# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(What's_gone_wrong_for_men)
title: What's gone wrong for men
uri: What-s-gone-wrong-for-men
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(What's_gone_wrong_for_men)
content:
 
<p>

  *[Prominent feminist writer] Caitlin Moran: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/01/caitlin-moran-whats-gone-wrong-for-men-and-the-thing-that-can-fix-them">what's gone wrong for men</a>
 – and the thing that can fix them.*
<p>
I would not try to compare how bad today's society is for men with how
it is for women.  It seems to be pretty bad for both &mdash; partly because
men and women are being pushed into penury by plutocracy, and into horrible
social relations by anti-social media.
<p>
Moran has pointed out one important difference: women and girls have
found ways to support each other publicly and talk about their
collective difficulties in society.  Men and boys need it too but
have no place to turn to except woman-haters.
<p>
Thank you Ms Moran.  I hope society finds a way out of this sad gender
relations trap.

 


title: Palestinians and Israelis in cycle of violence
uri: Palestinians-and-Israelis-in-cycle-of-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Palestinians_and_Israelis_in_cycle_of_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Palestinians_and_Israelis_in_cycle_of_violence)

content:
 
<p>

  Enraged Palestinians and enraged Israelis are in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/01/nowhere-in-palestine-is-free-west-bank-villagers-defenceless-against-rising-settler-violence">cycle of violence</a>, but the
Israeli violence seems to be much bigger.

 


title: UK put preparation for pandemics aside
uri: UK-put-preparation-for-pandemics-aside
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(UK_put_preparation_for_pandemics_aside)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(UK_put_preparation_for_pandemics_aside)

content:
 
<p>

  The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/26/uk-deferred-pandemic-planning-as-no-deal-brexit-loomed-inquiry-hears">put preparation for pandemics aside</a> to leave the EU in the
most crude possible way.

 


title: Private hospitals in developing countries
uri: Private-hospitals-in-developing-countries
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Private_hospitals_in_developing_countries)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Private_hospitals_in_developing_countries)

content:
 
<p>

  *UK aid <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/26/uk-aid-should-not-fund-private-hospitals-in-developing-countries-says-oxfam">should not fund private hospitals</a> in developing countries, says Oxfam.*
<p>
I agree.  To aid the harmful <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> press for privatization is making 
things worse.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Warnings_of_danger_of_fascism)
title: Warnings of danger of fascism
uri: Warnings-of-danger-of-fascism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Warnings_of_danger_of_fascism)
content:
 
<p>

  *The [US] Army <a href="https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/185879">warned Troops in 1945 of the Danger of Fascism</a>. That
Warning Rings True Today.*

 


title: Serious news replaced with tabloid-style material
uri: Serious-news-replaced-with-tabloid-style-material
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Serious_news_replaced_with_tabloid-style_material)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Serious_news_replaced_with_tabloid-style_material)

content:
 
<p>

Ralph Nader: the US's major newspapers are <a href="https://mailchi.mp/nader/whats-the-matter-with-the-liberal-press-5sr8mzrbyw?e=555e9be067">replacing serious news with
    tabloid-style distraction material</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Plan_to_shorten_medical_training)
title: Plan to shorten medical training
uri: Plan-to-shorten-medical-training
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Plan_to_shorten_medical_training)
content:
 
<p>

*Plans to shorten medical training <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/30/plans-to-shorten-medical-training-put-quality-of-nhs-care-at-risk-doctors-say">put quality of [UK medical
    treatment] at risk</a>, doctors say.*
<p>
If the UK finds that it needs more money to provide everyone with
proper medical treatment, it should tax the rich more.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Sanders_rebuked_Supreme_Court)
title: Sanders rebuked Supreme Court
uri: Sanders-rebuked-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Sanders_rebuked_Supreme_Court)
content:
 
<p>

  Bernie Sanders <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sanders-statement-on-supreme-court-overturning-student-debt-cancellation">rebuked the Supreme Court decision</a> blocking Biden's
planned method for canceling some student debt, and calls on Biden to
use another method that the court can't block.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(El_Nino_and_North_Atlantic)
title: El Niño and North Atlantic
uri: El-Niño-and-North-Atlantic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(El_Nino_and_North_Atlantic)
content:
 
<p>
*Scientists ponder if
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/03/a-perfect-storm-scientists-ponder-if-climate-has-entered-a-new-erratic-era">climate has entered a new erratic era</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop promoting social-media climate-deniers
uri: Urgent-Stop-promoting-social-media-climate-deniers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_promoting_social-media_climate-deniers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_promoting_social-media_climate-deniers)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-media-outlets-stop-promoting-climate-change-deniers?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategya">call on media outlets</a>
to stop promoting deniers of coming climate disaster.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Name climate disasters after fossil fuel companies
uri: Urgent-Name-climate-disasters-after-fossil-fuel-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Name_climate_disasters_after_fossil_fuel_companies_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Name_climate_disasters_after_fossil_fuel_companies_)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.350.org/signup/jun-23-em-us-wmo-noaa-petition/?source=em20230626-1-30-subs-us&akid=259940%2E1151744%2EOkxJ15">call on WMO and NOAA</a>
to name climate disasters after fossil fuel companies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_MA_Location_Shield_Act)
title: Urgent: MA Location Shield Act
uri: Urgent-MA-Location-Shield-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_MA_Location_Shield_Act)
content:
 
<p>
Massachusetts residents:
<p>
Here is what I gave as my personalized message:
<blockquote>
I urge you to support the Location Shield Act &mdash; but, as described in
the articles I have seen, it has loopholes that may make it fail to
achieve its laudable purpose.
<p>
It would block the most obvious and usual way for states persecuting
abortion patients (and those who help them) to get the data, but there
are various others ways which they will not take long to think of.
For instance, companies could be "persuaded" to "give away" the data.
(States have ways to persuade them &mdash; think of what Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>
has tried with Disney.  Most companies won't resist as Disney has.)
States could also get the data by subpoena.
<p>
I suggest forbidding requiring entities that collect location data in
Massachusetts to distribute that data to any entity under any basis,
outside of a small list of exceptions such as subpoenas from federal
courts or certain specially authorized Massachusetts courts.
<p>
This may call for requiring those entities to keep the data inside
Massachusetts, stored in ways that Massachusetts law can reliably govern.
<p>
Those entities often store their personal data &mdash; including location
data &mdash; on computers belonging to cloudy businesses which don't deal
directly with those entities' clients: for instance, Amazon AWS.
Persecuting states could get the data by subpoena directly from those
businesses.  That requirement proposed above about where and how to
store the location data could address this loophole too.
<p>
The full solution to the danger of massive surveillance of people's
movements is to _prohibit collection of location data_.  Massive
surveillance, of which tracking people's movements is an example, is
the foundation of tyranny.  Phones should not track people, and when a
business asks where you are, it should have to be content with
whatever answer you choose give it.  You do not owe a business a
truthful answer to whatever question it may ask you!
<p>
Buses, trains, taxis, cars, and payments systems often track people's
movements.  We should put a stop to that too.  My associates are
working on a software system for paying stores and internet
subscriptions without identifying yourself &mdash; see taler.net for more
information.
<p>
Ending massive surveillance is a big job and will take time, but a
strengthened Location Shield Act could be an exemplary first step.
</blockquote>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Public feedback on DeJoy's USPS changes
uri: Urgent-Public-feedback-on-DeJoy-s-USPS-changes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Public_feedback_on_DeJoy's_USPS_changes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Public_feedback_on_DeJoy's_USPS_changes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/usps-ig-step-in-dejoys-dramatic-changes?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">call on the U.S. Inspector General and the Postal
Regulatory Commission to Step in</a>
to Allow the Public to Provide Feedback on DeJoy's menacing Post Office changes.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect minors from overwork, dangerous work
uri: Urgent-Protect-minors-from-overwork-dangerous-work
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_minors_from_overwork,_dangerous_work)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_minors_from_overwork,_dangerous_work)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-biden-administration-protect-child-workers-from-corporate-exploitation?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=group-coalition-on-human-needs">call on the Biden administration to uphold the laws</a>
that protect minors from overwork and dangerous work.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(The_Hague:_crimes_of_aggression)
title: The Hague: crimes of aggression
uri: The-Hague-crimes-of-aggression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(The_Hague:_crimes_of_aggression)
content:
 
<p>
*Centre for prosecuting crimes of aggression [in Ukraine]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/jul/03/centre-for-prosecuting-crimes-of-aggression-opens-in-the-hague">opens in The Hague</a>.*
<p>
  This war crime has been mostly neglected since the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_trials">Nuremberg trials</a>,
as prosecutions focused on war crimes and crimes against humanity
rather than the fundamental crime of launching aggressive war.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Student_debt_redo)
title: Student debt redo
uri: Student-debt-redo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Student_debt_redo)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden lays out new student debt relief plan
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/30/joe-biden-new-student-debt-relief-plan-scotus-reaction">after supreme court ruling</a>.*
<p>
He's not accepting defeat.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(New_oilfield_protest,_UK)
title: New oilfield protest, UK
uri: New-oilfield-protest-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(New_oilfield_protest,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*[British] Campaigners vow to step up action against
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/29/campaigners-vow-to-step-up-action-against-new-north-sea-oilfield">new North Sea oilfield</a>.*
  Ministers know that the world has no room for this, and they are disregarding
climate commitments to approve it.
<p>
This is plutocracy at work.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Prisoners_swelter,_TX)
title: Prisoners swelter, TX
uri: Prisoners-swelter-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Prisoners_swelter,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
*Texas [prisoners]
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/06/26/texas-inmates-deprived-of-water-and-ac-are-fainting-in-jails-that-reach-over-100-degrees.html">deprived of water and AC</a>
are fainting in jails that
reach [up to 116°F].*
<p>
Water is a necessity for human life.  The prison <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are putting
the prisoners' life and health in danger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_((Satire)_Political_speeches_torturous)
title: (Satire) Political speeches torturous
uri: (Satire)-Political-speeches-torturous
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_((Satire)_Political_speeches_torturous)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Human Rights Organization Accuses
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/human-rights-organization-accuses-ron-desantis-of-subje-1850588549">Ron [DeMentis] Of Subjecting
Migrants</a>
To One Of His Speeches.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Billionaire_grips_national_media,_IN)
title: Billionaire grips national media, IN
uri: Billionaire-grips-national-media-IN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Billionaire_grips_national_media,_IN)
content:
 
<p>
*"Resistance is possible": Ravish Kumar, the broadcaster risking his life to
tell
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jul/02/journalist-ravish-kumar-india-while-we-watched-modi">the truth about India</a>
today.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(ChatGPT_lawsuit)
title: ChatGPT lawsuit
uri: ChatGPT-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(ChatGPT_lawsuit)
content:
 
<p>
A lawsuit accused the developers of ChatGPT of "stealing" people's
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/28/tech/openai-chatgpt-microsoft-data-sued/index.html">personal data to train the system</a>.
<p>
The article does not say how the company obtained that data.  Security
measures should have prevented that &mdash; how come they did not?
Is it possible that the company got permission to use that data
from other companies that had collected it?
<p>
Using the data can be wrong, but the fundamental wrong is
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">collecting it at all</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Settlers'_revenge-violence,_ISR)
title: Settlers' revenge-violence, ISR
uri: Settlers-revenge-violence-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Settlers'_revenge-violence,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel’s far-right
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/02/israel-vigilante-settlers-violence-benjamin-netanyahu">government fans the flames</a>
of vigilante settler violence.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Jenin_resistence,_ISR)
title: Jenin Resistance, ISR
uri: Jenin-Resistance-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Jenin_resistence,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Several
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/03/palestinians-killed-israeli-strike-west-bank-jenin">Palestinian militias are based in Jenin</a>.
 Israel is systematically
bombing them with drone attacks.
<p>
Possible Palestinian fighters are referred to as "suspected" whatever.
Israeli soldiers who fight are never "suspected" of anything.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Bolsonaro_banned_from_office)
title: Bolsonaro banned from office
uri: Bolsonaro-banned-from-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Bolsonaro_banned_from_office)
content:
 
<p>
*[Brazilian] Judges ban Bolsonaro from running for office for eight
years over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/30/jair-bolsonaro-judges-vote-ban-running-for-office">"appalling lies"</a>.*
<p>
If only US judges had the good sense to do that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Racist_policing,_FR)
title: Racist policing, FR
uri: Racist-policing-FR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Racist_policing,_FR)
content:
 
<p>
*France has ignored racist police violence for decades. These
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/30/france-racist-police-violence-riots-nahel">riots are the
price</a>
of that denial.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Nuclear_plant_in_peril,_UKR)
title: Nuclear plant in peril, UKR
uri: Nuclear-plant-in-peril-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Nuclear_plant_in_peril,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
Putin is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/30/russia-has-approved-plan-blow-up-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-claims-ukraine">rapidly evacuating personnel</a>
from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear
power plant, and Ukraine claims he plans to blow up part of it.
<p>
This would be tantamount to using a dirty nuclear weapon.  I suggest
that the US warn Putin that it will attack the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> with
non-nuclear weapons if he does that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Affirmative_action_ruling)
title: Affirmative action ruling
uri: Affirmative-action-ruling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(Affirmative_action_ruling)
content:
 
<p>
The Supreme Court ruled that
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/06/29/supreme-court-affirmative-action-military-academy/">race-based affirmative action is
unconstitutional</a>
discrimination, but left one aspect that applicants of disprivileged demographic
background can still cite: "an applicant’s discussion of how race
affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or
otherwise."
<p>
Interestingly, one right-wing justice rebuked Harvard for its
discrimination in favor of students from extra-privileged backgrounds,
those whose families had past association with Harvard.  His point was
somewhat confused, but there is a valid point to be made: since 43% of
white Harvard students benefited from that privilege, eliminating that
privilege could achieve, through fairness in process, much of the
fairness of outcome that affirmative action has achieved.
<p>
Justice Jackson explains
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/29/kentanji-brown-jackson-affirmative-action-dissent">why affirmative action is needed</a>
to counteract generations of disadvantage which government policies
imposed on the blacks of the time, and which today's blacks have
more or less inherited.
<p>
Biden condemned the decision and said he will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/29/joe-biden-affirmative-action-supreme-court-reaction">seek ways to maintain
the effect of affirmative action</a>
despite the decision.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(High_Court:_wealth_tax_case)
title: High Court: wealth tax case
uri: High-Court-wealth-tax-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_July_2023_(High_Court:_wealth_tax_case)
content:
 
<p>
*The US Supreme Court agreed to hear a case to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/28d65513?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844Members">preemptively bar a
wealth tax</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Wealth_tax_v._insurrection,_UK)
title: Wealth tax, or insurrection, UK
uri: Wealth-tax-or-insurrection-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Wealth_tax_v._insurrection,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/jun/30/uk-super-rich-beware-pitchforks-torches-unless-they-do-more">Patriotic Millionaires UK warned</a>
the rich to expect "pitchforks and torches" if they don't stop pushing most people into poverty.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Labour_faction_expelling_pluralists)
title: Labour faction expelling pluralists
uri: Labour-faction-expelling-pluralists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Labour_faction_expelling_pluralists)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/30/compass-chief-says-labour-has-expelled-him-and-attacks-party-tyranny">expelled a decades-long Labour activist</a>
over a minor excuse &mdash; but really, over resisting his subjection of the party.
<p>
Here's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/30/labour-expelling-mp-activist-neal-lawson">what he has to say</a>
about it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Border_agents_deceive_thousands)
title: Policy deceives immigrants
uri: Policy-deceives-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Border_agents_deceive_thousands)
content:
 
<p>
*Border agents promise better chance of asylum for those agreeing to go
   to Mexico and apply there, then
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/02/voluntary-return-us-mexico-border-migration-stranded">strands them with no access</a>.*
<p>
The article mentions an unreliable app.  It does not mention
that the app is an injustice because it is nonfree.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Pregnancy_as_peril,_TN)
title: Pregnancy as peril, TN
uri: Pregnancy-as-peril-TN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Pregnancy_as_peril,_TN)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.rawstory.com/tennessee-abortion/">warning from Planned Parenthood</a>:
if you are pregnant, stay out of Tennessee.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Fear-driven_politics,_RWA)
title: Fear-driven politics, RWA
uri: Fear-driven-politics-RWA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Fear-driven_politics,_RWA)
content:
 
<p>
A report on pervasive tyranny in Rwanda: if you don't join President
Kagama's rally,
<a href="https://sfbayview.com/2015/05/no-way-to-escape-the-eye-of-the-state-in-rwanda/">you will be individually noted</a>
and persecuted.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(High_Court_hijacked_to_attack)
title: High Court hijacked to attack
uri: High-Court-hijacked-to-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(High_Court_hijacked_to_attack)
content:
 
<p>
Rebecca Solnit: *The US supreme court has dismantled our rights
(rights that we had won) but we still believe in them. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/02/us-supreme-court-civil-rights-voting-fight">Now we must
fight</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Gun_laws_and_murder_rates)
title: Gun laws and murder rates
uri: Gun-laws-and-murder-rates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Gun_laws_and_murder_rates)
content:
 
<p>
If you want to be safe from gun violence, know that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/30/murder-rates-democrat-republican-states-gun-control">Democrats tend to
do it better</a>.
Republicans are more interested in making it easy for people to carry guns and shoot you.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Low-emissions_zones_healthier)
title: Low-emissions zones healthier
uri: Low-emissions-zones-healthier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Low-emissions_zones_healthier)
content:
 
<p>
Implementing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/30/low-emission-zones-lez-improving-health-studies">low-emission-zones in a city</a>
tends to produce small but
significant decreases in heart and lung disease.
<p>
I am in favor of limiting the use of high-pollution vehicles, but it
must be implemented in a way that doesn't track where each car goes.
Tracking people's movements is
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">the foundation for tyranny and repression</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Cricket_culture_unsporting)
title: Cricket culture unsporting
uri: Cricket-culture-unsporting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Cricket_culture_unsporting)
content:
 
<p>
The culture in England around cricket is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/30/cricket-bat-ball-game-exclusion">jam-packed with bigotry</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Mandatory_bird_housing,_UK)
title: Mandatory bird housing, UK
uri: Mandatory-bird-housing-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_July_2023_(Mandatory_bird_housing,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Swifts, remarkable birds that fly for months without landing, are
running out of nest sites as old buildings are renovated.  Hollow
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/30/swift-bricks-petition-campaigners-halt-decline-migratory-birds-aoe">"swift bricks"</a>
built into new buildings provide them with new nest sites.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Sea_Barrier,_London)
title: Sea Barrier, London
uri: Sea-Barrier-London
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Sea_Barrier,_London)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/30/before-the-flood-how-much-longer-will-the-thames-barrier-protect-london">The Thames Barrier</a>,
like a dam that can be opened and closed, protects
London from surges of the North Sea.  But, by 2070, sea level rise
will leave it insufficiently tall, and impossible to maintain if they
close it as often as it now must.  It will have to be rebuilt.
<p>
Eventually protecting London will need a dam.
And then it will become impossible.
<p>
The only way we can protect the
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_July_2023_(Global_sea-level_rise)">thousands of threatened coastal cities</a>
is curb <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>, and then suck greenhouse gases out of the air.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_((Satire)_Govt_project_expenses)
title: (Satire) Govt project expenses
uri: (Satire)-Govt-project-expenses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_((Satire)_Govt_project_expenses)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Multimillion-Dollar City Beautification Project
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/multimillion-dollar-city-beautification-project-results-1850571996">Results In 3
New Blades Of Grass</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(When_British_SAS_units_were_in_AFG)
title: When British SAS units were in AFG
uri: When-British-SAS-units-were-in-AFG
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(When_British_SAS_units_were_in_AFG)
content:
 
<p>
Eighty Afghan
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/02/eighty-afghan-civilians-may-have-been-summarily-killed-by-sas-inquiry-told">civilians may have been summarily killed</a>
by [British military] SAS, inquiry told.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Bounty_on_democracy_advocates,_HK)
title: Bounty on democracy advocates, HK
uri: Bounty-on-democracy-advocates-HK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Bounty_on_democracy_advocates,_HK)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong has filed charges of criticizing the government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/03/hong-kong-issues-arrest-warrants-for-eight-overseas-democracy-activists">on democracy
activists living in exile</a>.
<p>
This is not a surprise &mdash; it is part and parcel of the Chinese
repression in Hong Kong, and it is why people would be wise not to go
to Hong Kong or any part of China.  Chine has no reason to limit these
charges to people who really have rebuked China's repression from
other countries (not that it is justified to punish people for that).
<p>
False and dishonest charges are standard there too.
<p>
Perhaps the US should criminalize people outside the US who participate
in placing criminal charges against people in the US for criticizing
other countries.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Magazine-printing_in_the_UK)
title: Magazine-printing in the UK
uri: Magazine-printing-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Magazine-printing_in_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>d
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jul/03/tipping-point-in-decline-of-magazines-as-one-large-printer-remains-in-uk">The UK now has</a>
essentially a monopoly on printing magazines.
<p>
This sort of thing happens when anti-monopoly laws are too weak
or too weakly enforced.  That tends to happen due to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>
pressure on governments.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Collapsing_NHS_in_UK,_a_history)
title: Collapsing NHS in UK, a history
uri: Collapsing-NHS-in-UK-a-history
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_July_2023_(Collapsing_NHS_in_UK,_a_history)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/03/locked-in-a-death-spiral-state-of-the-nhs-at-75">A doctor says</a>
the NHS has been collapsing since 2012, and has kept
getting worse.
<p>
Even when Labour was in power, all was not well,   Waiting lists for
treatment were long.  Of course, Tories have made it far worse.
<p>
What <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bliar">Tony B'liar's</a> Labour Party and the Tories have in common is
plutocratism.  They are unwilling to tax the rich enough to make the NHS
function properly, so they always under-fund it.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Judicial-Ethics-and-Anti-Corruption-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Judicial_Ethics_and_Anti-Corruption_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Judicial_Ethics_and_Anti-Corruption_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/samuel-alito-corruption/?t=1001&akid=30911%2E96703%2ELp2IgA">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Labour_shedding_traditions_to_win)
title: Labour shedding traditions to "win"
uri: Labour-shedding-traditions-to-win
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Labour_shedding_traditions_to_win)
content:
 
<p>
A list of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/04/u-turns-labour-keir-starmer-tuition-fees-income-tax">very important Labour Party policies</a>
that Starmer has discarded.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Surveillance_machinery,_SF)
title: Surveillance machinery, SF
uri: Surveillance-machinery-SF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Surveillance_machinery,_SF)
content:
 
<p>
Driverless cars in San Francisco
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/04/smile-youre-on-camera-self-driving-cars-are-here-and-theyre-watching-you">collect videos constantly using
cameras</a>
inside and outside, and governments have already collected those videos secretly.
<p>
As the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project says, they are
   "driving us straight into authoritarianism."
<p>
I've  warned of this for <a href="03_July_2013_(Americans_want_to_believe_Hillary_Clinton_would_be_a_good_president)">years</a>.
<p>
I contend that we must regulate <em>all</em>
cameras that collect images
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">that can 
be used to track people</a>,
to make sure they are not used for that.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Remove Sultan Al Jaber as head of COP28
uri: Urgent-Remove-Sultan-Al-Jaber-as-head-of-COP28
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Urgent:_Remove_Sultan_Al_Jaber_as_head_of_COP28)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Urgent:_Remove_Sultan_Al_Jaber_as_head_of_COP28)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/president-biden-call-for-sultan-al-jaber-to-be-removed-as-head-of-cop28?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-juggernaut-project&source=direct_link">call on Biden</a>
to call for Sultan Al Jaber to be removed as head of COP28.
<p>
<p>The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(The_infant_undercover)
title: The infant undercover
uri: The-infant-undercover
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(The_infant_undercover)
content:
 
<p>
When <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> played with boxes of US military secrets, he was
<a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4056319-the-betrayal-at-the-heart-of-trumps-alleged-crimes/">playing with the lives of Americans</a>.
<p>
We don't need to assume that all US soldiers are <em>always</em> fighting for
good and for justice to recognize that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> actions were a
vile betrayal.  It shows he is the enemy of the United States, and of
all that is good in it &mdash; as well as the enemy of freedom and democracy
in the United States.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Unilever_in_Russia)
title: Unilever in Russia
uri: Unilever-in-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Unilever_in_Russia)
content:
 
<p>
Demanding that Unilever cease
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/03/unilever-named-international-sponsor-of-war-by-ukraine">operating</a>
in Russia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Temperature_and_tempers)
title: Temperature and tempers
uri: Temperature-and-tempers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Temperature_and_tempers)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> link to personal violence
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/28/climate-crisis-linked-to-rising-domestic-violence-in-south-asia-study-finds">Climate crisis linked</a>
to rising domestic violence in south Asia, study finds.*
<p>
This has been <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#19_September_2016_(Global_heating_and_violence)">demonstrated for other parts of the world</a>
too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Extreme_rain_on_mountains)
title: Extreme rain on mountains
uri: Extreme-rain-on-mountains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Extreme_rain_on_mountains)
content:
 
<p>
*Study finds extreme rainfall at higher elevations increases by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/28/global-heating-extreme-rain-flooding-more-likely">
8.3% for every degree Fahrenheit</a> world warms.*
<p>
One incident of extreme rainfall at a place can do permanent damage.

