funds
uri: Urgent-Give-the-USPS-more-funds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Give_the_USPS_more_funds%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-200706-usps/">give the USPS more funds ASAP</a>.

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


feed_id: 3d3a3e7cdf0837f8de128a34ab771d23
title: Prisoners homeless when released or paroled
uri: Prisoners-homeless-when-released-or-paroled
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Prisoners_homeless_when_released_or_paroled%29

content:
<p>

When prisoners are homeless when released or paroled, it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/08/thousands-of-high-risk-offenders-in-uk-freed-into-homelessness">much harder for them</a> to find their way to a life without crime. Society should make sure that each released or paroled prisoner has a home to live in.  However, poor people shouldn't have to get themselves jailed in order to find a home.  We must do this for <em>everyone</em>.


feed_id: a7005187b78b5a56c4042d8346e46d05
title: National Environmental Policy Act
uri: National-Environmental-Policy-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28National_Environmental_Policy_Act%29
content:
<p>

The National Environmental Policy Act requires environmental reviews for actions carried out, or specifically authorized, by the federal government. The saboteur is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/07/why-trump-wants-kill-biggest-environmental-law-youve-never-heard">trying to undermine that</a> by a series of steps to reduce its coverage.


feed_id: bf0930f0056d23dc16c6c53352a0b203
title: Confronting colonial past
uri: Confronting-colonial-past
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Confronting_colonial_past%29
content:
<p>
Belgium is confronting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/12/belgium-forced-to-reckon-with-leopolds-legacy-and-its-colonial-past">its colonial past in the Congo</a>.


feed_id: 3fc711ebe50d121fea0e73aae9ec8706
title: Our spirit will never be crushed
uri: Our-spirit-will-never-be-crushed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Our_spirit_will_never_be_crushed%29
content:
<p>
*'Our spirit will never be crushed': Hong Kong activists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/our-spirit-will-never-be-crushed-hong-kong-activists-vow-to-keep-fighting-despite-new-laws">vow to keep fighting
despite new laws</a>.*


feed_id: a9f7c13be916288ca43bdc8e3977ea4f
title: Assassinating dissidents abroad
uri: Assassinating-dissidents-abroad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Assassinating_dissidents_abroad%29
content:
<p>
The tyrant of Chechnya <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/they-find-you-and-shoot-you-chechens-in-fear-after-third-kadyrov-critic-killed">is assassinating exiled Chechen dissidents in Europe</a>.


feed_id: 749554a17969bf06536d55e29609cae4
title: Cut in insecticide
uri: Cut-in-insecticide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Cut_in_insecticide%29
content:
<p>
Conservationists say the UK must cut insecticide use by 50% <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/08/halve-uk-pesticide-use-to-save-insects-say-conservationists">as the EU
is planning to do</a>.

<p>
In the US, we used far less insecticide a few decades ago when farmers <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_May_2015_(Cut_pesticide_use)">used
a system called integrated pest management</a>.


feed_id: 3f57d2c7d251d06bb00524417ad877c3
title: Governor protecting armed gangs
uri: Governor-protecting-armed-gangs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Governor_protecting_armed_gangs%29
content:
<p>
Protesters in Darfur report that armed gangs attack people and the
governor does nothing to stop it.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/08/darfur-protesters-call-for-action-to-end-attacks-on-civilians-by-armed-militias">They want the governor replaced</a>.


feed_id: abf87f485f7e3264a4005972aa3a8fbc
title: Border close the other way because of Covid-19
uri: Border-close-the-other-way-because-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Border_close_the_other_way_because_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
*Mexico border towns <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/mexico-border-towns-stop-americans-crossing-covid-19-coronavirus">try to stop Americans crossing amid Covid-19 fears</a>.*

<p>
It seems rational to me.  If the US has a higher infection rate than
Mexico, Mexico should limit entry.  However, ISTR that Covid-19
is ballooning in Mexico.


feed_id: 4275f5e8598f563a9ee7947591c7ec3a
title: Hospital closed because of outbreak
uri: Hospital-closed-because-of-outbreak
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Hospital_closed_because_of_outbreak%29

content:
<p>
A hospital in London has closed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/boris-johnsons-local-hospital-closes-to-emergency-admissions-after-covid-19-outbreak">because of an outbreak of Covid-19
among the staff</a>.

<p>
The UK made good progress in curbing Covid-19 after Bogus Johnson stopped
obstructing measures to achieve that.  But since relaxing its measures,
Covid-19 seems to be getting out of hand again.


feed_id: 1633fb46d84d49fa1469780e666def0d
title: Rock dust and CO2
uri: Rock-dust-and-CO2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Rock_dust_and_CO2%29
content:
<p>
Spreading rock dust on farms could absorb large amounts of CO2 out of
the air, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/08/spreading-rock-dust-on-fields-could-remove-vast-amounts-of-co2-from-air">while improving the soil</a>.
  We still need to eliminate most of our CO2 emissions, but using this
technique as well could enough to go beyond that and start
decarbonizing the atmosphere.


feed_id: 7cdd8e0125cd594ed951d541859e95e6
title: PPP loans
uri: PPP-loans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28PPP_loans%29
content:
<p>
Ultimately, the conman gave millions of dollars in PPP loans to big
businesses that didn't need help, while many small businesses got
small amounts &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/07/alarming-some-small-businesses-received-just-1-covid-19-relief-loans-kushner-family">even as small as one dollar</a>.

<p>
The saboteur has given millions in bailout loans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/07/companies-received-millions-taxpayer-funded-bailouts-have-extensive-federal">to companies with
unpaid fines</a>.

<p>
The fines are for environmental and workplace safety violations.
We know that saboteur <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#13_May_2020_(Saboteur-in-chief_has_destroyed_environmental_protections)">seeks to encourage those violations</a>.

<p>
*Kanye West's company <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/07/kanye-west-company-granted-millions-coronavirus-stimulus">granted millions in coronavirus stimulus</a>.*

<p>
Kanye really still show your face in public?


feed_id: 0f97552da083a975e6cbe4c8da0e7a91
title: Justice department initial goals
uri: Justice-department-initial-goals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Justice_department_initial_goals%29
content:
<p>
President Grant set up the US Justice Department in 1870; its mission <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/created-150-years-ago-justice-departments-first-mission-was-protect-black-rights-180975232/">was
to protect equal rights for blacks and defeat the KKK</a>.


feed_id: e34908321d50daec26912f36922e6d93
title: Thugs facing murder charges
uri: Thugs-facing-murder-charges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Thugs_facing_murder_charges%29
content:
<p>
Two Oklahoma thugs face murder charges <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/03/us/Jared-lakey-death-Oklahoma-police-taser.html">after killing Jared Lakey by tasing
him 50 times</a>.

<p>
They lied afterward about what they had done.  Can't they be
prosecuted for that too?  The murder charges may or may not stick,
but conviction for a false report should be easy, and that would make
sure they can't get hired again as <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


feed_id: bad284d6051e67e5e7c9420e1278f1d5
title: Universal back door in cars
uri: Universal-back-door-in-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Universal_back_door_in_cars%29
content:
<p>
BMW will remotely enable and disable functionality in cars
<a href="https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-vehicle-as-a-platform/">through a universal back door</a>.


feed_id: f20307b4575793693ec129cb0bcc9005
title: Wake up phrases
uri: Wake-up-phrases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Wake_up_phrases%29
content:
<p>
Researchers discovered 1000 phrases that made "smart" listening devices
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/07/uncovered-1000-phrases-that-incorrectly-trigger-alexa-siri-and-google-assistant/">wake up and start transmitting to the company's servers</a>.


feed_id: bffbaf3fb176dd55b3f9cc1242905ca7
title: Posting chat logs of users
uri: Posting-chat-logs-of-users
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_%28Posting_chat_logs_of_users%29
content:
<p>
The CEO of Procto-rio showed what an asshole he is, using that
company's exam software <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/01/ceo-of-exam-monitoring-software-proctorio-apologises-for-posting-students-chat-logs-on-reddit">to crack a students' computer and posting per
chat logs</a>.


feed_id: 4d698b0ba667e2fc327de90ff6d74221
title: More expensive and less accountable
uri: More-expensive-and-less-accountable
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28More_expensive_and_less_accountable%29

content:
<p>
Spending military funds through contractors <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/08/camo-economy-hides-military-costs-and-exacerbates-inequality">makes the work they pay
for both more expensive and less accountable</a>.


feed_id: 62979a4089f5aa39785f5e7af0ea6319
title: Robber barons
uri: Robber-barons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Robber_barons%29
content:
<p>
The history of US "robber barons" from the 19th century to the 21st,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/08/beware-21st-century-robber-barons">and how they increasingly rob the non-rich</a>.


feed_id: 556aae39b2fa45f3fe2d1cee3b1cdc37
title: They do not care about students
uri: They-do-not-care-about-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28They_do_not_care_about_students%29
content:
<p>
*Teachers Say Rush to Reopen Schools Without Covid-19 Safety Plan <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/08/teachers-say-rush-reopen-schools-without-covid-19-safety-plan-shows-trump-and-devos">Shows Trump
and DeVos 'Do Not Care About Students'</a>.*


feed_id: 432591517142430d7d0a114b19980966
title: Corporations attacking Covid-19 policies
uri: Corporations-attacking-Covid-19-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Corporations_attacking_Covid-19_policies%29

content:
<p>
*Law Firms Are Recruiting Corporations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/07/law-firms-are-recruiting-corporations-attack-covid-19-policies-isds-corporate">to Attack COVID-19 Policies in ISDS
"Corporate Courts."</a>


feed_id: 04bd404b3c760471ce023c2e2457ea34
title: Jail for mass grave discoverer
uri: Jail-for-mass-grave-discoverer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Jail_for_mass_grave_discoverer%29
content:
<p>
The political prisoners murdered at Stalin's orders were buried in
mass graves.  Yuri Dmitriev, who discovered one of them, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/world/europe/russia-historian-stalin-mass-graves.html">has been jailed based on extremely strained accusations of "child pornography"</a>.


feed_id: dc439e4281492429fb88a623e6bb8130
title: Freedom of being childfree
uri: Freedom-of-being-childfree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Freedom_of_being_childfree%29
content:
<p>
On the freedom <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/08/childfree-why-i-dont-have-children-freedom">that comes from being childfree</a>.


feed_id: d78e24894ca8f4b97ba34c9e076e33a1
title: Universities and China
uri: Universities-and-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Universities_and_China%29
content:
<p>
Western universities must limit their involvement with China and
dependence on funds from China, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jul/09/uk-universities-urged-to-adopt-risk-management-strategy-with-china">so that they don't fear a cutoff of
those funds</a>.

<p>
China will surely try to make universities compete for most subservient.


feed_id: 005be3207ecca8009e4f9b4f0b88b145
title: Biden and for-profit healthcare
uri: Biden-and-for-profit-healthcare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Biden_and_for-profit_healthcare%29
content:
<p>
*Biden Defends Undying Allegiance to For-Profit Healthcare During Interview
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/08/biden-defends-undying-allegiance-profit-healthcare-during-interview-dying-medicare">With Dying Medicare for All Advocate Ady Barkan</a>.*


feed_id: 01a32c52f64312a78fa536e9a181c67d
title: Corporations and contraceptive coverage
uri: Corporations-and-contraceptive-coverage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Corporations_and_contraceptive_coverage%29

content:
<p>
The Supreme Court extended the damage done by giving human rights to
inhuman corporations, by saying they have the right, on account of
their religion, to deny contraceptive coverage to their employees.

<p>
One more reason <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/08/sanders-khanna-say-scotus-ruling-contraceptives-just-one-more-reason-demand-medicare">to enact Medicare for All</a>
  and disconnect the medical system from employment.

<p>
We also need to amend the constitution to reject the idea that corporations
are entitled to the rights of humans.
  Please phone your congresscritter and say so.

<p>
A corporation once begged me to allow it get down on its knees and pray.
Except it wasn't "pray", it was "prey".


feed_id: ecbc69c009437dcbb59a99ca002b34dd
title: Economic benefits of protecting land and ocean
uri: Economic-benefits-of-protecting-land-and-ocean
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Economic_benefits_of_protecting_land_and_ocean%29

content:
<p>
*New Report Finds Economic Benefits <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/08/new-report-finds-economic-benefits-protecting-30-planets-land-and-ocean-outweigh">of Protecting 30% of Planet's Land and
Ocean Outweigh the Costs 5-to-1</a>.*


feed_id: 2c835266392cd395ab285253b0512d51
title: Creeping sensation of being watched more
uri: Creeping-sensation-of-being-watched-more
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Creeping_sensation_of_being_watched_more%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/man-can-t-shake-feeling-that-someone-other-than-governm-1844311785">satire</a>) *Adreese Fowler admitted
   Wednesday that he just couldn’t seem to shake the creeping sensation
   that someone other than the government, his employer, and advertisers
   was watching him.*

<p>
Is it <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/what-mary-had.html">a store where he pays other than cash?  A school where he studies?  A clinic?  The phone network?  Amazon Ring?  Clearview AI?
Guber or Lyft?  Easypass?  His car itself?  His thermostat?  His TV?</a>


feed_id: e3533c2640a27efcc073d95591e84f2a
title: Urgent: ban use of tear gas
uri: Urgent-ban-use-of-tear-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_ban_use_of_tear_gas%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-200708-aoc-tear-gas">call on Congress</a> to ban use of tear gases in the US.


feed_id: e069c3c43f7ba3346e7e01b147595752
title: Proposed civil war
uri: Proposed-civil-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Proposed_civil_war%29
content:
<p>
A violent right-wing anarchist extremist movement uses the term
"boogaloo" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/boogaloo-boys-movement-who-are-they-what-do-they-believe">to refer to a proposed civil war in the US</a>.

<p>
The lying right-wing extremists in power in the US government say that
"boogaloo" is not right-wing, but that is their usual big lie tactic.

<p>
The difference between those violent right-wing anarchists and the
right-wing anarchist <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">Antisocialist Party</a>
                                         (which calls itself
"Libertarian") is a matter of degree.  Since there is a spectrum of
views among the supporters of "boogaloo" also, it should not surprise
us that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">Antisocialist</a> presidential candidate looked for support
among them.

<p>
Nonetheless, the two do disagree.  "Boogaloo" right-wing anarchist
extremists would like to destroy the state, which would allow anyone
to plunder anyone else, whereas the right-wing extremists in power
want to use the state to plunder everyone else.

<p>
Lost in all this is the purpose of a democratic state: <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">to restrain the
rich from plundering everyone else and give everyone a decent life
with human rights</a>.
  The US made a pretty good effort at this, and in the 1960s tried
specially to include minorities.

<p>
Only half-hearted vestiges of that effort remain today after 40 years
of increasing plutocratist <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>, but Medicare, Medicaid, Social
Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance, and support for housing
and education still do considerable good for non-wealthy Americans.
They are insufficient to overcome all the harm the US government
encourages big business to do, but without them things would be much
worse.  That's why the right-wing extremists now in power are rushing
to sabotage them as much as they can.


feed_id: e4c0e2db9784181e6f25ca258c5c6112
title: Facts about bailout money
uri: Facts-about-bailout-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Facts_about_bailout_money%29
content:
<p>
The Federal Reserve has refused to tell the public <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/08/public-has-right-know-fed-refuses-release-documents-fossil-fuel-industrys-covid-19">the facts about
giving "bailout" money to fossil fuel companies</a>.


feed_id: e6d4e6897a7026dc643d924caf265f0d
title: Justice and open debate
uri: Justice-and-open-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#10_July_2020_%28Justice_and_open_debate%29
content:
<p>
*A Letter <a href="https://harpers.org/a-letter-on-justice-and-open-debate/">on Justice and Open Debate</a>.*

<p>
I endorse this letter wholeheartedly.


feed_id: c1ed11729dd758ce3e6d3c476062c390
title: Protecting pollinating insects
uri: Protecting-pollinating-insects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Protecting_pollinating_insects%29
content:
<p>

The EU talks about protecting pollinating insect species from pesticides, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/brussels-failing-to-protect-bees-says-watchdog">its policies are inadequate</a> because of loopholes and exceptions.


feed_id: 500bcd3702a66497e5802d3eb9661094
title: Museum to mosque
uri: Museum-to-mosque
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Museum_to_mosque%29
content:
<p>

Erdoğan plans to convert Justinian's Hagia Sophia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/10/turkey-court-ruling-paves-way-for-istanbuls-ayasofya-to-revert-to-mosque">from a museum to a mosque</a>.


feed_id: 96c19eeac9e288f0bb1b70034be6c5b5
title: China deserves to be condemned
uri: China-deserves-to-be-condemned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28China_deserves_to_be_condemned%29
content:
<p>

*[The bullshitter] is a hypocrite on China [as he generally is] &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/10/trump-china-beijing-hong-kong-uighurs">China deserves to be condemned</a>.*


feed_id: 42a8cd9bc6d783884e3142bca289366e
title: Fall in CO2 emissions caused by Covid-19 is far less than what is needed
uri: Fall-in-CO2-emissions-caused-by-Covid-19-is-far-less-than-what-is-need
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Fall_in_CO2_emissions_caused_by_Covid-19_is_far_less_than_what_is_needed%29

content:
<p>

The fall in CO2 emissions caused by Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/coronavirus-global-emissions-study">far less than what is needed</a> to avoid global heating disaster. Even if the observed decrease were repeated annually, it would be far from sufficient.
<p>
Delaying a massive switch to renewable energy by one year would more than cancel it out.


feed_id: 3dc8d35acbdc06e53d5613cb1cbb0c40
title: Closure of businesses to reduce Covid-19 transmission
uri: Closure-of-businesses-to-reduce-Covid-19-transmission
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Closure_of_businesses_to_reduce_Covid-19_transmission%29

content:
<p>

Several US states are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/florida-coronavirus-cases-icu-beds-arizona-texas">closing some sorts of businesses to reduce transmission of Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It is foolish to apply anti-transmission measures by baby steps.  That will take a long time to make transmission taper off.  States should instead take a big step which is surely enough to drive R well under 1.


feed_id: 83689ace98577597c607fae145c0c5b3
title: Wildlife traffickers
uri: Wildlife-traffickers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Wildlife_traffickers%29
content:
<p>

*Wildlife traffickers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/wildlife-traffickers-target-lion-jaguar-and-leopard-body-parts-as-tiger-substitutes-aoe">target lion, jaguar and leopard body parts as tiger substitutes</a>.*
<p>
They should try using cow parts or domestic cat parts.  Those animals are not endangered, and their parts can be obtained easily and lawfully.


feed_id: 5df93a52dc4dbaddf5a71a8b7b0d35cc
title: Starr County Officials were licking Covid-19
uri: Starr-County-Officials-were-licking-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Starr_County_Officials_were_licking_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Starr County officials were licking Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/texas-starr-county-covid-19-model-greg-abbott">until the governor of Texas imposed reopening everywhere in the state</a>.


feed_id: da2eebf85d179fa6b83d1a6e25e8328a
title: Biggest radio and TV broadcaster in the Philippines
uri: Biggest-radio-and-TV-broadcaster-in-the-Philippines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Biggest_radio_and_TV_broadcaster_in_the_Philippines%29

content:
<p>

The Philippines have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/10/philippine-lawmakers-vote-shutdown-top-broadcaster-abs-cbn-rodrigo-duterte">closed the biggest radio and TV broadcaster in the country</a> as punishment for not running Do-dirty's campaign ads.


feed_id: b8ec72fc114686c5d2125d04f31b2471
title: Center for Body Donations in Paris
uri: Center-for-Body-Donations-in-Paris
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Center_for_Body_Donations_in_Paris%29

content:
<p>

The Center for Body Donations in Paris <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/09/bodies-donated-science-left-eaten-rats-paris-university-centre">neglected many donated corpses</a> and allowed them to be eaten by rats.
<p>
Why do people make such a fuss about what will happen to their dead bodies?  If those corpses would have been useful to science, it was a sad loss to science that they were instead wasted on feeding rats.  A wasteful failure, but not a heinous crime.  It can't have any effect on the people whose bodies they formerly were.  Those people are dead.
<p>
Someday one of those bodies might be mine, since I have offered my future dead body to research.  (That is the most useful thing I can think of to do with it.)  My opinion about wasting those donations is the same regardless of whether the body in question is mine or another's.


feed_id: 15d2368b5f75cb253cb4c3bc7fee6941
title: Republican in Wisconsin
uri: Republican-in-Wisconsin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Republican_in_Wisconsin%29
content:
<p>

Republicans in Wisconsin have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/09/wisconsin-court-upholds-laws-curbing-powers-of-democratic-officials">seized legislative power permanently</a> despite being opposed by a majority of the state's voters.


feed_id: d240e5eb3b97e196865781cc2cc5ff64
title: (satire) Corrupt Policeman
uri: (satire)-Corrupt-Policeman
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Corrupt_Policeman%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://local.theonion.com/corrupt-policeman-worried-about-working-with-partner-wh-1844309860">Corrupt Policeman Worried About Working With Partner Who Has Never Once Taken Bribe.</a>*


feed_id: efe5ba6715fb100546b0800bfc88a751
title: Conman's rally in Tulsa on June 20
uri: Conman-s-rally-in-Tulsa-on-June-20
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Conman%27s_rally_in_Tulsa_on_June_20%29

content:
<p>

The conman's rally in Tulsa on June 20 only half filled the arena, but it achieved a substantial <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/connect-dots-tulsa-health-official-points-trump-rally-likely-source-covid-19-spike">success in spreading Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: c275f981ae9db75e92321aa6a2d606b6
title: Fossil fuel companies pretend they are financially stable
uri: Fossil-fuel-companies-pretend-they-are-financially-stable
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Fossil_fuel_companies_pretend_they_are_financially_stable%29

content:
<p>

Fossil fuel companies are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/game-report-says-asset-sales-and-debt-driven-dividends-show-fossil-fuel-industry">borrowing money to pretend they are financially stable</a>.  Lending to them only helps them continue the pretense longer.


feed_id: 8fbdbaf3ddbc87dc5765cd298eee725b
title: Police inquiry across England and Wales
uri: Police-inquiry-across-England-and-Wales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Police_inquiry_across_England_and_Wales%29

content:
<p>

*Police across England and Wales face an inquiry to establish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/09/police-in-england-and-wales-face-inquiry-into-possible-racial-bias">whether they racially discriminate against ethnic minorities</a> in their use of force and stop and search.*


feed_id: f02c83683fe5bf6449a9d13fc2985ead
title: The antiwar movement
uri: The-antiwar-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28The_antiwar_movement%29
content:
<p>

The antiwar movement <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/09/undercover-patriots">is booming among US military veterans and current soldiers</a>.


feed_id: 443d16b911aed8e2cae1a52dc013a3ff
title: Confrontation between three groups of armed protesters
uri: Confrontation-between-three-groups-of-armed-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Confrontation_between_three_groups_of_armed_protesters%29

content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/09/when-all-protesters-have-guns">strange confrontation</a> between three groups of armed protesters: blacks, white supremacists, and white anti-supremacists.
<p>
What is clear is that guns are a significant cause of death in the US, and more guns will mean more deaths per week, even fighting does not break out.


feed_id: 96f51fbb2ce8f16241a8492280e0e55a
title: Twitter-Affiliated Startup Dataminr
uri: Twitter-Affiliated-Startup-Dataminr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Twitter-Affiliated_Startup_Dataminr%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/09/twitter-dataminr-police-spy-surveillance-black-lives-matter-protests/">Police Surveilled George Floyd Protests</a> With Help From Twitter-Affiliated Startup Dataminr.*


feed_id: 607537fa5bf49b077432786dba60deb1
title: Bankrolling meat and dairy
uri: Bankrolling-meat-and-dairy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Bankrolling_meat_and_dairy%29
content:
<p>

*Banks and pension funds among <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/09/banks-and-pension-funds-among-investors-bankrolling-meat-and-dairy">investors bankrolling meat and dairy</a>.*


feed_id: 8d52b52989d1de337b8446722bd7c608
title: Children in an unlivable future world
uri: Children-in-an-unlivable-future-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Children_in_an_unlivable_future_world%29

content:
<p>

*If I don’t think the world will be livable in the future, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/09/childfree-climate-crisis-anxiety-future-world">how can I bring a child into it?</a>*
<p>
I found singular use of "they" especially confusing in that article.


feed_id: 6bbff6a0a590c5320156d2b54c56b485
title: Right-wing terrorists attacking Black Lives Matter protests
uri: Right-wing-terrorists-attacking-Black-Lives-Matter-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Right-wing_terrorists_attacking_Black_Lives_Matter_protests%29

content:
<p>

Several individual right-wing terrorists have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/09/black-lives-matter-drivers-target-protesters-spate-of-attacks">attacked Black Lives Matter protests with cars and trucks</a>.


feed_id: 0d0a06683bdb16b0d67dfdf2b8a18dda
title: The conman's tax returns
uri: 2020-07-12-The-conman-s-tax-returns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28The_conman%27s_tax_returns%29
content:
<p>

The Supreme Court ruled that New York State is allowed to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/09/trump-supreme-court-tax-returns-lloyd-green">subpoena the conman's tax returns</a>.
<p>
They might eventually provide evidence of some sort of fraud which could be used to prosecute him, but I don't expect them to have great political impact, because it has taken too long (almost four years).
<p>
In 2016, he chose his tax returns as an example to show contempt for our political system.  When that didn't cause Republicans to reject him, he moved on to spit on other things far more important.  This year he has fired inspectors general, turned environmental regulations and financial regulations into nonsense, packed the US courts with right-wing extremists, and ordered soldiers to attack peaceful protesters.  Will showing we got his tax returns disappoint his supporters?  I doubt it.


feed_id: 8653ce25c00b20f326ebdaedfc0880f3
title: Urgent: Essential Workers Bill of Rights
uri: Urgent-Essential-Workers-Bill-of-Rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Essential_Workers_Bill_of_Rights%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="http://act.couragecampaign.org/letter/essentialworkersemailsenate/">support Essential Workers Bill of Rights</a>.

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


feed_id: db2f654f94c1d3a5450f77bb2a64eba0
title: Urgent: Congressional Inherent Contempt Power Act
uri: Urgent-Congressional-Inherent-Contempt-Power-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#12_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Congressional_Inherent_Contempt_Power_Act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-200702-oversight/">pass the Congressional Inherent Contempt Power Act</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://demings.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-demings-cosponsors-inherent-contempt-bill">Here</a> is an explanation of that bill.

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


feed_id: a789b30fa62b2520e9a930476c3f019f
title: Urgent: stop attacking independent media
uri: Urgent-stop-attacking-independent-media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_stop_attacking_independent_media%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://rsf.org/en/free-mariaressa">call on the Philippines</a> to drop charges against
journalists including Maria Ressa, and stop attacking independent media.


feed_id: 1048f5aa7d76848f15ee920fd0bd183b
title: Urgent: justice for Elijah McClain
uri: Urgent-justice-for-Elijah-McClain
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_justice_for_Elijah_McClain%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/file-criminal-charges-against-officers-who-murdered-elijah-mcclain/">call on Attorney General Weiser of Colorado</a> to prosecute
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that killed Elijah McClain.


feed_id: c0c144da8ef7d829404ce90780f17db0
title: No more green cards
uri: No-more-green-cards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28No_more_green_cards%29
content:
<p>
The US government has stopped printing green cards.  Authorized US
residents receive no way to prove that they are such, which means they
will suffer various sorts of harsh treatment <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/trump-administration-has-exploited-pandemic-effectively-shut-down-all-immigration">that was designed for
unauthorized immigrants</a>.


feed_id: 56a450eb51f63724e6629d672175b9e0
title: Stopping water pollution tracking
uri: Stopping-water-pollution-tracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Stopping_water_pollution_tracking%29

content:
<p>
*From Fossil Fuel Companies to Schools, 350+ Facilities <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/fossil-fuel-companies-schools-350-facilities-stopped-tracking-water-pollution-under">Stopped Tracking Water Pollution Under EPA's Temporary Pandemic Policy</a>.*


feed_id: 8f2983b1fdf567c0fba6d53b9d5841a1
title: Status Quo of endless war
uri: Status-Quo-of-endless-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Status_Quo_of_endless_war%29
content:
<p>
*'No Militarists' or 'Corporate Goons': Progressives Urge Biden to Appoint
Foreign Policy Team <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/no-militarists-or-corporate-goons-progressives-urge-biden-appoint-foreign-policy">That Rejects Status Quo of Endless War</a>.*

<p>
The criteria for personnel are good, and the goals are good to first
order.  However, in regard to promoting treaties for international
cooperation, we must not forget one kind of harmful treaty that Obama
promoted, and I think Biden would too: <a href="https://www.stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaties</a> such as the <a href="https://www.stallman.org/trance-pacific-partnership.html">Treacherous Plutocratic Poison</a>
  and NAFTA.  The new, replacement NAFTA <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#9_July_2020_(Changes_in_the_new_NAFTA)">is less bad than the original
one, but bad nonetheless</a>.


feed_id: 0bbe52bf2f4e611774302972a88fcc06
title: Economy that avoids coming collapses
uri: Economy-that-avoids-coming-collapses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Economy_that_avoids_coming_collapses%29

content:
<p>
Rejecting neoclassical economics, which has many flaws, leads to an idea
for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/10/new-eco-economic-paradigm">how to construct an economy that avoids coming collapses</a>.

<p>
I disagree, though, with the idea of treating the economy as an "ecosystem"
because that implies it evolves rather than being constructed and planned.
You could say that our problem is that neoclassical economics taught
us to make the mistake of allowing that.


feed_id: eec1dd60cb56cbc0c9ad73ae75aca50d
title: Make America weak and isolated
uri: Make-America-weak-and-isolated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Make_America_weak_and_isolated%29
content:
<p>
The actions that (according to the conman) would make America "great"
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/10/trumps-bull-destroys-china-shop-and-our-role-world">have in fact made it weak and isolated</a>.

<p>
This includes ever-increasing military spending.


feed_id: de430062686f8aec3858c20ad71b1edd
title: Frederick Douglass statue
uri: Frederick-Douglass-statue
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Frederick_Douglass_statue%29
content:
<p>
A statue of Frederick Douglass was torn down secretly, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/frederick-douglass-statue-torn-down-rochester-new-york-anniversary-july-4-speech">presumably by
white supremacists</a>.

<p>
In my view, Frederick Douglass deserves a statue and Robert E Lee does
not.  But there are advantages to making these decisions through a
democratic process, rather than letting might make right.


feed_id: b00705680a43054a512cb66811c77fa0
title: Prosecution of journalists
uri: Prosecution-of-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Prosecution_of_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Malaysia is threatening to prosecute Al Jazeera journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jul/10/police-interrogate-five-australian-al-jazeera-journalists-accused-of-sedition-in-malaysia">for publishing something that makes the government look bad</a>.


feed_id: 85f691d8d8e877f70fb737312eb7d854
title: Planing to close coal-powered generators
uri: Planing-to-close-coal-powered-generators
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Planing_to_close_coal-powered_generators%29

content:
<p>
Spain closed half its remaining coal-powered generators on June 30
<a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/spain-closes-half-of-all-its-coal-fired-power-stations-in-one-fell-swoop-47885/">and plans to close the rest</a>.


feed_id: a2a5a299554b9f0d42c0d3754ddd5d64
title: Public bank
uri: Public-bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Public_bank%29
content:
<p>
California is considering setting up a public bank, which would
enable state entities and others to store their savings <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/california-bill-establish-nations-second-public-bank-applauded-historic-challenge">while
supporting the public rather than a private company</a>.


feed_id: 90a8ba3e4eb84189d15de6d5caa96b01
title: High tides in Venice
uri: High-tides-in-Venice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28High_tides_in_Venice%29
content:
<p>
Italy is pushing to finish the system of movable barriers intended <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/10/venice-much-delayed-flood-defence-system-fully-tested-first-time-italy">to
protect Venice from especially high tides</a>.

<p>
Such a system can be effective for a time, but it always has an inherent limit
for the height of water it can block.  As sea level keeps rising, it will start
to exceed that limit.  Eventually it will wash over the barriers.

<p>
How high is that, and when is it likely to occur?


feed_id: 6ceae11c263a431c168b01eb2e6748a4
title: Execution of democracy advocates
uri: Execution-of-democracy-advocates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Execution_of_democracy_advocates%29
content:
<p>
Bahrain is on the verge of executing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jul/09/uk-accused-of-empty-talk-as-bahrain-activists-face-death-penalty-security-human-rights">two democracy advocates after
reportedly false confessions</a>.

<p>
As I recall, the kings of Bahrain are Sunnis but the majority of Bahrainis are
Shi'ites.  In 2011 they protested for democracy, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#17 March 2011 (Bahrain protests resume)">but Bahrain brought in 
troops from a nearby Arab country (UAE?) to crush the protests</a>.


feed_id: 962a623b84c7bf8a6e90c5bcd70ccf6e
title: Unity panels
uri: Unity-panels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Unity_panels%29
content:
<p>
The Biden-Sanders unity panels won Biden's assent to a number of
progressive proposals, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/09/lets-keep-organizing-inside-look-biden-sanders-task-force-climate">but not Medicare for All</a>.

<p>
The climate defense proposals go beyond what Congress has considered,
but <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#12_July_2019_(UK_emissions_proposal)">the use of the term "net zero" suggest they are based on a weak
foundation</a>.


feed_id: 30fa012d1d3c7bd0d95f8ca77cb64191
title: Investigation of supposed voter fraud
uri: Investigation-of-supposed-voter-fraud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Investigation_of_supposed_voter_fraud%29

content:
<p>
The bullshitter started a commission to investigate supposed voter
fraud in the US.  (Answer: there isn't any.)

<p>
Matthew Dunlap, a member of the commission, discovered he was there
only to make it look honest &mdash; the commission refused to show him the
supposed evidence it was looking at, and the staff were working on a
report which the supposed members were not told about.

<p>
He sued, got a copy, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/08/04/635668304/member-of-disbanded-trump-voter-fraud-commission-speaks-out">and found the staff had no evidence to go on</a>.

<p>
As has been reported many times before, there is no evidence of any
significant level of fraudulent voting in the US.  The only fraud that
really happens is when Republicans disenfranchise citizens that are
legally entitled to vote.


feed_id: 2bd3cfc4bd3d82680e5a462525d66546
title: Australia plans a secret trial against witness K
uri: Australia-plans-a-secret-trial-against-witness-K
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Australia_plans_a_secret_trial_against_witness_K%29

content:
<p>

Australia plans a secret trial against Witness K for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/12/witness-k-and-the-australian-spying-operation-that-continues-to-betray-timor-leste">exposing Australia's commercial spying on East Timor</a>.  Witness K's lawyer is being prosecuted too.
<p>
This makes Australia the moral equivalent of a gangster that tries to assassinate the witnesses to his crimes.
<p>
Ironically, this all concerns the question which country will get to extract oil from which parts of the sea between the two countries. The right answer is obvious: "Neither country can touch that oil &mdash; keep it in the ground!"


feed_id: 4da011e54212c9439826080b80446b33
title: Failure to lift people out of poverty in most of the world
uri: Failure-to-lift-people-out-of-poverty-in-most-of-the-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Failure_to_lift_people_out_of_poverty_in_most_of_the_world%29

content:
<p>

UN special rapporteur: the reported achievement of reducing extreme poverty masks a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/11/covid-19-has-revealed-a-pre-existing-pandemic-of-poverty-that-benefits-the-rich">misleading failure to lift people out of poverty in most of the world</a>.


feed_id: 9243e7b0968f6111bd618464b153bcb5
title: When we lose an office to work in
uri: When-we-lose-an-office-to-work-in
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28When_we_lose_an_office_to_work_in%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/11/out-of-office-has-the-homeworking-revolution-finally-arrived">What we lose</a> when we lose an office we work in.
<p>
I lost this in two stages, When the mob vilified me in September, I lost my own office.  Then in March I found myself with nowhere to go, ever, at all.


feed_id: 9f775fd26fc5de454eed2b0800b59bf6
title: Covid-19 spreading faster in California than in the spring
uri: Covid-19-spreading-faster-in-California-than-in-the-spring
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Covid-19_spreading_faster_in_California_than_in_the_spring%29

content:
<p>

California is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/california-coronavirus-covid-19-cases-death-toll-record">suffering from even faster spread of Covid-19 than in the spring</a>, and its testing capacity is overwhelmed.
<p>
The state's response is small, and I doubt it will stop the disease from spreading further.
<p>
It is a positive step to release 8,000 prisoners, but taking 7 weeks to do that will spoil the intended effect.  Thousands of them could catch Covid-19 in prison before they are released.


feed_id: 1bc8baac2f4a548b3de5abb57977a8a7
title: Australia truth and justice commission
uri: Australia-truth-and-justice-commission
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Australia_truth_and_justice_commision%29

content:
<p>

Victoria, a state in Australia, will set up a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/11/victoria-to-set-up-australias-first-truth-telling-commission-led-by-first-peoples-assembly">truth and justice commission</a> to examine and recognize wrongs against Aboriginal people.


feed_id: b81dbb78d6cc9e51cf5362d9e9375954
title: Thug killed Andres Guardado by shooting him five times in the back
uri: Thug-killed-Andres-Guardado-by-shooting-him-five-times-in-the-back
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Thug_killed_Andres_Guardado_by_shooting_him_five_times_in_the_back%29

content:
<p>

A thug killed Andres Guardado in Los Angeles by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/andres-guardado-los-angeles-security-guard-shot-police-autopsy">shooting him five times in the back</a>.  Then the sheriff's department tried to keep this secret.
<p>
With no video to substantiate the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' story, we cannot assume it is true.


feed_id: 8d0afd84efcbfae470b32f433541ccad
title: High-rise housing project quarantine in Melbourne
uri: High-rise-housing-project-quarantine-in-Melbourne
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28High-rise_housing_project_quarantine_in_Melbourne%29

content:
<p>

Melbourne's support for the people quarantined in high-rise housing project was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/11/it-was-paternalism-how-government-support-for-melbournes-locked-down-public-housing-blocks-fell-short">chaotic</a>, as different agencies with their own rules, and sometimes hypercaution, got in each others' way. It took three days to work out how to give people the various things that they needed, including food, medicine and diapers.
<p>
The government had not thought of trying to plan how to deal with such a situation.


feed_id: 8af238f34fd34396aad58ebfe31e769e
title: Roger Stone released from prison
uri: Roger-Stone-released-from-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Roger_Stone_released_from_prison%29
content:
<p>

The corrupter has released his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/roger-stone-trump-commutes-prison-sentence">crony Roger Stone from prison</a>.

A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/10/roger-stone-five-things-to-know-about-trumps-controversial-ally">description</a> of his case.
<p>
We need a constitutional amendment to limit the president's power to pardon convicts whose crimes were related to the president.  The authors of the constitution may have supposed no president would sink so low.


feed_id: a194cea70fd4569a3368e31a8407dfa1
title: Supreme Court Rules Nearly Half of Oklahoma Still Native American Territory
uri: Supreme-Court-Rules-Nearly-Half-of-Oklahoma-Still-Native-American-Terr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Supreme_Court_Rules_Nearly_Half_of_Oklahoma_Still_Native_American_Territory%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/holding-us-government-its-treaty-promises-once-supreme-court-rules-nearly-half">Holding US Government to Its Treaty Promises 'For Once,'</a> Supreme Court Rules Nearly Half of Oklahoma Still Native American Territory.*


feed_id: 04d9b7c48f5df10f24f4e6a219749d49
title: New assessment of endangered species
uri: New-assessment-of-endangered-species
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28New_assessment_of_endangered_species%29

content:
<p>

A new assessment of endangered species <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/updated-species-extinction-list-signals-urgent-action-needed-save-life-earth">studied 132,000 species and found 1/4 of them to be in danger</a>.


feed_id: 303d98da8845f6056a761f19ab2473e2
title: If Israel claims to annex parts of Palestine
uri: If-Israel-claims-to-annex-parts-of-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28If_Israel_claims_to_annex_parts_of_Palestine%29

content:
<p>

If Israel claims to annex parts of Palestine, it will probably effectively confiscate large tracts of land from Palestinians, as it has done in the <a href="media/f8ee0ccb.Abestnetee_Property_East_Jerusalem_ENG.pdf" data-original-source="http://peacenow.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Abestnetee_Property_East_Jerusalem_ENG.pdf">areas near Jerusalem that Israel claimed to annex decades ago</a>.


feed_id: 94eb5ff938b2cca618d3a756d351d46f
title: Corruption turning Israel into a fascist state
uri: Corruption-turning-Israel-into-a-fascist-state
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Corruption_turning_Israel_into_a_fascist_state%29

content:
<p>

Ehud Olmert, former prime minister of Israel, says that <a href="https://www.jpost.com/opinion/ehud-olmert-to-post-israel-is-becoming-a-fascist-country-633672">Netanyahu's corruption is turning Israel into a fascist state</a>, with repression of protest and mass surveillance thrown in.


feed_id: 863d4d9b1b9960c720b82a52e13b192f
title: A string of fires and explosions in Iran
uri: A-string-of-fires-and-explosions-in-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28A_string_of_fires_and_explosions_in_Iran%29

content:
<p>

A string of fires and explosions in Iran could indicate that <a href="https://original.antiwar.com/sahimi/2020/07/05/israel-is-trying-to-provoke-iran-to-start-a-war/">Israel is trying to push Iran into a war</a> while the bully is still president.


feed_id: 387a8b807817a55ea04488f80760f356
title: (satire) Undiagnosed old age
uri: (satire)-Undiagnosed-old-age
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Undiagnosed_old_age%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *sources confirmed Thursday that 17-year-old Kevin Albright, a local teenager who died of coronavirus, <a href="https://www.theonion.com/teen-who-died-from-coronavirus-probably-had-undiagnosed-1844325600">probably had undiagnosed old age</a>.*


feed_id: f4ec7d6ca6eb8ec5e183a3801dfaea74
title: Most US states are not testing enough people
uri: Most-US-states-are-not-testing-enough-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28Most_US_states_are_not_testing_enough_people%29

content:
<p>

Most US states are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/despite-trump-claim-research-shows-us-covid-19-testing-rate-just-39-level-needed">not testing enough people</a> for Covid-19 to have a chance of holding back the increase of cases. Overall, the US is doing less than half of the rate of tests that would require.
<p>
The figure "39%" represents a degree of precision that makes no sense here.  We can only estimate the rate of testing required; we don't know enough to state it within a precision of 1 in 100.  I think that "40%" would still be excess precision.  What we really know is probably only "less than half the necessary rate but more than a quarter."


feed_id: 21b5f82dc0dbb027da1b44ee79527278
title: (satire) Teens are flocking to an app
uri: (satire)-Teens-are-flocking-to-an-app
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Teens_are_flocking_to_an_app%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellp; consumer trends researchers confirmed &hellip; that teens are flocking to a new app where they just <a href="https://www.theonion.com/teens-flock-to-new-app-where-they-just-enter-own-person-1844339166">enter their own personal data into a form</a>.*


feed_id: 8a1692ede624c7eef02a9bbfce13e9b9
title: Urgent: block gouging on Covid-19 treatment
uri: Urgent-block-gouging-on-Covid-19-treatment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_block_gouging_on_Covid-19_treatment%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.leftaction.com/survey/PET-Block-Covid-Price-Gouging/">call on Congress</a> to block price gouging for Covid-19 treatment.


feed_id: feebaa9a7491093b6e13db1074b7af3e
title: Choosing between kowtowing and trade war
uri: Choosing-between-kowtowing-and-trade-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Choosing_between_kowtowing_and_trade_war%29

content:
<p>
China believes it is so powerful now that all other countries must submit to
its economic colonization.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/12/china-will-punish-britain-for-defying-its-will-we-need-allies-to-hold-the-line">They must choose between kowtowing and trade war</a>.

<p>
Given that choice, other countries must choose trade war, and they must hit
hard enough to make China back down.  This does not have to be done in a
hostile fashion; there is no harm letting China save face.


feed_id: 7ffb2e4e21038da4ccac2aa44a33f842
title: Wealth correlation
uri: Wealth-correlation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Wealth_correlation%29
content:
<p>
A study from Sweden shows that people's wealth is correlated strongly
with the wealth of the families they are brought up in &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/12/egalitarians-be-warned-wealth-begets-wealth">more so than
with their biological parents</a>.


feed_id: 74f12441c157218e2809bb5041985fff
title: Saving rare bees
uri: Saving-rare-bees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Saving_rare_bees%29
content:
<p>
*Making a beeline: wildflower paths across UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/12/making-a-beeline-wildflower-paths-across-uk-could-save-species">could save [rare bee] species</a>.*


feed_id: e8e65d8ee354bea1e478d56630c10692
title: Sabotage of nuclear facilities
uri: Sabotage-of-nuclear-facilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Sabotage_of_nuclear_facilities%29
content:
<p>
More reports that Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/12/sabotage-sanctions-and-the-bullying-of-iran-is-bound-to-backfire-on-the-west">sabotaged Iranian nuclear and missile
development facilities</a>.
  This, together with US hostility, is helping right-wing extremists take power in Iran.


feed_id: fc4fcbbf40a5bb9c66cfefa2af2026e2
title: Allowing prisoners to vote
uri: Allowing-prisoners-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Allowing_prisoners_to_vote%29
content:
<p>
Washington DC <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/12/washington-dc-prisoners-vote-election">will allow prisoners to vote</a>.

<p>
Prisoners will be able to vote for officials that will release them &mdash;
and if the prisoners are so numerous that this has a big effect on the outcome,
I think it will be fair.


feed_id: 538b57ee4e05a3cc8fe16c3a592072cf
title: Errors and violations led to destroying airplane
uri: Errors-and-violations-led-to-destroying-airplane
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Errors_and_violations_led_to_destroying_airplane%29

content:
<p>
Iran reported that the firing of a missile which destroyed Ukraine
Airlines 752 on errors by the missile launching crew, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/12/iran-report-downed-ukrainian-jet-air-defence-system">including violating
the rule not to fire without specific approval</a>.


feed_id: 2dfe2e8ff8a8c90790d7514ff45aa379
title: Wet markets
uri: Wet-markets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Wet_markets%29
content:
<p>
Don't confuse the "wet markets" of China, which sell live wild animals,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jun/17/food-live-animal-markets-new-york-coronavirus">with the stores in the US that sell live farmed chickens</a>.


feed_id: eb1419a857ccfcb9b47fd4f58ce0b1a0
title: Downplaying decreasing number of whales
uri: Downplaying-decreasing-number-of-whales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Downplaying_decreasing_number_of_whales%29

content:
<p>
The bullshitter has NOAA downplaying <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/watchdog-accuses-trumps-noaa-choosing-extinction-critically-threatened-right-whales">the decreasing numbers of North
Atlantic right whales</a>.


feed_id: 99084950650ddf637e74e5b083402e7c
title: Hearing the case of people kidnapped and tortured
uri: Hearing-the-case-of-people-kidnapped-and-tortured
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Hearing_the_case_of_people_kidnapped_and_tortured%29

content:
<p>
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/10/survivors-us-torture-and-rendition-be-heard-international-tribunal">will hear the case
of people kidnapped and tortured by the US</a>.

<p>
Please don't use <a href="https://www.stallman.org/antiglossary.html#rendition">the whitewashing term "rendition"</a> to refer to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#17_April_2013_(Americas_highest_officials_responsible_for_torture_of_prisoners)">the practice
of handing prisoners over to be tortured</a>.


feed_id: c6a9913451a4af5c450fe6d0dc7f4db8
title: Illegally killed by drones
uri: Illegally-killed-by-drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Illegally_killed_by_drones%29
content:
<p>
Ilhan Omar Demands Pentagon Acknowledge, Compensate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/ilhan-omar-demands-pentagon-acknowledge-compensate-us-drone-strike-victims-illegally">US Drone Strike Victims
'Illegally Killed' in Somalia</a>.

<p>
The first step, for the US, is to stop denying and hiding the killing
of civilians.


feed_id: d7cff99a534dc36c57730e6497ab82af
title: Censoring of posts by Facebook
uri: Censoring-of-posts-by-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Censoring_of_posts_by_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
*Facebook agreed <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-facebook-exclusive/exclusive-facebook-agreed-to-censor-posts-after-vietnam-slowed-traffic-sources-idUSKCN2232JX">to censor posts after Vietnam slowed traffic</a>.*


feed_id: 737972ffed1e4ed07dc00d0b33e6adfb
title: Voting for avoidable suffering and death
uri: Voting-for-avoidable-suffering-and-death
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Voting_for_avoidable_suffering_and_death%29

content:
<p>
Voting for a candidate that opposes Medicare for All <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/11/vote-american-healthcare-vote-violence">is voting for
avoidable suffering and death</a>.


feed_id: 3a698e978cb0b7815d8fc56bd519acbb
title: Dr Fauci in the doghouse
uri: Dr-Fauci-in-the-doghouse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Dr_Fauci_in_the_doghouse%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter has put Dr Fauci in the doghouse <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/07/11/fauci-trump-coronavirus/">and no longer meets
with him</a>.

<p>
*Fauci Admits Penchant for Facts About Covid-19 Threat Explains <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/10/fauci-admits-penchant-facts-about-covid-19-threat-explains-why-hes-not-tv-so-much">Why He's Not
on TV So Much Anymore</a>.*


feed_id: fc19b0d12fc3c14613fe2bcc6f7257a7
title: Hunger strike in Guantanamo
uri: Hunger-strike-in-Guantanamo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#14_July_2020_%28Hunger_strike_in_Guantanamo%29
content:
<p>
Asadullah Haroon, prisoner in Guantanamo, explains his hunger strike &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/10/give-me-freedom-or-give-me-death-13-years-without-trial-guantanamo-my-hunger-strike">it is the last thing left to him</a>.


feed_id: 9647144e1c24aacb8aff9f28186d6538
title: Pressure cities to sell off their water systems
uri: Pressure-cities-to-sell-off-their-water-systems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Pressure_cities_to_sell_off_their_water_systems%29

content:
<p>

Plutocratist Democrat Duckworth joined with a Republican to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/13/inappropriate-unjust-and-unreasonable-300-groups-slam-duckworth-water-privatization">propose to pressure cities to sell off their water systems</a>.  The people would pay various kinds of price for that year after year.


feed_id: 791cff3f661f50e289de85ccdf1f8045
title: Facebook's plan for a global digital currency and payment system
uri: Facebook-s-plan-for-a-global-digital-currency-and-payment-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Facebook%27s_plan_for_a_global_digital_currency_and_payment_system%29

content:
<p>

Facebook's plan for a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/01/demand-progress-education-fund-and-afr-education-fund-reject-recent-changes">global digital currency and payment system</a> would certainly expose people to surveillance of their purchases, just like other non-cash payment systems.  However, if it achieves the size that Facebook hopes for, it could be dangerous in other ways.
<p>
"Buyer, beware" is not an adequate response to systems backed by giant
corporations that pressure people to use them.
<p>
Our system for anonymous payments, <a href="taler.net">GNU Taler</a>, is being integrated into
the Euro banking system and aims for official approval for general use.  Recently developers made the first transfer from one real bank account to another real bank account, as part of a test.


feed_id: f0fe60a0f650d814b9751cd9f2bee262
title: Spyware in phone of Catalan elected official
uri: Spyware-in-phone-of-Catalan-elected-official
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Spyware_in_phone_of_Catalan_elected_official%29

content:
<p>

A Catalan elected official <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/13/top-catalan-politician-says-alleged-attack-confirms-fears-about-spanish-state">accuses the Spanish state</a> of inserting the spyware that was found in his phone.


feed_id: f43cf5f9bcfdc1aee2b29904966ed3ad
title: Brazil Fires
uri: Brazil-Fires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Brazil_Fires%29
content:
<p>

*Outcry from environmentalists as Brazil fires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/13/brazil-firing-amazon-deforestation-data">official monitoring deforestation</a>.*


feed_id: bee6ff681660cde9c9b08400cd8f05c6
title: Covid-19 deaths if UK doesn't take action to avoid second wave
uri: Covid-19-deaths-if-UK-doesn-t-take-action-to-avoid-second-wave
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Covid-19_deaths_if_UK_doesn%27t_take_action_to_avoid_second_wave%29

content:
<p>

*Experts say at worst <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/action-to-stop-winter-covid-19-second-wave-in-uk-must-start-now">120,000 coronavirus patients could die in NHS hospitals</a> during winter*, if the UK does not take action to avoid a second wave.


feed_id: ce48ee749352c4197e075213c63a9c02
title: Plain packaging for cigarettes
uri: 2020-07-15-Plain-packaging-for-cigarettes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Plain_packaging_for_cigarettes%29
content:
<p>

Requiring plain packaging for cigarette packs in the UK had a positive effect:
smoking was already declining, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/13/uk-tobacco-sales-fell-faster-after-plain-packaging-rules-came-into-force-cigarettes">it has declined faster after that law</a>.


feed_id: 2f7ee8873f9cb06c6790e3c54de727c3
title: Israeli [thugs] tear down anti-Netanyahu protest camp
uri: Israeli-thugs-tear-down-anti-Netanyahu-protest-camp
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Israeli_%5Bthugs%5D_tear_down_anti-Netanyahu_protest_camp%29

content:
<p>

*Israeli [thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/13/israeli-police-tear-down-anti-netanyahu-protest-camp-corruption-covid-19-crisis">tear down anti-Netanyahu protest camp</a>*.


feed_id: a15583b1065c4e97d100678f3534b710
title: Count of the bullshitter's misleading statements
uri: Count-of-the-bullshitter-s-misleading-statements
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Count_of_the_bullshitter%27s_misleading_statements%29

content:
<p>

Last week the bullshitter reached a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/13/donald-trump-20000-false-or-misleading-claims">total of 20,000 false or
misleading statements</a> while in office.


feed_id: 421cedf79cd11811cd2bb59f38ad87fd
title: Texan, age 30, went to a "Covid party"
uri: Texan-age-30-went-to-a-Covid-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Texan%2C_age_30%2C_went_to_a_Covid_party%29

content:
<p>

A Texan, age 30, went to a "Covid party" thinking that the virus was a joke.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/13/30-year-old-dies-covid-party-texas">Perse repented that decision on per deathbed</a>.


feed_id: 1d716a7cf71affd32c11dcaeb529f9d4
title: Reopening US schools
uri: Reopening-US-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Reopening_US_schools%29
content:
<p>

Internal CDC documents warn that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/11/politics/cdc-documents-warn-high-risk-schools-reopening/index.html">reopening US schools would dangerously spread coronavirus</a>.
<p>
Why hasn't the CDC published this?  I would guess that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief blocked it somehow.


feed_id: 9d3b566f498f5493bed978dab637a802
title: Massachusetts's strong measures to curb the spread of Covid-19
uri: Massachusetts-s-strong-measures-to-curb-the-spread-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Massachusetts%27s_strong_measures_to_curb_the_spread_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/10/nation/worst-case-scenarios-predicted-mass-hospitals-would-be-overwhelmed-by-covid-19-patients-heres-why-that-didnt-happen/">Massachusetts's strong measures to curb the spread of Covid-19</a> enabled its hospitals to cope with all the seriously ill patients.


feed_id: 431532402eb8236ee799c68e3c205761
title: Jailing dissidents as "terrorists"
uri: Jailing-dissidents-as-terrorists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Jailing_dissidents_as_terrorists%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/09/dutertes-anti-terror-law-a-dark-new-chapter-for-philippines-experts-warn">A new law would empower Do-dirty's thugs</a> to call dissidents "terrorists" and jail them for a long time.


feed_id: 5c353fd2eaafc6167ce49b1d14f33254
title: Hunger could kill millions more than Covid-19
uri: Hunger-could-kill-millions-more-than-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Hunger_could_kill_millions_more_than_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

*Hunger could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/09/hunger-could-kill-millions-more-than-covid-19-warns-oxfam">kill millions more than Covid-19</a>, warns Oxfam.*


feed_id: 8122cde4a78ba1eb3f69fbe3b2b61df0
title: When prisoners in US immigration prisons catch Covid-19
uri: When-prisoners-in-US-immigration-prisons-catch-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28When_prisoners_in_US_immigration_prisons_catch_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

When prisoners in US immigration prisons catch Covid-19, the US does
not give them medical care.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/26/coronavirus-ice-detention-deportation-haiti-guatemala">It deports them to their countries of
origin</a>, which can't give them any medical care, where they can either
spread the disease or die or both.


feed_id: 138053f32bf342d7508ae23354af4591
title: On track to soon hit 1.5ºC Paris Accord Limit
uri: On-track-to-soon-hit-1-5ºC-Paris-Accord-Limit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28On_track_to_soon_hit_1.5%C3%82%C2%BAC_Paris_Accord_Limit%29

content:
<p>

*Humanity on Track to Soon Hit <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/humanity-track-soon-hit-15oc-paris-accord-limit-atmospheric-co2-nears-level-not-seen">1.5ºC Paris Accord Limit as Atmospheric CO2 Nears Level Not Seen in 15 Million Years</a>.*


feed_id: 095fdc3ff462472d044f7e8ae0ec66bd
title: Stop the rich from evading their taxes
uri: Stop-the-rich-from-evading-their-taxes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Stop_the_rich_from_evading_their_taxes%29

content:
<p>

Sanders wants the US to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/09/absolute-outrage-sanders-rips-wealthy-tax-cheats-cbo-estimates-381-billion-annual">do more to stop the rich from evading their taxes</a>.


feed_id: ad999a26ffcd3d89dbecd1b0e7fed632
title: Immunity to Covid-19 could be lost in months
uri: Immunity-to-Covid-19-could-be-lost-in-months
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Immunity_to_Covid-19_could_be_lost_in_months%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/12/immunity-to-covid-19-could-be-lost-in-months-uk-study-suggests">Immunity to Covid-19 could be lost in months</a>, UK study suggests.*
<p>
More precisely, the study finds that antibodies to Covid-19 tend to
disappear after some months.  Other kinds of immune response may last
longer.  We do not know whether people will become vulnerable to
reinfection 3, 6 or 12 months after recovering from Covid-19.
<p>
This is additional reason why we should try hard to cut off
transmission and quickly &mdash; the approach used by East Asian countries
rather than the approach of the numskull.


feed_id: ca660763ec3cee1d4c288dd6a6d0984a
title: Lockdown is key
uri: Lockdown-is-key
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Lockdown_is_key%29
content:
<p>
*Melbourne lockdown <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/14/melbourne-lockdown-key-to-getting-covid-19-contact-tracing-to-manageable-level-expert-says">key to getting Covid-19 contact tracing to manageable
level, expert says</a>.*

<p>
The US is far beyond the level at which contact tracing is feasible.
The only way to reach that level is with firm and strong measures to
keep people apart.


feed_id: cf5fff5c1e1899d0eae867bd34cc57cf
title: Collection of identity data from hotels
uri: Collection-of-identity-data-from-hotels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Collection_of_identity_data_from_hotels%29

content:
<p>
One state in Australia is ordering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/14/nsw-on-extra-high-alert-for-covid-19-resurgence-as-hotel-crackdown-announced">immediate collection of identity data
for everyone that stays in a hotel</a>.

<p>
The stated purpose, contact tracing for Covid-19, is a legitimate one.
But this surveillance goes far beyond what the purpose requires, and that
makes it an injustice.

<p>
Sad to say, this unjust level of surveillance has existed for decades
in many countries.  In those countries that gives me one additional reason
to try to avoid hotels.


feed_id: 568e0b159090b435c1fa6bd93a234d74
title: Global tax system on digital services
uri: Global-tax-system-on-digital-services
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Global_tax_system_on_digital_services%29

content:
<p>
European countries want a global tax system on digital services,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jun/18/uk-europe-global-digital-tax-us-quits-talks-tech">but the conman's men are dead set against it</a>.


feed_id: c6a0d2c78b021c5df7f96deda659a253
title: Personal data from WhatsApp
uri: Personal-data-from-WhatsApp
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Personal_data_from_WhatsApp%29
content:
<p>
The personal data that WhatsApp collects <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/25/whatsapp-backlash-facebook-data-privacy-users">is also available to Facebook</a>.


feed_id: 8b5d9a8558570510a5a043622bd72623
title: Way for fast talkers to get rich
uri: Way-for-fast-talkers-to-get-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Way_for_fast_talkers_to_get_rich%29
content:
<p>
It is easy for fast talkers to get rich now.  They get a government
contract to sell masks at a high price, <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/you-can-make-millions-selling-masks-to-the-government-in-three-easy-steps">then buy them on the open
market</a>.


feed_id: 9d4bd02982210bd593be5711c86e5574
title: Right to repair hospital ventilators
uri: Right-to-repair-hospital-ventilators
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Right_to_repair_hospital_ventilators%29

content:
<p>
Hospitals can't fix broken ventilators (and other medical equipment)
because <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3azv9b/why-repair-techs-are-hacking-ventilators-with-diy-dongles-from-poland">it has proprietary software to implement internal DRM</a>.


feed_id: 4640bf0895a2785aef386e3465e9aeb5
title: Thugs equipment making lot of money
uri: Thugs-equipment-making-lot-of-money
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Thugs_equipment_making_lot_of_money%29

content:
<p>
US thugs don't have to pay for military equipment and arms, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/09/why-police-pay-nothing-for-military-equipment.html">but the
manufacturers make a lot of money from selling them</a>.


feed_id: 554a46588f29100d4c0584e46001f8bb
title: Thugs buying personal data from crackers
uri: Thugs-buying-personal-data-from-crackers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Thugs_buying_personal_data_from_crackers%29

content:
<p>

Thug departments are buying personal data that crackers steal from web
sites.  This is data <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3azvey/police-buying-hacked-data-spycloud">that they would normally have to get a warrant to collect</a>.

<p>
The result is to undermine everyone's protection against unjustified
government snooping.


feed_id: fb5108e5225b92123ed2b4847df55d0b
title: No return to old normal
uri: No-return-to-old-normal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28No_return_to_old_normal%29
content:
<p>
WHO: give up on the idea of a "return to the old normal"; the world needs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/13/no-return-old-normal-foreseeable-future-warns-who-chief">strong anti-transmission measures or Covid-19 will keep spreading</a>.

<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-administration-plants-137-000-corpses-in-fauci-s-1844367647">satire</a>) *&hellip; officials from the Trump administration reportedly
   planted 137,000 corpses in Anthony Fauci’s bed Monday to frame him for
   the country’s coronavirus deaths.*


feed_id: 96865dd66f9db424d12f3a0aa03a7577
title: Before boiling a lobster
uri: Before-boiling-a-lobster
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Before_boiling_a_lobster%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/kitchenaid-unveils-new-lobster-sedation-kit-to-reduce-c-1844366728">satire</a>) before boiling a lobster, use this handy sedation kit.

<p>
I once came across a suggestion: before boiling a lobster, put it on trial
for cannibalism (lobsters eagerly eat baby lobsters) and sentence it to death.