<p>
 


title: Wildfire and species preservation, CAN
uri: Wildfire-and-species-preservation-CAN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Wildfire_and_species_preservation,_CAN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Wildfire_and_species_preservation,_CAN)

content:
 
<p>
Canada's wildfires, hotter and bigger than ever in history, can
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/28/hotter-faster-fires-can-canada-preserve-its-threatened-wildlife-half-moon-hairstreak-butterfly-aoe">wipe
out endangered species</a>
with one blow.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Power_plants_overheat,_TX)
title: Power plants overheat, TX
uri: Power-plants-overheat-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Power_plants_overheat,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
Texas's fossil fuel power plants have been failing during the heat wave,
but increase
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/28/texas-heatwave-power-grid-solar-energy">solar generating capacity enabled Texas to cope</a>.
<p>
You can tell which politicians work for the fossil fuel lobby, because
they are disparaging solar power falsely.

<!-- waiting approval due to new info
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Military_industry_overcharges)
title: Military industry overcharges
uri: Military-industry-overcharges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Military_industry_overcharges)
content:
 
<p>
Senator Warren, and other senators, rebuked arms companies for overcharging the
US government, and have
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2022/06/09/defense-contractor-price-gouging-elizabeth-warren-john-garamendi/">proposed a bill</a>
to make that harder for them to do.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Kale_with_PFASs,_US)
title: Kale with PFASs, US
uri: Kale-with-PFASs-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_July_2023_(Kale_with_PFASs,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Kale grown in the US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/30/kale-pfas-forever-chemicals-contamination">has shown high levels of toxic PFAs</a>.
Ironically, "organic" Kale had higher levels of them.
<p>
We can't deny that PFAs are organic compounds &mdash; they contain carbon. 

Both of these polnotes waiting -->

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Cluster_bombs,_UKR)
title: Cluster bombs, UKR
uri: Cluster-bombs-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Cluster_bombs,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/06/russia-ukraine-cluster-bombs-biden-human-rights-watch">US expected to provide</a>
cluster bombs to Ukraine.*
<p>
The US and Ukraine surely know this &mdash; so why do they consider
using cluster bombs?  What advantage do they think those have,
to outweigh what is bad about them?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Climate-era_duties,_FL_keys____)
title: Climate-era duties, FL keys
uri: Climate-era-duties-FL-keys
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Climate-era_duties,_FL_keys____)
content:
 
<p>
The foolish response to sea-level rise: two people are trying to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/28/a-couples-quixotic-quest-to-save-their-drowning-island-one-rock-at-a-time">preserve
a small island</a>
they own by building sea walls.
<p>
This is futile because sea-level rise is accelerating.  If they
heroically manage to keep up with it this decade, they won't keep up
next decade.  By the end of this century, all their work will have
been erased.
<p>
What a shame they aren't putting all that effort into an effort that
may not be futile &mdash; that may actually win a victory.
<p>
We can't save everything, and scattering our efforts makes them
futile.  We must concentrate on defeating the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> who are
deliberately accelerating the problem.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Employment_by_another_name)
title: Employment by another name
uri: Employment-by-another-name
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Employment_by_another_name)
content:
 
<p>
Many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/28/sitting-at-work-employees-rest-worker-rights">US employers forbid workers to sit</a>
(ever) while on the job,
  This is worse than uncomfortable; it builds up injuries.
<p>
The experience of many other countries shows that businesses can
function just fine while permitting staff to sit occasionally.  But suppose
that were not true &mdash; would that justify the policy?  Should the
employer's interests entirely override the well-being of the workers?
<p>
Of course not.
<p>
"Right to sit" laws ought to exist, but that is a very narrow remedy,
for this specific method of mistreating workers.  What we really need
are <a href="/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#8_September_2016_(Paying_workers_for_value_of_their_work)">"right to strong unions"</a>
laws, that will help workers deal with many kinds of wrongs by employers, including this kind.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Protesting_as_sedition,_ISR)
title: Protesting as sedition, ISR
uri: Protesting-as-sedition-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Protesting_as_sedition,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Former Israeli elected officials are being investigated for "sedition"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/28/former-israeli-pm-ehud-barak-and-ex-parliamentarian-yair-golam-investigated-by-police">after calling for nonviolent protests</a>.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#24_January_2023_(Israeli_democracy_protests)">The protests</a>
were to be against right-wing plans for a fascist
judiciary.
<p>
Israel is being taken over by fascism.  Where can Israelis who want to
live in a democracy with human rights move to?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Bounty_on_democracy_advocates,_HK)
title: Bounty on democracy advocates, HK
uri: 2023-07-09-Bounty-on-democracy-advocates-HK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Bounty_on_democracy_advocates,_HK)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong has established a bounty of over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/04/exiled-hong-kong-activists-in-uk-defiant-about-hk1m-bounties-for-their-arrest">$100,000 for the arrest of
any of the exiles</a>
accused of violating the "national security"
censorship law.
<p>
The natural response is for other countries to make it a crime to try
to capture those freedom defenders, and offer a similar bounty for the
arrest of anyone involved in trying to arrest them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Chinese_dissidents_pursued_overseas)
title: Chinese dissidents pursued overseas
uri: Chinese-dissidents-pursued-overseas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Chinese_dissidents_pursued_overseas)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/07/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activist-arrests">arrested former protest leaders</a>.
One was arrested at the airport, leading me to wonder if he was trying to flee to a safe haven.
<p>
The Hong Kong "national security" law applies to "crimes" "committed"
before that law was passed.  In US legal terms, it is an
"ex-post-facto" law.  The US Constitution bans ex-post-facto
criminalization.  Many other countries do likewise -- because it is
evident that such a law amounts to, "If we don't like you, we will put
you in prison."
<p>
That's Hong Kong for you &mdash; and that's China for you.
<p>
I wonder if there is a way to arrange for Hong Kongers to flee
without permission, as people fled from East Berlin.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Said_the_founders,_US_Const.)
title: Said the founders, US Const.
uri: Said-the-founders-US-Const
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Said_the_founders,_US_Const.)
content:
 
<p>
Radical thoughts stated by the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/04/founding-fathers-radical-quotes-july-4/">founders of the US Constitution</a>.
<p>
Ironically amazing is Jefferson's ringing condemnation of slavery as
evil &mdash; ironic given that he owned slaves and never freed them.
<p>
In the Declaration of Independence,
<a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/declaration-of-independenceone-paragraph-was-removed/">he wrote a paragraph</a>
to condemn King George for the slave trade.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(NHS_serviceability,_UK)
title: NHS serviceability, UK
uri: NHS-serviceability-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(NHS_serviceability,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Most [UK] doctors think ministers want to destroy the NHS,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/04/most-doctors-think-ministers-want-to-destroy-nhs-bma-boss-says">BMA boss says</a>.*
<p>
I believe the same.  It is a good thing that the NHS doctors recognize this,
because they are the ones that have to fight it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Global_companies'_data,_AU)
title: Global companies' data, AU
uri: Global-companies-data-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Global_companies'_data,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Australia is planning to demand that multi-national companies give
economic data about their operations in other countries.  Some
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/29/multinationals-including-nestle-and-roche-push-back-against-scope-of-australias-planned-tax-transparency-laws">Swiss
conglomerates are making vague threats</a>
that they "won't invest so much in Australia."
<p>
Australia should tell them not to slam the door on the way out.
<p>
No country desperately needs investment to be made in ways that tend
to subjugate the country to foreign plutocrats.  The proposed
Australian law will take the world one step closer to
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">a progressive
tax on corporations</a>
that would tend to pressure them to split up.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Weathered,_at_the_mercy_of_time)
title: Weathered, at the mercy of time
uri: Weathered-at-the-mercy-of-time
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Weathered,_at_the_mercy_of_time)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/07/this-year-is-set-to-be-the-hottest-in-history-congress-must-act-now">Bernie Sanders: Congress must act</a>
to overcome the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>.
<p>
*Why are people dying at sea? They are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/07/climate-crisis-migration-pakistan-greek-shipwreck">fleeing disasters</a>
that we once called
‘biblical’, and now call normal.*
<p>
I rarely see an article which depicts how horrible is the fate that
human activity is imposing on humans and nature.  This is one.
<p>
I have to point out that the other jaw of the vise is
over-reproduction.  Having a few children is not much compared with
what any plutocrat does, but <a href="/articles/children.html">it is harm you can avoid</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Mercy_for_the_Amazon,_BR)
title: Mercy for the Amazon, BR
uri: Mercy-for-the-Amazon-BR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Mercy_for_the_Amazon,_BR)
content:
 
<p>
*Brazil: Amazon
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/06/brazil-amazon-deforestation-lula">deforestation drops 34%</a>
in first six months under Lula.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Progressives_v._corporatists,_a_howto)
title: Progressives v. corporatists, a howto
uri: Progressives-v-corporatists-a-howto
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Progressives_v._corporatists,_a_howto)
content:
 
<p>
Ralph Nader's
<a href="https://nader.org/2023/07/07/suggestions-for-progressives-to-become-stronger/">suggestions to progressive activist groups</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Maternal_death_rise,_US)
title: Maternal death rise, US
uri: Maternal-death-rise-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Maternal_death_rise,_US)
content:
 
<p>
US maternal deaths
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/03/us-maternal-deaths-doubled-two-decades">doubled from 1999 to 2019</a>
&mdash; and that period does
not count whatever effect Covid-19 had.
<p>
The cause is not clear, but since black mothers die at a much higher rate,
it probably has to do with racism and to right-wing policies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Medical_personel_needed,_US)
title: Medical personnel needed, US
uri: Medical-personnel-needed-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Medical_personel_needed,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders calls for massive
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/28/us-healthcare-system-bernie-sanders">government investment in education</a>
to fill America's shortage of all sorts of medical personnel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Pensions_and_investments)
title: Pensions and investments
uri: Pensions-and-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Pensions_and_investments)
content:
 
<p>
*U.S. public pension funds would be $21 billion richer had they
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/report-u-s-public-pensions-could-be-21-billion-richer-right-now">divested from fossil fuels a decade ago</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Soil_ecosystems_wisdom)
title: Soil ecosystems wisdom
uri: Soil-ecosystems-wisdom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(Soil_ecosystems_wisdom)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/04/improving-farming-soil-carbon-store-global-heating-target">Improving soil could keep world</a>
within 1.5C heating target, research suggests.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(A_true_patriot,_defined)
title: A true patriot, defined
uri: A-true-patriot-defined
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_July_2023_(A_true_patriot,_defined)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/what-is-the-true-meaning-of-patriotism">True patriotism is</a>
the opposite of Trump's White Christian Nationalism.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Call on senators to reject No START Bill
uri: Urgent-Call-on-senators-to-reject-No-START-Bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_senators_to_reject_No_START_Bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_senators_to_reject_No_START_Bill)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/petition-nostart-tomcottonnukes">reject the No START
    Bill</a>, which prohibits nuclear missile limitation treaties.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

 


title: Urgent: Speed limits in Gulf of Mexico to protect Rice's whales
uri: Urgent-Speed-limits-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-to-protect-Rice-s-whales
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Urgent:_Speed_limits_in_Gulf_of_Mexico_to_protect_Rice's_whales)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Urgent:_Speed_limits_in_Gulf_of_Mexico_to_protect_Rice's_whales)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on NOAA to <a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55305">impose 10-knot speed limits on ships in Gulf of
    Mexico</a> to protect endangered Rice's whales.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Putin's_system_to_eliminate_dissent)
title: Putin's system to eliminate dissent
uri: Putin-s-system-to-eliminate-dissent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Putin's_system_to_eliminate_dissent)
content:
 
<p>

How Putin's government adapted a system for finding and eliminating various
kinds of illegal "content" to <a href="https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/02/10/a-wild-boar-trained-by-yandex">find and eliminate dissent as well</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Grey_whales_ask_for_lice_removal)
title: Grey whales ask for lice removal
uri: Grey-whales-ask-for-lice-removal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Grey_whales_ask_for_lice_removal)
content:
 
<p>

  Grey whales <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/06/grey-whales-seen-seeking-human-help-to-remove-parasites">ask humans (in boats) to remove "lice" from their heads</a>.
   When humans do this, the whales come back for more.
<p>
Whales need to have some of those symbionts, so there is some danger
the whales might ask humans to remove too many.  Or maybe the whales
will naturally DTRT.
<p>
I like the idea of intentional cooperation between humans and whales.

 


title: Priority on order over education in US schools
uri: Priority-on-order-over-education-in-US-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Priority_on_order_over_education_in_US_schools)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Priority_on_order_over_education_in_US_schools)

content:
 
<p>

As America puts more <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in schools, and fewer nurses, social
workers and counselors, this giving the <a href="http://commonwonders.com/spare-the-handcuffs-spoil-the-child/">priority to imposing order
    rather than education</a>. some experiment with restorative justice
instead.
<p>
Restorative justice takes more time.  Do we think that raising children well
is worth that effort?  Maybe we should have fewer children and put more
time into raising each one.

 


title: Kerala plan to donate prepared food in hospitals
uri: Kerala-plan-to-donate-prepared-food-in-hospitals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Kerala_plan_to_donate_prepared_food_in_hospitals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Kerala_plan_to_donate_prepared_food_in_hospitals)

content:
 
<p>

Kerala has organized thousands of women to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/06/caste-out-how-keralas-food-parcel-scheme-tackles-poverty-and-prejudice">cook a little extra food and
    donate it</a> to a plan that provides food for patients in hospitals.
<p>
There are so many volunteer cooks that each one is asked to do this
only occasionally.
<p>
The person who receives the donation does not know the cook's religion
or caste.  By eating the food, they learn to reduce caste and
religious prejudice in their own minds.

 


title: Low concentration release of tritium into ocean
uri: Low-concentration-release-of-tritium-into-ocean
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Low_concentration_release_of_tritium_into_ocean)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Low_concentration_release_of_tritium_into_ocean)

content:
 
<p>

Japan plans to release slowly into the ocean a large amount of water
containing an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/07/un-report-on-japans-fukushima-water-plans-fails-to-placate-opponents">extremely low concentration of tritium</a>.
<p>
Many countries are shouting about this.  Is it really dangerous, or is
that irrational exaggeration?  I can't be certain, but I think
it is irrational.
<p>
Japan claims that other nuclear power plants in the region 
release larger amounts of tritium annually than this water would.
Indeed, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Annual_discharge_of_tritium_from_nuclear_facilities">Wikipedia's article on Tritium</a> 
  lists nuclear facilities that release much larger amounts
of tritium, totaling almost 100 times what the Fukushima storage
tanks would release &mdash; and the list is not complete.
<p>
It is clear that people are making an inordinate fuss about <em>this</em>
tritium because it came from a major nuclear accident rather than from
operating a reactor.  However, the tritium itself is indistinguishable.
<p>
Nuclear reactors generate waste that is truly dangerous.  That is the reason
not to build more nuclear reactors &mdash; that and the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jan-apr.html#26%20April%202008%20(Israeli%20bombing%20of%20Syria)">danger that enemies
    will bomb them</a>.
  In addition, they are so expensive and slow to build that they
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#27_January_2023_(Renewable_energy_V._big_tech)">slow down decarbonization</a>.
Those are good reasons <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#28_November_2022_(Nuclear_power_plant_safety_deregulation)">not to build more of them</a>.
<p>
  Likewise for the chemical industry &mdash; consider PFAs, which are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_June_2023_(PFAs_known,_since_1961,_to_be_toxic)">toxic in very small amounts</a>
which are not radioactive and therefore don't decay at all.

 


title: International conference about reducing greenhouse emissions
uri: International-conference-about-reducing-greenhouse-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(International_conference_about_reducing_greenhouse_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(International_conference_about_reducing_greenhouse_emissions)

content:
 
<p>

An international conference about reducing greenhouse emissions from
shipping <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/07/shipping-emissions-levy-delayed-but-goals-for-greenhouse-gas-cuts-agreed">did not agree on any concrete plan</a> to do that &mdash;
  only a long-term target.
<p>
Long-term targets don't achieve anything unless followed by concrete
short-term plans.

 


title: Using disruptive protests to push for action
uri: Using-disruptive-protests-to-push-for-action
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Using_disruptive_protests_to_push_for_action)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Using_disruptive_protests_to_push_for_action)

content:
 
<p>

Academis that study social change say that movements with high public support
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/07/disruptive-protest-helps-not-hinders-activists-cause-experts-say">can use disruptive protests effectively to push for action</a>.

 


title: Treatment for men tortured at Guantánamo
uri: Treatment-for-men-tortured-at-Guantánamo
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Treatment_for_men_tortured_at_Guantánamo)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Treatment_for_men_tortured_at_Guantánamo)

content:
 
<p>

  *US must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/07/guantanamo-bay-un-visit-torture-treatment">urgently treat men tortured at Guantánamo</a>, UN investigator says.*

 


title: Twitter reports disrupted from storm spotters to US Weather Service
uri: Twitter-reports-disrupted-from-storm-spotters-to-US-Weather-Service
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Twitter_reports_disrupted_from_storm_spotters_to_US_Weather_Service)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Twitter_reports_disrupted_from_storm_spotters_to_US_Weather_Service)

content:
 
<p>

<!--
[also for twitter.html]
  -->
  
The US National Weather Service has been using Twitter to receive reports
from storm spotters.  Due to recent Musk madness, that has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/07/twitter-national-weather-service-safety">started to fail</a>.
<p>
Twitter is unsuitable for anything that really needs to work.

 


title: Profits to largest corporations have doubled
uri: Profits-to-largest-corporations-have-doubled
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Profits_to_largest_corporations_have_doubled)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Profits_to_largest_corporations_have_doubled)

content:
 
<p>

The profits of the world's biggest corporations have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/corporate-windfall-profits">nearly doubled
    since the period 2017-2020</a>.

 


title: France remotely activating devices for surveillance
uri: France-remotely-activating-devices-for-surveillance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(France_remotely_activating_devices_for_surveillance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(France_remotely_activating_devices_for_surveillance)

content:
 
<p>

  France is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/french-assembly-passes-bill-allowing-police-to-remotely-activate-phone-cameras-and-microphones-for-surveillance-210539401.html">legalizing state surveillance by remotely activating people's devices</a>.
  The law says that a judge's specific authorization is required, so it
is not as bad as it could be.  But even with safeguards, a surveillance
state can be menacing.