<p>
When it comes to human criminals, I oppose the death penalty
unconditionally, but cannibal lobsters are a different issue.


feed_id: 9e4457d86062be4a110e40264803073f
title: AIPAC's power is diminishing
uri: AIPAC-s-power-is-diminishing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28AIPAC%27s_power_is_diminishing%29
content:
<p>
AIPAC's power is diminishing; it can no longer force members of Congress
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/13/aipac-losing-its-grip-democrats">to endorse Israel's occupation policies</a>.


feed_id: efa6adb61aea9a942a360f7bb6f62b23
title: Sanders-Biden climate plan
uri: Sanders-Biden-climate-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Sanders-Biden_climate_plan%29
content:
<p>
Analyzing the insufficiencies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/12/better-climate-plans-still-arent-good-enough">in the Sanders-Biden climate plan</a>.

<p>
I disagree with that analysis in regard to carbon taxes.
If the tax rate increases fast, and if the tax is on actual emissions
and not some weasely "net emissions", it could impose powerful pressure
to cut down use.


feed_id: 755c2a7b9053cba3de600a7e6f018fc6
title: Fired for retracted essay from 1987
uri: Fired-for-retracted-essay-from-1987
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Fired_for_retracted_essay_from_1987%29

content:
<p>
Boeing fired an executive for an essay he published in 1987.  Some
employee complained that the essay made per feel "unsafe" even though
he had retracted it long before.  <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-07-12/boeing-cancel-culture-free-speech-reckoning">Insanely, the company validated that
complaint</a>.

<p>
Golightly's 1987 essay represented patriarchal thinking which never
made sense to me.  For some reason, I never picked up the usual sexist
habits of judging people's behavior; I took for granted that right and
wrong were the same for females as for males.

<p>
I have also never understood the "male bonding" that the essay refers
to.  No such thing happens with me.  (Perhaps this is why I don't care
about team sports.)  If cohesion of a military unit depends on that,
men like me should be rejected from the military.

<p>
These days I admire Kurdish and Yazidi women fighters, as well their
male comrades, because they are fighting against gruesome, hellish
tyranny: <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  And sometimes against dictators that attack them
(Assad, Erdoğan).

<p>
However, when it comes to the US, I think American women, and American
men, should be in combat a lot less than they are now.  We need <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_(Destroying_social_order_of_countries)">to end
America's forever wars, most of which had no justification even at the
outset</a>.


feed_id: dbcaa3b59c34a7d121050e270e6427fc
title: Violence in protests
uri: Violence-in-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Violence_in_protests%29
content:
<p>
Glenn Greenwald leads a discussion about <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/06/04/what-is-the-goal-of-the-protests-and-which-tactics-are-morally-justified-and-strategically-wise/">the moral and practical issue
of violence in protests</a>.

<p>
Here is what I think.  It may be inevitable that people who are
long-oppressed and then suddenly angered by violence break out in
violence.  But it is crucial for their movement to organize itself to
reject that violence, so that repressive forces can't use that
violence to smear the cause and repress the protests.

<p>
In case the black bloc shows up, protesters should train in advance to
insist it is not welcome and not part of their protest.  Besides,
surely some of the black bloc are provocateurs, perhaps <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
without uniform, and their aim is to harm the cause.


feed_id: cbb493bfd6e4d44cd579c13143e6fb5f
title: Secret menace to software developers
uri: Secret-menace-to-software-developers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_%28Secret_menace_to_software_developers%29

content:
<p>
Australia may consider modifying its law that authorizes it to
secretly menace any software developer in the world with punishment
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/09/australias-world-first-anti-encryption-law-should-be-overhauled-independent-monitor-says">for refusing to insert a backdoor on Australia's command</a>.
  The decision not to menace employees individually would remove one of the
many menacing aspects of this law.

<p>
Nonetheless every free software contributor would still be a target.

<p>
For this reason, I urge all free software developers to <em>stay away from
Australia</em>.

<p>
A country willing to prosecute <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#13_July_2020_(Australia_plans_a_secret_trial_against_witness_K)">a whistleblower secretly and conceal his name</a>
  cannot be trusted to follow any norms of decency.


feed_id: 1ed3d2ae8a3492694bd5d3941bbcac4e
title: Plutocratists funded pressure campaigns
uri: Plutocratists-funded-pressure-campaigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Plutocratists_funded_pressure_campaigns%29

content:
<p>

Plutocratists <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/07/14/bradley-foundation-bankrolled-right-wing-reopen-effort-despite-rising-coronavirus-cases/">funded pressure campaigns</a> to reopen US businesses quickly.


feed_id: 5f8c33b6c5920d77d5da06c42385fec5
title: Sudan's decisive break with hardline Islamist policies
uri: Sudan-s-decisive-break-with-hardline-Islamist-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Sudan%27s_decisive_break_with_hardline_Islamist_policies%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/12/sudan-bans-fgm-as-it-breaks-with-hardline-islamist-policies">Sudan is to ban female genital mutilation (FGM)</a>, cancel prohibitions against religious conversion from [102]Islam and permit non-Muslims to consume alcohol in a decisive break with almost four decades of hardline Islamist policies, its justice minister has said.*
<p>
Hooray for this rejection of imposed religion.


feed_id: 2be0f8acaad9cf62ffbb957d4133da1a
title: Increase in invasive species
uri: Increase-in-invasive-species
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Increase_in_invasive_species%29
content:
<p>

*Increase in invasive species poses dramatic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/15/increase-in-invasive-species-poses-dramatic-threat-to-biodiversity-report-aoe">threat to biodiversity</a>.*


feed_id: 8dd084fbe9ea015623b08fcf1329594b
title: Hong Kong's special economic privileges
uri: Hong-Kong-s-special-economic-privileges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Hong_Kong%27s_special_economic_privileges%29

content:
<p>

The bully did something right, for a change: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/15/trump-targets-china-with-executive-order-ending-hong-kongs-special-status">he cancelled Hong Kong's special economic privileges</a>; it will get the same treatment as China.
<p>
Impeding people with Hong Kong passports from visiting the US may be a bad step, since some of them would come in order to apply for asylum. It might not be safe for them to do so while in Hong Kong.


feed_id: f8d00748ab6c87638ac32f4985449265
title: Operating to "normalize" intersex babies
uri: Operating-to-normalize-intersex-babies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Operating_to_normalize_intersex_babies%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/14/intersex-children-hasty-operations">Questioning the long-standing practice of operating to "normalize" intersex babies.</a>
<p>
Which sorts of situations are likely to cause irreversible psychological harm is socially constructed, so it can change.  It's possible that 70 years ago growing up intersex was a disaster, because it was taboo and its discovery was likely to trigger a horrible response.  Nowadays, with the relaxation of imposed gender roles, maybe nowadays it is not a big deal &mdash; in some parts of the world.


feed_id: 84270be58afb770ff0c87cff24681b9c
title: Maskless drunken foreign tourists
uri: Maskless-drunken-foreign-tourists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Maskless_drunken_foreign_tourists%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/video-of-drunken-brits-maskless-in-magaluf-appals-spaniards">Maskless drunken foreign tourists</a> in Spain threaten to reboost Covid-19.
<p>
These reckless jerks should not get a second chance.  I encourage Spain to hold them in quarantine until the opportunity to deport them.


feed_id: 6570d0bc032bbb478035d8a77924bde0
title: The new censorship regime in Hong Kong
uri: The-new-censorship-regime-in-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28The_new_censorship_regime_in_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>

The new censorship regime in Hong Kong is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/hong-kongs-national-security-laws-are-designed-to-make-the-media-self-censor">intentionally vague to terrify journalists</a>.


feed_id: afbe536d681402e2af5a983f0e8e21db
title: Urgent: Flights during the pandemic
uri: Urgent-Flights-during-the-pandemic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Flights_during_the_pandemic%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-american-airlines-stop-booking-full-capacity-flights-during-pandemic/">call on American Airlines to stop booking full flights during the pandemic</a>.


feed_id: 5882f8f52a88357f4da9af957fb99b40
title: Decreasing population
uri: Decreasing-population
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Decreasing_population%29
content:
<p>
Some scientists predict that nearly all countries will have decreasing
populations by the end of this century, due to falling birth rates.
This is  very good news, as it will reduce the climate disaster
(thought it will nonetheless be very bad).

<p>
However, they predict a population explosion for sub-Saharan Africa
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/15/world-population-in-2100-could-be-2-billion-below-un-forecasts-study-suggests">which will be caught in a trap of poverty and population growth</a>.

<p>
While I am not a demographer, I doubt that Nigeria could accommodate
800 million people without disaster, and the climate disaster will
exacerbate that.  We need to help sub-Saharan Africa stabilize its
population long before that point.


feed_id: 170fc11894826cc008885040cd22a1ca
title: Sentenced to death after tortured into false confessions
uri: Sentenced-to-death-after-tortured-into-false-confessions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Sentenced_to_death_after_tortured_into_false_confessions%29

content:
<p>
Iran has sentenced three protesters to death after reportedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/15/outcry-iran-judiciary-upholds-death-penalty-three-protesters">torturing them
into false confessions to various crimes</a>.

<p>
They fled to Turkey, which sent them back to Iran.

<p>
Iran's government is violently unjust to people in Iran,
but it does not lean to aggression internationally.
The US should be able to make peace with Iran.


feed_id: c0bc7c3157059c23617fc44be7a613f0
title: Tracking opted out
uri: Tracking-opted-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Tracking_opted_out%29
content:
<p>
*Google faces lawsuit <a href="https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN24F2N4?_">over tracking in apps even when users opted out</a>.*


feed_id: d970dec1fd1cb8ce9d524a209fd5555e
title: Extradition of dissident
uri: Extradition-of-dissident
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Extradition_of_dissident%29
content:
<p>
*Egypt asks Spain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/15/egypt-asks-spain-extradite-dissident-sparked-protests-mohamed-ali">to extradite dissident [who is also a whistleblower]
who sparked protests</a>.*

<p>
Egypt accuses him of tax fraud, but it is hard to trust that evidence
from the Egyptian state is honest.

<p>
Some doctors in Egypt have been jailed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/15/egyptian-doctors-detained-for-highlighting-covid-19-working-conditions">for complaining that they don't
have PPE</a>.


feed_id: ba3ab270baf59a3de5e67e09bb2fb954
title: Concrete case of voter fraud
uri: Concrete-case-of-voter-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Concrete_case_of_voter_fraud%29
content:
<p>
Finally, a concrete case of voter fraud occurs.  The accused <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/steve-watkins-republican-felony-charges-illegal-voting">is a
Republican congresscritter</a>.

<p>
It is standard Republican practice to accuse others of the wrongs that
they are familiar with by personal experience.


feed_id: 5435adf85be6ddc07d910e7eced2a493
title: Heat wave where it's impossible
uri: Heat-wave-where-it-s-impossible
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Heat_wave_where_it%27s_impossible%29

content:
<p>
The recent fiery Siberian heat wave was next to impossible without
global heating.  We have reached the point <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/15/climate-change-made-siberian-heatwave-600-times-more-likely-study">where all uncertainty
disappears</a>.


feed_id: 4f783552bf518318a6a08effb8496363
title: Protecting damaging projects
uri: Protecting-damaging-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Protecting_damaging_projects%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> regime has ordered reinterpretation of the National
Environmental Policy Act, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/donald-trump-environmental-reviews-pipelines-highways">gutting the protection of cities and
wildernesses against absurdly damaging projects</a>.


feed_id: 987f1b704e43d8dd806e397a4f9faea1
title: Enslavement of migrants
uri: Enslavement-of-migrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Enslavement_of_migrants%29
content:
<p>
Enslavement of migrants in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/14/priti-patel-modern-slavery-leicester-cultural-sensitivities">is due to the Tories intentional harshness
to unauthorized immigrants</a>.


feed_id: c094e256da5a3f60835b39656dbb995b
title: Car tires microplastics
uri: Car-tires-microplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Car_tires_microplastics%29
content:
<p>
*Car tires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/14/car-tyres-are-major-source-of-ocean-microplastics-study">are major source of ocean microplastics</a>.*


feed_id: 5e7758aee7115702faccb06687de45c5
title: Habitat degradation more harmful than wolves
uri: Habitat-degradation-more-harmful-than-wolves
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Habitat_degradation_more_harmful_than_wolves%29

content:
<p>
*   Habitat degradation inflicts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/14/wolf-culls-do-not-protect-caribou-new-study-shows-aoe">far greater harm on caribou populations
   than wolves [do], say researchers</a>.*


feed_id: 445da29caff8a4322f78f321ce42d589
title: Making a film about Martina Navratilova
uri: Making-a-film-about-Martina-Navratilova
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Making_a_film_about_Martina_Navratilova%29

content:
<p>
Glen Greenwald: *How "Cancel Culture" Repeatedly Emerged in My Attempt
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/14/cancel-culture-martina-navratilova-documentary/">to Make a Film About Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova</a>.*

<p>
In the area of sports, the dispute about trans women is a consequence
of the artificial division of athletes into categories based on sex.
If instead each athlete gets a personal handicap, they could all be in
the same category, with the handicap of each athlete adjusted to null
out per inherent bodily advantage.


feed_id: c36f80dfde19aaff878f4732f972111a
title: Absurdities in Assange's hearing
uri: Absurdities-in-Assange-s-hearing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Absurdities_in_Assange%27s_hearing%29

content:
<p>
A series of absurdities <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/07/damage-to-the-soul/">in Assange's extradition hearing</a>.

<p>
The indictment against Assange was replaced, but the hearing is
looking at the old indictment and ignoring the new one.


feed_id: edfa284b4ed3088a37216d2ea5720990
title: Results of fracking companies going bankrupt
uri: Results-of-fracking-companies-going-bankrupt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#16_July_2020_%28Results_of_fracking_companies_going_bankrupt%29

content:
<p>
As fracking companies go bankrupt, they leave wells leaking methane
and other dangerous substances, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/12/climate/oil-fracking-bankruptcy-methane-executive-pay.html">and there are no plans to clean them
up</a>.

<p>
If this were the only bad thing about fracking, one possible solution
in principle would be to require the company to post a bond to clean
up the well, before starting it.  However, as reported in Collapse, by
Jared Diamond, this system has problems in practice when dealing with
abandoned coal mines in Montana.

<p>
Anyway, fracking has other big problems (globally, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#30_October_2012_(Fracking_increases_overall_CO2_emissions)">CO2 from burning
the gas</a>, and locally,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#26_December_2016_(Impacts_of_fracking_on_drinking_water)">pollution of water sources</a>) and it is taking us to frack and fruin.
Fracking should be entirely forbidden.

<p>
*Livestock farming and fossil fuels <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/14/livestock-farming-and-fossil-fuels-could-drive-4c-global-heat-rise">could drive 4C global heat rise</a>.*


feed_id: 1951b385f488fd08a58f0df5c7f221d5
title: Evictions Aren’t Inevitable When Tenants Fight Back
uri: Evictions-Aren-t-Inevitable-When-Tenants-Fight-Back
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Evictions_Aren%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99t_Inevitable_When_Tenants_Fight_Back%29

content:
<p>

*Evictions Aren’t Inevitable <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/14/evictions-arent-inevitable-when-tenants-fight-back">When Tenants Fight Back</a>.*


feed_id: 80a0f043cd63d46ec2ce262cca9770d4
title: Exaggeration of the conman's authority
uri: Exaggeration-of-the-conman-s-authority
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Exaggeration_of_the_conman%27s_authority%29

content:
<p>

FAIR: mainstream media often <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/15/corporate-media-give-trump-powers-he-doesnt-actually-possess">exaggerate what authority the conman really has</a>.  Many of his announcements pretend to make sweeping changes in laws that he cannot actually make.


feed_id: dc46c8662d3199f99ed798f2b5c8ff98
title: Gross conflict of interest
uri: Gross-conflict-of-interest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Gross_conflict_of_interest%29
content:
<p>

The pertinent inspector general approved a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/15/defying-logic-and-law-hhs-inspector-general-allows-trumps-vaccine-czar-maintain-big">gross conflict of interest</a> by the conman's head of coronavirus task force.
<p>
I concur in suspecting that the conman's persistent bulling of inspectors general has intimidated him to back down from his responsibilities.  That was surely the intention.
<p>
The conman and his family have sunk to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/15/beans-brains-critics-say-trump-photo-promoting-goya-makes-clear-ivankas-tweet-was-no">promoting companies in exchange for political support</a>.
<p>
Who now would dream of making him comply with official ethics rules?
<p>
Those rules depended for their force on a system in which corruption was condemned by voters and would terminate a political career. The conman has ripped that up, and that could be the most fundamental damage he has done.


feed_id: 0ee618fa1bd0aa3a0bc3c5e75da3cbf7
title: The wrecker ordered hospitals to stop sending Covid-19 statistics to the CDC
uri: The-wrecker-ordered-hospitals-to-stop-sending-Covid-19-statistics-to-t
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28The_wrecker_ordered_hospitals_to_stop_sending_Covid-19_statistics_to_the_CDC%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker has ordered hospitals to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/politics/trump-cdc-coronavirus.html">stop sending Covid-19 statistics to the CDC</a> and send them instead to a new agency which will keep them secret.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/15/hospitals-should-tell-trump-shove-his-orders-and-send-their-data-cdc-anyway">Suggesting that hospitals defy this order.</a>
<p>
It would be good if <em>all</em> hospitals did that, but would the CDC accept those data?  Even if it did, that doesn't fix this artificial problem. If only some hospitals send data there so, that won't add up to valid statistics about the whole US, or even entire states and cities.
<p>
State governments dominated by wreckers are already trying to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#3_June_2020_(Covid-19_statistics)">cover up the extent of spread of Covid-19</a>, and this policy will help them cover up more.


feed_id: bea3c7388b296aeb08550f0b533d0f20
title: Biden's new climate plan
uri: Biden-s-new-climate-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Biden%27s_new_climate_plan%29
content:
<p>

Biden's new climate plan shows that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/15/350-action-joe-bidens-new-clean-energy-plan">public activism can push him towards doing more for climate defense</a>.  We need to push him a lot farther.


feed_id: 56b3037dfd6f711888497377ab932ab5
title: (satire) Baltimore Police Department
uri: (satire)-Baltimore-Police-Department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Baltimore_Police_Department%29

content:
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/every-member-of-police-department-excitedly-volunteers-1844393028">*&hellip; every member of the Baltimore Police Department was reportedly excitedly volunteering Wednesday to go undercover in a white supremacist group.*</a>


feed_id: 61dcff9b78ea80e47be41de8a058d9be
title: Support the Chomsky et al letter for justice
uri: Support-the-Chomsky-et-al-letter-for-justice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Support_the_Chomsky_et_al_letter_for_justice%29

content:
<p>

We should support the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/15/letter-justice-and-open-debate-should-be-seen-stance-against-trumpian">Chomsky et al letter for justice and open debate</a> regardless of disagreeing with some of the people who signed it.
<p>
In other words, if you won't sign a letter whose points you agree with, simply because among the 150 other signatories are a few people that you disagree with passionately on some other specific political questions, you're practicing and fueling the harmful divisive approach of cancellation.
<p>
I excoriated J. K. Rowling's unjust lawsuit against readers in 2005,
and called for a <a href="https://stallman.org/harry-potter.html">boycott of Harry Potter</a> in response.  She has not apologized so I continue the boycott. Please do not use Harry Potter books or movies (or fan goods) in a way that will give her income.
<p>
Nonetheless I am glad that she signed this letter, because her signature will support freedom of speech.  I would gladly have signed my name right after hers, despite my disagreement with her on the other issue.
  


feed_id: 9f557941dc585833e4c450973ba30ae9
title: US information about dissidents living in Europe
uri: US-information-about-dissidents-living-in-Europe
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28US_information_about_dissidents_living_in_Europe%29

content:
<p>

The US <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-used-us-intel-sharing-to-pursue-chechnya-dissidents-sources-2020-7">gave Russia information about Chechen and Russian Muslim dissidents living in Europe</a>.  Russia used this to kill some of them.
<p>
The supposed reason for the cooperation was for Russia to kill Islamist exiles fighting in Syria.


feed_id: 3f72acd270a445231bce2dd9efb1bcf2
title: UK thug entrapment of animal rights activist
uri: UK-thug-entrapment-of-animal-rights-activist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28UK_thug_entrapment_of_animal_rights_activist%29

content:
<p>

An <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/15/uk-undercover-officer-accused-encouraging-activist-buy-shotgun">undercover UK thug infiltrating the animal rights movement entrapped an activist</a> by pressuring him into buying a shotgun. The activist spent years in prison after other thugs "found" it.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> denies this, but he is not only an admitted thug, he is also an admitted liar.  He is not a credible witness.


feed_id: 0fa0c9e7254021ff9ebda3912a694618
title: Microsoft still provides support to US thug departments
uri: Microsoft-still-provides-support-to-US-thug-departments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Microsoft_still_provides_support_to_US_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>

Microsoft got a lot of attention by temporarily ceasing to offer certain face recognition services to government agencies, but <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/14/microsoft-police-state-mass-surveillance-facial-recognition/">it still provides lots of support to US thug departments</a>.


feed_id: 2900813c2357437acf142151a8e24e97
title: Global land privatization
uri: Global-land-privatization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Global_land_privatization%29
content:
<p>

*US Corporations a Driving Force Behind <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/14/us-corporations-driving-force-behind-unprecedented-wave-global-land-privatization">'Unprecedented Wave' of Global Land Privatization</a>.*


feed_id: 5e040cc776a5143779e718bf928cfce8
title: Soy from deforestation
uri: Soy-from-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Soy_from_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
*A fifth of Brazilian soy in Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/16/a-fifth-of-brazilian-soy-in-europe-is-result-of-deforestation-amazon-jair-bolsonaro">is result of deforestation</a>.*


feed_id: b295d7ac076f0eb93cae62105f8ccc88
title: People dying when they could have been saved
uri: People-dying-when-they-could-have-been-saved
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28People_dying_when_they_could_have_been_saved%29

content:
<p>
Tory cuts to the NHS have reduced it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/16/extra-cancer-deaths-this-year-covid19-nhs-health">to the point where people die who
in the past it could have saved</a>.


feed_id: d1f69b15177a1203c6b96dabf5e95dfe
title: Recognizing grave danger
uri: Recognizing-grave-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Recognizing_grave_danger%29
content:
<p>
The firm initial response to Covid-19 in many countries (not the US or
Brazil) shows what it means to recognize a grave danger.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/16/pandemic-shows-climate-has-never-been-treated-as-crisis-say-scientists">No country
has treated global heating as a grave danger</a>.


feed_id: 65d63db6f507ce17fd8d7b20cbd521f5
title: Sending people personal data
uri: Sending-people-personal-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Sending_people_personal_data%29
content:
<p>
An EU court decision requires reconsideration <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/16/tech-firms-like-facebook-must-restrict-data-sent-from-eu-to-us-court-rules">of each activity that
sends people's personal data to the US</a>.


feed_id: a99d122c5dabee4778d63484900d2f22
title: Vaccine researchers targeted by crackers
uri: Vaccine-researchers-targeted-by-crackers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Vaccine_researchers_targeted_by_crackers%29

content:
<p>
*Russian state-sponsored [crackers] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/16/russian-state-sponsored-hackers-target-covid-19-vaccine-researchers">target Covid-19 vaccine researchers</a>

<p>
Please do not call them "hackers" &mdash; that <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">insults us hackers</a>.


feed_id: 043cc3aeae2c6e4b19bfd201333ec526
title: Dietary guidelines are harming the planet
uri: Dietary-guidelines-are-harming-the-planet
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Dietary_guidelines_are_harming_the_planet%29

content:
<p>
*Governments’ dietary guidelines <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/15/governments-dietary-guidelines-are-harming-the-planet-study-finds">are harming the planet, study finds</a>.*


feed_id: 720d001d067a3bcdead627e0b5ab14d2
title: Civilians for law enforcement
uri: Civilians-for-law-enforcement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Civilians_for_law_enforcement%29
content:
<p>
Berkeley, California, will replace armed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> with civilians for
certain jobs, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/berkeley-police-california-unarmed-civilians-traffic-stops">including enforcing traffic laws</a>.

<p>
This can do good in three ways: (1) less tendency to escalate, (2) no chance
of killing the motorist, and (3) the new agency could start off without
the heritage of racism that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments in the US generally have.


feed_id: 0f7acc255246b24aab40ec69f964cba0
title: Smear campaign against Dr. Fauci
uri: Smear-campaign-against-Dr-Fauci
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Smear_campaign_against_Dr._Fauci%29
content:
<p>
*The White House is launching <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/07/14/the-white-house-is-launching-a.html">a smear campaign against Dr. Fauci for
contradicting [the saboteur in chief]</a>.*

<p>
He is trying to discredit Dr Fauci through every possible channel,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/dr-fauci-donald-trump-attacks-covid-19">for the offense of telling us the truth</a>.


feed_id: cebd90d320b73e475eb68e4e8a934fe1
title: Flying cameras over protests
uri: Flying-cameras-over-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Flying_cameras_over_protests%29
content:
<p>
US thugs are flying cameras over protests, <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2020/07/police-drone-facial-recognition.html">and could use this for facial
recognition to identify and repress protesters</a>.


feed_id: 70b499417d48d5024597c60435a1026d
title: Banning sale of fossil fuel trucks
uri: Banning-sale-of-fossil-fuel-trucks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#17_July_2020_%28Banning_sale_of_fossil_fuel_trucks%29

content:
<p>
15 US states agreed to ban <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/14/new-15-state-ev-truck-pact-shows-commitment-fighting-global-warming-and-air">sale of new fossil fuel trucks by 2045</a>.

<p>
It's a step in the right direction, but even if the whole world
adopted that, it would be inadequate.  The deadline ought to be 2030.


feed_id: e261eda36ce65a7fca35c7899b396e3e
title: Poor countries using IMF loaned "Covid-19" money to pay interest on private loans
uri: Poor-countries-using-IMF-loaned-Covid-19-money-to-pay-interest-on-pr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Poor_countries_using_IMF_loaned_Covid-19_money_to_pay_interest_on_private_loans%29

content:
<p>

The IMF is lending poor countries money "to deal with Covid-19" but actually
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/16/dollar-11bn-in-imf-covid-19-money-being-used-to-service-debt-says-group-private-lendwers-poorest-nations">they are using it to pay interest on private loans</a>.
<p>
Those countries' debts will swallow their whole economies, turning their rising
populations into debt slaves, unless we wipe out that debt.


feed_id: f9e1843d1868e6d0c2be4d81e6f9bb4d
title: (satire) Bred for organs
uri: (satire)-Bred-for-organs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Bred_for_organs%29
content:
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/melania-trump-figures-it-s-time-to-sit-barron-down-and-1844407686">*Melania Trump Figures It’s Time To Sit Barron Down And Tell
Him He Was Bred For His Organs.*</a>


feed_id: 06a69d7376ec2c2e047ffbe0107238c8
title: Analysis of skeletons from ancient Egypt
uri: Analysis-of-skeletons-from-ancient-Egypt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Analysis_of_skeletons_from_ancient_Egypt%29

content:
<p>

By analying skeletons from ancient Egypt, archeologists have discovered that
the Hyksos, a group that ruled Egypt for a century, consisted of people
<a href="http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/immigrant-hyksos-dynasty-08646.html">who had arrived from various places in the Near East</a>, over a period of time.
<p>
We could do similar studies on the territory of the United States if
it were not for the NAGPRA law, which required reburying the
collections of skeletons.
<p>
A corpse can serve two good purposes: organ transplantation and
science.  It is a shame to waste it.  At least I have made sure &mdash; or
as sure as is possible &mdash; that my corpse won't be wasted after I die.


feed_id: 85d6516481ea3d448e1e6077dff75c43
title: 200 Democratic Convention delegates called for cutting aid to Israel
uri: 200-Democratic-Convention-delegates-called-for-cutting-aid-to-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28200_Democratic_Convention_delegates_called_for_cutting_aid_to_Israel%29

content:
<p>

200 Democratic Convention delegates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/over-200-national-dnc-delegates-call-withholding-us-military-aid-israel-if-further">called for cutting aid to Israel</a> if it
goes ahead with Netanyahu's intention to annex part of Palestine.
<p.
People have pointed out that Israel's occupation policies are in many
ways similar to annexation.  Nonetheless, formal annexation would be a
challenge to the world: either break with Israel now or permanently
legitimize those policies.  It would be a more serious violation of
the laws of war than the ones Israel already commits.
<p>
I don't think those 200 are a majority, but they are enough to be
significant.


feed_id: 3229bee5c3faec4606ec2b58ea03730a
title: Decaying tanker full of oil
uri: Decaying-tanker-full-of-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Decaying_tanker_full_of_oil%29
content:
<p>

A tanker full of oil has been sitting near Hodeida since 2015, and has decayed
to the point where it can't be repaired and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/massive-floating-time-bomb-warnings-ecological-humanitarian-disaster-tanker-risks">will surely spill its cargo</a>.
That will poison life in the Red Sea, perhaps the whole of it.
<p>
The sensible thing to do would be to pump the oil into other ships and
take it away.  But the Houthis will not let the UN try.
<p>
What, I wonder, is their motive; what do they demand?  Surely they
don't want to poison the Red Sea &mdash; they live near it and must depend
on fishing in it.


feed_id: ae7f58b35d28344fda6276677c28a224
title: Urgent: Call on the UK not to extradite Julian Assange
uri: Urgent-Call-on-the-UK-not-to-extradite-Julian-Assange
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_the_UK_not_to_extradite_Julian_Assange%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: Join Reporters Without Borders in calling on the
UK <a href="https://rsf.org/en/free-assange">not to extradite Julian Assange</a>.
<p>
I could sign this, and I can post this, because I discovered recently
that Reporters Without Borders changed its web site and it now works
to sign that organization's petitions without running nonfree
Javaascript code.  I thank Reporters Without Borders for making this
work.
<p>
There are several other organizations whose causes I support (at least
usually), but whose petitions I cannot sign because they require
nonfree Javaascript code: afsc.org, amazonwatch.org, change.org, coworker.org, defenders.org, democracyforamerica.com, earthjustice.org, freepress.net, moveon.org, pen.org, populationconnectionaction.org, publiccitizen.org, ran.org, splcenter.org, sumofus.org.
<p> 
In addition, freedomunited.org appears to succeed but sends no
confirmation, so I think it ignores signatures.
<p>
If you can convince any of those organizations to fix their sites so
people can sign without running Javascript code, I would appreciate it,
and it would help the free software cause too.
<p>
Or, alternatively, if you can publish a free Firefox extension that
substitutes for the nonfree Javascript code which LibreJS blocks, that
too would make signing possible.


feed_id: ea85e418b81a534dd0d974df7da71fda
title: Republicans pivoting towards a policy of "reopen business fast"
uri: Republicans-pivoting-towards-a-policy-of-reopen-business-fast
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Republicans_pivoting_towards_a_policy_of_reopen_business_fast%29

content:
<p>

The Republicans pivoted towards a policy of "reopen business fast" in the same week when it became news that Covid-19 was disproportionally killing minority racial groups.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/16/if-you-cant-stop-people-voting-just-help-them-die">Was this just a coincidence?</a>  Is it a coincidence also that Georgia's governor, Kemp, is stopping Atlanta from requiring face masks?
<p>
Reportedly Republicans want to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/trump-and-gop-weighing-plan-punish-schools-dont-reopen-withholding-covid-19-funds">punish school systems that don't physically reopen</a>.


feed_id: 0e1ce2c0127a361acd772fb0d3925274
title: Insisting on more efficient air conditioners
uri: Insisting-on-more-efficient-air-conditioners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Insisting_on_more_efficient_airconditioners%29

content:
<p>

Insisting on more efficient air conditioners, and soon, is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/17/air-conditioning-curbs-could-save-years-worth-of-emissions-study">major part of curbing global heating</a>.


feed_id: e82caf6a736617041dc559ff43b9ad78
title: Why do cops come to protests early?
uri: Why-do-cops-come-to-protests-early
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Why_do_cops_come_to_protests_early_%29

content:
<p>

Why do cops come to protests early?<br/>
To beat the crowds.