 


title: France banned annual commemoration march
uri: France-banned-annual-commemoration-march
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(France_banned_annual_commemoration_march)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(France_banned_annual_commemoration_march)

content:
 
<p>

France has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/07/french-authorities-ban-march-for-black-man-who-died-in-police-custody">banned an annual march to commemorate the killing of
    Adama Traoré</a>, who was killed by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in 2016.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Joining_climate_defense_battle)
title: Joining climate defense battle
uri: Joining-climate-defense-battle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Joining_climate_defense_battle)
content:
 
<p>

Josh Appignanesi writes about how he learned that joining in the climate
defense battle <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jul/02/green-revolution-how-i-learned-to-be-an-eco-warrior">does not require becoming a different person</a>.  Nor does it
require dedicating every minute of your waking life to the cause.
<p>
It's the same with fighting for software freedom.
<a href="https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/the-journey-begins-with-a-single-step-climb-the-freedom-ladder">Taking steps towards less dependence on unjust computing</a>
will enable you to help.
<p>
The sad thing is when climate defense activities are set up to require
people to run nonfree software.  Many of their web sites do that.
They shouldn't demand we choose between one of these good causes and
the other &mdash; it is agratuitous own goal.

 


title: Fake debts imposed on destitute people in Australia
uri: Fake-debts-imposed-on-destitute-people-in-Australia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Fake_debts_imposed_on_destitute_people_in_Australia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Fake_debts_imposed_on_destitute_people_in_Australia)

content:
 
<p>

Australia's previous government, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> and right-wing to the core,
scapegoated the poor and accused welfare recipients of nonexistent fraud.
It <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/07/the-robodebt-royal-commission-revealed-the-worst-of-welfare-cop-politics-but-what-happens-next-is-up-to-us-all">imposed fake debts on destitute people</a>, and it intimidated
those who reported the wrongs.
<p>
A government inquiry recommends prosecution of some ministers.  But we also
must denounce the scapegoating of the poor.

 


title: Migrant conscripts to run smuggler boats
uri: Migrant-conscripts-to-run-smuggler-boats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Migrant_conscripts_to_run_smuggler_boats)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Migrant_conscripts_to_run_smuggler_boats)

content:
 
<p>

Migrant-smugglers typically recruit, or conscript, one of the migrants
to run and direct the boat &mdash; so that the real smugglers can be far
away if the boat is captured.  After one boat fell apart and sank,
its conscript <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/27/channel-deaths-jury-hears-skipper-continued-as-boat-deflating-ibrahima-bah">faces charges for the death of some refugees</a>.
<p>
The prosecutor said straight out that the fact the smugglers forced
the conscript to do this, and beat him when he tried to refuse, was
no excuse.  This is an unusual form of a frequent prosecutor's excuse
for treating someone as guilty who is manifestly innocent.
The more usual form is "joint and several liability", where you can
be <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#18_August_2022_(Conviction_from_weak_association)">convicted of murder that someone else committed</a>.

 


title: Construction and testing of mini-submarine
uri: Construction-and-testing-of-mini-submarine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Construction_and_testing_of_mini-submarine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Construction_and_testing_of_mini-submarine)

content:
 
<p>

The construction and testing of the mini-submarine that imploded
trying to visit the Titanic were <a href="https://www.dailykos.com:443/stories/2023/7/6/2179290/-Titan-Sub-Disaster-Highlights-Everything-Wrong-with-America">characterized by schemes to evade
    regulations</a>.
 That was inviting disaster, and indeed disaster came.
<p>
The company used a contractual scheme to label passengers as "crew", to
avoid liability in case they died.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: ban bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides
uri: Urgent-ban-bee-killing-neonicotinoid-pesticides
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_ban_bee-killing_neonicotinoid__pesticides)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_ban_bee-killing_neonicotinoid__pesticides)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=53287&supporter_KEY=229474">call on Biden</a>
to ban the worst uses of bee-killing
neonicotinoid  pesticides.
<p>
To sign without
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">running nonfree JavaScript</a>
code from the web site,
use the <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.
<p>
<p>The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Help wild animals cross the roads
uri: Urgent-Help-wild-animals-cross-the-roads
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Help_wild_animals_cross_the_roads)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Help_wild_animals_cross_the_roads)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54883&supporter_KEY=229474">call on your state governor</a>
to help wild animals cross the roads.
<p>
To sign without
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">running nonfree JavaScript</a>
code from the web site,
use the <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

<p>
 


title: Mutiny over, Prigozhin not exiled
uri: Mutiny-over-Prigozhin-not-exiled
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Mutiny_over,_Prigozhin_freed_from_exhile)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Mutiny_over,_Prigozhin_freed_from_exhile)

content:
 
<p>
Prigozhin has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/wagner-boss-met-vladimir-putin-five-days-after-mutiny-kremlin-yevgeny-prigozhin">continued occasionally meeting with Putin</a>
since his
apparent "coup attempt."
<p>
This lends support to the idea that it was theater, not a real coup.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_UK_NHS_as_funded_by_pharma)
title: A UK NHS as funded by pharma
uri: A-UK-NHS-as-funded-by-pharma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_UK_NHS_as_funded_by_pharma)
content:
 
<p>
Drug companies' money is keeping the UK's NHS from collapse, but also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/08/its-naive-to-think-this-is-in-the-best-interests-of-the-nhs-how-big-pharmas-millions-are-influencing-healthcare">corrupting every part of it</a>.
<p>
To keep the NHS effective and honest, it must be funded adequately by the state.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Eurozone inflation)
title: Eurozone inflation
uri: Eurozone-inflation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Eurozone inflation)
content:
 
<p>
*Corporate profits were the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/27/corporate-profits-driving-up-prices-ecb-president-christine-lagarde">biggest factor driving up prices</a>
last year and will be again in 2023 unless businesses are forced to absorb rising
wage bills, the head of the European Central Bank has said.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_excessive_CEO_pay)
title: Urgent: Tax excessive CEO pay
uri: Urgent-Tax-excessive-CEO-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_excessive_CEO_pay)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-tax-excessive-ceo-pay?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-breaking-new-report-details-excessive-ceo-pay">call on Congress</a>
to tax excessive CEO pay.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Violent_split,_Manipur,_India)
title: Violent split, Manipur, India
uri: Violent-split-Manipur-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Violent_split,_Manipur,_India)
content:
 
<p>
The small Indian state of Manipur has split between its two ethnic groups,
which have withdrawn into
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/foreigners-on-our-own-land-ethnic-clashes-threaten-to-push-indias-manipur-state-into-civil-war">separate fortified territories</a>.
<p>
The Indian government with its strong religious bias is not very well
suited to doing anything to resolve this problem &mdash; if anyone has a way to do so.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Civil_war_in_Sudan)
title: Civil war in Sudan
uri: Civil-war-in-Sudan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Civil_war_in_Sudan)
content:
 
<p>
*Sudan on brink of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/sudan-on-brink-of-all-out-civil-war-un-chief-warns-after-airstrike-kills-at-least-22">all-out civil war, UN chief warns</a>.*
<p>
I don't post much about Sudan because I don't know what to say except
"How sad."  I don't have any insight into the fighting, and I have no
ideas to suggest.  Neither does anyone else, so I can't comment
on proposed resolutions or actions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Seabed_mining_as_debatable)
title: Seabed mining as debatable
uri: Seabed-mining-as-debatable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Seabed_mining_as_debatable)
content:
 
<p>
*Future of deep-sea mining hangs in balance
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/08/future-of-deep-sea-mining-hangs-in-balance-as-opposition-grows">as opposition grows</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Heat-triggered_deaths:_61K,_Europe)
title: Heat-triggered deaths: 61K, Europe
uri: Heat-triggered-deaths-61K-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Heat-triggered_deaths:_61K,_Europe)
content:
 
<p>
*Heatwave last summer killed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/10/heatwave-last-summer-killed-61000-people-in-europe-research-finds">61,000 people in Europe</a>,
research finds.*
<p>
This is surely just a small fraction of the people killed in 2022 by
the increasing heat of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.  People die from heat on every
hot day, even normal summer days, and as normal summer days get hotter,
more people die from the heat.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> kills people in indirect ways, including due to
food shortages caused by floods and droughts.  I'd expect it to
be millions per year.  Can anyone find a plausible estimate?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: NO IRS deduction for dirty Hydrogen
uri: Urgent-NO-IRS-deduction-for-dirty-Hydrogen
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_NO_IRS_deduction_for_dirty_Hydrogen)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_NO_IRS_deduction_for_dirty_Hydrogen)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.evergreenaction.com/letter/IRS-hydrogen-clean-energy-comments/?source=ema_2023_06_27_hydrogen-IRS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100clean&utm_source=email2023_06_27">call on the IRS</a>
not to let dirty hydrogen (dirty because made from fossil fuels) get deductions for clean energy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Chatbot_regulation:_hiring_in_NYC)
title: Chatbot regulation: hiring in NYC
uri: Chatbot-regulation-hiring-in-NYC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Chatbot_regulation:_hiring_in_NYC)
content:
 
<p>
*NYC will require businesses to prove A.I. employment
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/08/nyc-will-require-businesses-to-prove-a-i-employment-software-isnt-racist-or-sexist.html">software isn't racist or
sexist</a>.*
<p>
Bias in AI systems used to judge individual humans is a well-known
problem, and I support this effort to prevent it.
But it won't be trivial to check for bias.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_disturbing_arrest,_LAPD)
title: A disturbing arrest, LAPD
uri: A-disturbing-arrest-LAPD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_disturbing_arrest,_LAPD)
content:
 
<p>
A Los Angeles county <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> attacked and tackled a woman for making a video of
<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/la-county-sheriffs-department-calls-video-deputy-tackling-100727739">the arrest of her husband</a>.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> that unjustly attack people for upholding their rights and other people's rights should go to prison!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_growing_discrimination,_FL)
title: A growing discrimination, FL
uri: A-growing-discrimination-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(A_growing_discrimination,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
A Florida law which
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65688683">prohibits citizens of certain countries from owning property</a>
is being criticized as "racism against Asians", but it is clear that that is confusion.
<p>
The law prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba,
Venezuela, and Syria from buying property within 10 miles of "critical
infrastructure."
<p>
Of those countries, China, Iran, North Korea and Syria are in Asia.
Cuba and Venezuela are not.  Russia is partly in Europe and partly in
Asia.  This law is clearly not directed at "Asians".
<p>
The fact that South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are not in the list shows
that this is no racism against East Asians.  The inclusion of Syria
but bot Jordan and Iraq shows this is not a matter of racism against
Arabs.  The inclusion of Colombia and the Dominican Republic shows
that this law is not about racism against Hispanics.
<p>
The law is clearly intended to terrorize scapegoats, since instead of
simply prohibiting the purchase, it proposes to put the purchaser in
prison: a terrible danger to anyone who might overlook some piece of
critical infrastructure 9 miles away.
<p>
The ban appears to be limited to a small fraction of the state's
territory, but I suspect that in practice important urban areas are
entirely excluded because cities tend to have airports, seaports,
power plants, water/sewage treatment sites, and military bases
scattered around.  (Consider, for comparison, the way <a href="/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#12_September_2017_(No_shelter_for_sexters)">many cities have
    almost nowhere</a>
that someone on the sex offender list is permitted to
live.)
<p>
I think Republicans are constructing an imaginary "national security"
scare so they can pretend to "protect" the country from it,
and adding a little scapegoating so that they look tough.
If they wanted to truly protect the US from acts of sabotage,
they ought to make it apply to Republicans instead of Chinese.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-Preemption-of-Real-Property-Discrimination-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_Preemption_of_Real_Property_Discrimination_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_Preemption_of_Real_Property_Discrimination_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=petition-congress-propertybanlaws.A9ki-1&source=em20230627&t=1006&akid=9048%2E223515%2EevukcF">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act.
<p>
The campaign presents the state laws this would preempt as racist, but
at least in the case of the Florida law, <a href="#11_July_2023_(A_growing_discrimination,_FL">that is not so</a>.
That law seems to be a bogus response to an fabricated security threat.
<p>
Either way, these laws should not exist.

 


title: Australia's universities corrupted to make profit the goal
uri: Australia-s-universities-corrupted-to-make-profit-the-goal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Australia's_universities_corrupted_to_make_profit_the_goal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Australia's_universities_corrupted_to_make_profit_the_goal)

content:
 
<p>

Australia's universities have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/12/australian-universities-report-finds-quality-of-education-eroded-by-long-term-underfunding">corrupted by government pressure
    to make profit the goal</a>.
<p>
I expect that the right-wing ideology of the previous government
encouraged this, but the change seems to have been happening for
longer than that.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pentagon accounting: greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Urgent-Pentagon-accounting-greenhouse-gas-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pentagon_accounting:_greenhouse_gas_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pentagon_accounting:_greenhouse_gas_emissions)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/ndaa-climate-amendment?akid=9069.223515.AsTJTn&c0=ndaa-climate-amendment.DSddc4&rd=1&source=em20230706&t=1006">call on your congresscritter</a>
to require the Pentagon to do a full accounting of its greenhouse gas emissions.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>
<p>
 


title: Urgent: Sinema's flight-training plan
uri: Urgent-Sinema-s-flight-training-plan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Sinema's_flight-training_plan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Sinema's_flight-training_plan)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-senate-dont-make-flying-less-safe?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call on Congress</a>
to reject Sinema's plan to reduce flight training requirements for commercial pilots.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Long_Covid,_hunting_supplements)
title: Long Covid, hunting supplements
uri: Long-Covid-hunting-supplements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Long_Covid,_hunting_supplements)
content:
 
<p>
Some of the sufferers of Long Covid are organizing to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/09/microbiome-chronic-fatigue-me-long-covid-research">test treatments</a>
that have been found to benefit a few, though no one understands why.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Israel's_int'l_espionage)
title: Israel's int'l espionage
uri: Israel-s-int-l-espionage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Israel's_int'l_espionage)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/spain-closes-pegasus-investigation-over-lack-of-cooperation-from-israel">Spain closes Pegasus investigation</a>
over ‘lack of cooperation’ from Israel.*
<p>
I would hope Spain would have ways to put pressure on Israel to cooperate
with this investigation -- for instance, sanctions.

<p>
 


title: Anti-abortion Senator blocking military app'ts
uri: Anti-abortion-Senator-blocking-military-app-ts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_Senator_blocking_military_app'ts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_Senator_blocking_military_app'ts)

content:
 
<p>
A right-wing senator is blocking
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/10/us-marines-david-berger-republican-abortion-protest">every appointment</a>
to an office in the Pentagon as a vindictive display of hostility to Biden's policy of paying personnel's
travel cost for getting an abortion.

 


title: What is really killing New York pizza
uri: What-is-really-killing-New-York-pizza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(What_is_really_killing_New_York_pizza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(What_is_really_killing_New_York_pizza)

content:
 
<p>

*Rightwingers say "pink-haired liberals" are killing New York pizza.*
In fact, *An air quality rule passed seven years ago <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jun/28/rightwingers-say-pink-haired-liberals-are-killing-new-york-pizza-heres-whats-really-happening">requires some
    shops to install air filters</a> like those used in Italy.*

 


title: Legalizing small gene changes in plants
uri: Legalizing-small-gene-changes-in-plants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Legalizing_small_gene_changes_in_plants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Legalizing_small_gene_changes_in_plants)

content:
 
<p>

  The EU is <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/european-commission-proposes-loosening-rules-gene-edited-plants">considering legalizing small gene changes</a> in
plants for cultivation, as an exception to the general
policy prohibiting them.
<p>
This might be acceptable provided that the law also makes them an
exception to patent law: patents should not cover the use of these
plants.

 


title: China's permanent right to unrestricted trade with US
uri: China-s-permanent-right-to-unrestricted-trade-with-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(China's_permanent_right_to_unrestricted_trade_with_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(China's_permanent_right_to_unrestricted_trade_with_US)

content:
 
<p>

<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/09/ron-desantis-revoke-china-trade-status">advocates putting an end to China's permanent right to
    normal, unrestricted trade with the US</a>.
<p>
To do this would require putting an end to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#20%20September%202003%20(WTO%20negotiations)">World Trade
    Organization</a>.  I am in favor of this,
  but it won't be easy for the US to defeat the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> forces that
benefit from the WTO.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> probably thinks that the US will be able to use this against China
better than China can use it against the US.  I make no such assumption,
but I think that without the WTO we could do environmental protection and
decarbonization better.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Rebuilding_Europe's_defense)
title: Rebuilding Europe's defense
uri: Rebuilding-Europe-s-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Rebuilding_Europe's_defense)
content:
 
<p>

  On <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2023/jul/10/russia-threat-europe-defence-military">rebuilding Europe's defense</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Tide_turning_against_carbon_offsets)
title: Tide turning against "carbon offsets"
uri: Tide-turning-against-carbon-offsets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Tide_turning_against_carbon_offsets)
content:
 
<p>

  The tide is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/10/carbon-offsetting-environmental-claims-aoe">turning against the rush to use "carbon offsets"</a> as a
method of pretend decarbonization.

 


title: Side effect of detecting writing by machines
uri: Side-effect-of-detecting-writing-by-machines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Side_effect_of_detecting_writing_by_machines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Side_effect_of_detecting_writing_by_machines)

content:
 
<p>

*Programs to detect [writing made by machine learning models] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/10/programs-to-detect-ai-discriminate-against-non-native-english-speakers-shows-study">[tend
    to] discriminate against non-native English speakers</a>, shows study.
<p>
It is general experience that programs intended to judge people often
turn out biased, even if there was no intention to do that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Biden_fails_to_take_side_of_workers)
title: Biden fails to take side of workers
uri: Biden-fails-to-take-side-of-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Biden_fails_to_take_side_of_workers)
content:
 
<p>

Robert Reich: Biden has <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/an-opportunity-for-biden-to-show">failed to take the side of workers
    against their bosses</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Birds_building_nests_with_litter)
title: Birds building nests with litter
uri: Birds-building-nests-with-litter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Birds_building_nests_with_litter)
content:
 
<p>

  *   Almost 200 bird species <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/10/safety-concerns-for-chicks-grow-as-birds-build-nests-with-rubbish-study-shows">found to build nests with human litter</a>,
 including cigarette butts, plastic bags and fishing nets.*
  These materials could be harmful to the growing chicks.

 


title: Piecing together failure of Greek vessel to rescue migrants
uri: Piecing-together-failure-of-Greek-vessel-to-rescue-migrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Piecing_together_failure_of_Greek_vessel_to_rescue_migrants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Piecing_together_failure_of_Greek_vessel_to_rescue_migrants)

content:
 
<p>

Independent evidence is being used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/10/greek-shipwreck-hi-tech-investigation-suggests-coastguard-responsible-for-sinking">piece together the actions of
    the Greek coast guard vessel</a> that failed to rescue migrants from a
trawler.  There is evidence that the trawler sank because the coast
guard vessel towed it &mdash; which the government's story covers up.
<p>
After rescuing some of the migrants, Greek officials stole their
phones.  The coast guard vessel's cameras, intended to record the
facts in such situations, were somehow not in operation.  And there is
evidence that agents of a secret "security" unit were present.

 


title: Using price controls to prevent inflation
uri: Using-price-controls-to-prevent-inflation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Using_price_controls_to_prevent_inflation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Using_price_controls_to_prevent_inflation)

content:
 
<p>

  The US <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/07/deconstructed-podcast-price-controls-inflation/">used price controls effectively to prevent inflation</a> during
World War II, without hurting workers.  It could do this again now,
but most economists don't want it to be considered.
<p>
Why not?  Perhaps because they are <a href="media/f72cc39e.cartoon-economists.png" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/cartoon-economists.png">supported by (and thus serve) the
    right-wing interests of business</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Consumer-Financial-PB_archvillain)
title: Consumer-Financial-PB archvillain
uri: Consumer-Financial-PB-archvillain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Consumer-Financial-PB_archvillain)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter's</a>] CFPB Saboteurs Tell
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/trumps-cfpb-saboteurs-tell-the-supreme-court-to-finish-the-job">The Supreme Court To Finish The Job</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect the right and possibility of paying cash
uri: Urgent-Protect-the-right-and-possibility-of-paying-cash
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_the_right_and_possibility_of_paying_cash)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_the_right_and_possibility_of_paying_cash)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.gbnews.com/cash">UK citizens: call for laws</a>
to protect the right and possibility of paying cash.
<p>
The petition is weakened by the words "at least until 2050", but it is better than nothing.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Tell Biden NO to his Elliott Abrams nomination
uri: Urgent-Tell-Biden-NO-to-his-Elliott-Abrams-nomination
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tell_Biden_NO_to_his_Elliott_Abrams_nomination)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tell_Biden_NO_to_his_Elliott_Abrams_nomination)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/petition-biden-elliottabramsnomination?akid=9079.223515.vWfQG_&c0=petition-biden-elliottabramsnomination.kRs25l&rd=1&source=em20230708&t=1006">tell Biden
that his nomination of Elliott Abrams</a>
for a diplomatic post is unacceptable.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_your_billionaires)
title: Urgent: Tax your billionaires
uri: Urgent-Tax-your-billionaires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_your_billionaires)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-address-inequality-by-taxing-billionaire-wealth-gains?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-take-action-demand-congress-tax-billionaire-wealth-gains">call on Congress</a>
to address inequality by taxing billionaire wealth gains.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Russia_blocks_Syrian_aid)
title: Russia blocks Syrian aid
uri: Russia-blocks-Syrian-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Russia_blocks_Syrian_aid)
content:
 
<p>
Putin is using millions of Syrians as pawns by playing with their
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/cross-border-aid-to-syria-blocked-in-act-of-utter-cruelty-by-russia-at-un-vote">food and 
medical aid</a>.
<p>
To some extent, the US joined in the game by rejecting the shorter renewal
that Putin offered.  It would have been better than none.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Mountain_Vally_pipeline_blocked)
title: Mountain Valley pipeline blocked
uri: Mountain-Valley-pipeline-blocked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Mountain_Vally_pipeline_blocked)
content:
 
<p>
The Mountain Valley pipeline has been
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/federal-court-stays-mountain-valley-pipelines-biological-opinion-again">blocked again by a court</a>,
which said that the Endangered Species Act was not properly applied.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Family_of_exile_nabbed,_HK)
title: Family of exile nabbed, HK
uri: Family-of-exile-nabbed-HK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Family_of_exile_nabbed,_HK)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong grabbed the family of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/police-in-hong-kong-raid-family-home-of-uk-based-exile-nathan-law">Nathan Law, exiled dissident</a>,
for questioning.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Nearly_a_trillion_for_Pentagon)
title: Nearly a trillion for Pentagon
uri: Nearly-a-trillion-for-Pentagon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Nearly_a_trillion_for_Pentagon)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-say-no-to-a-nearly-1000000000000-pentagon-budget?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-rootsactionorg&source=direct_link">call on Congress</a>
to say NO to a nearly $1,000,000,000,000 Pentagon budget.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Anti-abortion Senator blocking military appts
uri: Anti-abortion-Senator-blocking-military-appts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_Senator_blocking_military_appts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_Senator_blocking_military_appts)

content:
 
<p>
A right-wing senator is blocking
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/10/us-marines-david-berger-republican-abortion-protest">every appointment</a>
to an office in the Pentagon as a vindictive display of hostility to Biden's policy of paying personnel's
travel cost for getting an abortion.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Syrian_aid_restored)
title: Syrian aid restored
uri: Syrian-aid-restored
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Syrian_aid_restored)
content:
 
<p>
Assad decided to open the aid channel from Turkey to northern Syria,
but it will be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/14/syria-reopens-key-aid-corridor-after-russian-veto-of-un-deal">under his control instead of the UN's</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Munitions_arrive_in_UKR)
title: Munitions arrive in UKR
uri: Munitions-arrive-in-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Munitions_arrive_in_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/13/us-cluster-bombs-arrive-ukraine">Cluster munitions from the US</a>
arrive in Ukraine.*

<p>
 


title: Shell consumption rate crisis averted, UKR
uri: Shell-consumption-rate-crisis-averted-UKR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Shell_consumption_rate_crisis_averted,_UKR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Shell_consumption_rate_crisis_averted,_UKR)

content:
 
<p>
The reason for sending cluster munitions to Ukraine is that the West
cannot manufacture shells anywhere near as fast as Ukraine fires them.
The only way
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com:443/stories/2023/7/8/2179914/-Ukraine-Update-How-cluster-munitions-will-address-Ukraine-s-ammunition-issues">to keep Ukraine fighting</a>
  is to take them from the large stockpile of cluster munitions.
<p>
I understand the logic of this, but it doesn't eliminate the danger
that the unexploded submunitions will pose after the fighting stops.
<p>
I wonder if anyone has calculated what fraction of unexploded
munitions left in the battlefields will come from cluster munitions
fired by Ukraine.  If it is a small fraction, in the end Ukraine's
use of cluster munitions will not make a big difference.  If it is
a large fraction, then it will be the main cause of that future danger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Org_for_Economic_Co-op_and_Dev_on_AI)
title: Org. for Economic Co-op and Development on AI
uri: Org-for-Economic-Co-op-and-Development-on-AI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Org_for_Economic_Co-op_and_Dev_on_AI)
content:
 
<p>
The OECD says that future artificial intelligence will mostly eliminate
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/11/ai-revolution-puts-skilled-jobs-at-highest-risk-oecd-says">skilled jobs (well-paid jobs)</a>.
<p>
When human skill is no longer needed, the plutocrats will push everyone
down into inescapable poverty &mdash; until we overthrow them.