The UK says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/17/russian-hackers-steal-coronavirus-vaccine-uk-minister-cyber-attack">Russian crackers are trying to "steal" Covid-19
vaccine research</a>.
<p>
If that is true, it means something is very wrong: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/17/vaccine-research-shouldnt-be-secret">this research
should not be secret</a>. Scientific research calls for cooperation.


feed_id: 3598f24db6b10142f70219c5ff09c259
title: Florida's citizens voted to allow ex-cons to vote
uri: Florida-s-citizens-voted-to-allow-ex-cons-to-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Florida%27s_citizens_voted_to_allow_ex-cons_to_vote%29

content:
<p>

Florida's citizens voted to allow ex-cons to vote.  The Supreme Court
sustained Florida's Republican legislature in <a href"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/16/florida-voting-rights-felons-supreme-court-restricts-amendment-4">imposing a payment
requirement</a> that will cancel that for most of them.


feed_id: ce71cf178a4580a4324955a47b320ac2
title: Samsung bought part of the debt of the proposed Adani coal mine
uri: Samsung-bought-part-of-the-debt-of-the-proposed-Adani-coal-mine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Samsung_bought_part_of_the_debt_of_the_proposed_Adani_coal_mine%29

content:
<p>

Samsung bought part of the debt of the proposed Adani coal mine;
Australian activists call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/16/samsung-investment-in-adanis-australian-coal-operation-prompts-call-for-boycott">boycott of the whole company</a>.
<p>
You certainly should not accept Samsung's phones and TV's, since they
are <a href=https://stallman.org/articles/what-mary-had.html"">tracking devices</a>; that is because they contain nonfree software that talks over a network.  However, their competitors are no better. They are all unacceptable.
  


feed_id: 1f796e5ffcc769cbe1859f68c663f9ad
title: (satire) 35-Mile Overpass
uri: (satire)-35-Mile-Overpass
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_35-Mile_Overpass%29
content:
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-passes-bill-to-build-new-35-mile-overpass-capa-1844403084">*Congress Passes Bill To Build New 35-Mile Overpass Capable Of Housing
Millions Of Evicted Americans.*</a>


feed_id: f745147ebea9772b94a746eb050109b6
title: Judge helping Chevron destroy attorney Steve Donziger
uri: Judge-helping-Chevron-destroy-attorney-Steve-Donziger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Judge_helping_Chevron_destroy_attorney_Steve_Donziger%29

content:
<p>

The biased judge helping <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2020/07/steven-donziger-chevron">Chevron destroy attorney Steve Donziger</a>
put a Chevron-linked law firm in charge of prosecuting him on bogus charges.


feed_id: ccf6f8304df97c446976d7b380aa0eab
title: Shamima Begum wins right to return to the UK
uri: Shamima-Begum-wins-right-to-return-to-the-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Shamima_Begum_wins_right_to_return_to_the_UK%29

content:
<p>

Shamima Begum, a British citizen who went to Syria and joined <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>,
has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/16/shamima-begum-wins-right-to-return-to-uk">won in court</a> the right to return to the UK and challenge the decision
to cancel her citizenship and exile her.
<p>
Her participation in a terrorist organization may well justify
criminal charges and punishment -- if convicted in a fair trial.  But
it is wrong to use exile as a punishment, and wrong to punish people
in any fashion without a fair trial.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/16/shamima-begum-ruling-reignites-debate-over-britons-who-joined-isis">More about the issue.
<p>
She is being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/17/shamima-begum-strip-citizenship-desert-prisons">held prisoner</a> by the Kurds of Rojava, but they may have
to transfer her (and other British <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> supporters) to Assad or Iraq
if they can't return to the UK soon.


feed_id: 63a279d19cb2ece5b0b5baf4bef06dbc
title: AOC calls for New York State tax on billionaires' income
uri: AOC-calls-for-New-York-State-tax-on-billionaires-income
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28AOC_calls_for_New_York_State_tax_on_billionaires%27_income%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/ocasio-cortez-ny-state-progressives-call-cuomo-pass-billionaires-tax-support">AOC calls for New York State to pass a new tax on billionaires' income</a> to bail out poor people.


feed_id: d55a96cdb00279bdb263507bb84dbd22
title: Senator Schumer wants to eliminate a progressive feature of the US income tax code
uri: Senator-Schumer-wants-to-eliminate-a-progressive-feature-of-the-US-inc
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Senator_Schumer_wants_to_eliminate_a_progressive_feature_of_the_US_income_tax_code%29

content:
<p>

Senator Schumer, a plutocratist Democrat, wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/16/new-york-millionaire-challenges-sen-schumer-his-support-eliminating-salt">eliminate a
progressive feature of the US income tax code</a>.


feed_id: f134a12264bfd49cd7f53c6454d105e6
title: Analysis of skeletons from ancient Egypt
uri: 2020-07-18-Analysis-of-skeletons-from-ancient-Egypt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Analysis_of_skeletons_from_ancient_Egypt%29

content:
<p>

By analyzing skeletons from ancient Egypt, archaeologists have discovered that
the Hyksos, a group that ruled Egypt for a century, consisted of people
<a href="http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/immigrant-hyksos-dynasty-08646.html">who had arrived from various places in the Near East</a>, over a period of time.
<p>
We could do similar studies on the territory of the United States if
it were not for the NAGPRA law, which required reburying the
collections of skeletons.
<p>
A corpse can serve two good purposes: organ transplantation and
science.  It is a shame to waste it.  At least I have made sure &mdash; or
as sure as is possible &mdash; that my corpse won't be wasted after I die.


feed_id: 35cf2e81e1a4c56f0ef854e7e96af7ef
title: Urgent: Call on the UK not to extradite Julian Assange
uri: 2020-07-18-Urgent-Call-on-the-UK-not-to-extradite-Julian-Assange
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_the_UK_not_to_extradite_Julian_Assange%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: Join Reporters Without Borders in calling on the
UK <a href="https://rsf.org/en/free-assange">not to extradite Julian Assange</a>.
<p>
I could sign this, and I can post this, because I discovered recently
that Reporters Without Borders changed its web site and it now works
to sign that organization's petitions without running nonfree
JavaScript code.  I thank Reporters Without Borders for making this
work.
<p>
There are several other organizations whose causes I support (at least
usually), but whose petitions I cannot sign because they require
nonfree JavaScript code: afsc.org, amazonwatch.org, change.org, coworker.org, defenders.org, democracyforamerica.com, earthjustice.org, freepress.net, moveon.org, pen.org, populationconnectionaction.org, publiccitizen.org, ran.org, splcenter.org, sumofus.org.
<p> 
In addition, freedomunited.org appears to succeed but sends no
confirmation, so I think it ignores signatures.
<p>
If you can convince any of those organizations to fix their sites so
people can sign without running Javascript code, I would appreciate it,
and it would help the free software cause too.
<p>
Or, alternatively, if you can publish a free Firefox extension that
substitutes for the nonfree Javascript code which LibreJS blocks, that
too would make signing possible.


feed_id: 0df8b8d96c80c513795a2fbc898ef472
title: Republicans pivoting towards a policy of "reopen business fast"
uri: 2020-07-18-Republicans-pivoting-towards-a-policy-of-reopen-business-fast
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Republicans_pivoting_towards_a_policy_of_reopen_business_fast%29

content:
<p>

The Republicans pivoted towards a policy of "reopen business fast" in the same week when it became news that Covid-19 was dis proportionally killing minority racial groups.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/16/if-you-cant-stop-people-voting-just-help-them-die">Was this just a coincidence?</a>  Is it a coincidence also that Georgia's governor, Kemp, is stopping Atlanta from requiring face masks?
<p>
Reportedly Republicans want to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/trump-and-gop-weighing-plan-punish-schools-dont-reopen-withholding-covid-19-funds">punish school systems that don't physically reopen</a>.


feed_id: 578ebc5392c57bab4fd3a0639057ff78
title: Florida's citizens voted to allow ex-cons to vote
uri: 2020-07-18-Florida-s-citizens-voted-to-allow-ex-cons-to-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Florida%27s_citizens_voted_to_allow_ex-cons_to_vote%29

content:
<p>

Florida's citizens voted to allow ex-cons to vote.  The Supreme Court
sustained Florida's Republican legislature in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/16/florida-voting-rights-felons-supreme-court-restricts-amendment-4">imposing a payment
requirement</a> that will cancel that for most of them.


feed_id: a2bcf20ff0b5f3da0800ddec7ce850b8
title: Samsung bought part of the debt of the proposed Adani coal mine
uri: 2020-07-18-Samsung-bought-part-of-the-debt-of-the-proposed-Adani-coal-mine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28Samsung_bought_part_of_the_debt_of_the_proposed_Adani_coal_mine%29

content:
<p>

Samsung bought part of the debt of the proposed Adani coal mine;
Australian activists call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/16/samsung-investment-in-adanis-australian-coal-operation-prompts-call-for-boycott">boycott of the whole company</a>.
<p>
You certainly should not accept Samsung's phones and TV's, since they
are <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/what-mary-had.html">tracking devices</a>; that is because they contain nonfree software that talks over a network.  However, their competitors are no better. They are all unacceptable.
  


feed_id: a8e1f9f1d88ff7fed817815a73d4d81f
title: 200 Democratic Convention delegates called for cutting aid to Israel
uri: 2020-07-18-200-Democratic-Convention-delegates-called-for-cutting-aid-to-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_July_2020_%28200_Democratic_Convention_delegates_called_for_cutting_aid_to_Israel%29

content:
<p>

200 Democratic Convention delegates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/16/over-200-national-dnc-delegates-call-withholding-us-military-aid-israel-if-further">called for cutting aid to Israel</a> if it
goes ahead with Netanyahu's intention to annex part of Palestine.
<p>
People have pointed out that Israel's occupation policies are in many
ways similar to annexation.  Nonetheless, formal annexation would be a
challenge to the world: either break with Israel now or permanently
legitimize those policies.  It would be a more serious violation of
the laws of war than the ones Israel already commits.
<p>
I don't think those 200 are a majority, but they are enough to be
significant.


feed_id: 24a847bd6ee62f2bc47b4ca3db467d92
title: Official US support for all human rights
uri: Official-US-support-for-all-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Official_US_support_for_all_human_rights%29

content:
<p>

Pompeo is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/17/pompeo-panel-pushes-radical-isolationist-anti-rights-anti-scientific-religious">pulling back official US support for all human rights</a> except property rights and religion.
<p>
I guess he won't call it wrong if you break his neck with your knee, as long as his property is distributed as specified in his will.


feed_id: b362b33bfc99724f5ac883e228774be1
title: Right-wing censorship pressure
uri: Right-wing-censorship-pressure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Right-wing_censorship_pressure%29
content:
<p>

Right-wing <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/18/political-correctness-destroying-america/">censorship pressure</a> is extremely powerful in the US.  More powerful
than left-wing pressure, in its own way.
<p>
One important difference is that right-wing censorship does not affect
many areas of life.  Its greatest power is in the mainstream media, and
it has some power over candidates for office (but now many candidates
defy some aspects of it).  For someone like me, who had only a
tangential presence in the mainstream media and didn't intend to run
for office, it had little effect.
<p>
Thus, we should not think of left-wing censorship pressure as "more of
the same" merely because right-wing censorship pressure is so strong
and harmful.


feed_id: 0380d5e6a77d2f0999e132fa0abafc3f
title: Antibiotic resistance
uri: 2020-07-19-Antibiotic-resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Antibiotic_resistance%29
content:
<p>

Antibiotic resistance is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/19/we-cant-blame-animals-human-pathogens-are-making-their-way-into-vulnerable-wildlife">spreading into the bacteria found on a wide range of animal species</a>.


feed_id: 757a8b5b6e17855ccedbf1561610d7f1
title: Sued over images used to train facial recognition technologies
uri: Sued-over-images-used-to-train-facial-recognition-technologies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Sued_over_images_used_to_train_facial_recognition_technologies%29

content:
<p>

*Amazon, Google parent Alphabet and Microsoft are <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-google-and-microsoft-sued-over-photos-in-facial-recognition-database/">being sued</a> over images used to train their facial recognition technologies.*


feed_id: 437289befe81ce8bdb75fea3d274a7da
title: The myths that deny global injustices
uri: The-myths-that-deny-global-injustices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28The_myths_that_deny_global_injustices%29

content:
<p>

UN Secretary General António Guterres <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/18/un-chief-slams-myths-delusions-and-falsehoods-around-inequality">condemned the myths</a> that deny global
injustices.


feed_id: 8d69668cf9aa690afab82e41753d0bbc
title: The bully has sent federal thugs to Portland, Oregon
uri: The-bully-has-sent-federal-thugs-to-Portland-Oregon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28The_bully_has_sent_federal_thugs_to_Portland%2C_Oregon%29

content:
<p>

The bully has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/18/portland-federal-agents-protests-trump-mayor">sent federal thugs to Portland, Oregon</a>, to grab
protesters off the street with no specific grounds.
<p>
The right to protest peacefully is the foundation of the United States.
Perhaps the House of Representatives should re-establish the House Unamerican Activities
Committee to investigate these and other unamerican acts of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#trumpery">trumpery</a>.


feed_id: aa8ced7e24da5e3d0d5abeb89ada468f
title: Taliban bounties to kill Americans
uri: Taliban-bounties-to-kill-Americans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28Taliban_bounties_to_kill_Americans%29

content:
<p>

The report that Russia paid the Taliban bounties to kill Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/18/russia-bounty-story-falls-flat">is suspect; it may be bogus</a>.  The Taliban were fighting the forces in Afghanistan and did not require a special inducement to do that.
<p>
If the claim happens to be accurate, we should not exaggerate its significance.  In the 1980s, the US did far more than pay Afghans bounties to kill Russians.  It <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#28_October_2018_(Smearing_Khashoggi)">recruited them, trained them, and armed them</a>, all under the rubric of "al-Qa'ida". In comparison to that, merely paying bounties would be a tiny matter.
<p>
Anyway, bounties are not a reason to keep the war going on and on. The US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/17/withdrawing-troops-afghanistan-and-germany-still-good-idea">should pull out its forces</a> and let the Taliban win. Their religious tyranny would deny important human rights, but that's not as bad as war forever.


feed_id: ff06be04937147a575d12ac74d57fce2
title: London thug suspended for putting his knee on a person's neck
uri: London-thug-suspended-for-putting-his-knee-on-a-person-s-neck
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28London_thug_suspended_for_putting_his_knee_on_a_person%27s_neck%29

content:
<p>

In London, a thug put his knee on a person's neck for a moment and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/17/get-off-my-neck-london-police-officer-suspended-after-arrest-incident">that was enough to get him suspended</a>.
<p>
For all their faults in some areas, it seems that UK thug departments are serious about keeping the random violence of thugs in check with strict rules.  Perhaps the UK does not enable thugs' unions to interfere with protecting the public, as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_June_2020_(Thug_lobbies)">they do in the US</a>.


feed_id: a3afaa16ae89c61cccffecd606379063
title: China's first climate striker warned
uri: China-s-first-climate-striker-warned
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28China%27s_first_climate_striker_warned%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/20/chinas-first-climate-striker-cant-return-to-school">China's first climate striker warned</a>: give it up or you can't go to back to school.*
<p>
It is a rather mild punishment by Chinese standards, but insane nonetheless.


feed_id: de2883c54419fadcecce4add6d3dda5d
title: Censorship only ever aids the powerful
uri: Censorship-only-ever-aids-the-powerful
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28Censorship_only_ever_aids_the_powerful%29

content:
<p>

*Some on the left have lost sight of the fact that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/19/its-the-powerless-who-suffer-when-free-speech-is-threatened">censorship only ever aids the powerful</a>.*
<p>
The cancellationists think they are now so powerful that they can demonize and censor disagreement with them.


feed_id: d25e2371edc93dc25a8bad2b793f8bf4
title: Federal Agents grabbing people off the street
uri: Federal-Agents-grabbing-people-off-the-street
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28Federal_Agents_grabbing_people_off_the_street%29

content:
<p>

When the wrecker's federal agents <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/17/after-trump-deploys-secret-police-portland-imagine-what-happens-if-he-gets-four-more">grab people off the street</a>, sometimes they do not carry out the constitutional requirements for an arrest.  They do not tell their victims under what authority they have grabbed them.  This is kidnapping.
<p>
The state of Oregon should open criminal cases against them.  The president does not have the power to dismiss state charges.
<p>
Other federal agents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/19/portland-police-federal-agents-protest">have followed at least a sketch of the rules</a>. This article gives additional info about protests in Portland and the conduct of the local thugs.
<p>
I think the protesters that tried to burn the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' building are making a strategic mistake, even though the thugs' own conduct may be worse than that.


feed_id: 6bc9f03692ae3f6869b175dd5ba3fde5
title: UK Covid-19 antibody tests
uri: UK-Covid-19-antibody-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#20_July_2020_%28UK_Covid-19_antibody_tests%29
content:
<p>

The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/18/uk-plans-millions-of-coronavirus-antibody-tests-after-trial-success-report">fast and highly accurate antibody test</a> to determine whether someone ever had Covid-19.


feed_id: 4ded1c927bf3dfb8598baae2325440de
title: The wrecker's false certainty that Covid-19 would die away
uri: The-wrecker-s-false-certainty-that-Covid-19-would-die-away
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28The_wrecker%27s_false_certainty_that_Covid-19_would_die_away%29

content:
<p>

Interviews with insiders suggest that the wrecker <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-response-failure-leadership.html">convinced himself in April that Covid-19 would continue dying away despite reopening businesses</a>, then clung to that false certainty in the teeth of the facts.
<p>
This article does not report a hint that he expected this to result in increasing spread of the disease.  It says only that he was unwilling to recognize that when it did happen.
<p>
However, we have seen indications since then that he and his lieutenants are determined to do that.  Just now he has told Republicans <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2020/07/18/white-house-testing-budget-cdc-coronavirus/">not to provide any more money</a> for practical steps that can drive down the Covid-19 infection rate: testing and contact tracing. Nor for the CDC.
<p>
Another is his campaign to force states to reopen public schools. Now the wrecker has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/18/alarming-trump-blocks-cdc-officials-testifying-education-panel-school-reopenings">forbidden CDC officials from testifying to Congress</a> about whether it would be wise to reopen public schools.


feed_id: 7d7129ca505dae140c71a2ad925dde2e
title: A note to Betsy S.
uri: A-note-to-Betsy-S
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28A_note_to_Betsy_S.%29
content:
<p>

A note to Betsy S.
<p>
Betsy S met me at a dinner around 40 years ago.  I am sure her recounting of her recollections is sincere, but she misunderstood the last thing I said to her.  She had said didn't wish to continue the acquaintance.  That no, on top of hundreds of other noes, impelled me to express despair; she seems to have misconstrued that as a demand.
<p>
Betsy S, I regret that this misunderstanding caused you distress.  I never intended to demand anything of you.  I only ever wished you well.


feed_id: ac46a7128dda751fd308cb490c68d5f8
title: Body cam videos give a lot more information about what happened to George Floyd
uri: Body-cam-videos-give-a-lot-more-information-about-what-happened-to-Geo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Body_cam_videos_give_a_lot_more_information_about_what_happened_to_George_Floyd%29

content:
<p>

Body cam videos, shown to reporters and others, <a href="https://www.startribune.com/floyd-video-gun-pulled-without-explanation/571778072/">give a lot more information</a>
about what happened to George Floyd.
<p>
Floyd's words and actions sound somewhat suspicious, but he never did
anything that justified any violence to him.


feed_id: dfcc97064256fc635e5a844aa51c8fcd
title: Samsung financial support to Adani coal mining
uri: Samsung-financial-support-to-Adani-coal-mining
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#19_July_2020_%28Samsung_financial_support_to_Adani_coal_mining%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/17/samsung-securities-pledges-no-further-financial-backing-for-adani-coal-after-protest">Samsung yielded to public pressure</a> and said it would give no more financial
support to Adani coal mining.
<p>
Rejecting coal is a start, but other fossil fuel projects are deadly too.


feed_id: f888d9a386b1abcd020027cf64b278af
title: Systems that extract CO2 from the air
uri: Systems-that-extract-CO2-from-the-air
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Systems_that_extract_CO2_from_the_air%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/20/negative-emissions-tech-climate-crisis-carbon">Systems that extract CO2 from the air</a> should be used, but to avoid disaster we must also cut the real emissions.


feed_id: b37bad488a6d6db33b070c85de44f7ca
title: The fetishisation of disagreement culture
uri: The-fetishisation-of-disagreement-culture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28The_fetishisation_of_disagreement_culture%29

content:
<p>

Criticizing the "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/20/how-to-argue-talk-dissent-disagree">fetishisation of disagreement culture</a>."


feed_id: 203a9a91c2b855b3d736e46bf21e448b
title: Covid-19 symptoms months after the initial infection
uri: Covid-19-symptoms-months-after-the-initial-infection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Covid-19_symptoms_months_after_the_initial_infection%29

content:
<p>

People with Covid-19 symptoms months after the initial infection <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/20/coronavirus-side-effects-long-term-recovery-symptoms">describe them</a>. Various symptoms come and go; scientists still don't know why, or whether the people will recover some day.


feed_id: 4f57ceb7cd76a21e89cf883b5a418277
title: Unarmed violence prevention worker
uri: Unarmed-violence-prevention-worker
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Unarmed_violence_prevention_worker%29

content:
<p>

Instead of sending armed thugs who would face a handicap winning gang members' trust, Oakland sends an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/20/time-for-a-new-vision-violence-is-a-public-health-issue-that-requires-community-driven-solutions">unarmed violence prevention worker</a>.


feed_id: 11dfd452ec86a5157d3166008823ff11
title: Drifting fishing nets
uri: Drifting-fishing-nets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Drifting_fishing_nets%29
content:
<p>

Drifting fishing nets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/20/sperm-whale-coast-of-sicily-salina-fishing-netting">catch whales</a>, which suffer terribly and then die.


feed_id: 567c808847bbfb0ece24b998f0f595e3
title: UK institutional reform to deal with dangerous construction practices
uri: UK-institutional-reform-to-deal-with-dangerous-construction-practices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28UK_institutional_reform_to_deal_with_dangerous_construction_practices%29

content:
<p>

The UK has approved an institutional reform to deal with the causes of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/19/uk-to-appoint-chief-inspector-of-buildings-to-address-safety-fears">dangerous construction practice</a> that led to a deadly fire in a tall apartment building.


feed_id: f54c04e2f5db2145e107115242b994d1
title: The new cold warriors
uri: The-new-cold-warriors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28The_new_cold_warriors%29
content:
<p>
*Progressives can't leave criticism of China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/20/progressives-china-cold-warriors-rightwing-uighurs">to the new cold warriors</a>.*

<p>
Those whose mental priorities is US vs China will see every issue
as a matter of boosting one country and trashing the other.  We that
stand for human rights will criticize either country when it deserves
criticism.


feed_id: f92d451c5b924419d3d299aac24f1859
title: Running out of medical personnel
uri: Running-out-of-medical-personnel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Running_out_of_medical_personnel%29
content:
<p>
California is running out of medical personnel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/20/us-military-medical-teams-california-hospitals-covid19">due to the high number
of cases of Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: abb8fb16ce9854d5971c5ae6914561fa
title: Insufficient production of protection equipment
uri: Insufficient-production-of-protection-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Insufficient_production_of_protection_equipment%29

content:
<p>
Last February, the world had insufficient production of Covid-19
protection equipment.  The British NHS could not get equipment because
the French manufacturer it had a contract with for emergency supplies
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/20/revealed-nhs-denied-ppe-at-height-of-covid-19-as-supplies-sent-to-china-coronavirus">gave priority to another client</a>.

<p>
Rather than fume over which client the manufacturer chose, and which
client couldn't get urgently needed masks, the crucial point is that
the world could not produce enough to meet the needs of a pandemic.

<p>
Each country needs to maintain a sufficient production capacity to
supply its own needs in a pandemic.


feed_id: a4a63be1f5a01773515bb9578e69b61a
title: Polar bears in serious trouble
uri: Polar-bears-in-serious-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Polar_bears_in_serious_trouble%29
content:
<p>
*Polar bears in much of Alaska and Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/20/most-polar-bears-to-disappear-by-2100-study-predicts-aoe">will be in serious trouble by
2080</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> keeps surprising us by going faster than predicted.
I'd take that as an underestimate.


feed_id: 135f63362924db36d1b480dd5552b627
title: Results of extractivism
uri: Results-of-extractivism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Results_of_extractivism%29
content:
<p>
*Australia's environment in unsustainable state of decline, major
 review finds.* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/20/australias-environment-in-unsustainable-state-of-decline-major-review-finds">The country's environmental laws need big changes</a>.

<p>
This is no coincidence.  The governments have been extractivist for
many years.


feed_id: 2f63f969997f156f53ad44fa1888c8c9
title: Suing to see algorithm
uri: Suing-to-see-algorithm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Suing_to_see_algorithm%29
content:
<p>
Two British Uber drivers have sued to see the algorithm Uber uses to assign
rides to drivers.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/20/uber-drivers-to-launch-legal-bid-to-uncover-apps-algorithm">They suspect Uber is manipulating them</a>.


feed_id: bdd2f9b4dffcbd600ec050218afd4335
title: Adopted contact-tracing app
uri: Adopted-contact-tracing-app
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Adopted_contact-tracing_app%29
content:
<p>
Ireland has released a contact-tracing app <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/20/cheap-popular-and-it-works-irelands-contact-tracing-app-success">that people there have adopted</a>.

<p>
The basic approach seems to be ethical.  My tentative judgment is that
I would be willing to participate in a contact-tracing system which
worked that way, if I could do so without running a nonfree app or a
portable phone.

<p>
For instance, if it were a stand-alone device with no network
connection except bluetooth and doing nothing except this job, and I
could examine and understand all the data it gives me to send in, and
no software would ever be installed into it, I could treat it like my
microwave oven &mdash; meaning that I don't care how it works inside.  I
could envision that the user gets the data out via USB, in a
well-documented trasparent format, then sends it to the health
department through a web site that does not send Javascript code to
the browser.

<p>
The design principle here should be to infringe people's privacy in
the minimal possible way that can succeed in stopping transmission of
Covid-19.

<p>
It is our duty to cooperate with that vital goal &mdash; just as it is our
duty to protect others by wearing masks &mdash; and society's duty to avoid
asking us to make any additional, avoidable sacrifices of privacy.


feed_id: 3e9fcad240ad55e568bd0ab169e09ddf
title: Lack of systematic tracking of Covid-19
uri: Lack-of-systematic-tracking-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Lack_of_systematic_tracking_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

The lack of systematic tracking of cases of Covid-19 and their outcomes is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/21/coronavirus-data-flying-blind-trump-us-failure">hampering US efforts to treat and stop the disease</a>.


feed_id: 1ee4505796204f9af49d369fd01445ca
title: Former dictator al-Bashir on trial
uri: Former-dictator-al-Bashir-on-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Former_dictator_al-Bashir_on_trial%29

content:
<p>

Sudan has put former dictator al-Bashir <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/21/sudan-former-ruler-omar-al-bashir-on-trial-accused-of-plotting-miltary-coup">on trial for seizing power</a>.
<p>
This is exciting because it is so rare that coup perps get prosecuted.


feed_id: 66452577f98f6c15001af3375f0829bc
title: Violent anarchist federal agents
uri: Violent-anarchist-federal-agents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Violent_anarchist_federal_agents%29
content:
<p>

The violent anarchist federal agents that the wrecker has sent to
Portland (and soon to Chicago) could be part of a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/20/why-federal-cops-portland-are-all-about-election-day">scheme to intimidate
voters in November</a>.
<p>
Juan Cole thinks the wrecker wants to pretend that the federal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are trying
to stop violent protesters and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/20/trumps-cynical-and-deeply-dangerous-reelection-ploy-sow-chaos-us-cities">frighten suburban white voters</a>, but I think that videos of the lawless violence of the thugs
themselves, against people doing nothing to justify arrest, even
against reporters, will turn that effect around.  Americans detested
the violence of local and state <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> on actually seeing it, and I
expect they will react the same way now.


feed_id: 7eb0b5cfcd9178cd3607935ea2531232
title: Reasons not to use WhatsApp
uri: Reasons-not-to-use-WhatsApp
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#21_July_2020_%28Reasons_not_to_use_WhatsApp%29
content:
<p>
  <A href="https://stallman.org/whatsapp.html">Reasons not to use WhatsApp</a>
<p>
	Using WhatsApp requires you to run non-free software either in the form of
	JavaScript code downloaded and run in the browser or through their app.


feed_id: c62c9cdab6bee73c724577e294b48c61
title: Return to normal
uri: Return-to-normal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#22_July_2020_%28Return_to_normal%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist politicians such as Bogus Johnson will try to return the
world to "normal", meaning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/21/greener-happier-world-politicians-boris-johnson-consumerism-planet">on track to the same disaster and injustice
it was developing before</a>.


feed_id: 9f450384fb5729349f57c9a009676af8
title: New vigor to protests
uri: New-vigor-to-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#22_July_2020_%28New_vigor_to_protests%29
content:
<p>
Just as the energy in Portland's protests was fading, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/portland-protests-federal-police-forces-tensions-rise">attacks by the
wrecker's federal thugs have brought them new vigor</a>.


feed_id: dc4f6ac6fe71e14f14c510a13df8c4cf
title: New French pun
uri: 2020-07-22-New-French-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#22_July_2020_%28New_French_pun%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/french-puns.html#simaisnon">Renommé pour ses réponses autocontradictoires</a>.


feed_id: a75fa1c9cb620a372f7feab5873f12c7
title: Investigating atrocities
uri: Investigating-atrocities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#22_July_2020_%28Investigating_atrocities%29
content:
<p>
Australian "elite" troops committed atrocities in Afghanistan.  Now
that the public knows this, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/20/new-sas-war-crimes-revealed-australia-braces-report">the government is investigating and
considering punishing those responsible</a>.

<p>
What a contrast <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jul-oct.html#01 August 2010 (Wikileaks files)">with the way the US covers up such atrocities</a>.

<p>
In the Vietnam War, the US did prosecute an atrocity, the My Lai
massacre.


feed_id: ae7c236d1739d14954e0a4c9ff29131f
title: Saving conversation unencrypted
uri: Saving-conversation-unencrypted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Saving_conversation_unencrypted%29
content:
<p>
Whatsapp invites anyone you talk with through that program to save the
conversation on Apple servers &mdash; <a href="https://faq.whatsapp.com/iphone/chats/how-to-back-up-to-icloud">and that is not encrypted</a>.


feed_id: 72fc21ee50497e87974a9a6f626f1f00
title: Analyzing patterns of communication
uri: Analyzing-patterns-of-communication
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Analyzing_patterns_of_communication%29

content:
<p>
Facebook plans to make WhatsApp analyze patterns of communication <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2020/05/23/why-this-new-facebook-update-suddenly-gives-whatsapp-users-a-powerful-boost/">to learn
about what people are doing and identify activities</a>.

<p>
This could apply to any sort of activities, including those which are
crimes (but those which are truly bad, and those which should be
lawful, such as sharing copies of copyrighted works), and those which
are lawful and Facebook has no right to know about.


feed_id: 57f3f85b2afac90e28083292a81cfd9f
title: Now accepting asylum applications
uri: Now-accepting-asylum-applications
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Now_accepting_asylum_applications%29

content:
<p>
A Canadian court ruled that Canada <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/canada-us-safe-third-country-agreement-federal-court">must accept asylum applications
at the border with the US</a>.

<p>
In other words, the Canada may not take for granted that the US
respects human rights.