<p>
 


title: Net Zero Report: Nuclear too expensive, AU
uri: Net-Zero-Report-Nuclear-too-expensive-AU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Net_Zero_Report:_Nuclear_too_expensive,_AU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Net_Zero_Report:_Nuclear_too_expensive,_AU)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/11/nuclear-power-too-expensive-and-slow-to-be-part-of-australias-plans-to-reach-net-zero-study-finds">A major project to plan Australia's decarbonization</a>
says that nuclear power
is simply too expensive and too far in the future to play any role.
<p>
The report also suggests that making hydrogen using fossil fuel may
permit storing or using enough of the CO2 that it can aid
decarbonization.  I am skeptical, but if they say so, maybe it is true.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Bukele's_war_on_gangs,_SLV)
title: Bukele's war on gangs, SLV
uri: Bukele-s-war-on-gangs-SLV
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Bukele's_war_on_gangs,_SLV)
content:
 
<p>
* <i>Barbers on Strike</i>, author Michelle Recinos’s collection of short
   stories, has apparently upset strongman president Nayib Bukele.*
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/el-salvador-michelle-recinos-barbers-strike-book-guatemala-president-nayib-bukele">He had her book banned</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Election_interference,_GTM_Judicial)
title: Election interference, GTM Judicial
uri: Election-interference-GTM-Judicial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Election_interference,_GTM_Judicial)
content:
 
<p>
*Guatemala prosecutor suspends party of anti-corruption
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/13/guatemala-prosecutor-suspends-party-of-anti-corruption-election-candidate">election
candidate</a>.*
This was because that party got enough votes to make it
into the final run-off.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop future tyranny: Protecting Our Democracy Act
uri: Urgent-Stop-future-tyranny-Protecting-Our-Democracy-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_future_tyranny:_Protecting_Our_Democracy_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_future_tyranny:_Protecting_Our_Democracy_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-and-send-the-petition-stop-future-abuse-of-executive-power-with-the-protecting-our-democracy-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-juggernaut-project&source=direct_link">call on Congress</a>
to stop future abuse of executive
power by passing the Protecting Our Democracy Act.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Wage_theft,_UC_San_Diego)
title: Wage theft, UC San Diego
uri: Wage-theft-UC-San-Diego
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Wage_theft,_UC_San_Diego)
content:
 
<p>
Unionized students of UCSD held a nonviolent protest against the
chancellor for not implementing the agreed-on raise for student
employees.  The university retaliated by
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/11/uc-san-diego-graduate-student-workers-union/">arresting some of them</a>.
  on charges that seem to be an exaggeration of the truth.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Facebook-Threads'_useds)
title: Facebook-threads' useds
uri: Facebook-threads-useds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Facebook-Threads'_useds)
content:
 
<p>
Like Facebook,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/11/threads-app-privacy-user-data-meta-policy">Threads does not have users</a>,
only <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#used">useds</a>.
<a href="/threads.html">It is a scheme for snooping</a>
on whoever is foolish enough to get involved with it.

<p>
 


title: An Israeli play &hellip; by Arab citizens
uri: An-Israeli-play-by-Arab-citizens
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(An_Israeli_play_%26hellip;_by_Arab_citizens)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(An_Israeli_play_%26hellip;_by_Arab_citizens)

content:
 
<p>
An Israeli play from 1970, which
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/queen-of-a-bathtub-speaks-life-today-controversial-play-revived-israel-after-50-years">showed the strength of hatred for
Arabs</a>,
has been brought back to the stage, with Arab citizens of Israel as its actors.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Latest_disinformation_campaign,_GOP)
title: Latest disinformation campaign, GOP
uri: Latest-disinformation-campaign-GOP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Latest_disinformation_campaign,_GOP)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/republicans-fuel-the-disinformation-wars">attacking official bodies and researchers</a>
who try to reduce Republican disinformation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Deportation_policy_confusion)
title: Deportation policy confusion
uri: Deportation-policy-confusion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Deportation_policy_confusion)
content:
 
<p>
The US deportation <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/13/ice-immigration-biden-deportation-trump/">disregarded Biden's order</a>
to drop <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bully">the bully's</a> blanket deportation policy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Tax_the_rich_v._cuts_to_services,_UK)
title: Tax the rich v. cuts to services, UK
uri: Tax-the-rich-v-cuts-to-services-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Tax_the_rich_v._cuts_to_services,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*The Guardian view on public sector pay: higher taxes on the rich are needed
to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/13/the-guardian-view-on-public-sector-pay-higher-taxes-on-the-rich-are-needed-to-fix-broke-britannia">fix broke Britannia</a>.*
<p>
Funds are needed for many other areas in which <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> have cut
public investment and support for poor and disadvantaged people.
That is clear to us &mdash; but not, apparently, to <a href="/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#9_December_2022_(Labour_party_turning_to_mythical_trickle-down_economics)">today's leaders of Labour</a>.
<p>
A party that fails to advocate taxing the rich is on the side of harm.
Maybe somewhat less so than the Tories, but still.

 


title: UK internet service steer people from special rates
uri: UK-internet-service-steer-people-from-special-rates
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(UK_internet_service_steer_people_from_special_rates)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(UK_internet_service_steer_people_from_special_rates)

content:
 
<p>

UK internet services use dark patterns to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/10/uk-broadband-and-mobile-firms-accused-of-burying-social-tariffs-websites-cheaper-deals">steer people away from the special rates</a> for people who are supposed to get assistance.

 


title: Higher parking fees for SUVs in Paris
uri: Higher-parking-fees-for-SUVs-in-Paris
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Higher_parking_fees_for_SUVs_in_Paris)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Higher_parking_fees_for_SUVs_in_Paris)

content:
 
<p>

  *Paris to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/paris-charge-suv-drivers-higher-parking-fees-tackle-auto-besity">charge SUV drivers higher parking fees</a> to tackle "auto-besity".*

 


title: American aid programme engendered corruption in Afghanistan
uri: American-aid-programme-engendered-corruption-in-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(American_aid_programme_engendered_corruption_in_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(American_aid_programme_engendered_corruption_in_Afghanistan)

content:
 
<p>

The special inspector general for Afghanistan
reconstruction (Sigar) has reported that 
*America’s huge, badly-coordinated and politically-driven aid programme
   in Afghanistan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/11/us-aid-policies-undermined-success-of-afghanistan-mission-says-watchdog-chief">engendered the corruption that undermined its
    entire mission</a> and turned Afghans away from the western coalition.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Why_orcas_attack_boats)
title: Why orcas attack boats
uri: Why-orcas-attack-boats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Why_orcas_attack_boats)
content:
 
<p>

Why do some orcas nowadays attack boats?  The fact is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/11/the-orca-uprising-whales-are-ramming-boats-but-are-they-inspired-by-revenge-grief-or-memory">we know nothing about their reasons</a> or what they think about boats.

 


title: UK proposes more fossil fuel extraction
uri: UK-proposes-more-fossil-fuel-extraction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(UK_proposes_more_fossil_fuel_extraction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(UK_proposes_more_fossil_fuel_extraction)

content:
 
<p>

  The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/11/new-north-sea-oil-and-gas-fields-will-not-meet-uks-energy-needs">proposes to develop additional fossil fuel extraction</a>,
supposedly for "energy security", but it would make little difference
for that.
<p>
The way to get energy security is to build electric storage and renewable
generation.  The real motive for this fossil fuel project is surely to
enrich some of the plutocrats that the Tory Party works for.

 


title: Review of *Fevered Planet: How Diseases Emerge When We Harm Nature*.
uri: Review-of-Fevered-Planet-How-Diseases-Emerge-When-We-Harm-Nature
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Review_of_*Fevered_Planet:_How_Diseases_Emerge_When_We_Harm_Nature*.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Review_of_*Fevered_Planet:_How_Diseases_Emerge_When_We_Harm_Nature*.)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jul/05/fevered-planet-how-diseases-emerge-when-we-harm-nature-by-john-vidal-review-a-frightening-diagnosis">Review</a> of *Fevered Planet: How Diseases Emerge When We Harm Nature*.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(How_fossil_fuel_lobbyists_are_used)
title: How fossil fuel lobbyists are used
uri: How-fossil-fuel-lobbyists-are-used
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(How_fossil_fuel_lobbyists_are_used)
content:
 
<p>

*"Double agents": <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/05/double-agent-fossil-fuel-lobbyists">how US cities, tech firms and universities use
    fossil fuel lobbyists</a>.*

 


title: Lawfare on voter registration organizations
uri: Lawfare-on-voter-registration-organizations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Lawfare_on_voter_registration_organizations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Lawfare_on_voter_registration_organizations)

content:
 
<p>

  Florida Republicans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/13/florida-fines-voter-registration-groups">waging lawfare</a> on voter registration organizations.
<p>
For instance, some organizations get fined because a person
registering wrote the wrong county name from ignorance.

 


title: Food delivery companies in New York City
uri: Food-delivery-companies-in-New-York-City
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Food_delivery_companies_in_New_York_City)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Food_delivery_companies_in_New_York_City)

content:
 
<p>

Food-delivery companies in New York City are using their money to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/13/suit-up-for-the-backlash-the-battle-to-regulate-new-yorks-gig-economy">block efforts to establish a livable minimum wage</a> for their workers.
<p>
  Those companies <a href="/food-delivery.html">track and mistreat the customers while cheating restaurants</a>.
Please reject them!

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Seizing_frozen_assets_of_Putin)
title: Seizing frozen assets of Putin
uri: Seizing-frozen-assets-of-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Seizing_frozen_assets_of_Putin)
content:
 
<p>

Should we be concerned that seizing frozen assets of Putin and his
oligarchs might <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/11/frozen-russian-assets-ukraine-reparations-putin">"let Putin paint himself as the victim"</a>?
<p>
When dealing with a bare-faced disinformationist, such as Putin or
Trump, the concern about "giving per an opportunity to pretend to the
victim" is obsolete.  If they don't have a real opportunity, they fake
one.  Best not to worry about the matter.

 


title: Global heating has gone dangerously far
uri: Global-heating-has-gone-dangerously-far
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Global_heating_has_gone_dangerously_far)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Global_heating_has_gone_dangerously_far)

content:
 
<p>

There is no mistaking, this year, that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> has <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/12/2180847/-Hot-Enough-for-You-Yet?_=2023-07-12T16:32:57.000-07:00">gone
    dangerously far</a>.
<p>
That is the sign that we needed to take action years ago.  It was
scientifically clear all along that if we waited till the effects were
visible to everyone, we would have waited too long,
<p>
What no one could predict was that the US would be in the grip of
an enormous murder-suicide plot called the Republican Party.

 


title: American Medical Association to stand with doctors
uri: American-Medical-Association-to-stand-with-doctors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(American_Medical_Association_to_stand_with_doctors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(American_Medical_Association_to_stand_with_doctors)

content:
 
<p>

The American Medical Association announced it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/13/american-medical-association-abortion-trans-care-unethical-laws">"stand with"
    doctors</a> that violate for medical reasons state laws that prohibit
certain kinds of medical treatment.

 


title: Thai political party block from governing
uri: Thai-political-party-block-from-governing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Thai_political_party_block_from_governing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Thai_political_party_block_from_governing)

content:
 
<p>

The progressive party that got the most votes in the Thai election
has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/13/winning-thailand-candidate-for-pm-blocked-from-power-pita-limjaroenrat">blocked from governing</a>, and its supporters (including most
of the young people) are angry.
<p>
It is normal in a parliamentary system that forming a government
requires support from a majority of parliament.  It is normal, though
unusual, that the party with the most seats is blocked from forming a
government by a coalition of other parties.
<p>
What is not normal about the Thai system is that parliament includes
members who were not elected &mdash; rather, appointed by the army.
The closest thing to this that I know of is the UK's House of Lords.

 


title: Making rigid demands of lovers, friends and relatives
uri: Making-rigid-demands-of-lovers-friends-and-relatives
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Making_rigid_demands_of_lovers,_friends_and_relatives)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Making_rigid_demands_of_lovers,_friends_and_relatives)

content:
 
<p>

How people nowadays appropriate terms and concepts from
psychotherapy, or pop psychology, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/13/jonah-hill-texts-therapy-speak-therapist-boundaries">use them to justify making
    rigid demands</a> of lovers, friends and relatives.

 


title: Oil sheikh speaking in favor of decarbonization
uri: Oil-sheikh-speaking-in-favor-of-decarbonization
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Oil_sheikh_speaking_in_favor_of_decarbonization)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#15_July_2023_(Oil_sheikh_speaking_in_favor_of_decarbonization)

content:
 
<p>

The oil sheikh paradoxically in charge of the Cop28 climate conference
now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/13/what-is-the-uae-cop28-plan-of-climate-action">speaks clearly and firmly in favor of decarbonization</a>, 
  and "the phase down of fossil fuels."
<p>
That is a change for the better, but we can't
take for granted that he is serious.

<p>
 


title: Portland Antifa shooter's family: lawsuit
uri: Portland-Antifa-shooter-s-family-lawsuit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Portland_Antifa_shooter's_family:_lawsuit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Portland_Antifa_shooter's_family:_lawsuit)

content:
 
<p>
A lawsuit alleges that US <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> killed Michael Reinoehl by shooting
him repeatedly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/13/michael-reinoehl-activist-killed-police-family-lawsuit">as soon as they saw him</a>,
without even shouting "Police!"

<p>
 


title: Preempting state disclosure-laws: toolkits, playbooks
uri: Preempting-state-disclosure-laws-toolkits-playbooks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Preempting_state,_disclosure_laws:_toolkit_in_playbook)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Preempting_state,_disclosure_laws:_toolkit_in_playbook)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2023/07/13/alec-state-lawmakers-lead-campaign-to-conceal-conservative-donors/">Seventeen states</a>
have enacted broad anti-disclosure laws since 2018
that will further conceal the influence of dark money in politics.*
<p>
This is <a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_April_2023_(Preempting_local_business_regulations,_TX)">organized by ALEC</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_rhetoric_strategy)
title: Anti-abortion rhetoric strategy
uri: Anti-abortion-rhetoric-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Anti-abortion_rhetoric_strategy)
content:
 
<p>
The latest antiabortionist strategy is to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/13/anti-abortion-language-restrictions-bans-roe-v-wade">leave some narrow exceptions
in their prohibitions</a>,
and cite them to claim that "abortion isn't banned."
<p>
Those exceptions do make some difference, but they don't alter the fact
that abortion is banned in the normal case.  

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Christian_Nationalism_in_GOP)
title: Christian Nationalism in GOP
uri: Christian-Nationalism-in-GOP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Christian_Nationalism_in_GOP)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans are directly attacking
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-does-white-christian-nationalism">freedom of religion</a>
in the US by giving privilege to Christianity.  
They aim to demolish our country's "wall between church and state"
so that there will be nothing to shield us from them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Labour_as_typical_British_politics)
title: Labour as typical British politics
uri: Labour-as-typical-British-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Labour_as_typical_British_politics)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/13/policy-plans-labour-britain-keir-starmer">Starmer’s Labour</a>
are not simply defined by what it will stand up for
but what it won’t. If the Labour party isn’t comfortable coming out
for decent child benefits, universal social care or tackling climate
change, it hardly needs a manifesto to show voters what its values
are. It has made that quite clear already.*
<p>
In effect, Starmer has made Labour into a "centrist" party &mdash; one
which labels any adequate solution as "too radical".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Politics:_a_scientist's_dismay)
title: Politics: a scientist's dismay
uri: Politics-a-scientist-s-dismay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Politics:_a_scientist's_dismay)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="http://commonwonders.com/listening-to-oppenheimer-seven-decades-later/">US government canceled Robert J Oppenheimer</a>
for advocating the idea of dealing with nuclear weapons in a way designed to prevent future wars.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Sudan_RSF_as_malicious_militia)
title: Sudan RSF as malicious militia
uri: Sudan-RSF-as-malicious-militia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Sudan_RSF_as_malicious_militia)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/13/i-believe-this-war-will-destroy-sudan-the-coup-protesters-now-on-the-run">Reports from Sudanese</a>
who opposed the military coup, and now oppose both military factions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Economy_v._ecology,_a_how_to)
title: Economy v. ecology, a how to
uri: Economy-v-ecology-a-how-to
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Economy_v._ecology,_a_how_to)
content:
 
<p>
Governments tend to treat preserving the environment as a luxury
and consider it only when there is no pressing crisis.  Now that
the environment includes the climate crisis,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/09/the-planet-warms-the-world-economy-cools-the-real-global-recession-is-ecological">we cannot afford that</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_((Satire)_Shareholders_demand_double)
title: (Satire) Shareholders demand double
uri: (Satire)-Shareholders-demand-double
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_((Satire)_Shareholders_demand_double)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/chevron-promises-shareholders-it-will-double-temperatur-1850623581">*Chevron Promises Shareholders</a>
It Will Double Temperatures.*
<p>
One must ask, "In which temperature scale?"  If it is Celsius, many
places will merely be uncomfortable.  If it is Kelvin, most of what our world
would combust or melt.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(US_inflation_at_3%25_now)
title: US inflation at 3% now
uri: US-inflation-at-3-now
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(US_inflation_at_3%25_now)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: the
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/its-time-to-declare-victory-in-the">Federal Reserve should say "enough" now</a>
that US inflation has gone down to 3% per year.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Recovering America's Wildlife Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Recovering-America-s-Wildlife-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Recovering_America's_Wildlife_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Recovering_America's_Wildlife_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55339&supporter_KEY=229474">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.
This would give states and tribes funds for protecting endangered species.
<p>
To sign without
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">running nonfree JavaScript</a>
code from the web site,
use <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">the Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Layoffs as retaliation for unionizing, Google
uri: Layoffs-as-retaliation-for-unionizing-Google
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Layoffs_as_retaliation_for_unionizing,_Google)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Layoffs_as_retaliation_for_unionizing,_Google)

content:
 
<p>
*Google lays off contractors who
<a href="https://www.engadget.com/google-lays-off-contractors-who-unionized-last-month-193020753.html?src=rss">unionized last month</a>.
Suspecting retaliation, the discharged workers have begun a hearing with the NLRB.*

<p>
 


title: Greek Acropolis closed: sun heat danger
uri: Greek-Acropolis-closed-sun-heat-danger
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Greek_Acropolis_closed:_sun_heat_danger)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#16_July_2023_(Greek_Acropolis_closed:_sun_heat_danger)

content:
 
<p>
Extreme heat in Greece made it necessary to close the Acropolis
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/15/acropolis-greece-closed-heatwave-48c">to protect
tourists</a>
from the sun.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Libri_censor:_plastic_wrap,_HU)
title: Bookshelf censor: plastic wrap, HU
uri: Bookshelf-censor-plastic-wrap-HU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Libri_censor:_plastic_wrap,_HU)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/12/hungarian-bookstore-chain-wraps-books-lgbtq-characters-plastic">Hungary's biggest bookstore company</a>
now puts plastic wrappers over
books that have queer characters, under pressure from right-wing bullies
that act as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#25_June_2023_(State_hegemony_on_civil_society,_HUN)">auxiliaries of the right-wing government</a>.  This means people
cannot see any of the book's contents before deciding whether to buy it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Deep_coral_reefs'_plastic)
title: Deep coral reefs' plastic
uri: Deep-coral-reefs-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Deep_coral_reefs'_plastic)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/12/plastic-pollution-on-coral-reefs-gets-worse-the-deeper-you-go-study-finds">Plastic pollution on coral reefs</a>
gets worse the deeper you go, study finds.*
<p>
This confirms that the biggest source of plastic in the ocean is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#9_November_2022_(Plastic_pollution_from_fishing_gear)">lost
or discarded fishing gear</a>.
We need strict laws about bringing all plastic (or partly plastic) fishing gear back to port,
whether it is suitable for further use or not.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Food_delivery_wages,_NYC)
title: Food delivery wages, NYC
uri: Food-delivery-wages-NYC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Food_delivery_wages,_NYC)
content:
 
<p>
Food delivery companies used a lawsuit to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/12/food-app-delivery-workers-minimum-wage-blocked-grubhub-uber-doordash-new-york-city">block a New York City minimum
wage law</a>
for food delivery workers.
<p>
They claimed that the wage increase would harm their business, and it
would reduce the number of employees they hire.  Maybe so, but so what?
That's what all businesses say to justify exploiting workers.
<p>
One should never trust them, because exaggeration is their stock in trade.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Judiciary_v._political_powers,_IT)
title: Judiciary v. political powers, IT
uri: Judiciary-v-political-powers-IT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Judiciary_v._political_powers,_IT)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/12/italy-judiciary-power-struggle-far-right-government-giorgia-meloni">Italy's right-wing government</a>
is trying to take control of the judiciary.
<p>
This is a standard right-wing move to establish authoritarian government,
applied (using different methods) in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Model_for_Israel's_assault_on_judiciary)">Poland, Hungary, Israel</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#19_October_2018_(Degradation_of_the_US_judiciary)">the US</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Illegal_drugs_online)
title: Illegal drugs online
uri: Illegal-drugs-online
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Illegal_drugs_online)
content:
 
<p>
*A New Bill [being considered by the Senate] Would Force [various
internet services] to
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/cooper-davis-act-drugs-companies-report-users-1850510171">Spy on Their Users for the DEA</a>.*
<p>
In principle, I support stopping Internet stores from selling
fentanyl, and drugs containing admixtures of fentanyl.  The question is
what price we pay in liberty and privacy to achieve that.
<p>
Requiring stores to carry out due diligence to prevent this is fine,
even if it means they have to charge more for their service of selling
in some cases.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Extreme_heat:_1%2F3_of_US)
title: Extreme heat: 1/3 of US
uri: Extreme-heat-1-3-of-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Extreme_heat:_1%2F3_of_US)
content:
 
<p>
*US south-west bakes under potentially deadly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/15/heatwave-us-south-west-record-temperatures">record high temperatures</a>.*
<p>
If there are Republicans near you, this is their fault &mdash; indirectly,
because they have fought the efforts to curb <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> before it
reached this point.  They are led by various billionaires, including
the ones that sell fossil fuels.  Don't let them off the hook!