<p>
I applaud Canada for recognizing this and acting accordingly,
but my heart cries that my country has sunk to the point of deserving it.
Patriotic Americans, let's push to make America exemplary.


feed_id: 58491cabf335389fa268dac7104d7a25
title: Elections in doubt because of Covid-19
uri: Elections-in-doubt-because-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Elections_in_doubt_because_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
*Bolivia elections [in September] in doubt <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/bolivia-september-elections-doubt-covid-19-deaths-rise">as police find bodies of
hundreds of Covid-19 victims</a>.*


feed_id: f378523e9a806a3cff011223cea89e2f
title: Ending forever wars
uri: Ending-forever-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Ending_forever_wars%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Party has proposed a platform <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/22/democrats-unveil-draft-foreign-policy-platform-with-promises-to-end-forever-wars-and-regime-change/">calling for ending the
US's forever wars</a>.


feed_id: b072906f0b71b268462448d183e30648
title: Undocumented immigrants excluded from census
uri: Undocumented-immigrants-excluded-from-census
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Undocumented_immigrants_excluded_from_census%29

content:
<p>
*[The conman] orders undocumented immigrants <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/trump-executive-order-census-undocumented-immigrants">excluded from key census count</a>.*

<p>
This is a way to reduce federal funds and reduce legislative representation
for the cities where most Democrats (and most unauthorized immigrants) live.


feed_id: 88e3878d28510b36dcdde19dfa7fedf9
title: Torture after arrest
uri: Torture-after-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Torture_after_arrest%29
content:
<p>
*'We were beaten': 20 LGBTQ+ Ugandans file lawsuit <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/22/we-were-beaten-so-badly-20-lgbtq-people-file-torture-lawsuit-in-uganda">over alleged torture
[when they were arrested]</a>.*


feed_id: cd4507adaefaf1db1cc46b55b5b9e865
title: Human barricade
uri: Human-barricade
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Human_barricade%29
content:
<p>
* Hundreds of mothers have attended demonstrations and stood as a human
   barricade <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/trump-federal-agents-portland-protests-moms">between protesters and federal officers</a>.*

<p>
*Federal agents retreat to Portland base <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/22/portland-federal-agents-protesters">as protesters control streets</a>.*

<p>
The protesters would be wise to stop attempts to set fire to or near
the courthouse.  With a just government, we will still need that
courthouse.  To burn it now would not be an act of uncontrollable
immediate passion, but rather an act of excess.  And it is the one thing
that works against the protesters case for public support.


feed_id: e4c746e2dbd14007e613916fb777c770
title: Videos of drone attacks
uri: Videos-of-drone-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Videos_of_drone_attacks%29
content:
<p>
What if we had videos <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/21/accountability-drones-military-overseas-civilians/">of the civilians killed by US drone attacks in
forever wars</a>?


feed_id: 231d0d82f32afb47890ec4932abca67f
title: Cruelty of absurd deportation
uri: Cruelty-of-absurd-deportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Cruelty_of_absurd_deportation%29
content:
<p>
The cruelty and stubbornness of the US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> is
illustrated by their many-year quest to deport Rebecca Trimble to
Mexico <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/07/us/immigrants-adoption-ice.html">because her parents didn't handle the paperwork right when
adopting as a newborn, 30 years ago</a>.

<p>
Not only does she speak no Spanish and know no one in Mexico &mdash; the US
is famous for deporting people there under such circumstances &mdash;
  but Mexico says her records are contradictory.  She may not be
allowed to work in Mexico, except for a gang.

<p>
The case to accept her as American is so strong that the officials'
refusal to see it shows the cruelty in their hearts.  They are not fit
to exercise the power they hold.

<p>
I wonder whether she could get asylum in Canada, now that Canada will
allow people to apply from the US.


feed_id: 1334f9c0a2a357a198a791e607a194e9
title: Sharks consuming plastics
uri: Sharks-consuming-plastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Sharks_consuming_plastics%29
content:
<p>
2/3 of sharks living at the sea bottom, near the UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/22/most-uk-sharks-have-consumed-plastics-study-finds">have consumed plastic</a>.

<p>
The danger of being bitten by a shark is tiny, but the danger of biting 
shark meat could someday be significant.  Of course, it will be the same
for biting any kind fish &mdash; if there are fish left to catch, after
the effects of global heating <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_September_2014_(Ocean_acidification)">and ocean acidification</a>.


feed_id: 46f88a1b5425f1217098ac511ef956d1
title: Americans evicted because they could not attend their court hearing via zoom
uri: Americans-evicted-because-they-could-not-attend-their-court-hearing-vi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Americans_evicted_because_they_could_not_attend_their_court_hearing_via_zoom%29

content:
<p>

Americans are getting evicted because they <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/06/19/880859109/zoom-call-eviction-hearings-they-ll-throw-everything-i-have-out-on-the-street">could not attend a court hearing carried out via Zoom</a>.
<p>
Zoom is an injustice &mdash; it is a nonfree program, and using a nonfree
program is always an injustice (fsf.org/tedx).  Furthermore, it
collects personal data, which means it is malware.  Requiring people
to use Zoom, for any purpose, is an injustice.
<p>
Denying them their legal rights because they couldn't, or wouldn't, use Zoom is an injustice too.
<p>
I will fight for the right not to use Zoom.


feed_id: 5d0914d0f6f9b067948cd07963184bcd
title: Playing video games doesn't lead to violent behavior
uri: Playing-video-games-doesn-t-lead-to-violent-behavior
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Playing_video_games_doesn%27t_lead_to_violent_behavior%29

content:
<p>

*Playing video games <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/22/playing-video-games-doesnt-lead-to-violent-behaviour-study-shows">doesn't lead to violent behavior</a>, study shows.*


feed_id: 0a372bf717b8b609e01eeacbb52b1ac4
title: Methane leaking from the ocean bottom
uri: Methane-leaking-from-the-ocean-bottom
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Methane_leaking_from_the_ocean_bottom%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/22/first-active-leak-of-sea-bed-methane-discovered-in-antarctica">Methane is leaking</a> from the ocean bottom near Antarctica.


feed_id: 39528bdce7e13961a2d2a8556157c043
title: Democrats passed a bill to continue funding for the wrecker's thugs
uri: Democrats-passed-a-bill-to-continue-funding-for-the-wrecker-s-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Democrats_passed_a_bill_to_continue_funding_for_the_wrecker%27s_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Just after <a href="https://sirota.substack.com/p/dems-sternly-worded-letter-wont-stop">condemning the wrecker's sending thugs</a> to grab people at
random off the streets of Portland, Congressional Democrats passed a
bill to continue funding for those <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, with no restrictions against
doing what the wrecker is having them do.


feed_id: 3d5f4f508c737e4edb36bf9a096d370a
title: Covid-19 testing capacity cannot be increased fast enough
uri: Covid-19-testing-capacity-cannot-be-increased-fast-enough
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Covid-19_testing_capacity_cannot_be_increased_fast_enough%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 is spreading so fast now in the US that <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/20/nation/backlog-covid-19-tests-imperils-push-contain-infections/?et_rid=1841749494&s_campaign=metroheadlines:newsletter">testing capacity cannot
be increased fast enough</a>.  It is taking people a week to get test results.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/20/nation/backlog-covid-19-tests-imperils-push-contain-infections/?et_rid=1841749494&s_campaign=metroheadlines:newsletter


feed_id: 83e67c2ffe8a822f5e1c733941c88800
title: Americans forced to return to dangerous workplaces
uri: Americans-forced-to-return-to-dangerous-workplaces
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Americans_forced_to_return_to_dangerous_workplaces%29

content:
<p>

*Republicans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/21/americans-coronavirus-pandemic-workers-safety">forcing Americans to return to dangerous workplaces</a>.*
<p>
Some work is truly essential, and we need people to do it even though
it can't be entirely safe.  However, we have a duty to make their work
as safe as we possibly can.  If that has costs, the employers must pay
those costs.  If they pass those costs on to us, it is our
responsibility to pay them.


feed_id: 1fb574ecb1942983871fb7a067ca9faf
title: (satire) First migrant worker in space
uri: (satire)-First-migrant-worker-in-space
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_First_migrant_worker_in_space%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *the United Arab Emirates successfully <a href="https://www.theonion.com/united-arab-emirates-successfully-launches-migrant-work-1844446472">launched its first migrant workers into space</a> Monday, part of a mission to build luxury resort colonies on the surface of Mars.*


feed_id: 2c0c8ff9827fbfdca0e35c7ec13b51e9
title: ACLU says Michael Cohen back in prison
uri: ACLU-says-Michael-Cohen-back-in-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28ACLU_says_Michael_Cohen_back_in_prison%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/michael-cohen-book-trump-sent-back-to-prison-aclu">ACLU says [the bully] sent Michael Cohen back to prison</a> 'for writing a book'.*


feed_id: 99aebe0bb5cc0df9ac6c5eefc9e1dfa7
title: Pressure China on Uighurs
uri: Pressure-China-on-Uighurs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Pressure_China_on_Uighurs%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/world-is-legally-obliged-to-pressure-china-on-uighurs-leading-lawyers-say">World is legally obliged to pressure China on Uighurs</a>, leading lawyers say.*
<p>
I think that pressure about Hong Kong is even more crucial than about
the Uighurs.  The crushing of Hong Kong is still new, China can easily
relax its grip there, and the world has more leverage about it.
<p>
Ideally the world would put on so much pressure that China would
yield on both oppressions, but is such great success plausible?


feed_id: 9624dcef5268fb1cb4a1a0b1ad9d0f15
title: White collar crime pays
uri: White-collar-crime-pays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28White_collar_crime_pays%29
content:
<p>

*'White Collar Crime Pays': Decade After Dodd-Frank, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/21/white-collar-crime-pays-decade-after-dodd-frank-executives-still-lining-their">Executives Still Lining Their Pockets</a>.*


feed_id: 161b03b4e36a5e6f36fcd9076db696c1
title: Urgent: Stop the wrecker's secret police
uri: Urgent-Stop-the-wrecker-s-secret-police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_the_wrecker%27s_secret_police%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/trump-secret-police/">stop the wrecker's secret police</a>.

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

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


feed_id: a62faac4d87e6954f630969465d50aa0
title: Plastic waste in oceans
uri: Plastic-waste-in-oceans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Plastic_waste_in_oceans%29
content:
<p>
*Plastic waste entering oceans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/23/plastic-waste-entering-oceans-triple-20-years-research">expected to triple in 20 years</a>.*

<p>
It is far too much already.  We need laws to restrict the manufacture of
plastic objects that cannot practically be recycled.


feed_id: c50dab14b81e7989ab5b4b4c6de1e4f2
title: New surprise makeover series
uri: New-surprise-makeover-series
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28New_surprise_makeover_series%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/homeland-security-claims-protesters-snatched-off-street-1844457686">satire</a>) *Department of Homeland Security
   issued a statement Tuesday stressing that they had merely snatched
   protesters off the streets as part of a new surprise makeover series
   created in tandem with Netflix.*


feed_id: 4493fa9333ce4f9d14db914127f5679e
title: New stimulus plan
uri: New-stimulus-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28New_stimulus_plan%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-congressional-stimulus-would-provide-national-tip-j-1844457584">satire</a>) *Congress unveiled a new stimulus plan Tuesday that would
   provide a national tip jar for all Americans making under $40,000 a
   year.*


feed_id: d699550b58faa32adbaac3fac873d929
title: Transferring military budget
uri: Transferring-military-budget
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Transferring_military_budget%29
content:
<p>
93 Democrats in Congress voted to transfer 10% of the proposed Pentagon budget
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/21/fight-isnt-over-say-anti-war-groups-139-house-democrats-vote-gop-reject-10-pentagon">to real needs of Americans</a>.
  It was not enough to win, but it shows the advance of progressive politics.


feed_id: 9590556e3ce9bb27c70e6c7bb02b8fb1
title: Demolishing Covid-19 testing center
uri: Demolishing-Covid-19-testing-center
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Demolishing_Covid-19_testing_center%29

content:
<p>
*Israeli Soldiers Demolish <a href="https://imemc.org/article/israeli-soldiers-demolish-under-construction-covid-19-testing-center/">Under-Construction Covid-19 Testing Center</a>.*


feed_id: c723aa573457407c24fff73d7fb5463c
title: Shifting opinion regarding occupation
uri: Shifting-opinion-regarding-occupation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Shifting_opinion_regarding_occupation%29

content:
<p>
US public opinion is shifting to condemn Israel's occupation of Palestine,
and the effect is that more elected officials <a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/07/17/the-u-s-struggle-for-justice-for-palestine-begins-a-new-chapter-2/">are ready to criticize occupation
policies</a>.


feed_id: 245a9dbeaa6e8f1714942fc2863f593d
title: Jail instead of deportation
uri: Jail-instead-of-deportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Jail_instead_of_deportation%29
content:
<p>
The US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/22/aclu-secures-release-us-resident-unlawfully-detained-under-patriot-act">jailed Adham Hassoun, rather than deporting him</a>,
   citing rumors that called him a terrorist and invoking the PAT RIOT
Act.  The ACLU convinced a court to order him released to another
country, but that took 17 months to achieve.

<p>
The PAT RIOT Act was an injustice when first proposed
and it still is.


feed_id: ad1a148bb768a0c9ae44ca12126ed414
title: Kind communication and masks
uri: Kind-communication-and-masks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Kind_communication_and_masks%29
content:
<p>
How to use kind communication <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/22/mask-shaming-wont-work-try-these-5-things-instead">when posting to urge people to wear masks</a>.


feed_id: 8702b53f196189e6049c7a67027dd927
title: Obituary for republican officials
uri: Obituary-for-republican-officials
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Obituary_for_republican_officials%29

content:
<p>
Fiana Tulip wrote her mother's obituary to rebuke Republican officials
for the policies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/22/scathing-obituary-texas-woman-blames-gop-carelessness-mothers-undeserving-covid-19">that caused her to catch Covid-19 and die</a>.


feed_id: e2cc0b2d0b5bfaae9127532d526beb5b
title: Proactively arresting without grounds
uri: Proactively-arresting-without-grounds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Proactively_arresting_without_grounds%29

content:
<p>
The head of the DHS (Department of Harsh Suppression) says his
anonymous US thugs are arresting people "proactively"; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/22/stirring-fears-pre-crime-policing-dhs-head-chad-wolf-confirms-federal-agents">that is,
without grounds to arrest them</a>.


feed_id: 727453ec9a2390fdca9f8c1d642785ef
title: Treating truth with contempt
uri: 2020-07-24-Treating-truth-with-contempt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Treating_truth_with_contempt%29
content:
<p>
It's not just the bullshitter and his supporters that treat truth with
contempt.  <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-campaign-ad-police-officer-attacked-2014-ukraine-protests-2020-7">His reelection campaign does it, too</a>.


feed_id: cb34844f83af5639c0fed2f230dc5692
title: Between 2.5C and 4C of global heating
uri: Between-2-5C-and-4C-of-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Between_2.5C_and_4C_of_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Advances in climate modeling suggest that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/22/global-heating-study-narrows-range-of-probable-temperature-rises">we are on track for between
2.5C and 4C of global heating</a>.

<p>
I am skeptical that our models can be so accurate as to merit being
stated with a precision of .1 degree C.


feed_id: 8d5c1742129d4df3dd8108b5b02e9c01
title: Compensation over health effects from lead plant
uri: Compensation-over-health-effects-from-lead-plant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Compensation_over_health_effects_from_lead_plant%29

content:
<p>
*Shantytown residents [in Kenya] awarded compensation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/kenya-environmental-defenders-court-victory-government">over deaths
 and health effects from lead plant</a>.*

<p>
A true victory would be if this compels the plant to invest in technology
to stop leaking lead into the environment.


feed_id: 5e4884798a591cad63a5242844b4fbc9
title: Location of new Covid-19 cases
uri: Location-of-new-Covid-19-cases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Location_of_new_Covid-19_cases%29
content:
<p>
3/4 of the new Covid-19 cases in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/22/coronavirus-donald-trump-polling-swing-states-election">are in states that were taken by
the conman in 2016</a>.
  Previously it spread mostly in Democratic states.

<p>
Maybe this accounts for his recent decision to encourage wearing
masks.


feed_id: b040366a36064a2d2575fe1a9d72e12c
title: Disappearing into detention
uri: Disappearing-into-detention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#24_July_2020_%28Disappearing_into_detention%29
content:
<p>
*NYPD Disappeared Black Lives Matter Protesters Into Detention For Days at a
Time.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/22/nypd-protesters-detention/">Lawmakers Want to End the Practice</a>.*

<p>
In addition to attacking or arresting people violently and/or for no
valid reason, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can also violate people's rights after arresting them.


feed_id: 48c04c9c21ca073d4e3915d3faee1a9d
title: Now accepting asylum applications
uri: 2020-07-24-Now-accepting-asylum-applications
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Now_accepting_asylum_applications%29

content:
<p>
A Canadian court ruled that Canada <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/canada-us-safe-third-country-agreement-federal-court">must accept asylum applications
at the border with the US</a>.

<p>
In other words, the Canada may not take for granted that the US
respects human rights.

<p>
I applaud Canada for recognizing this and acting accordingly,
but my heart cries that my country has sunk to the point of deserving it.
Patriotic Americans, let's push to make America exemplary.

<p>
More about the US government conduct <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/22/because-us-cant-be-counted-uphold-basic-rights-canadian-court-strikes-down-bilateral">which was the basis of the court's decision</a>.


feed_id: 726e3de24e35ae9eee7d10d8d455ff16
title: Undocumented immigrants excluded from census
uri: 2020-07-24-Undocumented-immigrants-excluded-from-census
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#23_July_2020_%28Undocumented_immigrants_excluded_from_census%29

content:
<p>
*[The conman] orders undocumented immigrants <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/21/trump-executive-order-census-undocumented-immigrants">excluded from key census count</a>.*

<p>
This is a way to reduce federal funds and reduce legislative representation
for the cities where most Democrats (and most unauthorized immigrants) live.

<p>
This order is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/21/trumps-attempt-subvert-census-count-violates-constitution">simply and directly unconstitutional</a>.


feed_id: 4a7ca8110469bf618016f4fa017a6904
title: Insurance company pressured by activists to stop insuring pipeline
uri: Insurance-company-pressured-by-activists-to-stop-insuring-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Insurance_company_pressured_by_activists_to_stop_insuring_pipeline%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/23/activists-ramp-pressure-other-insurers-after-swiss-company-ditches-climate-wrecking">Activists have pressured</a> a large insurance company to stop insuring the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline, which runs in Canada to the Pacific coast.
<p>
This will increase the pressure to stop mining tar sands, which is a very powerful <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_August_2015_(Bay_of_Fundy)">planet-roasting</a> practice.
<p>
As a general question, I wonder why the government of a major country like Canada buys insurance for pipelines, or for anything.  Isn't it cheaper, overall, to pay the cost of repairs, if you have a big enough budget to do so?


feed_id: f9481ed4288b8de757e96a81b58af94c
title: DOJ inspector general to investigate the wrecker's use of federal thugs
uri: DOJ-inspector-general-to-investigate-the-wrecker-s-use-of-federal-thug
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28DOJ_inspector_general_to_investigate_the_wrecker%27s_use_of_federal_thugs%29

content:
<p>

The Justice Department's inspector general <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/23/us-doj-trump-federal-agents-trump-deployments">will investigate</a> whether the wrecker's use of federal thugs to arrest people at random is illegal.
<p>
I worry that the wrecker will fire this inspector general, as he has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#13_September_2019_(Firing_Bolton)">fired</a> several others.


feed_id: 7351987654e8d97200fe0cfdf83bce0f
title: Factory farming interests facing potential legal risks
uri: Factory-farming-interests-facing-potential-legal-risks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Factory_farming_interests_facing_potential_legal_risks%29

content:
<p>

*Factory farming interests, facing <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/24/meat-industry-coronavirus-lawsuits/">potential legal risks</a> for allegedly failing to protect workers from coronavirus-related risks, are among the many business interests now backing efforts to obtain special immunity from legal liability.*


feed_id: afe5d51bb3745232a5a0857cc9570f49
title: Israeli [thugs] use water cannon at anti-Netanyahu protest
uri: Israeli-thugs-use-water-cannon-at-anti-Netanyahu-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Israeli_%5Bthugs%5D_use_water_cannon_at_anti-Netanyahu_protest%29

content:
<p>

*Israeli [thugs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/israeli-police-water-cannon-anti-netanyahu-protest-coronavirus">use water cannon</a> at anti-Netanyahu protest.* The protest was about his handling of Covid-19.


feed_id: ac9348ee03a720fc748be35606b36dd0
title: Federal agents as the wrecker's goon squad
uri: Federal-agents-as-the-wrecker-s-goon-squad
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Federal_agents_as_the_wrecker%27s_goon_squad%29

content:
<p>

*[The wrecker] is using federal agents as his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/24/trump-goon-squad-john-sandweg-homeland-security-ice">'goon squad'</a>, says ICE's ex-acting head.*
<p>
Each time the wrecker takes another step down the long path to fascism, he is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/24/trump-security-state-war-on-terror-america">testing whether we will make him stop</a>.


feed_id: 4eafd3d4962f6bd06b932ed6fcfdb0f6
title: Turkey censorship of social media
uri: Turkey-censorship-of-social-media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Turkey_censorship_of_social_media%29

content:
<p>

Turkey will probably impose strict <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/turkish-mps-vote-bill-could-block-facebook-twitter">punitive censorship</a> on social media.
<p>
That will probably lead to blocking access to the major platforms from Turkey.


feed_id: 1a398d9e875a19540aea1ef731c154d4
title: Covid-19 is resurging in several European countries.
uri: Covid-19-is-resurging-in-several-European-countries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Covid-19_is_resurging_in_several_European_countries.%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/europe-warns-of-need-for-vigilance-as-covid-19 -cases-rise-sharply">resurging</a> in several European countries.
<p>
It seems to me that reopening bars cannot be allowed as long as Covid-19 is present in the territory.


feed_id: 50bb548d372d5fca1ec4abf6524394fc
title: EU austerity will punish all the Euro Zone countries
uri: EU-austerity-will-punish-all-the-Euro-Zone-countries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28EU_austerity_will_punish_all_the_Euro_Zone_countries%29

content:
<p>

Varoufakis: despite the advance in principle of the EU's decision to do joint borrowing, the same old vicious circle of austerity (imposed by a balanced budget) will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/jul/24/eu-coronavirus-fund-europe-recovery-package">punish all the Euro Zone countries</a>, but Greece and Italy worst of all.


feed_id: 46fed04bd9829a922da34f2cabce3be0
title: Hungarian journalists resign en masse
uri: Hungarian-journalists-resign-en-masse
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Hungarian_journalists_resign_en_masse%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/hungarian-journalists-resign-en-masse-after-claims-of-political-interference">Hungarian journalists resign en masse</a> after claims of political interference.*


feed_id: af60a5c382dbb1b127940bbda469adfd
title: Zimbabwean reporter faces charges after publishing about corrupt officials
uri: Zimbabwean-reporter-faces-charges-after-publishing-about-corrupt-offic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Zimbabwean_reporter_faces_charges_after_publishing_about_corrupt_officials%29

content:
<p>

Zimbabwean reporter Hopewell Chin’ono faces unbelievable charges after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/zimbabwean-journalist-calls-for-fight-against-corruption-to-continue">publishing about corrupt officials</a>.


feed_id: f9852128245ca033ff3cbf1688b061f2
title: (satire) Maximum-strength chewable peach Wednesday
uri: (satire)-Maximum-strength-chewable-peach-Wednesday
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Maximum-strength_chewable_peach_Wednesday%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *a new <a href="https://www.theonion.com/del-monte-introduces-new-extended-release-maximum-stre-1844467679">extended-release, maximum-strength chewable peach Wednesday</a> which they claim possesses up to four times the power of normal stone fruit.*


feed_id: a01b18a9d62a9677bfa6cc0a52d8d9ad
title: (satire) Polar bears evolving aerospace engineering skills
uri: (satire)-Polar-bears-evolving-aerospace-engineering-skills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Polar_bears_evolving_aerospace_engineering_skills%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Encouraging Report Finds Polar Bears <a href="https://www.theonion.com/encouraging-report-finds-polar-bears-evolving-aerospace-1844467616">Evolving Aerospace Engineering Skills</a> Necessary To Escape Overheating Planet.*


feed_id: 1f7471605b55066532f5aec598486ae2
title: Oregon's senators propose legally prohibiting federal thugs
uri: Oregon-s-senators-propose-legally-prohibiting-federal-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Oregon%27s_senators_propose_legally_prohibiting_federal_thugs%29

content:
<p>

Oregon's senators propose <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/22/has-stop-oregon-senators-unveil-amendment-bar-trump-sending-secret-police-us-cities">legally prohibiting federal thugs</a> from doing what they have been doing in Portland.


feed_id: 6ed1318c897be55d0fa689d88a174cf6
title: (satire) Clumsy stealth drone
uri: (satire)-Clumsy-stealth-drone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_Clumsy_stealth_drone%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Clumsy Stealth Drone Surveilling Taliban Base <a href="https://www.theonion.com/clumsy-stealth-drone-surveilling-taliban-base-flees-aft-1844483333">Flees After Accidentally Knocking Over Potted Plant</a>.* After that, things only got worse.


feed_id: 48d95198eb149ab5fb3381314ee64397
title: Shutting off millions of destitute people's water, electricity and gas.
uri: Shutting-off-millions-of-destitute-people-s-water-electricity-and-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Shutting_off_millions_of_ddestitute_people%27s_water%2C_electricity_and_gas.%29

content:
<p>

In most American states, the millions of destitute people <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/23/new-data-underscores-urgent-need-federal-moratorium-utility-shutoffs">face the danger</a> of shutting off their water, electricity and gas.


feed_id: 084093a85030092c664794f825df92d5
title: Organizing Americans to mobilize
uri: Organizing-Americans-to-mobilize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Organizing_Americans_to_mobilize%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/23/30-groups-join-protect-results-coalition-mobilize-americans-if-trump-refuses">Organizing Americans to mobilize</a> if the wrecker tries to seize power by denying the November election.


feed_id: bad2723788b7771ac52b6158c30956f2
title: Policy recommendations to curb spread of Covid-19
uri: Policy-recommendations-to-curb-spread-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Policy_recommendations_to_curb_spread_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Policy recommendations to curb the spread of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/23/pandemic-you-cannot-hide-it-experts-denounce-white-house-secrecy-private-warning">have to be smuggled</a> out of the US government quietly.


feed_id: 23f86c4fc12657801841cfd237434def
title: Nazi concentration camp guard
uri: Nazi-concentration-camp-guard
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Nazi_concentration_camp_guard%29
content:
<p>

*Nazi concentration camp guard <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/23/former-concentration-camp-guard-convicted-over-5232-murders">convicted over 5,232 murders</a>.*


feed_id: 6b85ab8d51c5bc66bdc1876e4a401418
title: Cost of preventing next pandemic
uri: Cost-of-preventing-next-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#25_July_2020_%28Cost_of_preventing_next_pandemic%29
content:
<p>

*Cost of preventing next pandemic '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/23/preventing-next-pandemic-fraction-cost-covid-19-economic-fallout">equal to just 2% of Covid-19 economic damage</a>'.*


feed_id: e6785a8eb1217a100ca39f519b38d0bc
title: Climate strike, September 25!
uri: Climate-strike-September-25
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Climate_strike%2C_September_25%21%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/24/fridays-future-announces-next-global-climate-strike-date">Climate strike, September 25!</a>


feed_id: 509788d1a6b8d625d0d3e520ceb9c6e8
title: Temporary basic income for world's poorest
uri: Temporary-basic-income-for-world-s-poorest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Temporary_basic_income_for_world%27s_poorest%29

content:
<p>

*UN Calls for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/24/un-calls-temporary-basic-income-worlds-poorest-27-billion-people-lifeline-amid">Temporary Basic Income for World's Poorest 2.7 Billion</a> People as 'Lifeline' Amid Pandemic.*


feed_id: bb9966634fd777a38b9c9cb0c7040797
title: Employers will pay you less and mistreat you more
uri: Employers-will-pay-you-less-and-mistreat-you-more
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Employers_will_pay_you_less_and_mistreat_you_more%29

content:
<p>

Watch out: employers will soon <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/23/why-does-essential-work-pay-so-little">pay you less and mistreat you more while</a> expecting you to gush with gratitude that you have a job at all.


feed_id: df4d92213c4208b1cbf959b75541d336
title: Fashion industry complicit in Uighur forced labour
uri: Fashion-industry-complicit-in-Uighur-forced-labour
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Fashion_industry_complicit_in_Uighur_forced_labour%29

content:
<p>

*'Virtually entire' fashion industry <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/23/virtually-entire-fashion-industry-complicit-in-uighur-forced-labour-say-rights-groups-china">complicit in Uighur forced labour</a>, say rights groups.*


feed_id: 4e7b83d86f40f462c50afcf277c48eb5
title: Refugee Behrouz Boochani is now free and a resident of New Zealand
uri: Refugee-Behrouz-Boochani-is-now-free-and-a-resident-of-New-Zealand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Refugee_Behrouz_Boochani_is_now_free_and_a_resident_of_New_Zealand%29

content:
<p>

Refugee Behrouz Boochani, formerly imprisoned by Papua New Guinea on Australia's behalf, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/behrouz-boochani-granted-refugee-status-in-new-zealand">now free and a resident of New Zealand</a>.


feed_id: 15a162272754fd5faca200b30e534cf3
title: Why a generation is choosing to be child-free
uri: Why-a-generation-is-choosing-to-be-child-free
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Why_a_generation_is_choosing_to_be_child-free%29

content:
<p>

*Why [a considerable fraction of] a generation is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jul/25/why-a-generation-is-choosing-to-be-child-free">choosing to be child-free</a>.*
<p>
If technological society survives <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster, our descendants 150 years from now (perhaps one or two billion of them) will decide how many children to make each year, then recruit parents to raise them.  They will attract plenty of volunteers for that role by making other aspects of life easy and safe for them.  This way they can maintain a stable population and assure everyone grows up loved.


feed_id: 53b5d2d1d53995f87cfa78ba901fa01d
title: US push for global alliance against China
uri: US-push-for-global-alliance-against-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28US_push_for_global_alliance_against_China%29

content:
<p>

*US push for global alliance against China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/24/us-china-mike-pompeo-america-first">hampered by years of 'America first'</a>.*
<p>
Pompeo is correct when he says that ‘The free world must triumph over this new [Chinese] tyranny.’  Unfortunately, it is correct to say almost the same thing about the US.  The world must triumph over Xi and Trump, but how?  No national leader today stands for this cause.


feed_id: a75a7236302d48a217051bb70d87e931
title: Treaty against space weapons
uri: Treaty-against-space-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Treaty_against_space_weapons%29
content:
<p>

Is it possible to design an enforceable <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/24/us-russia-vienna-talks-space-militarisation">treaty against space weapons</a>?
<p>
I think it is possible, if the countries involved agree to certain kinds of design features to prohibit, then allow superficial inspection of each others' satellites before launch to verify they do not have the prohibited design features.


feed_id: 2aff904b13d2513bccb6b5eef53a8b7e
title: Textbook publisher asked to capitalize the word "black"
uri: Textbook-publisher-asked-to-capitalize-the-word-black
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Textbook_publisher_asked_to_capitalize_the_word_black%29

content:
<p>

McGraw Hill, a textbook publisher, is being asked to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/us/black-capitalization-school-textbooks-mcgraw-hill-trnd/index.html">capitalize the word "black"</a>.
<p>
I have no opinion about whether to capitalize "black" and "white" as long as we treat the two words alike.


feed_id: 2f62c2803903a535093ce019e45e978e
title: UN concept of "responsibility to protect"
uri: UN-concept-of-responsibility-to-protect
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28UN_concept_of_responsibility_to_protect%29

content:
<p>

The UN concept of "responsibility to protect" arguably applies when a government gratuitously leaves the population open to a sometimes-fatal epidemic, <a href="https://politicalviolenceataglance.org/2020/07/20/should-the-un-declare-a-responsibility-to-protect-americans-from-the-trump-administration/">as the US government is doing now</a>.


feed_id: 9d32b368d4600a8ecab0a4db47a3c9cc
title: Copyright absurdity in Japan
uri: Copyright-absurdity-in-Japan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Copyright_absurdity_in_Japan%29
content:
<p>

Copyright absurdity: In Japan, <a href="https://thenextweb.com/insights/2020/07/22/twitter-copyright-image-japan/">retweeting a photo is copyright infringement</a> &mdash; because of technical details of how Twitter presents the photo.  Twitter has been forced to identify the people who did the retweeting.