 


title: Decrease rate of deforestation in Colombia
uri: Decrease-rate-of-deforestation-in-Colombia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Decrease_rate_of_deforestation_in_Colombia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Decrease_rate_of_deforestation_in_Colombia)

content:
 
<p>

  Peace in Colombia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/12/colombia-deforestation-amazon-rainforest-peace">led to a decrease in the rate of deforestation</a>.
  It is not enough to make Colombian forests safe, but it is a good start.

 


title: (satire) Parasocial Relationship Therapy
uri: (satire)-Parasocial-Relationship-Therapy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_((satire)_Parasocial_Relationship_Therapy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_((satire)_Parasocial_Relationship_Therapy)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/harry-styles-thousands-of-fans-sit-down-with-counselor-1850615474">*Harry Styles, Thousands Of Fans Sit Down With Counselor For
    Parasocial Relationship Therapy.*</a>
<p>
Admiring an artist's work does not constitute a relationship with that artist.
I urge people to pull up from the roots the idea that it is one.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Masks_without_doctor's_note)
title: Masks without doctor's note
uri: Masks-without-doctor-s-note
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Masks_without_doctor's_note)
content:
 
<p>

  *In-N-Out <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/15/more-smiles-less-health-and-wellbeing-as-in-n-out-orders-employees-to-stop-wearing-masks.html">orders workers not to wear masks without doctor's note</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(DeMentis'_personal_militia)
title: DeMentis' personal militia
uri: DeMentis-personal-militia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(DeMentis'_personal_militia)
content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/15/ron-desantis-florida-state-guard-militia-veterans-quit">training a personal militia to serve him</a>; 
  it purported to be an unarmed "civilian defense force" for disaster relief,
but that seems to have been a disguise.
<p>
We must expect American fascists to set up militias to carry out
violence for their cause.  The Republican Party is now more or less
fascistified, so maybe that's what this is.

 


title: Bill to make secret election spending easier
uri: Bill-to-make-secret-election-spending-easier
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Bill_to_make_secret_election_spending_easier)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Bill_to_make_secret_election_spending_easier)

content:
 
<p>

  The Republicans' latest election bill is <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/07/11/house-republican-confidence-elections-dc/">designed to make secret election spending easier</a> and make voting more difficult.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Remaining_calm_about_climate_change)
title: Remaining calm about climate change
uri: Remaining-calm-about-climate-change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Remaining_calm_about_climate_change)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/769d24d1?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">Remaining "Calm" About Climate Change Will Kill Us.</a>*
<p>
I think the term "climate change" was promoted to keep us "calm".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Big_oil_climate_pledges)
title: Big oil climate pledges
uri: Big-oil-climate-pledges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Big_oil_climate_pledges)
content:
 
<p>
*Big oil
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/16/big-oil-climate-pledges-extreme-heat-fossil-fuel">quietly walks back</a>
on climate pledges as global heat records tumble.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Democratic_hopeful_RFK)
title: Democratic hopeful RFK
uri: Democratic-hopeful-RFK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Democratic_hopeful_RFK)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-antisemitism-covid-conspiracy-theory-b2375942.html">Robert F Kennedy</a>
has endorsed another conspiracy theory.
<p>
The only thing you can count on from him is to be right-wing and anti-rational.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Confirm Biden's judicial nominees
uri: Urgent-Confirm-Biden-s-judicial-nominees
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Urgent:_Confirm_Biden's_judicial_nominees)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Urgent:_Confirm_Biden's_judicial_nominees)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.pfaw.org/sign/confirm-more-judicial-nominees-118/?utm_source=aa&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=judnoms&t=1008&akid=37867%2E660322%2EXuUj6D">call on your senators</a>
to move quickly to confirm Biden's
judicial nominees.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Dentistry_decline,_NHS)
title: Dentistry decline, NHS
uri: Dentistry-decline-NHS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Dentistry_decline,_NHS)
content:
 
<p>
Dentistry in the NHS is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/16/a-high-price-to-pay-for-the-collapse-in-nhs-dentistry">imploding; many dentists have gone</a>
to private
practice and now charge more than most patients can afford.  This puts
pressure on the remaining NHS dentists to go private too.
<p>
The Tories are doing nothing to reverse this &mdash; in my view, because they want
to eliminate the NHS and privatize medicine in Britain.
<p>
I expect this is a preview of what will happen to more areas of NHS medicine.
The poor will then die and cease to be a burden on the rich.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect Bears Ears from uranium mining
uri: Urgent-Protect-Bears-Ears-from-uranium-mining
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protext_Bears_Ears_from_uranium_mining)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protext_Bears_Ears_from_uranium_mining)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55067&supporter_KEY=229474/">call on the Interior Department</a>
to protect Bears Ears from uranium mining.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Marketing_rhetoric:_processed_foods)
title: Marketing rhetoric: processed foods
uri: Marketing-rhetoric-processed-foods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Marketing_rhetoric:_processed_foods)
content:
 
<p>
Bullshit marketing claims are very convincing in poor countries whose
people have not learned to be skeptical of them.  This is teaching a
generation of young people to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/14/how-food-companies-sweetened-the-world-and-increased-the-risk-of-disease-acc">get used to lots of dangerous added salt
and sugar</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Racial_profiling_mitigation,_CT)
title: Racial profiling mitigation, CT
uri: Racial-profiling-mitigation-CT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Racial_profiling_mitigation,_CT)
content:
 
<p>
A state investigation found that state <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> made
<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-state-police-troopers-false-tickets-18162917.php">fake reports about traffic
tickets</a>
they had issued.  But it is not yet clear how many did this.
<p>
The practice seems to have been designed to cover up racial profiling
in the real issuance of traffic tickets.

<p>
 


title: Sea mining results: large implications
uri: Sea-mining-results-large-implications
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Sea_mining_results:_large_implications)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Sea_mining_results:_large_implications)

content:
 
<p>
*Deep-sea mining causes
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/14/deep-sea-mining-causes-huge-decreases-in-sealife-across-wide-region-says-study">huge decreases in sealife</a>
across wide region, says study.*  Decreases of over 50% for some species.
The decrease was observed a year after the mining, and extended
beyond the area that was actually mined.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(EXIM_approval:_fossil_fuels)
title: EXIM approval: fossil gas
uri: EXIM-approval-fossil-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(EXIM_approval:_fossil_fuels)
content:
 
<p>
The US Export-Import bank approved a loan to support more
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/groups-respond-to-multi-million-dollar-loan-approval-for-lng-exports">export of 
fossil gas</a>
from the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Climate_crisis_terms_%26_info)
title: Climate crisis terms & info
uri: Climate-crisis-terms-info
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Climate_crisis_terms_%26_info)
content:
 
<p>
Advice for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/14/big-oil-climate-crisis-fossil-fuel-public">teaching the public</a>
to recognize the danger of the gradually
advancing but ultimately fatal climate disaster.
<p>
I'm inclined to value this advice because it starts by recognizing
that the terms "climate change" and "global warming" are too weak to
make people recognize this as a pressing danger.  They are,
effectively, euphemisms, and "climate change" was adopted to be one.
<p>
*Nearly 120 Million People in
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/nearly-120-million-people-in-us-under-extreme-weather-alerts-as-heat-dome-descends-summer-danger-season-off-to-brutal-start">US Under Extreme Weather</a>
Alerts.*  Worse will surely happen within the next five years.  Look up!  Look up!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Kale_with_PFASs,_US)
title: Kale with PFASs, US
uri: 2023-07-18-Kale-with-PFASs-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Kale_with_PFASs,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Kale grown in the US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/30/kale-pfas-forever-chemicals-contamination">has shown high levels of toxic PFAs</a>.
Ironically, "organic" Kale had higher levels of them.
<p>
We can't deny that PFAs are organic compounds &mdash; they contain carbon. 

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Get foreign money out of US elections
uri: Urgent-Get-foreign-money-out-of-US-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Get_foreign_money_out_of_US_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Get_foreign_money_out_of_US_elections)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-get-foreign-money-out-of-us-elections?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=direct_link">call on Congress</a>
to get foreign money out of US elections.
  Even more important is to get US money out of US elections.
We should do both.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Give laid-off Bed Bath & Beyond workers severance pay
uri: Urgent-Give-laid-off-Bed-Bath-Beyond-workers-severance-pay
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Give_laid-off_Bed_Bath_%26_Beyond_workers_severance_pay)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Give_laid-off_Bed_Bath_%26_Beyond_workers_severance_pay)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/bed-bath-beyond-severance-pay/?t=1001&akid=30939%2E96703%2EA2Pbj5">call on Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Sue Gove</a>
to give laid-off
workers severance pay.
<p>
There will be a small error message embedded in the immediate response; just ignore that.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: NO carrying weapons without a permit
uri: Urgent-NO-carrying-weapons-without-a-permit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_NO_carrying_weapons_without_a_permit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_NO_carrying_weapons_without_a_permit)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-oppose-permitless-carry-of-weapons-3?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">oppose laws</a>
that allow carrying weapons without any sort of permit.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Reject the national abortion ban
uri: Urgent-Reject-the-national-abortion-ban
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_the_national_abortion_ban)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_the_national_abortion_ban)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-say-no-to-a-national-abortion-ban?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on Congress</a>
to reject the Republicans' national abortion ban.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Extreme_heatwave,_Phoenix)
title: Extreme heatwave, Phoenix
uri: Extreme-heatwave-Phoenix
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Extreme_heatwave,_Phoenix)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/14/phoenix-heatwave-summer-extreme-weather-arizona">Phoenix's extreme heatwave</a>
tests the limits of survival.*
<p>
The hottest days there have always endangered human life, but now thanks
to the developing climate crisis it is considerably more dangerous.
<p>
Ten years from now it will be considerably more dangerous than this year.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Lawn_law_conserves_water,_Scottsdale)
title: Lawn law conserves water, Scottsdale
uri: Lawn-law-conserves-water-Scottsdale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#18_July_2023_(Lawn_law_conserves_water,_Scottsdale)
content:
 
<p>
Scottsdale, Arizona, has
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/13/us/scottsdale-arizona-grass-ban-new-houses/index.html">banned the creation of new lawns</a>,
to conserve water.
<p>
I hope this is sufficient, but I expect that in a few more years it will be
necessary to get rid of most existing lawns.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Meta_Pixel_onsite:_police,_UK)
title: Meta Pixel onsite: police, UK
uri: Meta-Pixel-onsite-police-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Meta_Pixel_onsite:_police,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The London <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department gave
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/15/revealed-metropolitan-police-shared-sensitive-data-about-victims-with-facebook">crime victims'</a>
personal data to Facebook.  They did this by putting a Facebook
tracking pixel in a page for
"<a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_May_2023_(NHS_snooping_for_Facebook)">securely and confidentially</a>"
reporting crimes including rape.
<p>
In general you cannot trust a web site that says the data you enter is
"secure".  That could change if and when creating a tracking pixel
and putting one into a web site are both criminal offences.

*[Big US] tax prep companies shared
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/tech/tax-prep-companies-taxpayer-data-google-meta">private taxpayer data with Google
and Meta</a>
for years, congressional probe finds.*  This too was done using tracking pixels.
<p>
Please
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#SharingPersonalData">avoid using the term "sharing"</a>
to refer to snooping on people and sending their personal data to a company.
-->

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Talc_with_asbestos)
title: Talc with asbestos
uri: Talc-with-asbestos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Talc_with_asbestos)
content:
 
<p>
*Johnson & Johnson
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/johnson-johnson-sues-researchers-who-linked-talc-cancer-2023-07-13/">sues researchers</a>
who linked talc (more precisely, asbestos found in talc) to cancer.*

Airport increase not economical, UK
UK travel deficit &pound;32bn
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/airport-expansion-no-boost-productivity-growth-report">Airport expansion</a>
does not boost UK growth or productivity &mdash; report.*
<p>
"Give funds to our industry and the country will benefit" is a common thing
for businesses to say, but we should never trust them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Student_debt_relief)
title: Student debt relief
uri: Student-debt-relief
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Student_debt_relief)
content:
 
<p>
Biden said he
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/jul/14/biden-to-cancel-39-billion-us-student-debt">will cancel</a>
a remaining student debt for some low-income
former students who have been paying for 20 or 25 years.
<p>
They may well be the people most harmed by student debt in the US, so
starting with them is reasonable.  I hope he is not going to stop with them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Shift_energy_from_top_to_bottom,_EU)
title: Shift energy from top to bottom, EU
uri: Shift-energy-from-top-to-bottom-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Shift_energy_from_top_to_bottom,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
*Europe should cap "luxury" energy use
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/17/europe-cap-luxury-energy-use-emissions-carbon-budget-targets-study">to meet emissions targets</a>,
study says.* Limiting demand of richest 20% saves seven times greenhouse gases
required to meet needs of poorest 20%, researchers find.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop the defunding of IRS audits of rich people
uri: Urgent-Stop-the-defunding-of-IRS-audits-of-rich-people
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_the_defunding_of_IRS_audits_of_rich_people)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_the_defunding_of_IRS_audits_of_rich_people)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and urge per to vote against
Republican plans to defund IRS auditing of rich people.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Confirm new FCC commissioners
uri: Urgent-Confirm-new-FCC-commissioners
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_Confirm_new_FCC_commissioners)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_Confirm_new_FCC_commissioners)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/go/69967?t=1002&akid=29366%2E9489429%2EjtuiWI">call on Senator Schumer to hold a vote of the full senate</a>
to confirm new FCC commissioners.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: End ICE detention agreements in Massachusetts
uri: Urgent-End-ICE-detention-agreements-in-Massachusetts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_End_ICE_detention_agreements_in_Massachusetts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Urgent:_End_ICE_detention_agreements_in_Massachusetts)

content:
 
<p>
Massachusetts residents:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-ice-detention?initms_aff=ma&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=230712_affcampaign_ice-detention_gradead_sail&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=affcampaign&utm_content=230712_immigration_ice-detention_gradead&af=Yb3AJIpkvnwkl6wKwyjELOdf4si7cdbi9GZnigtn2XsinkZMgW/laHLUPy6o6RIvbf5eXPI4VQ9MCb7u6csUcuJHGCwdsf/Ekhq8Oy/iV2Y/VM5bOih/HmQmLg9UcJwBelZFsSGw38zZwE5iPDbe8SiTlCng7MmoxLHWel8aL4o%3D&ms_aff=ma&ms_chan=eml&ms=230712_affcampaign_ice-detention_gradead_sail">call on State lawmakers</a>
to end ICE detention agreements in Massachusetts.
<p>
Here's what I put in the text area.  It suggests small enhancements
to the bill.
<p>
An Act Relative to Massachusetts State Sovereignty&quot; (H.1401/S.997) would:
<p>
1. Ensure that Massachusetts money and resources are used for state and local priorities, not federal immigration enforcement;
<p>
2. Prohibit all Massachusetts entities, including sheriffs, from starting or renewing contracts with ICE to rent bed space for immigration detention;
<p>
3. Prohibit all Massachusetts entities from donating state employee time to ICE via 287(g) agreements;
<p>
4. Require local law enforcement to seek and receive authorization from the Governor before signing any contracts with the federal government
[[SHOULDN'T THIS CANCEL ALL EXISTING CONTRACTS UNLESS THE GOVERNOR
AUTHORIZES THEM TO CONTINUE?] ] ; and
<p>
5. Empower state officials to ensure a proper, lawful, and productive relationship with the federal government that promotes the interests of the Commonwealth.</textarea>
<p>
I hope you will co-sponsor this bill and urge your colleagues to pass
this important legislation this session.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Two-child_benefit_cap,_UK)
title: Two-child benefit cap, UK
uri: Two-child-benefit-cap-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Two-child_benefit_cap,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*There's no point to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/17/labour-party-poverty-families-two-child-benefit-cap">Labour as a party</a>
if it won't [spend state funds]
to pull children out of poverty.*
<p>
I agree.  The Starmerian Labour Party is a fundamentally change from
the past.  It somewhat resembles <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bliar">Tony B'liar's</a> "New Labour", but goes
further because it won't allow anyone but centrists is allowed to be a
candidate.
<p>
*The party claims its demands will be met with more economic growth &mdash;
an argument no different to that of the Tories. Growth without
redistribution merely shovels more wealth into the bank accounts of
the already well off: that is what our economic model &mdash; which
Labour plans to leave untouched &mdash; achieves in spades.*
<p>
This shows how fully the Labour Party has adopted the
business-prioritizing policy that Tories used to follow
before they went totally nuts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Refugee_crisis:_EU-Tunisia_deal)
title: Refugee crisis: EU-Tunisia deal
uri: Refugee-crisis-EU-Tunisia-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Refugee_crisis:_EU-Tunisia_deal)
content:
 
<p>
The EU agreed to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/tunisia-not-reception-centre-returns-sub-saharan-migrants-eu">pay Tunisia a billion euros</a>
to try to stop refugees
from sailing to the EU.  Now the dictator of Tunisia says that the
deal does not include deporting anyone there other than Tunisians.
<p>
Tunisia is ruled by a president who was elected democratically, then
effectively abolished the legislature and human rights.  It is a variation
on the usual fascist takeover.
<p>
The EU plans to set up official paths for Tunisians to request work
and study visas.  As for people seeking asylum &mdash; and surely under a
dictator some people will need that &mdash; there may not be any way.
Neither Algeria nor <a href="/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#22_November_2018_(Refugees_in_Libya)">Libya</a>
is a safe place for them to get asylum.

<p>
 


title: Offshore wind: disinformation playbook
uri: Offshore-wind-disinformation-playbook
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Offshore_wind:_disinformation_playbook)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Offshore_wind:_disinformation_playbook)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">Planet roaster</a> think tanks are tricking whale defenders into blocking
renewable energy, by "teaching" them that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/17/anti-wind-farm-whale-defenders-fossil-fuel-industry">sea-based wind turbines
endanger whales</a>.
Then they lobby against building the wind turbines we urgently need.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Fires_in_Greece)
title: Fires in Greece
uri: Fires-in-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Fires_in_Greece)
content:
 
<p>
The heat wave in Greece has caused rapid wildfires that are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/18/eu-sends-water-bombers-to-help-fight-wildfires-around-athens">almost impossible
to stop</a>.
<p>
This is similar to what is happening in many other countries.
Keep in mind that five years from now it will be much worse.
Ten years from now it will be much worse again, if we let
the fossil fuel companies continue to increase their output.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(False_electors_charged)
title: False electors charged
uri: False-electors-charged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(False_electors_charged)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter's</a> slate of false electors for Michigan have been
charged with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/18/michigan-false-electors-charged">eight felonies each</a>.
<p>
He recruited them to claim, falsely, to be the official electors of
the state and to assert, falsely, that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> had won the Michigan election.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Bridesmaids' matching plastic surgery
uri: (Satire)-Bridesmaids-matching-plastic-surgery
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_((Satire)_Bridesmaids'_matching_plastic_surgery)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_((Satire)_Bridesmaids'_matching_plastic_surgery)

content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/bride-requiring-all-bridesmaids-to-get-matching-plastic-1850614336">*Bride Requiring</a>
All Bridesmaids To Get Matching Plastic Surgery For Wedding Day.*

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Micky Mouse fantasy crackdown
uri: (Satire)-Micky-Mouse-fantasy-crackdown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_((Satire)_Micky_Mouse_fantasy_crackdown)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_((Satire)_Micky_Mouse_fantasy_crackdown)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Disney Cracks Down On Copyright Infringement [by] People
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/disney-cracks-down-on-copyright-infringement-for-people-1850641701">Picturing Mickey Mouse While Masturbating</a>.*
<p>
This is only a joke, but there is a real push to make reading and
understanding a text be considered as copyright infringement.
Training a natural language system involves having it read many texts
and learn from each one about what is reasonable English.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Hollywood_negotiations)
title: Hollywood negotiations
uri: Hollywood-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Hollywood_negotiations)
content:
 
<p>
Hollywood studios demanded (in union negotiations) the right to use
<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/actors-strike-sag-artificial-intelligence-hollywood-studios-background-1234788191/">an
actor's image for AI simulation, in perpetuity</a>,
paying a small amount per day.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Saudi_influence_strategy,_US)
title: Saudi influence strategy, US
uri: Saudi-influence-strategy-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Saudi_influence_strategy,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Saudi Arabia's
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/14/saudi-arabia-us-investments-influence-liv-pga-golf/">Huge U.S. Investments Lose Money</a>
&mdash; but Buy Influence.*
<p>
The influence extends to the US government, and will help Crown Prince
Bone Saw next time he has a journalist murdered or starts a war.
Or, even worse, lobbies against saving the world from the climate crisis.