<p>
In the US, this would typically be fair use, but that defense does not exist in other countries.


feed_id: ebb34b508fac8f50dbc31ad17719a04d
title: Thug faces charges for pepper-spraying protesters
uri: Thug-faces-charges-for-pepper-spraying-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Thug_faces_charges_for_pepper-spraying_protesterss%29

content:
<p>

A Philadelphia thug <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/richard-nicoletti-philadelphia-police-swat-officer-arrested-charged-assault-pepper-spray-20200722.html">faces charges for pepper-spraying protesters</a>.


feed_id: cc88ddc77dc8b3916699dd4250ef9d47
title: Erosion by waves eating away at rich people's homes
uri: Erosion-by-waves-eating-away-at-rich-people-s-homes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Erosiong_by_waves_eating_away_at_rich_people%27s_homes%29

content:
<p>

Erosion by waves, surely boosted by sea level rise, is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/21/australia/australia-coastal-erosion-homes-intl-hnk-scli/index.html">eating away at rich people's homes</a> in Australia.
<p>
To force people to leave home with two hours' notice seems heartbreakingly cruel.  Even rich people, who could afford to buy a replacement for everything, will lose things that are impossible to replace.
<p>
If people want to take action to prevent seas from claiming the homes of tens of millions of people, mostly not rich, they should demand a rapid reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases.


feed_id: 84f75f1dcfe035ba30d9c83344383268
title: States weak in resisting Covid-19 because of lack of testing
uri: States-weak-in-resisting-Covid-19-because-of-lack-of-testing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28States_weak_in_resisting_Covid-19_because_of_lack_of_testing%29

content:
<p>

Most states, and the US overall, are weak in resisting Covid-19 because they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/24/making-coronavirus-testing-easy-accurate-and-fast-critical-ending-pandemic-us">don't have enough testing capacity</a>.
<p>
In California the shortage is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/25/california-coronavirus-testing-shortage-minority-low-income">disastrous</a>.
<p>
It is easy to have enough testing capacity if you keep the number of cases down.  But once it gets away from you, you have to run fast to catch up.
<p>
I've read that the US overall needs three times as much testing capacity as it has now.  But try getting a Republican to understand that.


feed_id: 7579ae96ced0e0856920680c5da92b1a
title: Federal judge curbs powers of Trump's secret police
uri: Federal-judge-curbs-powers-of-Trump-s-secret-police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Federal_judge_curbs_powers_of_Trump%27s_secret_police%29

content:
<p>

*'Victory for the Rule of Law': Federal Judge <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/24/victory-rule-law-federal-judge-curbs-powers-trumps-secret-police-portland">Curbs Powers of Trump's Secret Police in Portland</a>.*


feed_id: dfee9bf280566d88ddef620fcc52a466
title: Senator Romney pushing to cut Social Security
uri: Senator-Romney-pushing-to-cut-Social-Security
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Senator_Romney_pushing_to_cut_Social_Security%29

content:
<p>

Senator Romney, one of the few Republicans that has refused to support the conman personally, is little better than other Republicans in regard to principles.  He is pushing to establish a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/24/gop-coronavirus-relief-package-include-romney-bill-would-fast-track-social-security">secret system to cut Social Security</a>. Naturally, other Republicans agree,


feed_id: 4b3f46364d6e89ed4639fce132a16818
title: UK intelligence ignored Russian manipulation because they were focused on terrorism
uri: UK-intelligence-ignored-Russian-manipulation-because-they-were-focused
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28UK_intelligence_ignored_Russian_manipulation_because_they_were_focused_on_terrorism%29

content:
<p>

The UK intelligence services were so focused on terrorism that they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/24/russia-report-uk-intelligence-services-moscow-mi5-mi6">ignored Russian manipulation of UK elections</a>.
<p>
I still think that election manipulation by the billionaires and businesses was a bigger harm.  But they are both wrong.


feed_id: 917db69e6db2b182fd03bef384efabd0
title: Total digital monitoring
uri: Total-digital-monitoring
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Total_digital_monitoring%29
content:
<p>

The US, China and many other countries are using digital technology (including phones) to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/surveillance-tech-facial-recognition-terror-capitalism">monitor some people's lives totally</a>.  They have no ways to communicate which are not monitored.
<p>
The article's term, "terror capitalism", is a bit remote for the enslaved Uighurs, and doesn't fit the imprisoned asylum seekers since they don't do any particular kind of work.


feed_id: 525c67ae94bfc4e8f9bda1e4c21870e0
title: Russian thugs set up an "anarchist" group to recruit for insurrection
uri: Russian-thugs-set-up-an-anarchist-group-to-recruit-for-insurrection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Russian_thugs_set_up_an_anarchist_group_to_recruit_for_insurrection%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/russian-facing-extremism-charges-alleges-police-torture-ruslan-kostylenkov">Russian thugs set up an "anarchist" group</a> to recruit people for some sort of insurrection.  Apparently the members didn't want to break laws as much as the thugs wished, so they had to torture them into confessing.


feed_id: 70f1e807137ec90ab637b012208281be
title: UN monitor in Columbia
uri: UN-monitor-in-Columbia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28UN_monitor_in_Columbia%29
content:
<p>

A UN monitor in Colombia was apparently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/23/mario-paciolla-colombia-italian-un-volunteer-death">murdered</a> to silence him about something he had seen.


feed_id: 3dd37430337bd6bcf49b81e12e107ed1
title: Again trying to manipulate voters
uri: Again-trying-to-manipulate-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Again_trying_to_manipulate_voters%29

content:
<p>
Carole Cadwalladr: the corrupter is again trying to use Facebook to
manipulate American voters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/26/with-facebook-we-are-already-through-the-looking-glass">with lies and conspiracy theories</a>.
  Since it worked in 2016, we can't be confident it won't work.

<p>
Other brutal governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/26/roger-mcnamee-facebook-is-a-threat-to-whatever-remains-of-democracy-in-the-us">also use Facebook to manipulate the public</a>.


feed_id: 46a68492afed82d2ddd133965d4e0478
title: Prejudice or poverty
uri: Prejudice-or-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Prejudice_or_poverty%29
content:
<p>
It makes a difference, practically at least, whether people in group G
tend to suffer a certain kind of harm as a direct result of prejudice,
or because they tend to be poor &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/25/the-term-bame-isnt-fit-for-use-we-need-a-new-political-language">even if their poverty is itself a
result of prejudice</a>.

<p>
Even though in both scenarios cases prejudice is an underlying cause,
the mechanism of the problem makes a difference to what we should do
about it.  If all poor people are being harmed, let's help all of them.


feed_id: e492b42c0b97eea366ccc073479d69b2
title: World beaches
uri: World-beaches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28World_beaches%29
content:
<p>
Half the world's existing beaches are likely to be lost by 2100.
If some positive feedbacks kick in, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/02/world/beaches-disappearing-climate-change-sea-level-rise/index.html">it could be more than half</a>.

<p>
If sea level rise were to stop there, eventually new beaches would
develop.  But the ocean will keep rising for centuries.


feed_id: b68ce69db61d60a744beb116c1f1b063
title: Previous Covid-19 patients still have symptoms
uri: Previous-Covid-19-patients-still-have-symptoms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Previous_Covid-19_patients_still_have_symptoms%29

content:
<p>
Followup on all the Covid-19 patients admitted to one Sydney hospital
in March <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/17/most-covid-19-patients-admitted-to-a-sydney-hospital-in-march-still-have-symptoms">found that most of them still have symptoms</a>.

<p>
Patients whose cases were not serious enough for hospitalization
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_July_2020_(Mild_cases_of_Covid-19)">also still have symptoms</a>.


feed_id: 74e75d338d83a73b78d9fcccb1f9a340
title: Poverty tipping point
uri: Poverty-tipping-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Poverty_tipping_point%29
content:
<p>
*   Research in Bangladesh reveals the tipping point <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/26/proof-that-poverty-is-not-failure-but-a-trap">under which the poor
   can’t break into higher-income opportunities</a>.*


feed_id: 87b3171ae41760d2e0c1d3ac83d629a8
title: Choosing who get intensive care
uri: Choosing-who-get-intensive-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Choosing_who_get_intensive_care%29
content:
<p>
As Texas's hospitals are full, they need to choose, among the patients
that need intensive care, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/26/covid-19-death-panels-starr-county-hospital-texas">which ones will get that</a>.

<p>
Various countries foresaw the need for this in April, and made
guidelines for how to choose. One country's guidelines <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_(Deciding_who_gets_medical_treatment_during_supply_shortage)">looked wise to
me</a>.
  I don't recall whether those guidelines were ever needed, back then.
They would not be needed now if not for the Republicans' decision
to spread disease.


feed_id: f38819b9dc4eac9c680cc3bf96f1577d
title: When you don't have national health service
uri: When-you-don-t-have-national-health-service
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28When_you_don%27t_have_national_health_service%29

content:
<p>
Because the US does not have a national health service, it has been
unable to make its attempts to treat Covid-19 serve <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/26/us-failures-are-holding-back-search-for-coronavirus-drugs">as valid tests
of the efficacy of the treatments tried</a>.


feed_id: 2434441a6400560f81a05944a8d47a67
title: Protesters and thugs
uri: Protesters-and-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Protesters_and_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Protesters near the federal courthouse in Portland are carrying out
violence against <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and the building.  The federal thugs and local thugs
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/26/portland-riot-protesters-trump-agents-police">are working together to arrest them and/or drive them away</a>.

<p>
The presence of the federal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> was egregious because the city had
not asked for them.  Their actions were egregious too, arresting
people without cause in areas away from the courthouse.  If protesters
keep on starting violence near the courthouse, they risk legitimizing
the presence of those federal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>

<p>
What possible good is that?


feed_id: 6b99a93a7ab973a0649e62cdf25f2240
title: The dark side will still be there
uri: The-dark-side-will-still-be-there
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28The_dark_side_will_still_be_there%29

content:
<p>
*[The corrupter] has helped the US to see its dark side. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/26/us-coronavirus-deaths-1000-day-republicans-trump-golf-relief-bill">It will still
be there when he goes</a>.

<p>
As stated, racism and torture will not disappear if Biden defeats the
corrupter.  Nor will <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, that can destroy civilization,
nor the plutocracy that is its foundation.


feed_id: d72a7cef1b33aa957f19832e0b5f7955
title: DNC rejecting unity climate panel's recommendations
uri: DNC-rejecting-unity-climate-panel-s-recommendations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28DNC_rejecting_unity_climate_panel%27s_recommendations%29

content:
<p>
The Democratic National Committee <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/23/amid-disappointment-over-partys-draft-platform-25000-people-urge-dnc-adopt-climate">has rejected the unity climate panel's
recommendations</a>.


feed_id: 8a24f2e786eed1fdbd40f4eba77fca6f
title: Protests again replacement of governor
uri: Protests-again-replacement-of-governor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Protests_again_replacement_of_governor%29

content:
<p>
15,000 people protested in Khabarovsk, Siberia, after Putin replaced
the region's governor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/25/huge-anti-kremlin-protests-erupt-in-russias-far-east">who is accused of murder</a>.

<p>
I have no basis to guess whether the governor ordered murders 15 years
ago or not.


feed_id: 7dc09c79bf172ad55ee3d32336f05d10
title: Bill to end subsidies to fossil fuels
uri: Bill-to-end-subsidies-to-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Bill_to_end_subsidies_to_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
Sanders and others have introduced a bill <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/24/omar-sanders-merkley-markey-barragan-introduce-bill-end-corporate-handouts">to end subsidies to fossil fuels</a>.


feed_id: 4dd3b1fb96726ad6567ecf96e01c3912
title: Maximal lift
uri: Maximal-lift
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Maximal_lift%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/victoria-s-secret-introduces-new-sexy-push-up-jack-for-1844496406">satire</a>) *Victoria’s Secret introduced Friday a
   new sexy push-up jack for maximum lift.*


feed_id: 94352a45089615cfb9e01e2f73747993
title: NHS up for sale
uri: 2020-07-27-NHS-up-for-sale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28NHS_up_for_sale%29
content:
<p>
*The Tories' new trade bill means the NHS <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/22/the-tories-new-trade-bill-means-the-nhs-is-now-unquestionably-up-for-sale">is now unquestionably up for sale</a>.*

<p>
The result will be a US-style horrible medical system.

<p>
I warned that leaving the EU under Tory control would lead to horrible
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaties</a>.


feed_id: 741fa1fd51f5ccc78c04ba3ca564d9bc
title: Cops protecting the public
uri: Cops-protecting-the-public
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_%28Cops_protecting_the_public%29
content:
<p>
Ordinary Cuban cops are not cruel to ordinary Cubans.
They seriously work <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/21/lessons-cuban-police">to serve and protect the public</a>.
   That Cuba protects people from becoming desperately poor
helps prevent the sort of crime that people want cops to help stop.

<p>
I post a link to that article reluctantly, because it symbolically
endorses racial bias by contrasting "white" and "Black".  I disapprove
of this just as I would disapprove of as contrasting "White" and
"black".  Ultimately I decided to post a link to this article despite
that because it makes an important point that I didn't have another
article to use for.  (Don't suggest searching; that takes me a lot of
time.)

<p>
Cuba also has secret police that repress, even kill dissidents;
for instance, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#09_March_2013_(Driver_of_the_car_Oswaldo)">they killed Oswaldo Payá</a>.
  Cuba disrespects some vital human rights.  But that is a separate issue
from its policing of nonpolitical crime.


feed_id: a406057b122fbec5fb3fae39ea6723cc
title: Negative CO2 emissions predictions
uri: Negative-CO2-emissions-predictions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Negative_CO2_emissions_predictions%29

content:
<p>
The UK electricity grid predicts negative CO2 emissions from electric
generation, but that is based on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/27/uk-electricity-grids-carbon-emissions-could-turn-negative-by-2033-says-national-grid">hypothetical carbon capture systems
which are not known to work</a>.

<p>
Running trucks on electricity from overhead wires <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/27/ehighways-could-slash-uk-road-freight-emissions-says-study">is expected to be
profitable</a>.  That idea does not seem to presume any dubious technological advances.


feed_id: 4d73360e9aed61c7f23d185ba73b57de
title: Suppression of information and cover up
uri: Suppression-of-information-and-cover-up
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Suppression_of_information_and_cover_up%29

content:
<p>
Accusing China of suppressing information about the spread of Covid-19
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/27/china-truth-coronavirus-panorama-xi-jinping">for about three weeks in January, and covering this up later</a>.

<p>
One specific item &mdash; taking 2 or 3 days to respond to questions from
WHO &mdash; does not strike me as culpable.  It can take anyone a little
time to determine what to say.  However, the other points do seem
culpable.

<p>
But nowhere near as big a crime as what right-wing officials have
done in countries such as Australia, Brazil, and the United States.


feed_id: c0a48f66d4a3bdee5728eac0a81619b1
title: Animals traffic
uri: Animals-traffic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Animals_traffic%29
content:
<p>
*Millions of animals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/millions-of-animals-trafficked-from-the-amazon-annually-report">trafficked from the Amazon annually</a> &mdash; report.*


feed_id: ce32d37541d45c85772320a52514af5a
title: Economy revival and climate
uri: Economy-revival-and-climate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Economy_revival_and_climate%29
content:
<p>
*   European countries are spending big to revive their economies, but they
   will have no legitimacy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/jul/27/europe-coronavirus-planet-climate">with young people if they ignore the climate</a>.*


feed_id: 45e70519aa3df2d966b5039f2aaa83ab
title: Banning protest for public health
uri: Banning-protest-for-public-health
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Banning_protest_for_public_health%29

content:
<p>
Sydney is trying to ban a Black Lives Matter protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/27/sydneys-black-lives-matter-protest-to-go-ahead-despite-organisers-losing-court-appeal">in the name of public health</a>.

<p>
People have a right to protest even if it is dangerous.  However, this
protest will not be very dangerous if the organizers carry out their
plans to prevent transmission of Covid-19.


feed_id: 36ffdb029a89c4913ce911446bce6e10
title: Going to protest carrying guns
uri: Going-to-protest-carrying-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Going_to_protest_carrying_guns%29
content:
<p>
A powerful right-wing militia goes to Black Lives Matter protests
carrying guns.  They say that they respect the right to protest, they
say that they will defend protesters from violence, but their
definitions seem skewed and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/27/utah-militia-armed-group-police-black-lives-matter-protests">the effect of their presence is to
stop protests via intimidation</a>.


feed_id: 42a1277178f26acfed6dc876710a2367
title: Terror attacks count
uri: Terror-attacks-count
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Terror_attacks_count%29
content:
<p>
In the US, since 2010, people killed by right-wing terror attacks
number 117, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/us-rightwing-extremists-attacks-deaths-database-leftwing-antifa">while those killed by left-wing terror attacks number 21</a>.

<p>
Yet "law and order" politicians downplay the latter and emphasize the
former.


feed_id: 78698fbad5f0426045cfda05beb712ba
title: Meat and deforestation
uri: Meat-and-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Meat_and_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
*Revealed: new evidence <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/27/revealed-new-evidence-links-brazil-meat-giant-jbs-to-amazon-deforestation">links Brazil meat giant JBS to Amazon deforestation</a>.*


feed_id: e3c9dd8480b7a423c44b7f9e467746a2
title: Inside deportation prisons
uri: Inside-deportation-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Inside_deportation_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Prisoners of the US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> write about how the thugs
crush their spirits <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/27/ice-detention-coronavirus-letters/">while endangering their health and their lives</a>.


feed_id: cf4a66626b4b61dc3972df7684a5944a
title: Thugs, giant companies and military equipment
uri: Thugs-giant-companies-and-military-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Thugs%2C_giant_companies_and_military_equipment%29

content:
<p>
Giant companies that mistreat the public &mdash; for instance, Chevron,
Shell and Wells Fargo &mdash; are big donators to the foundations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/27/fossil-fuels-oil-gas-industry-police-foundations">that buy
military equipment for thug departments</a>.


feed_id: c66be17c7adbdfa971814e5822969d8a
title: Threat from vital wetlands
uri: Threat-from-vital-wetlands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Threat_from_vital_wetlands%29
content:
<p>
*One million Cambodians under threat <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/one-million-cambodians-under-threat-from-development-of-vital-wetlands-report">from development of vital
 wetlands [near Phnom Penh]</a>.*


feed_id: d3a5a9cb3c6e807d9fa2a1e71c0b7422
title: Sport in schools
uri: Sport-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Sport_in_schools%29
content:
<p>
Team sports in US schools have become so intense and pressurized that
they are no fun, even for children.  Perhaps that is why <a href="https://letgrow.org/benefits-of-youth-sports/">most children
quit sports before becoming teenagers</a>.

<p>
I was not much inclined to sports anyway, so I don't see
the importance of them personally, but if they were fun they
might be good.


feed_id: 3bd11d722c01e1602f2f8c248a4accf8
title: Fed and real economy
uri: Fed-and-real-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Fed_and_real_economy%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: *Now it is time for various House Committees to publicly question
   Chairman Powell about the costs of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/26/fed-guarantees-unproductive-debt-and-perilous-speculation">the Fed's callous indifference to
   the real economy and struggling Americans</a>.*


feed_id: 8023ac4f656bfd5453d421bb52e20dce
title: Meddling foreign power
uri: Meddling-foreign-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#28_July_2020_%28Meddling_foreign_power%29
content:
<p>
For the UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/26/forget-putin-its-meddling-by-americas-evangelical-enforcer-that-should-scare-us">the most dangerous meddling foreign power is the US</a>.


feed_id: 778fc58fbf66d4615abffd4aabd0de91
title: Covid-19 and Uighurs
uri: Covid-19-and-Uighurs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Covid-19_and_Uighurs%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 is spreading in Xinjiang, and if it gets into the crowded
re-education camps used to brainwash Uighurs, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/covid-19-outbreak-in-xinjiang-prompts-fears-of-spread-inside-chinas-camps">it could spread to many
of them</a>.

<p>
We have seen examples, in many countries, showing that places where
people are compelled to live or work in close proximity are especially
dangerous for spreading Covid-19.


feed_id: 2fb85e603d1eaca2af742bea0cddb840
title: Monetary value of data
uri: Monetary-value-of-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Monetary_value_of_data%29
content:
<p>
EFF: *Knowing the [monetary] "Value" of Our Data <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/07/knowing-value-our-data-wont-fix-our-privacy-problems">Won't Fix Our Privacy
Problems</a>.*

<p>
This scheme is an excuse to disregard all the serious harm that being
surveilled can do.  Imagine if Facebook caused you to be outed as
<em>whatever</em>, amd said it made $2.35 from doing that.  Would that datum
make any difference?

<p>
The strong way to prevent collection and misuse of your personal data
is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">to forbid deploying systems that could collect it</a>.


feed_id: 35f14c4526fd4f14242d43bf579c68ed
title: Global climate fight and elections
uri: Global-climate-fight-and-elections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Global_climate_fight_and_elections%29

content:
<p>
*How the global climate fight <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/27/global-climate-fight-could-be-lost-trump-re-elected">could be lost if Trump is re-elected</a>.*

<p>
Alas, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#15_July_2020_(Sanders-Biden_climate_plan)">there is no guarantee that Biden will try to win it either</a>.


feed_id: 789edfc3a51d0e2a1f45f66113a6dc53
title: Money spent on elections
uri: Money-spent-on-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Money_spent_on_elections%29
content:
<p>
*Koch Group Pushing for Employer Immunity <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/07/27/koch-group-pushing-employer-immunity-takes-3-5m-from-company-with-covid-19-outbreaks/">Takes $3.5M From Company with
COVID-19 Outbreaks</a>.*

<p>
This is additional proof, if we needed any, that we need to restrict what
businesses and rich people can spend on elections.


feed_id: 8b1abe752a300435b47673343738a6cd
title: Coup and media
uri: Coup-and-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Coup_and_media%29
content:
<p>
*The U.S.-Supported Coup in Bolivia Continues to Produce Repression and
Tyranny, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/23/the-u-s-supported-coup-in-bolivia-continues-to-produce-repression-and-tyranny-while-revealing-how-u-s-media-propaganda-works/">While Revealing How U.S. Media Propaganda Works</a>.*


feed_id: b9be859eea9a4e5a39579ab2b59c1ef9
title: Algorithms and individuals
uri: Algorithms-and-individuals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Algorithms_and_individuals%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand has adopted new principles for government use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/new-zealand-claims-world-first-in-setting-standards-for-government-use-of-algorithms">of
algorithms to make decisions about how to treat individuals</a>.

<p>
I think this is a big step forward.  The article says that citizens
might have the right to demand to see the source code of software that
makes decisions about them.  However for that to be fully effective,
the government should insist that these programs be free/libre.
Otherwise, agencies might deny those requests, saying "We signed a
contract not to redistribute that source code", "it's a trade secret",
or "We don't even have a copy."


feed_id: cad5539043f7d8035d127d85d8e51936
title: Urgent: Covid-19 relief bill
uri: Urgent-Covid-19-relief-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Covid-19_relief_bill%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call your senators and tell them to pass a Covid-19 relief bill
that generously helps non-rich Americans.


feed_id: f1ab63d6b2a39533a798ddfae9049664
title: Cutting unemployment assurance
uri: Cutting-unemployment-assurance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Cutting_unemployment_assurance%29
content:
<p>
Republicans want to cut the extra unemployment insurance <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/27/covid-19-relief-package-democrats-republicans-white-house">from $600 per
week to $200 per week</a>.

<p>
They say the current level is "too generous".  Republicans believe
that generous is only for rich people.


feed_id: c34214c9ab73794281ec60a133fcfe9f
title: Educating to old buildings
uri: Educating-to-old-buildings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Educating_to_old_buildings%29
content:
<p>
The National Trust in England is going to educate visitors to its old
buildings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/22/national-trust-hastens-projects-exposing-links-of-country-houses-to-slavery">about how they are linked to slavery or conquest</a>.

<p>
The country houses and castles of the National Trust are interesting
to visit, and worth preserving, because they were built lavishly &mash; by
rich people.  They surely got their riches by exploiting someone.  If
it wasn't slaves from Africa, or the natives of conquered territory,
it must have been British people.

<p>
When we appreciate those buildings we should keep in mind
why they exist.


feed_id: d1284634900448cbc62aeef7bc860ff5
title: Ensuring your ballot does get counted
uri: Ensuring-your-ballot-does-get-counted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Ensuring_your_ballot_does_get_counted%29

content:
<p>
Greg Palast's recommendations <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/ballot-condom-for-safe-voting-2/">for ensuring your ballot does get
counted</a>.

<p>
The first step is <em>now</em>: make sure you have not been "purged" from
the voter's list, while there is still time for you to register again
if necessary.


feed_id: 73a708672063008143eda853bc10ff68
title: Life in deportation prison during the pandemic
uri: Life-in-deportation-prison-during-the-pandemic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Life_in_deportation_prison_during_the_pandemic%29

content:
<p>
*No Masks, No Gloves, a Single Room for Sleeping — <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/27/coronavirus-ice-detention-2/">Detainees Describe Life In
[deportation prison] During the Pandemic</a>,*


feed_id: 69817957a4205c60e5aa530168279263
title: Aggressively minded
uri: Aggressively-minded
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Aggressively_minded%29
content:
<p>
Paul Graham: society gets its new ideas from people of aggressively
independent-minded personality.  The aggressively conventional-minded
tend to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> those who differ, and social media give them a great
tool to do so.  <a href="http://paulgraham.com/conformism.html">Censorship is one form of that bullying, and it
stultifies society in a broad way</a>.

<p>
One of his speculations is that "Perhaps the universities are
declining because so many [independent-minded people] have already
left."  If it is true that they now "become quants or start startups"
&mdash; activities which tend to be selfish and subjugatory &mdash; rather than
professors, that is a double loss to society.


feed_id: b9ecbd8ff9c9cef2e6b8d8f22b14f374
title: News from Instagram
uri: News-from-Instagram
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28News_from_Instagram%29
content:
<p>
1/4 of young people get their "news" from Instagram, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/27/instagram-news-source-social-media">making giant echo
chambers</a>.

<p>
I can't argue, though, with their distrust for the mainstream media.
Mainstream sites tend to have either a right-wing bias or a
plutocratist bias.  It is not easy to figure out what claims are true.
I try my best, but I am sure I am sometimes mistaken.


feed_id: f058223d0e13019755f7011097d3f9a2
title: Charged with blasphemy
uri: Charged-with-blasphemy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#29_July_2020_%28Charged_with_blasphemy%29
content:
<p>
Nigerian Atheist Mubarak Bala <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/wife-of-mubarak-bala-detained-nigerian-humanist-plea-for-information">faces charges of "blasphemy" for
criticizing Islam</a>.

<p>
Fanatical officials from Kano, which makes blasphemy a crime, kidnapped
him from his home state, Kaduna, where their law does not apply.
Even if it were legitimate to punish people for their opinions,
this would make it unjust in this particular case.

<p>
Atheists are persecuted in many countries worldwide.
On the average, Americans are more prejudiced against Atheists
than against any religion.


feed_id: 53637098a5e19504e8ae9148776b787e
title: UK wants to make a new business-supremacy treaty with the US
uri: UK-wants-to-make-a-new-business-supremacy-treaty-with-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28UK_wants_to_make_a_new_business-supremacy_treaty_with_the_US%29

content:
<p>

The UK wants to make a new business-supremacy treaty with the US.  It also wants new food labeling rules to reduce obesity.  The US will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/27/new-obesity-strategy-could-be-torpedoed-us-trade-deal">push to prohibit that</a>.
<p>
Under plutocratist governments, the only way a trade treaty can be an improvement is if it replaces an old one (like the old NAFTA) that was worse.


feed_id: 81afcddc446d31a2a837169d545bdb2b
title: Development banks invests in big cattle operations
uri: Development-banks-invests-in-big-cattle-operations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Development_banks_invests_in_big_cattle_operations%29

content:
<p>

Development banks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/27/public-money-plunder-planet-development-banks-fund-big-meat-and-dairy">invest in growing big cattle operations</a> even as small farms go under.


feed_id: c6667a01c8b31d5e81d705ab7297a5e5
title: (satire) U.S. requires hurricanes to quarantine
uri: (satire)-U-S-requires-hurricanes-to-quarantine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28%28satire%29_U.S._requires_hurricanes_to_quarantine%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *U.S. Requires <a href="https://www.theonion.com/u-s-requires-hurricanes-to-quarantine-for-2-weeks-befo-1844529563">Hurricanes To Quarantine</a> For 2 Weeks Before Traveling To Other States Along Coastline.*


feed_id: c4fb19d9023b3086080b88e6c7b9f25d
title: UK universities are cancelling the contracts of researchers
uri: UK-universities-are-cancelling-the-contracts-of-researchers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28UK_universities_are_cancelling_the_contracts_of_researchers%29

content:
<p>

UK universities are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jul/28/around-30000-jobs-may-be-on-the-line-at-universities-we-have-to-fight-back">cancelling the contracts</a> of thousands of researchers who are hired for only a few years.


feed_id: 3779b6a747162a4c5b26288e28c9f957
title: Populations of migratory rivers have fallen
uri: Populations-of-migratory-rivers-have-fallen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Populations_of_migratory_rivers_have_fallen%29

content:
<p>

The populations of migratory rivers, such as salmon, trout and giant catfish, have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/27/migratory-river-fish-populations-plunge-76-in-past-50-years">fallen 76% in 50 years</a>.
<p>
This is bad in itself, but also harms other species.


feed_id: e4bf59e827c02c9abb3729b3eebcca74
title: Covid-19 is wiping out local journalism in the US
uri: Covid-19-is-wiping-out-local-journalism-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Covid-19_is_wiping_out_local_journalism_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>

Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/jul/28/local-journalism-democracy-us-newspapers">wiping out local journalism</a> in the US, leaving no news coverage for large regions.


feed_id: ff4e9ac1f79e08cc206884b89fe08ea2
title: Urgent: call on school administrators to stop requiring nonfree software
uri: Urgent-call-on-school-administrators-to-stop-requiring-nonfree-softwa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Urgent%3A_call_on_school_administrators_to_stop_requring_nonfree_software%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on school administrators around the world to <a href="https://my.fsf.org/give-students-userfreedom">stop requiring students to run nonfree software</a>.


feed_id: 8674d7955e6a6943d797f3c423cadeb4
title: Impact of dying wild bees
uri: Impact-of-dying-wild-bees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Impact_of_dying_wild_bees%29
content:
<p>
Wild bees are dying out in some places; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/29/bees-food-crops-shortage-study">this is hitting production of apples and cherries</a>.

<p>
We need laws to keep agriculture sustainable.


feed_id: 230afdb1e47a6ccdcc9b9b8ec6a4f7f7
title: Measles vaccination and Covid-19
uri: Measles-vaccination-and-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Measles_vaccination_and_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
*Measles vaccination disruptions due to Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/29/measles-vaccination-disruptions-due-to-covid-19-put-80-million-children-at-risk">put 80 million children at
risk</a>.*


feed_id: 9e35844d0aad56d98852e2b1e57c7356
title: Funding of Operation Relentless Repression
uri: Funding-of-Operation-Relentless-Repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Funding_of_Operation_Relentless_Repression%29

content:
<p>
Progressives in Congress have proposed to forbid spending federal
funds on sending federal agents <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/28/ocasio-cortez-lieu-amendment-protests-federal-crackdown/">to arrest protesters for Operation
Relentless Repression</a>.

<p>
However, this wrong is not exclusive to federal <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
Local thugs in many US cities make a practice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/29/think-the-federal-cops-in-portland-are-scary-police-use-these-tactics-all-the-time">of grabbing people off the street
based on no specific grounds</a>.
  A few are even in prison for it.

<p>
A few did it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/29/outcry-in-new-york-after-police-force-protester-into-unmarked-van">in NYC this week</a>.


feed_id: ed882cffcf736249929f97723e6df4eb
title: Repealing Helms amendment
uri: Repealing-Helms-amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Repealing_Helms_amendment%29
content:
<p>
Congressional Democrats are pushing to repeal the Helms amendment,
which prohibits giving US funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/29/democrats-introduce-bill-to-repeal-anti-abortion-rule-for-us-overseas-aid">to support abortion services in
other countries</a>.

<p>
It is cruel to cause children to be born into poverty <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html ">that is likely to stunt their lives</a>.


feed_id: cec1e7dc8ab45a9fb9931a946011e417
title: Assassinated during his trial
uri: Assassinated-during-his-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Assassinated_during_his_trial%29
content:
<p>
Tahir Ahmed Naseem, charged in Pakistan with practising a forbidden
offshoot of Islam, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/pakistani-man-tahir-ahmed-naseem-blasphemy-laws-shot-dead-in-peshawar-court">was assassinated in his trial</a>.


feed_id: b3eedadeab69f1ef8b0efd4014189b4f
title: Mercenaries alleged of planning destabilization
uri: Mercenaries-alleged-of-planning-destabilization
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Mercenaries_alleged_of_planning_destabilization%29

content:
<p>
*Belarus says Russian mercenaries arrested ahead of presidential election.*
They were alleged <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/belarus-says-dozens-of-russians-arrested-ahead-of-presidential-election">to be planning some sort of destabilization action</a>.

<p>
Given other things Putin has done, this could be true.  Given other
things that Lukashenko (the tyrant of Belarus) has done, this could be
bullshit.


feed_id: 5939a827eed4a9ac4b689e4764a7adeb
title: Right-wing provocateur breaking windows during protest
uri: Right-wing-provocateur-breaking-windows-during-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Right-wing_provocateur_breaking_windows_during_protest%29

content:
<p>
A right-wing provocateur (white) broke store windows in Minneapolis,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/28/minneapolis-protests-umbrella-man-alleged-white-supremacist">and started the violence of protests there</a>.
  His act was followed by arson at the same store.

<p>
I am not at all surprised by this act.  Right-wing extremists have
become comfortable with dishonesty and violence, so they have no
restraints against committing false-flag attacks.

<p>
I hope they catch him and prosecute him.

<p>
The protesters who confronted him and told him to stop understood what
was needed.  However, the protest movement did not have the discipline
to stop violence once it had started.


feed_id: a4785e4d3a6b84be38061f1265bcddcb
title: 57% in slums have had Covid-19
uri: 57-in-slums-have-had-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%2857_0n_slums_have_had_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
57% of the people in the slums of Mumbai Delhi have had Covid-19,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/half-of-mumbais-slum-residents-have-had-coronavirus-study">according to antibody tests of a sample</a>.

<p>
We may soon know what the results are when the virus fully burns
through a population.  If, that is, Mumbai is capable of keeping track
of deaths and those who have continuing symptoms.  India's public
health systems are underfunded.  Poor people who have continuing
symptoms may never report them.


feed_id: 06f6504b9549eaccb78236daee09ff93
title: Resisting federal thugs
uri: Resisting-federal-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Resisting_federal_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Portlanders resist the federal thugs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/07/24/operation-diligent-valor-teargassing-nurses-shooting-medics-attacking-veterans">even after they have been
attacked with usually-not-lethal weapons</a>.


feed_id: 97c67863f0667dc0ea0ea70d450658eb
title: Human rights to corporations
uri: Human-rights-to-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Human_rights_to_corporations%29
content:
<p>
The Supreme Court decisions that extend human rights to corporations,
which are considered "persons" only as a fiction, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/27/corporate-constitutional-rights-are-cancerous-democracy">enables companies to
cover up toxic and dangerous products</a>
   such as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#21_March_2019_(Roundup_and_cancer)">Roundup</a>.

<p>
I support the We the People Amendment mentioned in the article.  I am
very sad to report that the organization referenced in the article
carries out its activities in ways that require nonfree software.
Rather than ask anyone to run that software, I ask people to phone
their senators and representative to support the amendment.


feed_id: c2b2c103733039604e488ac963dc002c
title: Reducing number of people in jails
uri: Reducing-number-of-people-in-jails
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Reducing_number_of_people_in_jails%29

content:
<p>
Since March, various US cities have reduced how many people they hold
in jail.  Some reduced this more than others.  A study found that the
size of a city's reduction <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/27/new-aclu-analysis-crime-data-shreds-gops-argument-against-decarceration-during">is not correlated with crime trends there</a>.

<p>
In other words, fear of crime is no reason not to save lives by letting
many prisoners out of jail.


feed_id: eef2e90fdc92664664543de208ae067c
title: No need for Homeland Security
uri: No-need-for-Homeland-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28No_need_for_Homeland_Security%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/defensive-chicago-police-officer-perfectly-capable-of-d-1844519836">satire</a>) *Defensive Chicago [thug] Dylan Wilson told reporters Monday that he was perfectly
   capable of disappearing protesters without help from the Department of
   Homeland Security.*


feed_id: 8957bcb5c21030bff070b9d349e4a4b6
title: Rejecting endorsement of Medicare for All
uri: Rejecting-endorsement-of-Medicare-for-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#30_July_2020_%28Rejecting_endorsement_of_Medicare_for_All%29

content:
<p>
The Democratic Party platform committee <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/28/history-will-not-judge-kindly-dnc-platform-committee-votes-down-medicare-all">rejected an amendment to
endorse Medicare for All</a>.
  It also rejected smaller extensions to Medicare.

<p>
The Democratic Party formerly supported something like this. But
President Clinton dropped it <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/28/democratic-leaders-have-blocked-real-healthcare-reform-decades-time-give-em-hell">in favor of catering to medical insurance
companies</a>.

<p>
It was Clinton who shifted the Democratic Party to plutocratism.
Progressives are reversing this by replacing plutocratist Democrats
with progressives, but it is slow going, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#16_May_2019_(Urgent:_End_DCCC_blacklist)">as the Democratic Party
itself opposes it</a>.


feed_id: 318f6a155a5d070be48e179f8b589a14
title: Doctor visits remote by default
uri: Doctor-visits-remote-by-default
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Doctor_visits_remote_by_default%29
content:
<p>
The UK wants to make <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/30/all-gp-consultations-should-be-remote-by-default-says-matt-hancock-nhs">all NHS doctor visits "remote by default"</a>.

<p>
In principle, that is not unjust.  But what software do they want
patients to run?  Will they accept use of free software?  If not, this
seems like "surrender your freedom or die."

<p>
Would someone in the UK like to see what software they normally use?
If it is nonfree software, how about explaining that you'd be happy
to do a remote visit if they will do it using free software?

<p>
I wonder also whether patients can use the NHS web sites without
running nonfree Javascript code.  The clinics I have used in the past
few years want patients to communicate via online dis-services called
"patient portals".  They all demand running of nonfree software, so I
don't use them.  Nowadays they won't allow me to communicate with
doctors by email, which means that all I can do is ask the doctor to
phone me.  That will be inconvenient if I am travelling in another
country.  Would the doctor even be able to try?


feed_id: b8710e36d318985da83316c5b9cb6f39
title: Glue traps
uri: Glue-traps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Glue_traps%29
content:
<p>
France will have to stop allowing use of glue traps to catch birds.
The trappers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/european-commission-orders-france-to-outlaw-barbaric-glue-traps-for-birds">have been catching endangered species</a>.


feed_id: 45d6a47762b1e5d6a9b4d7e36d01f40a
title: Stopped from leaving country
uri: Stopped-from-leaving-country
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Stopped_from_leaving_country%29
content:
<p>
China threatens to hold Hong Kongers prisoner <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/30/hong-kong-china-says-it-will-not-recognise-uk-overseas-passports">by stopping them from
leaving Hong Kong if they seek to move to Britain</a>.

<p>
In the 1980s and before, Communist countries typically made citizens
get permission to leave the country.  Perhaps that is officially still
the case in China, but in practice Chinese have been allowed to travel
as tourists if they could afford to do so.

<p>
By making this threat, China is hoping to use its own citizens as
hostages to demand acquiescence in its campaign to spread tyranny.  It
is betting that it is so powerful now, and the US so weak and dizzy,
that it can make all opposition cave and start a march to world
hegemony.

<p>
I don't think China will win this bet.  Instead, I think it will
backfire, as the world perceives ever more clearly how evil China now
is.  The power that the conman wishes to have, Xi already has.


feed_id: 0bc10371bf938cc45cc66e9ba4ae8b50
title: BlackRock power
uri: BlackRock-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28BlackRock_power%29
content:
<p>
*No private, unelected entity should have the power over the economy
 that BlackRock has, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/22/meet-blackrock-new-great-vampire-squid">without a legally enforceable fiduciary duty to
 wield it in the public interest</a>.*

<p>
I agree, but I don't think that goes far enough.  I think that no
company should be allowed to get as big as BlackRock.  With my
tax plan, we could put them under irresistible pressure to split up.

<p>
By the way, the "vampire squid" is simply an unusual-looking squid
which reminded some zoologist of Bela Lugosi in Dracula.  It has no
other vampire-like characteristics.


feed_id: 81f63c35076b65826d3c0abd712558bc
title: Selective use of force
uri: Selective-use-of-force
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Selective_use_of_force%29
content:
<p>
When Barr testified to Congress, Rep. Jayapal attacked him for using
force against Black Lives Matter protesters in Oregon <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/28/how-its-done-must-watch-tv-jayapal-tears-william-barr-judiciary-hearing">while not
troubling the armed right-wing protesters in Minnesota</a>.


feed_id: a289ca81509aefbe1d85348397e38a19
title: Additional aid
uri: Additional-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Additional_aid%29
content:
<p>
The Republican Senate proposal for additional aid for struggling
non-rich Americans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/28/counting-many-ways-gop-senate-covid-19-relief-plan-would-fail-struggling-families">is far insufficient</a>.
  And that's aside from the harm it would do: <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#27_July_2020_(Senator_Romney_pushing_to_cut_Social_Security)">cutting Social Security in the future</a>,
  and even giving additional money to the Pentagon.


feed_id: 8894130d33acacb50b96b6262c43f418
title: Effect of parents on fruit
uri: Effect-of-parents-on-fruit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Effect_of_parents_on_fruit%29
content:
<p>
This article clearly explains <a href="https://thecounter.org/intellectual-property-trademark-ip-law-fruit-cosmic-crisp-cotton-candy-grapes/">the effect of patents on fruit</a>.
  Its only error, that I can see, is to use the term "intellectual property"
to refer to patents and trademarks.  Since the article clearly explains
trademarks as well. You can see what an error it is to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">use any term to lump them together</a>.

<p>
I have not used the term "intellectual property" even once since 2004.
In explaining the various disparate laws that term supposedly "refers"
to, that term is never helpful, and the idea of generalizing
about those laws is the biggest obstacle.


feed_id: 80e87e3ada74ed5e1ccdfab61e9d32ad
title: Masks for All
uri: Masks-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Masks_for_All%29
content:
<p>
The Masks for All Act would increase production of masks and give
masks to everyone in the US.  It would also <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/28/sanders-leads-14-senators-introducing-masks-all-act-curb-deadly-coronavirus">provide respirator masks to
all health workers that need them</a>.

<p>
As the article shows, the Republicans in the Senate will block this
from passing.  But it will add to the list of evils that Americans can
see Republicans are doing.


feed_id: 0f16587c3c55af4f004edab7341ad38f
title: Delays in USPS
uri: Delays-in-USPS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Delays_in_USPS%29
content:
<p>
In a move to cut overtime work, the USPS <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/07/29/894799516/pending-postal-service-changes-could-delay-mail-and-deliveries-advocates-warn">plans changes that would delay
some fraction of mail by an extra day</a>.

<p>
I don't see that as a big deal.  However, in a few special cases, the
extra day's delay could have grave results.

<p>
A bigger danger is that the delayed mail might accumulate and lead to
longer and longer delays.  Will the public find out if this is happening?


feed_id: a6037639a4c07f3fba38bf379cc9c725
title: Disastrous drop in trust
uri: Disastrous-drop-in-trust
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Disastrous_drop_in_trust%29
content:
<p>
One lasting damage done by Covid-19 could be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/29/how-covid-19-could-upend-geopolitics">a disastrous drop in trust
in anyone or anything</a>.

<p>
Many of the institutions people used to trust did not deserve it
anyway.  (In the US: the justice system, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, the military, the
economy, the medical finance system.)  However, others did deserve
trust.  (US: science, medicare, CDC, actual medicine, social security.)

<p>
By "deserve trust" I do not mean infallibility.  Any institution can
make a mistake, just as any person can.  However, well-functioning
institutions do a pretty good job, most of the time.


feed_id: 6ae29c2b4f226a7f32aa7f7d326d82a7
title: Taking off mask then testing positive
uri: Taking-off-mask-then-testing-positive
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Taking_off_mask_then_testing_positive%29

content:
<p>
Republican Rep. Gohmert participated in a Congressional committee
hearing, and kept taking his mask off.  The next day he tested
positive for Covid-19, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/29/texas-republican-louis-gomhert-becomes-latest-anti-mask-lawmaker-test-positive-covid">meaning he was probably spreading the disease
at the hearing</a>.

<p>
I wonder whether he will learn any lesson from this.


feed_id: 121afb99bcc459417c778f720e6647ee
title: Indoor pool
uri: Indoor-pool
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Indoor_pool%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/brian-kemp-pushes-against-coronavirus-restrictions-by-m-1844547651">satire</a>) *   Georgia governor Brian Kemp reportedly pushed against calls for more
   coronavirus restrictions Wednesday by moving all government business to
   a packed indoor pool.*


feed_id: d61e31ad94b44823898eb525ccb82b2d
title: Stranded babies
uri: Stranded-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Stranded_babies%29
content:
<p>
*As many as 1,000 babies born to surrogate mothers in Russia for foreign
families have been left stranded in the country.*  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/29/up-to-1000-babies-born-to-surrogate-mothers-stranded-in-russia">The parents-to-be
cannot come get them</a>.

<p>
This is bad for the babies, as well as for the parents-to-be and the
surrogate mothers.  It must be possible to organize transport for most
of them.


feed_id: e6fd876855fcb4ce297ff1ed3014e089
title: Charities and rich people
uri: Charities-and-rich-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Charities_and_rich_people%29
content:
<p>
Increased economic inequality is stopping the non-rich from giving to
charity.  This means charities <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/29/when-mega-donors-dominate-charitable-giving-democracy-pays-price">become dependent on a few rich, and
don't dare disagree with them</a>.

<p>
This happens even more and faster when some rich person, such as Bill
Gates, makes a special effort to gain influence over a field, such as
education reform.

<p>
One charity which this is not happening to is the Free Software
Foundation.  In most years it gets only a small part of its income
from corporations or big donations.  That's not to say it would reject
a large donation if you give one ;-}.


feed_id: 282442789b538339f4bb98bcc900b370
title: What thugs say
uri: What-thugs-say
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28What_thugs_say%29
content:
<p>
NYC <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> said that the woman grabbed off the street by thugs out of uniform
was specifically wanted for arrest.  Supposedly <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/29/iskidnapping-video-shows-plainclothes-nypd-officers-throwing-protester-unmarked-van">she had committed some sort of
crime at protests</a>.

<p>
They also said that the other protesters threw rocks and bottles at
the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who were doing this, but the protesters say that didn't
happen.  (I wonder what the video shows.)  Should we believe what the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> say about the woman they grabbed?


feed_id: 66c4479bc4d754d56e7e72ba2a172578
title: Urgent: No weapon spending on Covid-19 relief
uri: Urgent-No-weapon-spending-on-Covid-19-relief
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Urgent%3A_No_weapon_spending_on_Covid-19_relief%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Pelosi to reject <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/pelosi-reject-senate-covid-relief">the Republican plan to spend
billions for more weapons as "Covid-19 relief"</a>.

<p>
How do you spell relief?  "W E A P O N S".


feed_id: edcce8a42ff9b1da856d8938c8ecf1f9
title: Switching to renewable electric generation
uri: Switching-to-renewable-electric-generation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Switching_to_renewable_electric_generation%29

content:
<p>
Australia now has a plan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/31/australias-trilemma-of-providing-good-fast-and-cheap-energy-finally-has-a-clear-solution">for switching to renewable electric generation</a>.
  It's not as fast as it needs to be, but it can be accelerated.

<p>
The next question is whether the planet-roaster ministers in power
will allow it to happen.


feed_id: ae4e0260fc9ec4a854d7b7cb7a8b6e40
title: Children have very high levels of virus
uri: Children-have-very-high-levels-of-virus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Children_have_very_high_levels_of_virus%29

content:
<p>
Children who catch Covid-19 <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/07/30/children-are-major-carriers-of.html">can have very high levels of virus</a>.
  Don't assume you won't catch it from a child!


feed_id: b5327f146566e76dfe8be7071a5f5394
title: Alternate reporting system for hospital data
uri: Alternate-reporting-system-for-hospital-data
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Alternate_reporting_system_for_hospital_data%29

content:
<p>
The government set up in April an alternate reporting system for
hospital data, and did so in a big hurry, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/07/29/896645314/irregularities-in-covid-reporting-contract-award-process-raises-new-questions">bypassing normal contracting rules</a>.

<p>
This leads me to suspect that the scheme of cutting the CDC out of the
loop for Covid-19 statistics, to keep the public in the dark, was planned
back in April.


feed_id: 8bf6c8b15462c6b56aa95dbde62e652a
title: GDP decrease
uri: GDP-decrease
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28GDP_decrease%29
content:
<p>
The US GDP decreased by 10% in April-June, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/30/us-gdp-economy-worst-quarter-covid-19-unemployment">which is a lot</a>.

<p>
Notice how the article uses an indirect way to state this &mdash; with an
"annualized" figure, which I think means "How much would the total
decrease be if it continued at this rate for a year."  Since it is
clear that what happened in April will not happen every month, that is
even more misleading than it would be in other situations.

<p>
Nonetheless, it is a big decrease and shows we are in for hard times.


feed_id: 72edf649d661d23650e3202d1acf4692
title: Capitalizing racial color adjectives
uri: Capitalizing-racial-color-adjectives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Capitalizing_racial_color_adjectives%29

content:
<p>
The Washington Post has adopted a non-biased approach <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/pr/2020/07/29/washington-post-announces-writing-style-changes-racial-ethnic-identifiers/">to capitalizing
the racial color adjectives, "black" and "white"</a>.

<p>
Some organizations capitalize "black" and not "white".  That
expresses racial bias, and I disapprove of it.

<p>
Imagine if prejudice were centered on hair color, rather than skin
color.  People would argue that the adjective "blond" is an identity
and demand to capitalize it.

<p>
I prefer not to capitalize either of them, because I would rather not
promote the implicit assumption that skin color is a difference in
kind rather than a detail.  However, if it becomes common to
capitalize them both, I will go along with it.  It isn't
worth fighting about this sort of adjective capitalism.


feed_id: b8b1f924ee292c65f6028f1af0350b95
title: Remembering debt after handouts to the rich
uri: Remembering-debt-after-handouts-to-the-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Remembering_debt_after_handouts_to_the_rich%29

content:
<p>
After months of wild handouts to the rich, plutocratist politicians
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/29/operation-eternal-vengeance-we-pledge-defeat-any-politician-who-uses-covid-19">have remembered the national debt as an excuse to cut Social Security</a>.

<p>
Deficit spending is exactly what is needed at the start of a
depression (or even a recession).  Remember how Obama launched deficit
spending to reduce the 2009 recession?  However, in 2010 Republicans
took control of Congress and did not allow this to continue.

<p>
Curiously, they also propose to spend additional billions on more
weapons.  That increase in the national debt does not bother them.
This double standard has existed for years, but it is especially
blatant when it applies to two parts of the same bill.

<p>
The point that Social Security does not affect the national debt
is pertinent too, but it is not as deep.


feed_id: 6dc4926fcf63ef4689b8bb3493f44cd3
title: Poisoning new rivers
uri: Poisoning-new-rivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Poisoning_new_rivers%29
content:
<p>
Montana has approved a new copper mine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/29/smith-river-montana-copper-mine">which will risk poisoning one
of the few unpoisoned rivers in the state</a>.

<p>
Mine operators will promise to do almost anything to avoid pollution,
as long as they will not have to do it until <em>later</em>, by which time
the company will be bankrupt.  If the mine makes millions of dollars,
the mine will nonetheless go bankrupt eventually once operating it
is no longer profitable.

<p>
Nowadays we must also be concerned with the danger that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
disaster will put an end to industrial use of copper, as well as mining.
At that point, anything which <em>can</em> leak, <em>will</em> leak.


feed_id: 868f4c2d89755966b468bab5786ec121
title: GOP proposals
uri: GOP-proposals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28GOP_proposals%29
content:
<p>
*'Utter Disgrace': GOP Proposes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/28/utter-disgrace-gop-proposes-legal-immunity-corporations-0-funding-states-and-deep">Legal Immunity for Corporations, $0 in Funding
for States, and Deep Cuts to Unemployment Benefits</a>.*

<p>
In effect, Republicans want to give Americans permanent damage in
exchange for some short-term aid.


feed_id: 9e76ebce4f57f7ef628cd241284a705d
title: Deal to remove thugs
uri: Deal-to-remove-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Deal_to_remove_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Oregon's governor says that the wrecker <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/29/trump-administration-portland-protests-federal-agents">made a deal to remove the
federal thugs that have been grabbing people in Portland</a>.

<p>
I hope he really carries out this deal.  One cannot count on that.

<p>
Americans are starting to call for <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/30/dismantle-homeland-security/">dismantling the Department of Harassment and Sadism</a> (DHS).


feed_id: 756f05b2e774816abf91beb7ce44da4f
title: Interview with human right activist
uri: Interview-with-human-right-activist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Interview_with_human_right_activist%29

content:
<p>
An interview with Hagai El-Ad, Executive Director of B'Tselem.
That is the Israeli organization <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-it-s-like-george-floyd-we-have-our-knee-on-the-palestinians-necks-1.9021668">that campaigns to respect the human
rights of Palestinians</a>.


feed_id: 27b1ceab47df7be3f844f4d04fce0882
title: Microplastics into nanoplastics
uri: Microplastics-into-nanoplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Microplastics_into_nanoplastics%29
content:
<p>
Tiny amphipod crustaceans break up microplastics <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/small-crustacean-can-fragment-microplastics-in-four-days-study-finds">into minute
nanoplastics smaller than typical cells</a>.

<p>
Nanoplastics could be more harmful or less, to various species of
life; only investigation will tell.  The reason to suspect they are
more harmful is that they have more surface area per given volume,
which could mean that toxic chemicals would escape from them at a
higher rate.


feed_id: c91dbd067d76c02c0aeda46c356c98ab
title: These companies need to be broken up and regulated
uri: These-companies-need-to-be-broken-up-and-regulated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28These_companies_need_to_be_broken_up_and_regulated%29

content:
<p>
A congressional hearing got testimony from Amazon, Apple, Facebook and
Google, and concluded with the committee chair's saying <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/30/big-tech-congressional-hearings-winners-losers">that these
companies need to be broken up and regulated</a>.

<p>
Splitting them up could be pretty simple, supposing one overcomes
their lobbying power.  But a simple way would not really fix the
problems.  That requires restructuring their operations, and
how to do that is not so obvious.


feed_id: f3aec9c5d6687464dbf227aee1068707
title: Wetlands on fire
uri: Wetlands-on-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Wetlands_on_fire%29
content:
<p>
The giant Paraná river delta wetlands <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/argentina-delta-fires-rage-out-of-control-parana-river">are on fire</a>.
  They seem to be abnormally dry.

<p>
Various causes may be at work, going back in various ways to human
activity.


feed_id: d0d3f6764d65cd2a2329c39e416a2dba
title: Oil businesses collapsing
uri: Oil-businesses-collapsing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Oil_businesses_collapsing%29
content:
<p>
Many oil businesses in the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/29/big-oil-going-bankrupt-laying-workforce-despite-billions-taxpayer-backed">continue collapsing</a>.

<p>
This seems like a good sign.  However, I suspect that some of the bigger oil
companies are using their bailout money to buy these bankrupt businesses
at rock-bottom prices.

<p>
The early abandonment of oil wells is a good thing, because it means
that the oil still left to extract will remain in the ground.  However,
a closed well is a source of pollution.

<p>
Naturally the Republicans want to give the oil executives more billions
to take home before those companies finally disappear, rather that fund
cleaning up the wells that will continue to spread toxins.

<p>
To keep the well pumping for some more years would not reduce the
problem of dealing with it.  If it were shut down in 2025 instead of
now, that would only postpone the burden which the drilling of the well
imposed on society.


feed_id: 7fa393b9a0921cc22dca1111701cc596
title: School-to-prison pipeline funding
uri: School-to-prison-pipeline-funding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28School-to-prison_pipeline_funding%29

content:
<p>
A bill would end federal funding <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/29/police-shouldnt-be-schools-omar-pressley-warren-and-murphy-introduce-bill-end">for stationing thugs in schools</a>.

<p>
Hurrah, let's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_December_2019_(School-to-prison)">close the school-to-prison pipeline</a>!


feed_id: 69ce396ef56c396f8ef01533ca61ddb7
title: Urgent: fire and investigate the thugs that murdered Hakim Littleton
uri: Urgent-fire-and-investigate-the-thugs-that-murdered-Hakim-Littleton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Urgent%3A_fire_and_investigate_the_thugs_that_murdered_Hakim_Littleton%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Detroit officials to <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-hakim/">fire and investigate</a> the thugs that murdered Hakim Littleton.
<p>
Reportedly Littleton shot at a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>.  If that is true, at that time he was a threat to them.
<p>
But once he was disarmed and lying helpless on the ground, he was no longer a threat, and there was no justification at that time for shooting him dead.


feed_id: 21d86a8e245e8d09088a6effc7d2c324
title: naive sentiments in a broken, profit driven system
uri: naive-sentiments-in-a-broken-profit-driven-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28naive_sentiments_in_a_broken%2C_profit_driven_system%29

content:
<p>

*As I first encountered the flow of sick patients coming into the emergency room, I hoped that either all these patients’ care would be covered or that insurers and hospitals wouldn’t be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/07/30/frontline-coronavirus-doctors-patients-business-and-labor-leaders-describe-how">so ruthless as to bankrupt these patients</a>. But these naïve sentiments have no place in this broken, profit driven system.*


feed_id: 3461317ee920c0c5e31bbbd0a3cdd787
title: (satire) Federal Agents drive 3 hours, realize abducted protester still in back seat
uri: (satire)-Federal-Agents-drive-3-hours-realize-abducted-protester-stil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28%28satire%29_Federal_Agents_drive_3_hours%2C_realize_abducted_protester_still_in_back_seat%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Federal Agents Drive 3 Hours Away From Portland Before Realizing <a href="https://www.theonion.com/federal-agents-drive-3-hours-away-from-portland-before-1844571572">Abducted Protester Still In Backseat</a>.*


feed_id: 9edcaf4db7c47e55bd8b27dfcafe6b3b
title: US "vaccine chief"
uri: US-vaccine-chief
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28US_vaccine_chief%29
content:
<p>

The US "vaccine chief" was allowed to award a vaccine contract <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/31/trumps-vaccine-chief-picks-his-own-former-employer-where-he-still-holds-millions">to his own former employer</a>.
<p>
That ought to be a crime.  Can the official be prosecuted for it next year?
<p>
I also question the wisdom of buying 100 million doses of a vaccine before we know whether it is effective.


feed_id: ff3d4a8c35a096b12dd37a68ea5a6884
title: USPS employees warn that postal ballots could arrive too late to be counted
uri: USPS-employees-warn-that-postal-ballots-could-arrive-too-late-to-be-co
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28USPS_employees_warn_that_postal_ballots_could_arrive_too_late_to_be_counted%29

content:
<p>

USPS employees warn that the new no-rush handling of first class mail could make <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/31/catastrophe-postal-workers-warn-trump-sabotage-usps-could-delay-mail-ballots-and">postal ballots arrive too late to be counted</a>.
<p>
This is especially likely where Republican election officials can choose to send out the ballots at the last possible moment.  That can happen in some swing states.


feed_id: 8c0f22bb25b797df3071888184a23dff
title: Oil companies are recognizing that oil demand will fall
uri: Oil-companies-are-recognizing-that-oil-demand-will-fall
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Oil_companies_are_recognizing_that_oil_demand_will_fall%29

content:
<p>

Oil companies and even OPEC are now recognizing that oil demand will fall ever more as renewable electricity become <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/31/we-have-entered-end-game-oil-permanent-demand-destruction">too cheap to compete with</a>.
<p>
Does that mean we are safe?  No.  To reduce <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster we need to hurry the transition, but oil company owners will try to slow it down.
<p>
In addition, they will try to avoid spending any of their money on safely sealing off the wells.  They will try to drop that burden on the public.  That means we must hurry to take control and compel them to pay the price of properly shutting down the wells they built.


feed_id: 22cbf849a65e7a5e07f4367449df8c3d
title: Republican Herman Cain supported the wrecker by rejecting the use of masks
uri: Republican-Herman-Cain-supported-the-wrecker-by-rejecting-the-use-of-m
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Republican_Herman_Cain_supported_the_wrecker_by_rejecting_the_use_of_masks%29

content:
<p>

Republican Herman Cain supported the wrecker by rejecting the use of masks, and went to the wrecker's campaign rally.  He came down with Covid-19 shortly thereafter, and since has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/31/how-trump-broke-america-story-unparalleled-economic-pain-and-human-death">died from it</a>.
<p>
I won't say I am glad he died, but he brought it on himself by following the mad Republican cult.
<p>
Colonized people fighting against Western armies often followed leaders who promised to make them magically immune to bullets. Needless to say, the magic never worked, but the people could win some battles because, imbued with that confidence, they could charge the colonizing army and overrun it despite its guns.  In the end, though, they lost.  Can we compare the Republicans to that?


feed_id: 7a4ab786964bd59ff1df7d173c6aa28d
title: If the wrecker prevents the November election
uri: If-the-wrecker-prevents-the-November-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28If_the_wrecker_prevents_the_November_election%29

content:
<p>

If the wrecker manages to prevent (or "delay") the November election, including the senate, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/7/30/1965310/-If-Donald-Trump-Cancels-the-2020-Election-Chuck-Schumer-will-become-the-46th-U-S-President">Senator Schumer (a plutocratist Democrat) will most likely become president</a>.
<p>
If Republicans disrupt the election in states they control, it is possible that some Senators will be elected, mainly Democrats.