<p>
 


title: New pun: The spells known as cantrips
uri: New-pun-The-spells-known-as-cantrips
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(New_pun:_The_spells_known_as_cantrips)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(New_pun:_The_spells_known_as_cantrips)

content:
 
<p>
  New <a href="/puns.html#cantrip">pun</a>:
  <blockquote>
    Nowadays the main use of the spells known as cantrips is to make parachute cloth.
  </blockquote>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Free-play_kid_programs)
title: Free-play kids programs
uri: Free-play-kids-programs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Free-play_kid_programs)
content:
 
<p>
Children need chances to play freely in groups, but many adults have made
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/is-free-play-too-free-for-its-own-good/">a career of organizing childrens' play</a>
so that the children have no chance to learn to organize play together.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(ALEC-model_anti-disclosure_bill)
title: ALEC-model anti-disclosure bill
uri: ALEC-model-anti-disclosure-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(ALEC-model_anti-disclosure_bill)
content:
 
<p>
*House Republicans Grease Dark Money Wheels in
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2023/07/17/house-republicans-grease-dark-money-wheels-in-election-integrity-bill/">“Election Integrity” Bill</a>.*
<p>
As with most Republican bills, and some "centrist" Democratic bills,
the name is perfect and total hypocrisy.

<p>
 


title: Employee exposure as customer service
uri: Employee-exposure-as-customer-service
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Employee_exposure_as_customer_service)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Employee_exposure_as_customer_service)

content:
 
<p>
In-N-Out Burger will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jul/18/in-n-out-ban-masks-workers-texas-arizona-colorado">fire employees who wear masks</a>
to protect themselves.
<p>
The company pretended to be acting out of concern for its workers
when it refused to check customers' vaccination status, but its true
level of concern for them is apparent now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Employees_right_to_sue)
title: Employees right to sue
uri: Employees-right-to-sue
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Employees_right_to_sue)
content:
 
<p>
California's supreme court ruled that employees of Oober Eats
have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/18/california-uber-eats-lawsuit-delivery-driver">the right to sue that company collectively</a>.
<p>
If they sue and win. the company will exploit them less.
But the <a href="/food-delivery.html">food delivery gig companies</a>
are parasites, on their workers and on the restaurants they deliver food from.
<p>
Please join me in never using them.
<p>
Meanwhile, it should be illegal for companies to require either their
workers or their customers to agree to <a href="/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#5_March_2022_(Mandatory_arbitration_contracts_prohibited)">mandatory arbitration</a>.
That deck is typically stacked in favor of the company.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Republican ethics violations
uri: (Satire)-Republican-ethics-violations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_((Satire)_Republican_ethics_violations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_((Satire)_Republican_ethics_violations)

content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/rnc-sets-cutoff-for-first-debate-at-20-000-ethics-viola-1850647890">*RNC Sets Cutoff For First Debate</a>
At [a minimum of] 20,000 Ethics Violations.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Freedom_to_Vote_Act)
title: Freedom to Vote Act
uri: 2023-07-21-Freedom-to-Vote-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Freedom_to_Vote_Act)
content:
 
<p>

  The Freedom to Vote Act would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/democracy-champions-reintroduce-freedom-to-vote-act-to-ensure-all-citizens-can-make-their-voices-heard">prohibit states from rigging elections</a>
using voter suppression, gerrymandering and election sabotage.
<p>
It would also help expose secret campaign contributions that billionaires
use to buy influence and set the political agenda.
</p>

<p>
This is important, and if we cannot pass it now, we can use it to
elect representatives who will do so.
</p>

 


title: Labour voters in support of Jamie Driscoll
uri: Labour-voters-in-support-of-Jamie-Driscoll
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Labour_voters_in_support_of_Jamie_Driscoll)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Labour_voters_in_support_of_Jamie_Driscoll)

content:
 
<p>

Jamie Driscoll, Labour mayor who quit the party to run as an independent,
says that Labour voters in his region support him, and are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/18/labour-voters-party-support-resignation-mayor-jamie-driscoll">unhappy with
    the way the party is going</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Greenwood_district_of_Tulsa,_OK)
title: Greenwood district of Tulsa, OK
uri: Greenwood-district-of-Tulsa-OK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Greenwood_district_of_Tulsa,_OK)
content:
 
<p>

The Greenwood district of Tulsa recovered after the Tulsa race massacre,
but was destroyed again by building an interstate highway through it.
Now there is a plan to let Greenwood <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/18/tulsa-highway-black-wall-street">recover again by removing the highway</a>.
<p>
There may be a lot of practical opposition to removing the highway
which is not based on racism.  Does a renewed Greenwood necessarily
have to be in the same place?
</p>

 


title: Britain convictions for Covid-19 lockdown violations
uri: Britain-convictions-for-Covid-19-lockdown-violations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Britain_convictions_for_Covid-19_lockdown_violations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#20_July_2023_(Britain_convictions_for_Covid-19_lockdown_violations)

content:
 
<p>

Britain has convicted 28,000 people of violating Covid-19 lockdown
regulations, mostly minor violations, and is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/18/more-than-28000-convicted-of-covid-rule-breaches-in-england-and-wales">still prosecuting people
    for offenses some years ago</a>.

<p>
 


title: Airport flights cause &pound;32bn "trade deficit", UK
uri: Airport-flights-cause-32bn-trade-deficit-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Airport_flights_cause_%26pound;32bn_trade_deficit,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Airport_flights_cause_%26pound;32bn_trade_deficit,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/airport-expansion-no-boost-productivity-growth-report">Airport expansion</a>
does not boost UK growth or productivity &mdash; report.*
<p>
"Give funds to our industry and the country will benefit" is a common thing
for businesses to say, but we should never trust them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Airport_increase_not_economical,_UK)
title: Airport increase not economical, UK
uri: Airport-increase-not-economical-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#19_July_2023_(Airport_increase_not_economical,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
UK travel deficit &pound;32bn
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/17/airport-expansion-no-boost-productivity-growth-report">Airport expansion</a>
does not boost UK growth or productivity &mdash; report.*
<p>
"Give funds to our industry and the country will benefit" is a common thing
for businesses to say, but we should never trust them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Meta_Pixel_onsite:_UK_police)
title: Meta Pixel onsite: UK police
uri: Meta-Pixel-onsite-UK-police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Meta_Pixel_onsite:_UK_police)
content:
 
<p>
The London <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department gave
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/15/revealed-metropolitan-police-shared-sensitive-data-about-victims-with-facebook">crime victims'</a>
personal data to Facebook.  They did this by putting a Facebook
tracking pixel in a page for
"<a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_May_2023_(NHS_snooping_for_Facebook)">securely and confidentially</a>"
reporting crimes including rape.
<p>
In general you cannot trust a web site that says the data you enter is
"secure".  That could change if and when creating a tracking pixel
and putting one into a web site are both criminal offences.
<p>
*[Big US] tax prep companies shared
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/tech/tax-prep-companies-taxpayer-data-google-meta">private taxpayer data with Google
and Meta</a>
for years, congressional probe finds.*  This too was done using tracking pixels.
<p>
Please
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#SharingPersonalData">avoid using the term "sharing"</a>
to refer to snooping on people and sending their personal data to a company.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_College_for_All_Act)
title: Urgent: Pass the College for All Act
uri: 2023-07-22-Urgent-Pass-the-College-for-All-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_College_for_All_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-co-sponsor-the-college-for-all-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=group-social-security-works">call on Congress</a>
to pass the College for All Act.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_June_2023_(College_for_All_Act)">For more information</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Climate_upheaval)
title: Climate upheaval
uri: Climate-upheaval
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Climate_upheaval)
content:
 
<p>
June was the hottest month ever recorded; July may be worse.
*If humanity really is at the controls, then
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/18/heatwave-floods-save-planet-children">it is drunk</a>.*
<p>
The author hopes that the name "Anthropocene" will make people aware
of the need to exercise wise stewardship of Earth's climate and land
use.  I have worried that it would make people drunk on a feeling
of power, and suggested the name <a href="/articles/obscene.html">"Obscene"</a>
instead.   "Chaoticene" is another idea, because that's what it is producing:
unpredictable disasters.  Though we can see some trends that will continue,
the local effects may continue to include unpredictable disasters among the predicted disasters.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(When_Driscoll_resigned)
title: Mayor Driscoll support, UK
uri: Mayor-Driscoll-support-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(When_Driscoll_resigned)
content:
 
<p>
Jamie Driscoll, a Labour Party member and elected mayor, was blocked
by the party executive from running again. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/17/jamie-driscoll-resigns-labour-blocked-north-east-mayor">He has responded</a>
by resigning in a huff.
<p>
I hope they don't send him to The Village.  Perhaps there is no need,
since he has made it clear why he resigned ;-{.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Somebody sneezed at an NRA meeting
uri: (Satire)-Somebody-sneezed-at-an-NRA-meeting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_((Satire)_Somebody_sneezed_at_an_NRA_meeting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_((Satire)_Somebody_sneezed_at_an_NRA_meeting)

content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/138-dead-as-loud-sneeze-startles-nra-meeting-1850641125">*138 Dead</a>
As Loud Sneeze Startles NRA Meeting.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Black_sea_subterfuge)
title: Black Sea subterfuge
uri: Black-Sea-subterfuge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Black_sea_subterfuge)
content:
 
<p>
The US claims that Russia is planning to attack civilian ships
in the Black sea and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/russia-may-attack-civilian-ships-in-black-sea-and-blame-ukraine-us-warns">claim that Ukraine's mines blew them up</a>.
  Also that Russia has planted more mines.
<p>
Ukraine can legitimately retaliate against Putin's threats to attack
civilian ships sailing to and from Ukraine, by attacking ships sailing
to Russian ports.  Especially the main Russian oil export port,
Novorossiysk.  To avoid polluting the shore, it should attack tankers
traveling empty into Novorossiysk.  To maintain better relations with
other countries, it should attack Russian-owned or Russian-flagged
ships, but not make a commitment to limit attacks to them.
<p>
This would do enormous economic harm to Russia, and I expect it would
convince Putin to reestablish the Ukraine food export deal.
<p>
Of course, there may be reasonable things for Ukraine's supporters
to do to facilitate export of food from Russia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(The_2020_election's_saboteur)
title: The 2020 election's saboteur
uri: The-2020-election-s-saboteur
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(The_2020_election's_saboteur)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a> is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/19/trump-investigation-three-federal-crimes-january-6">officially under criminal investigation</a>
for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential elections, and likely to be prosecuted.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Supreme Court Ethics Act
uri: 2023-07-22-Urgent-Pass-the-Supreme-Court-Ethics-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/Clarence-Thomas-Horatio-Alger/?t=1001&akid=30947%2E96703%2EZUm4UV">call on Congress</a>
to hold Clarence Thomas accountable &mdash; by passing the Supreme Court Ethics Act.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Grain_export_sabotage,_UKR)
title: Grain export sabotage, UKR
uri: Grain-export-sabotage-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Grain_export_sabotage,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/19/odesa-suffers-hellish-night-as-russia-attacks-ukraines-grain-facilities">Putin forces attacked</a>
Odessa's port facilities, especially for grain export.
<p>
He has decided to go for all-out food warfare against the whole world,
The whole world had better league together to make him stop.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Abortion Justice Act
uri: 2023-07-22-Urgent-Pass-the-Abortion-Justice-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Abortion_Justice_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Abortion_Justice_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-on-support-the-abortion-justice-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Abortion Justice Act.
<p>
For
<a href="media/0c29ee85.Abortion-Justice-Act-One-Pager.pdf" data-original-source="https://pressley.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Abortion-Justice-Act-One-Pager.pdf">a summary of the bill</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Revive the Equal Rights Amendment
uri: Urgent-Revive-the-Equal-Rights-Amendment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Revive_the_Equal_Rights_Amendment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Revive_the_Equal_Rights_Amendment)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to urge per to sign the
discharge petition for HJ Res 25, which would affirm the continued
validity of the Equal Rights Amendment and allow it to be ratified by
states now.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#25_October_2021_(Equal_Rights_Amendment)">Enough states have ratified it</a>
already that it can take effect, if the old deadline is extended in this way.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(United_against_Modi)
title: United against Modi
uri: United-against-Modi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(United_against_Modi)
content:
 
<p>
26 Indian opposition parties have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/19/indian-opposition-unites-in-attempt-to-oust-narendra-modi">allied to defeat</a>
Modi's repressive Hindu-nationalism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Body_armor_for_medics,_ISR)
title: Body armor for medics, ISR
uri: Body-armor-for-medics-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Body_armor_for_medics,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
*West Bank
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/19/medics-west-bank-given-bulletproof-vests-attacks-israeli-forces-rise">medics given bulletproof vests</a>
after rise in attacks by Israeli forces.*
<p>
I fear that the Israeli soldiers will <a href="/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_July_2019_(Palestinian_medic_killed)">shoot them in the head</a>
instead. Snipers can do that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(James_Hansen_on_global_heating)
title: James Hansen on global heating
uri: James-Hansen-on-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(James_Hansen_on_global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
*The world is shifting towards a superheated climate not seen in the
past 1m years, prior to human existence, because
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/19/climate-crisis-james-hansen-scientist-warning">we are damned fools</a>”
for not acting upon warnings over the climate crisis, according to
James Hansen, the US scientist who alerted the world to the greenhouse effect in the 1980s.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Demand Sultan Al Jaber resign as head of COP28
uri: Urgent-Demand-Sultan-Al-Jaber-resign-as-head-of-COP28
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Demand_Sultan_Al_Jaber_resign_as_head_of_COP28)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Urgent:_Demand_Sultan_Al_Jaber_resign_as_head_of_COP28)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/petition-depose-al-jaber-cop28?akid=9096.223515.GvZ1cZ&c0=petition-depose-al-jaber-cop28.udF3CH&rd=1&source=em20230716_2&t=1006">Support the demand</a>
that oil sheikh al-Jaber resign as head of COP28.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Climate_convert_Abigail_Disney)
title: Climate convert Abigail Disney
uri: Climate-convert-Abigail-Disney
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_July_2023_(Climate_convert_Abigail_Disney)
content:
 
<p>
Heiress Abigail Disney used to love riding in her father's private 737 jet.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/20/private-planes-carbon-emissions-abigail-disney">Now she joins civil disobedience</a>
to block airports for them,  for the sake of climate defense.
<p>
I like this statement:
<blockquote>
My father was a good and decent man, and so are most of
the people who own private planes. But we are facing an active
emergency, and decency is worthless when unaccompanied by meaningful
action, including a vigorous inquiry into the consequences of our
personal choices and preferences. And niceness is a hollow virtue if
we do not lift a finger to keep our children and grandchildren safe.
</blockquote>
<p>
However, I expect that anyone who actually made many millions of
dollars in business must have been exploiting people somehow.




<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Songwriting_sellout_fallout)
title: Songwriting sellout fallout
uri: Songwriting-sellout-fallout
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Songwriting_sellout_fallout)
content:
 
<p>
The term "selling out" has been mostly forgotten in regard to music,
because data from online access enables the music factories to
fine-tune their products so well to match audience taste that there is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/18/nirvana-sell-out-data-music-industry">little room for anything very surprising</a>.
<p>
As the article explains, selling out is not an all-or-nothing dichotomy.
Everyone makes
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/compromise.html">compromises in life</a>.
The question is whether you let these compromises dominate your life
and push what you used to "really care about" into a small corner.
<p>
In the free software community, that philosophy typically flies the flag of
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">"open source</a>".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Battleground_Snapchat,_SAU)
title: Battleground Snapchat, SAU
uri: Battleground-Snapchat-SAU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Battleground_Snapchat,_SAU)
content:
 
<p>

*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>] appears to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/18/snapchat-saudi-arabia-ties">exploiting 
the US messaging app Snapchat</a>
to promote the image of [Crown Prince Bone Saw], while also
imposing draconian sentences on influencers who use the platform to
post even mild criticism of [him].*
<p>
Countries including the US should prohibit high-level collaboration,
or significant ownership, of any social media company with dangerous
foreign interests.
<p>
Protecting against the influence of dangerous domestic influence, such
as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> and other plutocratic companies, is not as easy to
codify, but addressing the former might suggest how to address the latter.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Climate_commitment_postponed,_UK)
title: Climate commitment delayed, UK
uri: Climate-commitment-delayed-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Climate_commitment_postponed,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP: *With the climate in peril,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/19/climate-peril-keir-starmer-cautious-crisis-vision">winning
slowly is the same as losing</a>.
How can Starmer settle for that?*
<p>
The same question applies to the 
<a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(US_fossil_fuel_development)">US</a>, 
and <a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_June_2023_(Surge_in_renewables,_China)">China</a>,
and most other developed countries.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Update:_Cop_City_referendum,_GA)
title: Update: Cop City referendum, GA
uri: Update-Cop-City-referendum-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Update:_Cop_City_referendum,_GA)
content:
 
<p>
Citizens of Atlanta are campaigning for a ballot initiative
to cancel the Cop City projects.  The
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/18/cop-city-atlanta-referendum/">city's lawyers
have indicated they will sue</a>
to invalidate the initiative if it succeeds.
<p>
Why fight so desperately for this?  It suggests they have a hidden, shameful reason.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(1960s_mercury_dump,_CAN)
title: 1960s mercury dump, CAN
uri: 1960s-mercury-dump-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(1960s_mercury_dump,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
A company dumped 20,000lb of mercury into Canadian rivers near an
indigenous community.  The mercury caused brain damage to the young
people born subsequently in the community, which caused a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/canada-mercury-poisoning-first-nations-indigenous-youth-suicides">high rate
of brain damage and suicide</a>.
<p>
I don't know if it is possible to punish today the company which did
this in the 1960s.  That may be too long ago.  But is there any way to
remove the mercury from the environment, to make it safe to live in?
<p>
If not, what can be done to prevent harm to future generations there?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Wrecker_as_unitary_executive)
title: Wrecker as unitary executive
uri: Wrecker-as-unitary-executive
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Wrecker_as_unitary_executive)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/office-hours-why-trump-and-much-of">American fascists threaten</a>
that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> will take direct control
of all federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the FBI
and use them as his personal enforcers.
<p>
At least three on the Supreme Court have already said they support this.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Keep the saboteur off the ballot
uri: Urgent-Keep-the-saboteur-off-the-ballot
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Urgent:_Keep_the_saboteur_off_the_ballot)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Urgent:_Keep_the_saboteur_off_the_ballot)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/trump-is-disqualified-tell-election-officials-to-keep-trump-off-the-ballot-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call on state election officials</a>
to
Keep the insurrection leader off the 2024 ballot.
He is disqualified by his insurrection under the 14th amendment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Relatives_of_exiled_nabbed,_HK)
title: Relatives of 2 more exiled dissidents, nabbed, HK
uri: Relatives-of-2-more-exiled-dissidents-nabbed-HK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Relatives_of_exiled_nabbed,_HK)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong "security" <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> grabbed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/hong-kong-police-raid-homes-relatives-two-exiled-activists">relatives of two exiled dissidents</a>.
<p>
Threatening the relatives in China of oversees Chinese is 
<a href="/archices/2021-jul-oct.html#26_September_2021_(Disappeared_relatives)">standard practice</a>
for China.  Sometimes it is aimed at frightening dissidents,
as in this case.  Sometimes the threats are potential and meant just
to keep oversees Chinese in line.  Sometimes they are pressured to join in 
<a href="/archives/2915-jan-apr.html#15_April_2015_(Confucius_Institutes)">campaigns
aimed at influence</a>
or infiltration of their host countries.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Chinese imports contain surveillance mechanisms
uri: (Satire)-Chinese-imports-contain-surveillance-mechanisms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_((Satire)_Chinese_imports_contain_surveillance_mechanisms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_((Satire)_Chinese_imports_contain_surveillance_mechanisms)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Congress Warns Shrimp Imported From China
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-warns-shrimp-imported-from-china-could-be-spyi-1850648028">Could Be Spying On
Americans</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Congress_trading_stocks)
title: Congress trading stocks
uri: Congress-trading-stocks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Congress_trading_stocks)
content:
 
<p>
A bipartisan bill to ban stock trading by members of Congress
and their families
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/congressional-stock-trading-ban">has some momentum</a>.
<p>
How about including Supreme Court justices and their families, too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Systematic_greenwashing,_AU)
title: Systematic greenwashing, AU
uri: Systematic-greenwashing-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(Systematic_greenwashing,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Australians complain to the government ad regulator that a planet
roaster ad campaign
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/21/consumer-watchdog-urged-to-investigate-misleading-australian-oil-and-gas-industry-pr-campaign">falsely 
claimed that fossil gas was 50% cleaner than coal</a>.
<p>
Gas avoids the chemical and particulate pollution of coal,
but seems to contribute far more to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
An Australian government program that certifies companies as "carbon neutral"
may be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/21/governments-climate-acti-program-should-be-probed-for-potential-greenwashing-allan-fels-says">systematically greenwashing</a>
them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(MAGA_gospel_in_a_country_music_star)
title: MAGA gospel in a country music star
uri: MAGA-gospel-in-a-country-music-star
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#22_July_2023_(MAGA_gospel_in_a_country_music_star)
content:
 
<p>
City-born city-resident Jason Aldean sang a song
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/20/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-rightwing-embrace">praising violence</a>
against protesters in an imaginary small town.  It also praised and
encouraged lynching, and promotes the false claim that small rural
towns are safer to live in than cities.
<p>
Right-wing extremists, including some Republican officials, just love it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Urgent:_Vote_down_the_ACE_Act)
title: Urgent: Vote down the ACE Act
uri: Urgent-Vote-down-the-ACE-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Urgent:_Vote_down_the_ACE_Act)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to protect our democracy and <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/congress-must-protect-our-democracy-and-vote-down-the-ace-act">vote down
    the ACE Act</a>.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

 


title: Offshore wind farm planned and owned locally
uri: Offshore-wind-farm-planned-and-owned-locally
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Offshore_wind_farm_planned_and_owned_locally)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Offshore_wind_farm_planned_and_owned_locally)

content:
 
<p>

People in a town in England want to build an offshore wind farm <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/18/british-seaside-town-revolutionise-green-energy">planned
    locally and owned locally</a>.
<p>
This approach could be very good for dissolving opposition.

 


title: Forbidden from leaving home without permission
uri: Forbidden-from-leaving-home-without-permission
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Forbidden_from_leaving_home_without_permission)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Forbidden_from_leaving_home_without_permission)

content:
 
<p>

  In many countries, women are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/18/i-am-a-prisoner-women-fight-middle-eastern-laws-that-keep-them-trapped-at-home">forbidden to leave home without permission of a husband or male guardian</a>.
<p>
*In Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and [Salafi] Arabia, women can be arrested,
[jailed] or forced to return if male guardians report that they are
absent from their homes.  [In] Israel &hellip; religious courts have
jurisdiction over marriage and divorce &mash; mean women can lose their
right to maintenance from their husbands for leaving the marital home,
working or traveling without their husband’s consent.*
<p>
Of course, Iran and Afghanistan are even worse.  But this injustice
exists to some extent in a broader region, including <a href="https://interactive.guim.co.uk/uploader/embed/2023/07/womenmobility-zip/giv-13425RcqNg9pvpjF4/"><em>all</em> the Arab
    countries in the Middle East, and Egypt</a>.

 


title: Head of British police force can't sack officers
uri: Head-of-British-police-force-can-t-sack-officers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Head_of_British_police_force_can't_sack_officers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Head_of_British_police_force_can't_sack_officers)

content:
 
<p>

*   The head of Britain’s biggest police force has said he is frustrated
   with the Home Office for its slow progress at reviewing "perverse"
rules that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/18/met-chief-mark-rowley-attacks-home-office-for-not-letting-him-sack-bad-police">prevent him from being able to sack his own officers</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Push_for_small_nuclear_reactors)
title: Push for small nuclear reactors
uri: Push-for-small-nuclear-reactors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Push_for_small_nuclear_reactors)
content:
 
<p>

  There is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2023/jul/18/commitment-to-push-forward-with-small-nuclear-reactors-seems-sensible">push in the UK to design small nuclear power reactors</a> to build in addition to a few misguided large ones.  Here is an article
that grasps at straws to justify the plan.
<p>
It may be faster to build 24GW of nuclear generation using small
reactors than using big reactors, but it will still be slower than the
renewable alternatives.
<p>
Many smaller nuclear power reactors might be cheaper to build than a
few large ones, but probably not cheaper than solar or wind.
<p>
Also, they do not cure the other problems of nuclear power.
<p>
These include the pollution from the mining and refining of uranium.
the problems from the waste, and the danger of having a pre-exploded
nuclear weapon inside a building on your territory.
<p>
Is the real issue that the UK doesn't build its own wind turbines?
I am sure it would be cheaper and easier to change that, than to
build any sort of nuclear reactors.

 


title: Cheap flights in Europe encourage heating of planet
uri: Cheap-flights-in-Europe-encourage-heating-of-planet
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Cheap_flights_in_Europe_encourage_heating_of_planet)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Cheap_flights_in_Europe_encourage_heating_of_planet)

content:
 
<p>

According to Greenpeace, * cheap flights [in Europe], made possible by
tax breaks for airlines, are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/flying-in-europe-up-to-30-times-cheaper-than-train-says-greenpeace">encouraging people to heat the
    planet</a>.*

 


title: Robert Kennedy Jr's racist, antisemitic and xenophobic views
uri: Robert-Kennedy-Jr-s-racist-antisemitic-and-xenophobic-views
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Robert_Kennedy_Jr's_racist,_antisemitic_and_xenophobic_views)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Robert_Kennedy_Jr's_racist,_antisemitic_and_xenophobic_views)

content:
 
<p>

*Robert Kennedy Jr’s racist, antisemitic and xenophobic views <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/19/robert-kennedy-jr-racist-antisemitic-xenophobic-views">go back
    decades</a>, report says.*

 


title: Covid-19 shut down nonpretentious yoga schools
uri: Covid-19-shut-down-nonpretentious-yoga-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Covid-19_shut_down_nonpretentious_yoga_schools)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Covid-19_shut_down_nonpretentious_yoga_schools)

content:
 
<p>

  Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/05/after-20-years-of-yoga-im-hanging-up-my-mat-for-good">made the nonpretentious yoga schools shut down</a>, at least in
England.
  The ones that remain are expensive, gimmicky, and designed for
people seeking dabble.and distract themselves.
<p>
I have never practiced yoga, and never intended to try it, but I am
nonetheless sad about the loss of something that others found good
and useful.

 


title: When private equity buys medical services
uri: When-private-equity-buys-medical-services
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(When_private_equity_buys_medical_services)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(When_private_equity_buys_medical_services)

content:
 
<p>

A review finds that when private equity buys medical services, it tends
to make them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/19/private-equity-ownership-of-health-services-care-review-higher-costs">more expensive and lower quality</a>.
<p>
Private equity does many kinds of harm, in many areas of business.  We
should put an end to it.  I am sure FDR and the New Deal Congress
would have done that &mdash; but today's politicians hesitate even to
suggest it.

 


title: Naming heat waves after oil and gas firms
uri: Naming-heat-waves-after-oil-and-gas-firms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Naming_heat_waves_after_oil_and_gas_firms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Naming_heat_waves_after_oil_and_gas_firms)

content:
 
<p>

  *Ex-meteorologist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/20/ex-meteorologist-names-us-heatwaves-after-oil-gas-firms">names US heatwaves after oil and gas firms to shame them</a>.*
<p>
It's a good idea, if we can make it catch on.  Names of banks and insurance
companies that finance fossil fuels can be used as well.  Names of former
companies are also available.
<p>
It is ok to reuse the names after all the good ones have been used once.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Campaigns_to_decriminalise_suicide)
title: Campaigns to decriminalise suicide
uri: Campaigns-to-decriminalise-suicide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Campaigns_to_decriminalise_suicide)
content:
 
<p>

17 countries make attempted suicide a crime and punish those survivors.
In several there are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/20/its-a-huge-sign-of-progress-the-battle-to-decriminalise-suicide">campaigns to repeal those laws</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_((satire)_Shrimp_imported_from_China)
title: (satire) Shrimp imported from China
uri: (satire)-Shrimp-imported-from-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_((satire)_Shrimp_imported_from_China)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-warns-shrimp-imported-from-china-could-be-spyi-1850648028">*Congress Warns Shrimp Imported From China Could Be Spying On
    Americans.*</a>

 


title: Migrants denied water by National Guard
uri: Migrants-denied-water-by-National-Guard
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Migrants_denied_water_by_National_Guard)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Migrants_denied_water_by_National_Guard)

content:
 
<p>

*Migrants at US border say Texas [national guard] soldiers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/21/migrants-us-border-texas-national-guard">denied them water</a>.*
<p>
In my view, the fact that the migrants who reported this were pregnant
does not change the issue.  Non-pregnant people's lives deserve
protection from heat and other dangers just like pregnant people's.

 


title: Alarm over health of Great Barrier Reef
uri: Alarm-over-health-of-Great-Barrier-Reef
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Alarm_over_health_of_Great_Barrier_Reef)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Alarm_over_health_of_Great_Barrier_Reef)

content:
 
<p>

  *Marine heatwave in north-east Queensland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/22/marine-heatwave-in-north-east-queensland-sets-off-alarm-over-health-of-great-barrier-reef">sets off alarm</a> over health
of Great Barrier Reef.*
<p>
The reefs of Florida and the Caribbean may be in danger too.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Deadly_extreme_heat_around_the_world)
title: Deadly extreme heat around the world
uri: Deadly-extreme-heat-around-the-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Deadly_extreme_heat_around_the_world)
content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/21/brutal-heat-heavy-rain-week-extreme-weather">Painful and sometimes deadly extreme heat</a>, around the world.

 


title: Participation in religiously affiliated programming
uri: Participation-in-religiously-affiliated-programming
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Participation_in_religiously_affiliated_programming)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_July_2023_(Participation_in_religiously_affiliated_programming)

content:
 
<p>

*   A federal judge in [99]West Virginia ruled that the state corrections
   agency <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/21/state-cant-force-atheist-inmate-to-complete-substance-abuse-program-judge-rules">cannot force an incarcerated atheist and secular humanist to
    participate in religiously affiliated programming</a> in order to be
   eligible for parole.*
<p>
Finally, atheist's rights not to yield to religion get legal respect.
<p>
The state ought to set up secular, or non-chi-uch-based, programs for
this purpose.  A non-religious-based program would be acceptable for
everyone regardless of per views on religion.

<p>
 


title: French publisher vindicated, UK political anti-terrorism
uri: French-publisher-vindicated-UK-political-anti-terrorism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(French_publisher_vindicated,_UK_political_anti-terrorism_abuse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(French_publisher_vindicated,_UK_political_anti-terrorism_abuse)

content:
 
<p>
A UK agency that reviews the actions of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> has said
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/21/police-watchdog-investigating-arrest-french-publisher-ernest-moret">it was wrong to
use an "anti-terrorism" law</a>
to force a French publisher to unlock his phone as he entered the UK to attend a book fair.

<p>
 


title: FBI, CIA, NSA illegal snooping, abuse
uri: FBI-CIA-NSA-illegal-snooping-abuse
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(FBI,_CIA,_NSA_illegal_snooping,_abuse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(FBI,_CIA,_NSA_illegal_snooping,_abuse)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/government-releases-new-court-opinions-highlighting-further-abuse-of-warrantless-fisa-surveillance-program">FISA court has found many violations</a>
of the FISA law by the FBI, CIA and NSA.  These violations amount to massive surveillance that
was not supposed to happen.
<p>
Some years ago the FISA court said that it had found itself <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#27_January_2023_(FISA_Court_powerless)">unable to
  make US agencies obey</a>
the FISA law, that the agencies were making
monkeys out of the court &mdash; and out of Americans' human rights.
<p>
Additional examples of these agencies'
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-fisa-court-opinion-reveals-more-of-the-same-systemic-misuse-of-fisa-702">dangerous snooping</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Euthanasia_v._suicide,_Cyprus)
title: Euthanasia v. suicide, Cyprus
uri: Euthanasia-v-suicide-Cyprus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Euthanasia_v._suicide,_Cyprus)
content:
 
<p>
David Hunter was convicted of manslaughter for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/21/british-man-cyprus-david-hunter-guilty-manslaughter-wife-janice">helping his wife die</a>
to escape excruciating pain.  This conviction means he may not be put in jail.
<p>
When she was dead, he tried to kill himself because he had nothing to
live for without her &mdash; but someone <a href="/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#20_November_2016_(Teenager_who_left_home_faces_questioning_by_thugs)">"saved"</a>
him.
<p>
I wonder, have his feelings changed since then?  Does he now have a
will to live?  Does he see a purpose in continued existence &mdash; and if so, what?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Hot_climate_and_tourism,_EU)
title: Hot climate and tourism, EU
uri: Hot-climate-and-tourism-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Hot_climate_and_tourism,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
The countries of southern Europe are becoming so hot that they
are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/21/soaring-temperatures-may-signal-the-decline-of-summer-holidays-to-the-mediterranean">less attractive for summer vacations</a>.
<p>
Even in the past those places were so hot that I tried to have my
visits there outside the summer.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Voter_suppression,_felons_down_South)
title: Voter suppression, felons down South
uri: Voter-suppression-felons-down-South
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Voter_suppression,_felons_down_South)
content:
 
<p>
*Tennessee &hellip; has enacted a law that makes it nearly impossible
   for people with felony convictions to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/22/tennessee-toughens-voting-rules-for-people-with-felony-convictions">regain their right to vote</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Woodburning_stoves,_London)
title: Woodburning stoves, London
uri: Woodburning-stoves-London
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Woodburning_stoves,_London)
content:
 
<p>
The mayor of London has banned woodburning stoves,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/22/sadiq-khan-mayor-u-turn-eco-wood-burners-pollution-fears">falsely sold as
better for the environment</a>.
<p>
  We have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_February_2018_(Wood-burning_stoves)">known for years</a>
  that the wood smoke contains a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_(England_reducing_toxic_particulate_pollution)">lot of toxic pollution</a>
and is bad for human health.  And it isn't better than any other fuel, except perhaps coal.
  
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Natural_abundance_v._heat)
title: Natural abundance v. heat
uri: Natural-abundance-v-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Natural_abundance_v._heat)
content:
 
<p>
*Rampant heatwaves threaten
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/21/rampant-heatwaves-threaten-food-security-of-entire-planet-scientists-warn">food security of entire planet</a>,
scientists warn.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Peak_fish)
title: Peak fish
uri: Peak-fish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Peak_fish)
content:
 
<p>
We are already
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/21/have-we-reached-peak-fish">past the peak</a>
catch of wild fish.  Overfishing and environmental damage are reducing them.
Also, aquaculture does not have much potential to increase any more.
<p>
We can give <a href="/articles/children.html">humans of the future</a>
lives of plenty by making a lot fewer of them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Cash_bail_abolished,_IL)
title: Cash bail abolished, IL
uri: Cash-bail-abolished-IL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Cash_bail_abolished,_IL)
content:
 
<p>
The Illinois supreme court has abolished the practice of demanding
cash bail for accused criminals to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/23c861bb?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">wait for trial at home</a>.
It is unjust because it treats rich suspects better than all other suspects.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Musicians'_politics,_Myanmar)
title: Musicians' politics, Myanmar
uri: Musicians-politics-Myanmar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(Musicians'_politics,_Myanmar)
content:
 
<p>
A music festival in Malaysia invited a British band which, on stage,
criticized Malaysia's repressive laws against homosexuality.  Then two
male musicians kissed. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/22/malaysia-festival-halted-matty-healy-1975-criticises-anti-lgbtq-laws">Officials closed the performance</a>.
<p>
The government then shut down the rest of the festival. This shows the intolerance of established religion.
<p>
Laws like those deserve full disrespect, just like
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html ">laws against
sharing copies of published works</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(European_heat_waves)
title: European heat waves
uri: European-heat-waves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(European_heat_waves)
content:
 
<p>
Last year's European heat waves are estimated to have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/22/heatwaves-how-dangerous-hot-extremes">killed 61,672 people</a>:
This year's hotter heat waves will surely kill many more.

 


title: Pro-abortion clinicians v. anti-abortion states
uri: Pro-abortion-clinicians-v-anti-abortion-states
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Pro-abortion_clinicians_v._anti-abortion_states)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Pro-abortion_clinicians_v._anti-abortion_states)

content:
 
<p>
Activist pharmacists provide abortion drugs to all over the US,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/23/shield-laws-provide-abortion-care-aid-access">protected by the "shield laws"</a>
of certain pro-abortion states.

<p>
 


title: Ultra-Low Emissions Zones, London
uri: Ultra-Low-Emissions-Zones-London
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Ultra-Low_Emmissions_Zones_in_London_politics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Ultra-Low_Emmissions_Zones_in_London_politics)

content:
 
<p>
The mayor of London, who represents the Labour Party,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/23/sadiq-khan-to-press-ahead-with-ulez-expansion-amid-labour-pressure">rebuffed Starmer's
call to cancel</a>
an important anti-pollution measure to avoid disappointing
some Tories.  Bravo, Sadiq Khan, for standing up to Starmer.
<p>
I think that requiring low-pollution cars in cities, where that will
help keep people healthy, is a good idea.  The only thing I disapprove of about London's
ULEZ is that it identifies and tracks each car.  That is massive surveillance,
and a threat to human rights.  These policies must be implemented in ways
that don't track individuals who obey the rules.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(MTGreene_airs_porn)
title: MTGreene airs porn
uri: MTGreene-airs-porn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(MTGreene_airs_porn)
content:
 
<p>
To what extent does
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/22/republicans-hunter-biden-marjorie-taylor-greene">Hunter Biden merit political attention</a>?
A little, for specific reasons, but not more.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Israel_high_court_lowered)
title: Israel high court lowered
uri: Israel-high-court-lowered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Israel_high_court_lowered)
content:
 
<p>
Israel's right-wing government has taken away the supreme court's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/24/what-is-israel-judicial-overhaul-vote-about-what-happens-next">power
to overrule laws</a> 
it finds to be "unreasonable".  This means there is no longer any
check on the government's power to oppress anyone.  Not Palestinians, not even secular Jews.
<p>
In ten years I expect to see a Jewish version of Iran.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(UPS_contract_negotiations)
title: UPS contract negotiations
uri: UPS-contract-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(UPS_contract_negotiations)
content:
 
<p>
*Extreme heat (and its danger to workers' lives) is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/23/ups-drivers-extreme-heat-contract-talks">key issue</a>
in UPS contract talks.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Morality_police_reemerge,_Iran)
title: Morality police reemerge, Iran
uri: Morality-police-reemerge-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#25_July_2023_(Morality_police_reemerge,_Iran)
content:
 
<p>
Iran
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/24/theres-no-other-option-but-to-fight-iranian-women-defiant-as-morality-police-return">considers the protests crushed</a>
enough to send the clothing enforcement <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> out into the streets again.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(Lifestyle_changes_give_longer_lives)
title: Lifestyle changes give longer lives
uri: Lifestyle-changes-give-longer-lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(Lifestyle_changes_give_longer_lives)
content:
 
<p>
  A set of basic lifestyle changes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/24/eight-lifestyle-changes-extend-your-life-researchers-say">give humans a much longer life</a>.
<p>
  Recently I recalculated my body-mass index and discovered I was
  overweight.  Hooray, I shouted, because I was no longer obese!  I have
  lost 40 lbs in the past 2.5 years.  Part of the way I did this is by
  walking half an hour on most days,


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(2024_election)
title: 2024 election
uri: 2024-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(2024_election)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: the 2024 election must be a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/24/donald-trump-2024-election-final-battle">referendum on the
corrupter's fascism</a>, rather than on Biden.  The expected indictment
for his coup attempt can bring this about.

<p>
 


title: Louisianans' property insurance disappears
uri: Louisianans-property-insurance-disappears
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(Louisianans'_property_insurance_disappears)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#26_July_2023_(Louisianans'_property_insurance_disappears)

content:
 
<p>
  *Property insurance <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/24/louisiana-property-insurance-residents-gas-terminals">disappears for Louisianans</a> -- but not for gas
  facilities.*
<p>
I think I know the reason for this.  Fossil fuel extraction is so profitable
that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> can afford to pay very high insurance rates.
And they do so.
<p>
Meanwhile, most homeowners can't afford that much so they have to go
without insurance instead.
<p>
Helping people cope with disasters is part of the government's mission.
The government has the responsibility to provide insurance to cover
people's losses, and at the same time move their rebuilding to safer
building methods and safer locations.
<p>
Moreover, when something humanly controllable is making disasters
systematically worse, government has the responsibility to counteract
that change.
<p>
In the past, making disasters less likely was done with drainage and
seawalls.  Nowadays the job must include curbing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.

  
<p>
 


title: Urgent: Home Depot is selling neonicotinoids
uri: Urgent-Home-Depot-is-selling-neonicotinoids
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_Home_Depot_sells_neonicotinoids)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_Home_Depot_sells_neonicotinoids)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54975&supporter_KEY=229474">call on Home Depot to stop</a>
selling neonicotinoid pesticides.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Cocoa,_grains,_staples_prices)
title: Cocoa, grains, staples prices
uri: Cocoa-grains-staples-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Cocoa,_grains,_staples_prices)
content:
 
<p>
There is a shortage of chocolate, caused by floods
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/25/chocolate-price-rise-costs-soar-supply-problems-flooding">in various
countries</a>.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_December_2017_(Global_heating_and_deadly_rains)">The floods were</a>
largely
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#17_June_2019_(Global_heating_a_food_production)">the result of global heating</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Abbott_v._Biden:_river_barriers)
title: Abbott v. Biden: river barriers
uri: Abbott-v-Biden-river-barriers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Abbott_v._Biden:_river_barriers)
content:
 
<p>
Texas governor "Hay" Abbott
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/24/texas-border-buoys-greg-abbott-biden">defied Biden's order</a>
to remove the buoys
that Abbott had placed in the Rio Grande, to block (and sometimes
kill) migrants.  He challenged Biden to sue.
<p>
Instead of suing, which would take months to reach a decision in the
Supreme Court, Biden should send the marines to remove those deadly buoys.
<p>
The rhetorical position of fascist politicians is cruelty, and their
argument is "I get away with it, and that proves I am strong."
Sending the marines would do the job quickly and make Abbott look
weak.
<p>
It would also provide an opportunity to teach US soldiers that defeating
right-wing uprisings is part of their duty, and help find and remove any
that are not willing to uphold the Constitution.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Inhumane treatment of immigrants
uri: (Satire)-Inhumane-treatment-of-immigrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_((Satire)_Inhumane_treatment_of_immigrants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_((Satire)_Inhumane_treatment_of_immigrants)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Texas Agrees To
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/texas-agrees-to-humanely-stun-migrants-before-drowning-1850670735">Humanely Stun</a>
Migrants Before Drowning Them.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Texas thugs are pushing migrants into river
uri: Urgent-Texas-thugs-are-pushing-migrants-into-river
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_Texas_thugs_are_pushing_migrants_into_river)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_Texas_thugs_are_pushing_migrants_into_river)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/justice-people-seeking-asylum-stop-life-threatening-tactics-now?utm_campaign=txmigrants&utm_medium=eml&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=txmigrants&utm_medium=eml&utm_source=sail&initms_aff=nat&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=230721_txmigrants_messageaction_gradead_sail&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=txmigrants&utm_content=230721_immigration_messageaction_gradead&af=Yb3AJIpkvnwkl6wKwyjELOdf4si7cdbi9GZnigtn2XsinkZMgW/laHLUPy6o6RIvbf5eXPI4VQ9MCb7u6csUcuJHGCwdsf/Ekhq8Oy/iV2Y/VM5bOih/HmQmLg9UcJwBelZFsSGw38zZwE5iPDbe8SiTlCng7MmoxLHWel8aL4o%3D&gs=2S0HNICAbmtrqPM4MuEhLoyoTst%2BFzjD3IuvTxPYPzHzPb4n%2Bu10adDHhQUMKY4I&ms_aff=nat&ms_chan=eml&ms=230721_txmigrants_messageaction_gradead_sail">call on the Dept of Homeland Security</a>
to stop Texas thugs from pushing migrants back into the Rio Grande.