feed_id: a2cde30ac8368ec589bd70f7278c2ce5
title: Alleged beating of man inside police station
uri: Alleged-beating-of-man-inside-police-station
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Alleged_beating_of_man_inside_police_station%29

content:
<p>

*Special prosecutor to investigate <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/30/metro/special-prosecutor-investigate-alleged-beating-man-inside-lynn-police-station/">alleged beating of man</a> inside Lynn [Massachusetts] police station.*
<p>
Hooray!  Investigation of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' crimes should not be limited to the small fraction that have fatal results.


feed_id: 28b25f17bbf26aa01f695873bee13d11
title: US Teachers fearing in-person schooling
uri: US-Teachers-fearing-in-person-schooling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28US_Teachers_fearing_in-person_schooling%29

content:
<p>

*[US] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/jul/31/teachers-school-reopening-in-person-coronavirus">Teachers fearing in-person schooling</a> make wills, retire or plan strikes.*
<p>
It is a mistake to reopen schools physically while Covid-19 runs rampant.  However, holding classes with nonfree software, and feeding students (and/or teachers') personal data to online dis-services is a vicious injustice that will be permanent unless we fight to eliminate it.
<p>
I urge students and parents to refuse to run nonfree software and demand that schools never give their names to any company.


feed_id: c2273acc4010778671355631bd3220d7
title: Progressive Democratic candidate J. D. Scholten
uri: Progressive-Democratic-candidate-J-D-Scholten
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Progressive_Democratic_candidate_J._D._Scholten%29

content:
<p>

Progressive Democratic candidate J. D. Scholten was <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/07/29/progressive-scholten-feenstra-dccc-iowa/">offered support by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee</a>, with conditions so odious that he declined the offer.
<p>
He thinks he can win anyway.


feed_id: a88409acb7d876e469ef83dd5968707b
title: Covid-19 relief payments actually helped the poor
uri: Covid-19-relief-payments-actually-helped-the-poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Covid-19_relief_payments_actually_helped_the_poor%29

content:
<p>


Relief payments that the US gave on account of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/22/poverty-policy-choice-studies-detail-how-poorest-saved-covid-19-stimulus-and-why">actually helped the poor</a> generally.  We can continue to do this &mdash; Covid-19 or no Covid-19.


feed_id: b172618d11c665e1b16a13921983d20d
title: Low-emissions sustainable society
uri: Low-emissions-sustainable-society
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Low-emissions_sustainable_society%29

content:
<p>

Proposing that local social movements can build a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/30/how-bring-about-catastrophic-success-face-climate-change">low-emissions sustainable society</a> from the bottom up.
<p>
I find a few of the concepts in the article misleading.  For instance, it is silly to think that we have "colonized" the atmosphere, because that implies we took it away from someone else.  What is true is that we have modified it in ways that hurt and endanger us all.
<p>
But other concepts are valid, and the overall idea might be have value anyway.


feed_id: 64e678e8ae4490c31cef345a0039663c
title: Modi arresting journalists that criticize his handling of Covid-19
uri: Modi-arresting-journalists-that-criticize-his-handling-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Modi_arresting_journalists_that_criticize_his_handling_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Modi is trying to quash journalism that criticizes his handling of Covid-19 by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/31/india-arrests-50-journalists-in-clampdown-on-critics-of-covid-19-response">arresting journalists</a>.


feed_id: 1215c65a0d8c52a8ac28660c712f5e29
title: Britain imprisons too many people
uri: Britain-imprisons-too-many-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Britain_imprisons_too_many_people%29

content:
<p>

Britain imprisons far too many people, imitating the US perhaps. Other countries show <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/31/british-prisons-are-inhumane-and-do-not-prevent-most-of-them-should-go">there is no reason for this</a>.


feed_id: 721764615c494f3a85a9c435c88479f6
title: Opinions on future population decrease
uri: Opinions-on-future-population-decrease
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Opinions_on_future_population_decrease%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/fewer-people-or-less-consumption-the-population-debate">Various opinions</a> on the possibility of future population decrease.


feed_id: 771cec0a72630a9ec3e47163fdb6011c
title: Super-rich donate to Cuomo
uri: Super-rich-donate-to-Cuomo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Super-rich_donate_to_Cuomo%29
content:
<p>

*Revealed: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/31/cuomo-new-york-governor-billionaires-super-rich">super-rich donate to Cuomo</a> as he rejects tax hikes for billionaires.*
<p>
Basically. being more progressive than the wrecker doesn't mean you're any good.


feed_id: b30cd445254e9d93c9ac245a26557135
title: Ugandan poacher jailed
uri: Ugandan-poacher-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Ugandan_poacher_jailed%29
content:
<p>

*Landmark ruling sees Ugandan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/31/landmark-ruling-sees-ugandan-poacher-jailed-for-killing-rafiki-the-gorilla">poacher jailed</a> for killing Rafiki the gorilla.*
<p>
Bravo!


feed_id: dc23edf6322585bf0fb00b4e91a5e88d
title: Portland sees peaceful night of protests
uri: Portland-sees-peaceful-night-of-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Portland_sees_peaceful_night_of_protests%29

content:
<p>

*Portland sees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/31/portland-protests-latest-peaceful-night-federal-troops-withdrawal">peaceful night of protests</a> following withdrawal of federal troops.*
<p>
*Trump badly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/31/trump-portland-antifa-voters-miscalculated">miscalculated</a> in Portland &mdash; and even he knows it.


feed_id: 64a674b3d061c5b55846d09813fb033d
title: Department of Homeland Security is making "intelligence reports" on journalists
uri: Department-of-Homeland-Security-is-making-intelligence-reports-on-jo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Department_of_Homeland_Security_is_making_intelligence_reports_on_journalists%29

content:
<p>

The Committee of Public Safety, or should I say Department of Homeland Security, is making "intelligence reports" about the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/31/dhs-intelligence-reports-journalists-portland-protests">journalists who investigate the bully's repression in Portland</a>.


feed_id: 9b94a16f55c6325256bd93411185f9bd
title: Biden would have a better chance of winning if he supported progressive policies
uri: Biden-would-have-a-better-chance-of-winning-if-he-supported-progressiv
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Biden_would_have_a_better_chance_of_winning_if_he_supported_progressive_policies%29

content:
<p>

Biden would have a better chance of winning if <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/31/why-bernie-sanders-delegates-should-keep-fighting">he supported the progressive policies</a> that Sanders supporters (like most Americans) support.


feed_id: 724a8e9ce2c8526f65bf82340cd5a88d
title: Dangerous levels of lead
uri: Dangerous-levels-of-lead
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Dangerous_levels_of_lead%29
content:
<p>

1/3 of the children in the world <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/one-in-three-children-dangerous-levels-lead-in-blood">have dangerous levels of lead</a>.


feed_id: 82bdc69ad538d5c6734eb8b538920168
title: Vigilance against spread of Covid-19
uri: Vigilance-against-spread-of-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Vigilance_against_spread_of_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Spain implores people to keep up their <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/how-the-covid-19-resurgence-is-dividing-opinion-across-europe">vigilance against foolish acts</a> that can spread Covid-19.
<p>
I think, however, that it behooves governments to jump vigorously on disease transmission, because once it gets away from you, it is hard to get in front of it again.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/31/everybody-is-very-worried-testing-times-for-residents-of-sydneys-covid-19-hotspots">Here</a> is what a vigorous attempt to flatten an outbreak of Covid-19 looks like.
<p>
If what's happening near you does not resemble this, your government is doing a bad job.
<p>
In theory it could be advantageous to tune the response and shut down only the minimum necessary in a given situation.  But we don't have enough experience with Covid-19 to know what that minimum is.


feed_id: 511e871a201457a329b0e2674159daf5
title: Italy's senate votes to lift Matteo Salvini's immunity from prosecution
uri: Italy-s-senate-votes-to-lift-Matteo-Salvini-s-immunity-from-prosecutio
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Italy%27s_senate_votes_to_lift_Matteo_Salvini%27s_immunity_from_prosecution%29

content:
<p>


*Italy's senate votes to lift Matteo Salvini's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/30/italys-senate-votes-to-lift-matteo-salvinis-immunity-from-prosecution">immunity from prosecution</a>. Ex-minister faces kidnapping charges for preventing docking of migrant rescue ships.*


feed_id: 45912678c3ae03e202b9c77d474088b5
title: Bushfires showed the impact of human-wrought change
uri: Bushfires-showed-the-impact-of-human-wrought-change
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Bushfires_showed_the_impact_of_human-wrought_change%29

content:
<p>

*Australia's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/31/australias-black-summer-bushfires-showed-the-impact-of-human-wrought-change-aoe">'black summer' bushfires</a> showed the impact of [previous] human-wrought change.*


feed_id: 814b49580876435bc68e5ff69bbb3335
title: Sanders calls on Senate to end the filibuster
uri: Sanders-calls-on-Senate-to-end-the-filibuster
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Sanders_calls_on_Senate_to_end_the_filibuster%29

content:
<p>

Sanders calls on the Senate to reform its rules to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/30/what-we-must-do-following-obama-eulogy-lewis-bernie-sanders-backs-call-ending">end the filibuster</a>. That quirk in the rules allows any 41 senators to block any law.
<p>
The Democrats are likely to have a majority starting January, but unlikely to have 60 seats.  If Republicans can block laws with the filibuster, they can stop Congress from undoing the damage Republicans have done over the past few years.
<p>
The filibuster used to apply to judicial appointments, too, but the Republicans eliminated the filibuster for those decisions.  That's how they were able to put so many extremists into judgeships.  So why hesitate to finish eliminating it.


feed_id: d6ab44b00558d15dea08e49b4c0a8cab
title: Hong Kong has eliminated the pro-democracy candidates
uri: Hong-Kong-has-eliminated-the-pro-democracy-candidates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_%28Hong_Kong_has_eliminated_the_pro-democracy_candidates%29

content:
<p>

Hong Kong has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/hong-kong-opposition-political-purge-may-spell-end-democracy">eliminated the pro-democracy candidates</a> for its legislative election.
<p>
It also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/concern-as-hong-kong-postpones-elections-for-one-year-citing-covid-19">postponed the elections</a> for a year, perhaps hoping that by then everyone will be demoralized.


feed_id: 5ff18e594e0c488ef01611b6a3335b3d
title: Effect of patents on fruit
uri: Effect-of-patents-on-fruit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#31_July_2020_%28Effect_of_patents_on_fruit%29
content:
<p>
This article clearly explains <a href="https://thecounter.org/intellectual-property-trademark-ip-law-fruit-cosmic-crisp-cotton-candy-grapes/">the effect of patents on fruit</a>.
  Its only error, that I can see, is to use the term "intellectual property"
to refer to patents and trademarks.  Since the article clearly explains
trademarks as well, you can see what an error it is to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">use any term to lump them together</a>.

<p>
I have not used the term "intellectual property" even once since 2004.
In explaining the various disparate laws that term supposedly "refers"
to, that term is never helpful, and the idea of generalizing
about those laws is the biggest obstacle.


feed_id: 3cb0513a87ca3a8b702a305432c2acfc
title: Running mates for Biden
uri: Running-mates-for-Biden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Running_mates_for_Biden%29
content:
<p>
Sanders-supporting Democratic Convention delegates proposed a list
of suggested running mates for Biden &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/31/case-who-should-not-be-vice-president-joe-biden-are-you-listening">three black females</a>.

<p>
I've been impressed by Rep. Lee's courage in voting against military
action and spending, for years, when hardly anyone else dared to.
Aside from that, I am unfamiliar with them, but I expect they are all
long-standing progressives.  Maybe they are good choices.  I am
disappointed by Karen Bass's willingness to participate in a
Scientology event in 2010, but mainly because she should have checked
more carefully which platforms to speak on.  Surely they are all much
better than the plutocratist women we hear Biden's camp suggest.

<p>
However, I rebuke the delegates' foolishness in choosing these people
based on their race and their gender.  Didn't we learn, from Obama, not
to let candidates' identity distract us from things that really matter?

<p>
Biden's statement that he will choose a woman was an attempt to
distract us with identity.  The plan was that he would choose a
not-very-progressive woman and we'd be so thrilled by her identity
that we would fool ourselves into cheering.

<p>
When I was asked to say which VP candidate I preferred, and offered a
list of several women, I wrote in "Bernie Sanders" and said that he's
a tried and true progressive.  If a woman were equally so, I'd support
her too, but I don't know of any.


feed_id: 7643b710be49494f60f13bd5aceadd21
title: Using medical data for advertising business
uri: Using-medical-data-for-advertising-business
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Using_medical_data_for_advertising_business%29

content:
<p>
The EU may investigate whether Google is using the medical data
that Fitbit collects <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/01/health-data-google-wants-it-all-fitbit-deal-big-tech">for the sake of its advertising business</a>.

<p>
As usual, this fails to get to the heart of the matter.  Devices such
as a Fitbit should not send data anywhere.  They should release it to
the owner, in a fully documented format, and that's all.


feed_id: 34b521ddcd27f50057bebafa150eb2a0
title: Improve your relationships
uri: Improve-your-relationships
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Improve_your_relationships%29
content:
<p>
*Improve your relationships &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/aug/01/improve-your-relationships-with-advice-from-counter-terrorism-experts">with advice from counter-terrorism experts</a>.*

<p>
Torturing people you love is as destructive and stupid as torturing prisoners.


feed_id: b0167cd94402daf553d54d9ef7d1f60d
title: Anti-masks Reps getting sick
uri: Anti-masks-Reps-getting-sick
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Anti-masks_Reps_getting_sick%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Gohmert is not a buffoon.  He is a dangerous enemy of our
democracy and our safety.  His followers beat up the people rallying
for his election opponent, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/01/its-easy-laugh-louie-gohmert">and he pressured his staff to risk
transmitting Covid-19 by not wearing masks</a>.

<p>
His getting sick could teach a lesson that will save others.

<p>
Rep. Grijalva tested positive, and rebukes the anti-mask Republicans
in Congress <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/01/raul-grijalva-coronavirus-republicans">who may have transmitted it to him</a>.


feed_id: cd512a9d85d8e372537c95a3a2d228d2
title: Alive but not moving
uri: Alive-but-not-moving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Alive_but_not_moving%29
content:
<p>
A Palestinian witness describes the murder of Abdul Fattah al-Sharif
by an Israeli soldier, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/01/human-rights-defenders-palestinian-eyewitness-testimony-execution-abdul-fattah-al">as al-Sharif was lying on the ground alive but
not moving</a>.

<p>
It may well be the case that al-Sharif had stabbed the wounded Israeli
soldier who was on the ground nearby.  But that does not justify
giving him no first aid, nor killing him.


feed_id: b2120efe9509f5a5cb6ccef18c050fda
title: No attempt to make things better
uri: No-attempt-to-make-things-better
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28No_attempt_to_make_things_better%29

content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: Nancy Pelosi's fund-raising letters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/01/speaker-nancy-pelosi-writes-me">accurately reflect
the timid policies that she works for</a>.
  No attempt to make things better, only to oppose making them even worse.


feed_id: 99ae7679d97d19e70d07247478c0bd71
title: Failed state
uri: 2020-08-04-Failed-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Failed_state%29
content:
<p>
The United States <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/06/30/failed-state-sudden-descent-united-states">on the path to being a failed state</a>.


feed_id: 523cdd4974ad13ea5be39d9825f0bd33
title: Killing on duty
uri: Killing-on-duty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Killing_on_duty%29
content:
<p>
An ex-<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> reports that he killed a man on duty, in self defense, and after
some time passed he was so ashamed of this that had to quit.
Now he tries to keep track of all the times anyone dies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/31/as-a-cop-i-killed-someone-then-i-found-out-it-happens-more-often-than-we-know">in interaction
with a cop, regardless of fault</a>.


feed_id: 9de4152218478e3f3d7758312929738d
title: Advocating Hong-Kong at home
uri: Advocating-Hong-Kong-at-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Advocating_Hong-Kong_at_home%29
content:
<p>
China has placed criminal charges against Samuel Chu, a US citizen,
for allegedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/china-hong-kong-security-law-american-citizen-exiles">advocating supporting Hong Kong's independence at home in the US</a>.

<p>
China is also firing teachers, so that other teachers will be frightened
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/01/like-in-the-cultural-revolution-hong-kongs-educators-fear-being-purged">into enforcing total submission from their students</a>.


feed_id: ae73c9f21326cb372adc2e3b7e4c60dc
title: Planting trees
uri: Planting-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Planting_trees%29
content:
<p>
*Israel’s Jewish National Fund is Uprooting Palestinians &mdash; <a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/07/24/israelsjewish-national-fund-is-uprooting-palestinians-not-planting-trees/">Not Planting
Trees</a>.*

<p>
When it does plant trees, sometimes those cover former Palestinian land.


feed_id: b3c0bfb20dd826fb28906ab26547f8f6
title: Protesters against corruption attacked
uri: Protesters-against-corruption-attacked
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Protesters_against_corruption_attacked%29

content:
<p>
Israelis are protesting against Netanyahu's corruption, and <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/violent-attacks-on-anti-netanyahu-protesters-reported-across-country/">his
supporters have violently attacked protesters</a>.

<p>
I think that they have learned the habit of violence from years of
attacking Palestinians.

<p>
Some of them <a href="https://www.972mag.com/netanyahu-authoritarian-protests-corruption/">are also being arrested</a>.


feed_id: a2ec222081538d247df1b69ae9005385
title: New Coronavirus Bill
uri: New-Coronavirus-Bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28New_Coronavirus_Bill%29
content:
<p>
*5 Key Demands <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/07/30/clock-ticking-5-key-demands-new-coronavirus-bill">for the New Coronavirus Bill</a>.*

<p>
Demand 5 does not mention "Social Security" but it includes <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#3_August_2020_(Remembering_debt_after_handouts_to_the_rich)">"Don't cut
Social Security."</a>

<p>
Alas, the Republicans in the Senate are adamant that they will do nothing
to relieve the short-term problems poor Americans are facing unless they
can impose even bigger long-term harm.


feed_id: cf92c1b9a51164538068c9435523e140
title: Delay on presidential election
uri: Delay-on-presidential-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Delay_on_presidential_election%29
content:
<p>
Bolivians protested against delay of their presidential election,
which the president <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/30/our-obligation-defend-democracy-bolivians-join-mass-marches-against-election-delay">installed by the pseudo-coup seems likely to lose</a>.


feed_id: b40a2f3f0de0111e46ebcf521076ada0
title: Transition officials
uri: Transition-officials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Transition_officials%29
content:
<p>
*Groups call on [Biden] to appoint
transition and cabinet officials determined to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/30/progressive-coalition-urges-biden-curb-excesses-corporate-power-ending-white-house">"serve no interest but
the public's."</a>*


feed_id: 56e6d84d716f719dc16ba09027fc440a
title: Covid-19 as an excuse to impose tyranny
uri: Covid-19-as-an-excuse-to-impose-tyranny
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Covid-19_as_an_excuse_to_impose_tyranny%29

content:
<p>

Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea have used Covid-19 as an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/aug/03/we-cant-allow-pacific-leaders-to-use-coronavirus-as-a-cover-for-authoritarianism">excuse to impose tyranny</a>.


feed_id: f9b0dae8d02c2feddf047cae0ab5f94e
title: Bring back the movement for nuclear disarmament
uri: Bring-back-the-movement-for-nuclear-disarmament
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Bring_back_the_movement_for_nuclear_disarmament%29

content:
<p>

With a new nuclear arms race, possibly including space-based weapons, we need to bring back the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/02/a-nuclear-arms-race-in-space-it-seems-weve-learned-nothing-from-hiroshima">movement for nuclear disarmament</a>.


feed_id: d9bfdfd05be63452ac0006a6533dbfd7
title: Foreign powers battle for Libya's oil
uri: Foreign-powers-battle-for-Libya-s-oil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Foreign_powers_battle_for_Libya%27s_oil%29

content:
<p>

*Qadhafi’s prophecy comes true as foreign powers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/02/gaddafis-prophecy-comes-true-as-foreign-powers-battle-for-libyas-oil">battle for Libya’s oil</a>.*


feed_id: 6cf7ce5be5994bdb157013acaa1ba00d
title: Bogus Johnson's efforts backfiring
uri: Bogus-Johnson-s-efforts-backfiring
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Bogus_Johnson%27s_efforts_backfiring%29

content:
<p>

Bogus Johnson desperately tried to get people going to the office and visiting restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, but that was more than Covid-19 would allow.  It is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/02/why-boris-johnson-is-suddenly-spooked-by-the-spectre-of-a-second-spike">backfiring</a>.
<p>
The right wing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/02/illness-obesity-racism-who-gets-blamed-for-our-crises-the-poor-of-course">blames the consequences on the poor</a>, following the strategy of <em>right-wing</em> government to “persuade [people] to blame themselves” for problems, rather that make things better as a progressive government would do.
<p>
Sometimes people do behave irresponsibly.  In Raves and "Covid parties", people say "To hell with being responsible," and that can make a lot of people sick.  Right-wing fools that spit at precautions make a lot of people sick.  Nobody <em>has to</em> do these things, and nobody should.  We should distinguish these gratuitous risks from the risks society compels poor people to run.
<p>
Government's power to eliminate practical obstacles is not infinite. Even a progressive government could not legislate away all the practical problems caused by living with Covid-19.  It may indeed be necessary for people without back yards to stay home this summer, rather than going to the beach with a crowd.  But a progressive government could certainly legislate away quite a few of the problems, just by deciding to try.


feed_id: aa26aead330bc49f12e388b4820d297c
title: Interview with Grigory Rodchenkov
uri: Interview-with-Grigory-Rodchenkov
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Interview_with_Grigory_Rodchenkov%29

content:
<p>

An <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/02/the-kremlin-wants-me-dead-russias-sports-doping-whistleblower-speaks-out">interview with Grigory Rodchenkov</a>, formerly head of Russia's sports doping program, who turned whistleblower when he was about to be caught.
<p>
He believes Putin would have him assassinated if Putin could find him.


feed_id: 4c0388fce34e301ffb30f42309921a7d
title: Melbourne, Australia adopted strict lockdown
uri: Melbourne-Australia-adopted-strict-lockdown
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Melbourne%2C_Australia_adopted_strict_lockdown%29

content:
<p>

Melbourne, Australia, has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/02/does-stage-4-shock-and-awe-in-melbourne-mean-we-should-have-gone-for-elimination-of-coronavirus-after-all">adopted a very strict lockdown</a> to stop transmission of Covid-19 there.
<p>
The article raises some questions in my mind.  Why is it that many workers are living paycheck to paycheck and do not have paid sick leave, and can the state give them that?  Why is it that employers can get away with demanding workers come to work when sick, and can the state catch them and prosecute them?


feed_id: 429092d2ad7b1c1c742458f4b0a47289
title: Facebook's exemption of climate denial from fact-checking
uri: Facebook-s-exemption-of-climate-denial-from-fact-checking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Facebook%27s_exemption_of_climate_denial_from_fact-checking%29

content:
<p>

*Sen. Martin Heinrich Calls On Facebook To <a href="https://ladailypost.com/heinrich-calls-on-facebook-to-end-its-exemption-of-climate-denial-from-fact-checking-program/">End Its Exemption</a> Of Climate Denial From Fact-Checking Program.*


feed_id: 40c2938e9db7ff51386281412f7243d9
title: 10,000 Israelis protested against Netanyahu
uri: 10-000-Israelis-protested-against-Netanyahu
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%2810%2C000_Israelis_protested_against_Netanyahu%29

content:
<p>

10,000 Israelis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/02/thousands-demonstrate-against-netanyahu-as-israel-protests-gain-strength">protested against Netanyahu</a>, for his career of corruption and for reopening Israel to Covid-19.
<p>
As some of his supporters occasionally launch violence the protesters, he accused the opposition of inciting violence,  Standard right-wing lie tactic.


feed_id: a876ae31fa0ade28d69ec2eb3fd0b515
title: The wrecker's threats may not be bluffs
uri: The-wrecker-s-threats-may-not-be-bluffs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28The_wrecker%27s_threats_may_not_be_bluffs%29

content:
<p>

When the wrecker threatens to use his secret powers to destroy American democracy, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/opinion/trump-presidential-powers.html">he may not be bluffing</a>.  Congress should investigate what those powers might include.


feed_id: 6045eb9ba47aedcba5e1bbd2becff4df
title: Children can catch Covid-19 and can spread it to others
uri: Children-can-catch-Covid-19-and-can-spread-it-to-others
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28Children_can_catch_Covid-19_and_can_spread_it_to_others%29

content:
<p>

Children can <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/07/31/georgia-children-covid-outbreak/">catch Covid-19 and can spread it to others</a>.


feed_id: c6679586b29fe59b65878aa43a59ba57
title: (satire) Federal Troops Tear-Gas Yankees off field
uri: (satire)-Federal-Troops-Tear-Gas-Yankees-off-field
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_August_2020_%28%28satire%29_Federal_Troops_Tear-Gas_Yankees_off_field%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://sports.theonion.com/federal-troops-tear-gas-yankees-off-field-so-trump-can-1844571417">Federal Troops Tear-Gas Yankees Off Field</a> So Trump Can Throw Out First Pitch.*


feed_id: 0095386f67f6f737b8d32ca91506ddc0
title: Holding officials accountable
uri: Holding-officials-accountable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Holding_officials_accountable%29
content:
<p>
Since Dubya, or perhaps before, the concept of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/03/missing-action-accountability-trumps-america">holding official
responsible for their criminal conduct has almost been forgotten</a>.

<p>
We are fighting to punish <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for their crimes.  We need to extend that
to all officials, from presidents to prison guards.


feed_id: ebe101ea715127c23f8a2080fa6addbd
title: Taken care of
uri: Taken-care-of
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Taken_care_of%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-approves-defense-relief-funding-for-americans-1844574313">satire</a>) *"Starting this week, every American making under $75,000
   will be sent a 100,000-ton Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to make
   certain they are taken care of when it comes to their naval
   arsenal," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.*


feed_id: 3671578e7295b5fbfb9c2efb764982cf
title: Jailed for not finishing homework
uri: Jailed-for-not-finishing-homework
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Jailed_for_not_finishing_homework%29

content:
<p>
A 15-year-old Michigan teenager was jailed for months for not finishing
her online homework.  She was on probation <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2020/07/31/oakland-co-girl-jailed-not-doing-homework-ordered-release/5557997002/">and doing her homework was a probation requirement</a>.

<p>
Aside from highlighting the cruel basic attitude of the US criminal
justice system, which also shows in other ways,
  the case has another aspect the article does not mention.
The class probably required her to use nonfree software,
perhaps Zoom, or from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, or Apple.
Refusing to run it was the right thing for her to do,
just as it is <a href="https://gnu.org/education/edu-schools.html.">the right thing for everyone to do</a>.


feed_id: d81c3f8b2392ba14d816475c7881696a
title: Snooping device eliminated
uri: Snooping-device-eliminated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Snooping_device_eliminated%29
content:
<p>
The Focals eyeglass display, with snooping microphone, has been
eliminated.  Google eliminated it by buying the manufacturer and
shutting it down.  It also shut down the server these devices depend
on, <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/canadian-smart-glasses-going-offline-weeks-after-company-bought-by-google-1.5042010">which caused the ones already sold to cease to function</a>.

<p>
It may be a good thing to wipe out this product &mdash; for "smart", read
"snoop" &mdash; but Google didn't do that for the sake of privacy.  Rather,
it was eliminating competition for its own snooping product.


feed_id: d81c971734f8aefde2c02d92f26182b7
title: Solar panels in the desert
uri: Solar-panels-in-the-desert
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Solar_panels_in_the_desert%29
content:
<p>
Solar panels have made the desert bloom in Helmand, bloom with opium
poppies.  The result is that heroin is much cheaper.  However, the aquifer
they pump water from will run out in a decade or so, and that could
cause millions of people to try to migrate <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53450688">from Afghanistan to wherever they can reach</a>.

<p>
Unless someone invents a high-tech device to extract humidity from the
air.


feed_id: d4c81d1a7f2f6834d7915a5c6f944084
title: Backend interoperability
uri: Backend-interoperability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Backend_interoperability%29
content:
<p>
The EFF proposes laws <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/legislative-path-interoperable-internet">to require large communications back-end companies to allow interoperability</a>.

<p>
This would work by requiring them to offer data portability, back-end
interoperability, and "delegability" (letting users communicate
through independently developed front ends).

<p>
The EFF's definition of "delegability" is inadequate, because
companies often permit access through independent client programs, but
only if they are nonfree and satisfy various other demands.  They do
this by requiring the client program to contain a secret "client key"
furnished by the company, which the company can revoke if it becomes
known to the public, or if the client program allows users to protect
themselves from certain crucial forms of manipulation.

<p>
Effective delegability requires that companies permit access by users
running exclusively free software.


feed_id: f4d2432987665b828f5f814f4b0d20bb
title: The Age of Mass Surveillance Will Not Last Forever
uri: The-Age-of-Mass-Surveillance-Will-Not-Last-Forever
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28The_Age_of_Mass_Surveillance_Will_Not_Last_Forever%29

content:
<p>
Edward Snowden: *The Age of Mass Surveillance Will Not Last Forever.*
But he reminds us that it continues nearly unhampered today, <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/the-age-of-mass-surveillance-will-not-last-forever/">in the
supposedly free countries</a>.


feed_id: c2aae78f6c300b78902bcfbc601f78f7
title: Thug unions protecting brutal thugs
uri: Thug-unions-protecting-brutal-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Thug_unions_protecting_brutal_thugs%29

content:
<p>
How thug unions campaign <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/08/03/how-police-unions-fight-reform">to protect brutal thugs</a>.
  And sometimes corrupt <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> too.

<p>
New York City's thug union <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/nypd-civilian-complaint-review-board-editors-note">got the city to keep from the public</a>
  the records of investigations into violent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  It turns out that
over 10% of them were found to have violated the department's limits
on use of force.

<p>
*We asked [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>] departments about viral videos showing cops escalating
violence against protesters. Most refused <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/what-has-happened-to-police-filmed-hurting-protesters-so-far-very-little">to name the officers or
provide updates on their investigations</a>.


feed_id: 4eafd28ed1054170b803ea6b6bcad859
title: Hard cocaine habit
uri: Hard-cocaine-habit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Hard_cocaine_habit%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/ornithologists-attribute-owls-nocturnal-lifestyle-to-h-1844363607">satire</a>) *Ornithologists Attribute Owls’ Nocturnal Lifestyle To Hard Cocaine Habit.*


feed_id: 5ed5a04addf7c5141eca01305e839a60
title: Challenge questions
uri: Challenge-questions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Challenge_questions%29
content:
<p>
"Challenge questions" <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/31/hall-of-famer/#favorite-food">generally give very bad security and users forget the answers</a>.

<p>
I treat them like passwords.


feed_id: 81cd97ef0412e2db8569927f8a983fb5
title: Comparing poverty
uri: Comparing-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Comparing_poverty%29
content:
<p>
*Comparing Poverty in India and America <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/08/03/comparing-poverty-india-and-america-may-surprise-you">May Surprise You</a>.*

<p>
Debt causes conceptual problems in making statistics about people's wealth.
If one household has a $300,000 house and debts of $320,000, while another
household lives in a tent and has debts of $20,000, is it meaningful
to put both of them in the -$20,000 bucket?


feed_id: 77882124f7467e10b94067a8912d83cf
title: Coal power shutdown
uri: Coal-power-shutdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#5_August_2020_%28Coal_power_shutdown%29
content:
<p>
So far this year, the world has shut down <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/03/more-coal-power-generation-closed-than-opened-around-the-world-this-year-research-finds">more coal power electric capacity than it has built</a>.

<p>
We can't just count on the Invisible Hand to cancel new coal power
plant construction, or the practice of burning coal.  Paying for new
coal plants is a waste of money, but those who build them will lobby
governments to pay for their construction anyway.  And they could even
make a profit operating those plants, if they get a subsidy.