<p>
 


title: Israel polarized, a democracy in peril
uri: Israel-polarized-a-democracy-in-peril
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Israel_polarized,_a_democracy_in_peril)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Israel_polarized,_a_democracy_in_peril)

content:
 
<p>
*Here's why we march against
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/24/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-march-power-government-judiciary">Netanyahu's power grab</a>:
it's a fight for Israel's life as a democratic state.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(London_profiteering:_Wagner_group)
title: London profiteering: Wagner group
uri: London-profiteering-Wagner-group
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(London_profiteering:_Wagner_group)
content:
 
<p>
A parliamentary committee said that the UK has allowed Wagner to use
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/26/uk-inaction-let-wagner-group-flourish-and-grow-say-mps">London as a financial base</a>
get involved in fighting in at least 6 African countries.

<p>
 


title: Govt drug-gangers disappeared the 43 students, MX
uri: Govt-drug-gangers-disappeared-the-43-students-MX
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Govt_drug_gangers_disappered_the_43_students,_MX)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Govt_drug_gangers_disappered_the_43_students,_MX)

content:
 
<p>
When Mexican
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/25/mexico-kidnapping-student-teachers-2014">gangsters kidnapped and killed 43 student</a>
teachers, the army, navy, police and intelligence agencies knew, minute
by minute, where the student teachers were, according to an independent investigation.

<p>
 


title: Texas A&amp;M's fascism-caused debacles
uri: Texas-A-M-s-fascism-caused-debacles
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Texas_A%26amp;M's_politically-caused_debacles)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Texas_A%26amp;M's_politically-caused_debacles)

content:
 
<p>
Texas professor censured
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/texas-am-university-professor-suspended-dan-patrick">for criticizing</a>
state govt
*Texas professor suspended hours after criticizing lieutenant
[governor of Texas] in lecture.*
<p>
Repressing anyone who criticizes them is typical of fascist leaders.
The people in charge of Texas A&M appear to be fascist too.
<p>
If the students of Texas A&amp;M take up this cause, they could do a lot
for the opposition to fascism in America.

<p>
 


title: Shift right blunted: Spain parliament seats
uri: Shift-right-blunted-Spain-parliament-seats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Shift_right_blunted:_Spain_parliament_seats)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Shift_right_blunted:_Spain_parliament_seats)

content:
 
<p>
Spain has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/24/the-guardian-view-on-the-spanish-election-a-good-day-when-voters-said-no-pasaran-to-the-far-right">rejected the far-right</a>
VOX party.
<p>
The news is not all good: the right-wing PP (misleadingly named the
"People's" party) got the most votes, and it is bad enough in itself.
When it was last in power it passed a law prohibiting the publication
of <a href="/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_(Jailed_for_poking_fun_at_Burmese_military)">photos of thugs caught in the act</a>
of committing unjustified violence, the "ley mordaza".
<p>
In the 2010s the PP allowed banks to seize the houses of many poor
people, leaving them with unpayable mortgage debt.  They were unable
to work for a living after that, since the banks would have seized
their income.

 


title: Urgent: inalienable voting rights for California citizens
uri: Urgent-inalienable-voting-rights-for-California-citizens
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_inalienable_voting_rights_for_citizens)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Urgent:_inalienable_voting_rights_for_citizens)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-restore-voting-rights-to-citizens-in-prison?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on Congress</a>
to restore voting rights to citizens in prison.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: How GOP veils wealth gap, climate, and democracy crises
uri: How-GOP-veils-wealth-gap-climate-and-democracy-crises
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(How_GOP_veils_wealth_disparity,_Climate_chaos)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(How_GOP_veils_wealth_disparity,_Climate_chaos)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich presents
<a href="https://invidio.us/watch?v=IZQF3oYt8hs">the Republicans' fake crises</a>
which they use to distract attention from the real crises that Republicans make bigger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Domestic-_v._military-spending,_US)
title: Domestic polycrisis- v. military-spending, US
uri: Domestic-polycrisis-v-military-spending-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Domestic-_v._military-spending,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders:
*The US Senate is now debating an $886bn defense authorization bill.
Unless there are major changes to the bill, I intend to vote against it. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/24/the-pentagon-doesnt-need-886bn-i-oppose-this-bloated-defense-budget">Here’s why</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Crack_in_Labour's_steel)
title: Crack in Labour's steel
uri: Crack-in-Labour-s-steel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Crack_in_Labour's_steel)
content:
 
<p>
Mayor Jamie Driscoll has quit the Labour Party and is running
independently &mdash; with large amounts of backing from Labour
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/24/hes-got-a-great-chance-jamie-driscoll-gears-up-for-mayoral-elections-after-leaving-labour">supporters
who condemn Starmer's iron hand</a>.
<p>
The British tradition would be for Starmer to resign, but at the very
least he should welcome back all the Labour officials and members that
he has <a href="/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#1_October_2021_(Labour_Party's_purges)">purged &mdash; including Corbyn</a>, 
who is no antisemite.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Putin_labeled_food_terrorist)
title: Putin labeled "food terrorist"
uri: Putin-labeled-food-terrorist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Putin_labeled_food_terrorist)
content:
 
<p>
*"Trying to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/24/russian-drones-destroy-grain-warehouses-ukraine-danube-ports">make the world starve</a>":
[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces'</a>] drones destroy grain warehouses at Ukraine ports.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(ALEC_playbook_against_workers_unions)
title: ALEC playbook against workers unions
uri: ALEC-playbook-against-workers-unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(ALEC_playbook_against_workers_unions)
content:
 
<p>
*ALEC [proposes states blacklist]
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2023/07/24/alec-considers-blacklisting-companies-that-voluntarily-recognize-unions/">companies that voluntarily recognize unions</a>.*


<p>
 


title: Competing bids' pollution analysis, AU
uri: Competing-bids-pollution-analysis-AU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Competing_bids'_pollution_analysis,_AU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Competing_bids'_pollution_analysis,_AU)

content:
 
<p>
*Australia [plans] to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/25/embodied-emissions-measured-australia-carbon-infrastructure-construction-pollution">measure indirect [greenhouse gas] emissions</a>
from public works.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Wave_of_poison-pill_policy-riders)
title: Wave of poison-pill policy-riders
uri: Wave-of-poison-pill-policy-riders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Wave_of_poison-pill_policy-riders)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans put at least 74 vicious clauses into
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/at-least-74-new-poison-pill-riders-in-house-spending-bills-this-week-lawmakers-must-remove-all-of-them">bills drafted last week</a>.
Some serve the rich; some serve authoritarianism; some block climate defense;
undermine the separation of church and state; some attack Republicans' favorite scapegoats.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Poverty_stats,_US)
title: Poverty stats, US
uri: Poverty-stats-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Poverty_stats,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/24/us-federal-minimum-wage-rev-william-barber">We last raised the US</a>
federal minimum wage 14 years ago. This is
 unacceptable.*

<p>
 


title: Scientists feelings on earth's climate events
uri: Scientists-feelings-on-earth-s-climate-events
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Scientists_feelings_on_earth's_climate_events)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#27_July_2023_(Scientists_feelings_on_earth's_climate_events)

content:
 
<p>
*Deadly global heatwaves
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/25/deadly-global-heatwaves-undeniably-result-of-climate-crisis-scientists-attribution">undeniably result of climate crisis</a>,
scientists show.*
<p>
*Climate scientists'
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/25/northern-hemisphere-heatwaves-europe-greece-italy-wildfires-extreme-weather-climate-experts">horror and exasperation</a>
as global predictions
play out.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(UPS_strike_averted)
title: UPS strike averted
uri: UPS-strike-averted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(UPS_strike_averted)
content:
 
<p>
UPS negotiated with the drivers' union and they got a substantial wage
increase, as well as
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/ups-and-the-summer-of-our-labor-discontent">air conditioning in their trucks</a>,
necessary for safety in the beginnings of climate disaster.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Mnt_Vally_pipeline_final_ruling)
title: Mountain Valley pipeline final ruling
uri: Mountain-Valley-pipeline-final-ruling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Mnt_Vally_pipeline_final_ruling)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/jul/27/us-supreme-court-mountain-valley-pipeline-west-virginia">The Supreme Court gave final permission</a>
to finish the Mountain Valley
pipeline.
<p>
Republicans in Congress and on the court have fought hard to unlock the
profits that will flow as that pipeline's gas contributes its fraction
to speed destruction of our world.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(North_American_heat_dome)
title: North American heatwave
uri: North-American-heatwave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(North_American_heat_dome)
content:
 
<p>
*More than
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/27/over-170-million-americans-under-heat-alerts">170m Americans under heat alerts</a>
as heatwave expands.* That is half the population.  3/4 of the
population will face unpleasant heat.  Here in Boston, one of my
friends has to stay in bed when it is hot, because her air conditioner
isn't strong enough to deal with this level of heat.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Most_extreme_ocean_heatwave,_FL_)
title: Most extreme ocean heatwave, FL
uri: Most-extreme-ocean-heatwave-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Most_extreme_ocean_heatwave,_FL_)
content:
 
<p>
*Florida ocean records "unprecedented" temperatures
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/florida-ocean-temperatures-hot-tub-extreme-weather">similar to a hot tub</a>.*
<p>
It is too hot for serious swimming.  But what is more serious is that
the heat puts marine species in danger.  They have never experienced
such heat, and it can kill them.
<p>
Some will be able to move away from the tropics to find cooler water.
But those in the Gulf of Mexico can't get to any &mdash; they are trapped.
<p>

 


title: Urgent: End government bailouts for Big Oil
uri: Urgent-End-government-bailouts-for-Big-Oil
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Urgent:_End_government_bailouts_for_Big_Oil)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Urgent:_End_government_bailouts_for_Big_Oil)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/big-oil-bailouts/?t=1001&akid=30995%2E96703%2EzMOiVs">call on Biden</a>
to end government bailouts for Big Oil.
<p>The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Cases against former president growing
uri: Cases-against-former-president-growing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Cases_against_former_president_growing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Cases_against_former_president_growing)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/27/trump-mar-a-lago-classified-documents-case-carlos-de-oliveira">Additional charges</a>
have been added to the insurrectionist's indictment
for holding secret documents and concealing them from the government.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Plastic_delivery-packaging_phaseout)
title: Plastic phaseout: delivery-packaging
uri: Plastic-phaseout-delivery-packaging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Plastic_delivery-packaging_phaseout)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://environmentamerica.org/media-center/statement-amazon-to-phase-out-single-use-plastic-shipping-bags/">Amazon pledged to stop</a>
using its unrecyclable plastic bags.
<p>
This is a change for the better but it doesn't alter the many reasons
to refuse to buy from <a href="/amazon.html">Amazon</a>.

<p>
 


title: Modeling v. regional weather events
uri: Modeling-v-regional-weather-events
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Modeling_v._regional,_abrupt_weather_events)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Modeling_v._regional,_abrupt_weather_events)

content:
 
<p>
Climate science has projected the aggregate amounts of heating on a
large scale.  But it has been unable to project
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/25/frightens-climate-crisis-do-not-know-how-bad-wildfires-greece">grave regional effects</a>.
<p>
What we know is that the slower we are to stop making things worse, the bigger the disaster will be.

<p>
 


title: Streaming corporation strategy: purging shows
uri: Streaming-corporation-strategy-purging-shows
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Streaming_corporation_strategy:_purging_shows)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(Streaming_corporation_strategy:_purging_shows)

content:
 
<p>
Movie and TV streaming is fundamentally unjust because of DRM, requirement to identify oneself, and the antisocial contracts where users commit not to
share copies with other people.  For these reason, I have never used those
streaming dis-services.
<p>
Now Disney is trying a secondary injustice &mdash; what looks like a kind
of tax fraud.  It is
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/3e7f5d72?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">deleting many old programs</a>,
supposedly because they no longer bring in revenue, and claiming a tax
writeoff of $1.5 billion for them.
<p>
Those two claims contradict each other, so it looks like we need the IRS
to cut down Disney's tax writeoff.
<p>
Republicans, the party of the plutocrats, are trying to cut the IRS
funding so it can't do this job.
<p>
It doesn't make economic sense for a company to renounce the profits
from selling something that basically costs nothing to sell in order
to avoid paying a share of those profits to someone else.  The idea
that this really a way to punish actors on strike has the virtue
of being a rational (though vicious) motive.











<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Progress_against_wild_boar)
title: Progress against wild boar
uri: Progress-against-wild-boar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Progress_against_wild_boar)
content:
 
<p>

  The US is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jul/25/us-wild-boar-invasive-species-food-menu">making progress against wild boar</a> the intelligent way: by
hunting them and eating them.
<p>
I've tried wild boar meat in Europe and liked it very much.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Poverty_is_Systemic_failure)
title: Poverty is Systemic failure
uri: Poverty-is-Systemic-failure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Poverty_is_Systemic_failure)
content:
 
<p>

  *Poverty Is a <a href="https://otherwords.org/what-decades-of-social-work-taught-me-about-poverty/">Systemic, Not Individual, Failure</a>.*
<p>
If you want to blame it on individual poor people, you can spin the
facts that way.  When a system becomes hard for certain groups to cope
with, some people will crack before others.
<p>
Why would certain people crack sooner?  Perhaps their personalities or
other characteristics are more predisposed to cracking.  Perhaps they
have bad luck.  There is always randomness that affects the outcomes in
specific cases.
<p>
But those causes of randomness have little to do with political
questions &mdash; the aspects what make a system better or worse.  That is
what governments can adjust so that fewer people crack &mdash; or, for
those who seek scapegoats, so that more people crack.

 


title: Inquiry into Harvard's legacy admission policies
uri: Inquiry-into-Harvard-s-legacy-admission-policies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Inquiry_into_Harvard's_legacy_admission_policies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Inquiry_into_Harvard's_legacy_admission_policies)

content:
 
<p>

  *US education department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jul/25/us-education-department-inquiry-harvard-legacy-admission-policies">opens inquiry</a> into Harvard’s legacy admission
policies.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(US_tracking_cars_by_license_plates)
title: US tracking cars by license plates
uri: US-tracking-cars-by-license-plates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(US_tracking_cars_by_license_plates)
content:
 
<p>

One element of massive surveillance in the US is <a href="https://www.tlo.com/vehicle-sightings">tracking cars
    by their license plates</a>.
<p>
I suggest requiring any entity to get permission from a car's owner
before collecting car location records based on the car's license plate.
Or else a court order specifying a license number.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Ghana_abolishes_death_penalty)
title: Ghana abolishes death penalty
uri: Ghana-abolishes-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Ghana_abolishes_death_penalty)
content:
 
<p>

  *Ghana <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/26/ghana-abolishes-death-penalty-with-expected-reprieve-for-176-condemned-prisoners">abolishes death penalty</a>, with expected reprieve for 176 condemned
prisoners.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Can't_afford_to_be_climate_doomers)
title: Can't afford to be climate doomers
uri: Can-t-afford-to-be-climate-doomers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Can't_afford_to_be_climate_doomers)
content:
 
<p>

  Rebecca Solnit: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/26/we-cant-afford-to-be-climate-doomers">*We can't afford to be climate doomers.*</a>
<p>
It is too late to prevent climate disaster, since that has already
started.  But humanity still has a chance to make the disaster smaller
and enable civilization to survive.
<p>
I wonder if the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> are spending money promoting climate
defeatism as a last-ditch method of discouraging climate defense action.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Universal_web_DRM_system)
title: Universal web DRM system
uri: Universal-web-DRM-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Universal_web_DRM_system)
content:
 
<p>

Google is implementing a <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/googles-web-integrity-api-sounds-like-drm-for-the-web/2/">universal web DRM system</a>.
<p>
Making it even a little worse, Google will control the software and
the data.  But don't get distracted by evil details &mdash; the worst thing
about this scheme is that <a href="https://DefectiveByDesign.org">it is DRM</a>.

 


title: Uniformly reliable product from music factories
uri: Uniformly-reliable-product-from-music-factories
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Uniformly_reliable_product_from_music_factories)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Uniformly_reliable_product_from_music_factories)

content:
 
<p>

  The music factories have learned to produce a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/26/taylor-swift-rules-the-airwaves-but-thats-bad-news-for-music">reliably uniform product</a>.
The enormous dominance of a few pop singers is a reflection of that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Court_case_against_Atheists_in_Kenya)
title: Court case against Atheists in Kenya
uri: Court-case-against-Atheists-in-Kenya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Court_case_against_Atheists_in_Kenya)
content:
 
<p>

The Atheists in Kenya Society faces a court case that attempts to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/28/our-biggest-challenge-is-simply-to-exist-atheist-society-fights-for-legal-recognition-in-god-fearing-kenya">terminate its existence for criticizing religion</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Ban_on_gas_hookups_in_new_homes)
title: Ban on gas hookups in new homes
uri: Ban-on-gas-hookups-in-new-homes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Ban_on_gas_hookups_in_new_homes)
content:
 
<p>

  Victoria, a state in Australia, will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/28/victoria-announces-ban-on-gas-connections-to-new-homes-from-january-2024">ban gas hookups on new homes</a>
starting next year.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Twitter_deletes_its_own_fact_check)
title: Twitter deletes its own fact check
uri: Twitter-deletes-its-own-fact-check
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Twitter_deletes_its_own_fact_check)
content:
 
<p>

  *Twitter <a href="https://gizmodo.com/twitter-x-elon-musk-vaccine-bronny-james-fact-check-1850678981">Deletes Its Own Fact Check</a> Correcting Elon's Bogus Vaccine Tweet.*
<p>
I wonder whether Musk is acting like a child given a toy he can smash
as he wishes, or has some serious purpose for destroying Twitter.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_((satire)_Möbius_Highways)
title: (satire) Möbius Highways
uri: (satire)-Möbius-Highways
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_((satire)_Möbius_Highways)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/raving-pete-buttigieg-launches-initiative-to-build-mobi-1850577331">*Raving Pete Buttigieg Launches Initiative To Build Möbius
    Highways Where Cars Can Drive For Infinity.*</a>
<p>
Buttigieg is confused again.  To be able to drive without stopping,
you don't need a Möbius strip.  A road that goes in a circle is enough.

 


title: Teacher fired for attending drag show
uri: Teacher-fired-for-attending-drag-show
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Teacher_fired_for_attending_drag_show)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Teacher_fired_for_attending_drag_show)

content:
 
<p>

  *Teacher <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/27/texas-teacher-fired-drag-show">fired by Texas Christian school</a> for attending drag show.*
<p>
The school officials believed their own false propaganda about drag
shows and responded with Christian cruelty.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Farage_bank_account_closure)
title: Farage bank account closure
uri: Farage-bank-account-closure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Farage_bank_account_closure)
content:
 
<p>

  *Muslim leaders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/muslim-leaders-decry-double-standard-of-farage-bank-account-closure-furore">decry "double standard"</a> of Farage bank account closure furore.*
<p>
The UK government chose to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#14_February_2016_(UK_laws_harming_aid_efforts)">consider Islamic charities as supporters of
    terrorism</a>, and used the banks to shut them down informally.
<p>
  The US did <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#19%20November%202006%20(US%20witch-hunt%20against%20charities)">comparable things</a>.

<p>
 


title: Another innocent young Algerian shot, maimed, FR
uri: Another-innocent-young-Algerian-shot-maimed-FR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Another_innocent_young_Algerian_shot,_maimed,_FR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Another_innocent_young_Algerian_shot,_maimed,_FR)

content:
 
<p>
Hedi, a Frenchman of Algerian decent, walked past some uniformed <!---->thugs,
and one
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/man-describes-attack-by-marseille-police-skull-damage-france">shot him in the back of his head</a>
 with a "less lethal" weapon.
<p>
The weapon did not kill him, but maimed him instead.  It also knocked
him down, which gave the whole group of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> a chance to beat him up.
He may have lost the sight of his left eye.
<p>
France did the right thing, quickly prosecuting all of those <!---->thugs.
Whether it is necessary to keep the shooter in jail until trial, I am
not sure.  When a <!---->non-thug is accused of such crimes, refusing bail is
justified if there is a danger that that accused will commit more
crimes, or flee justice.  I can't judge a priori whether that is the
case here.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Staying_cool_in_hot_weather)
title: Staying cool in hot weather
uri: Staying-cool-in-hot-weather
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Staying_cool_in_hot_weather)
content:
 
<p>
Describing alternatives to air conditioning for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/29/air-conditioner-alternatives-benefit-environment">coping with the heat</a>.
<p>
I keep shades closed, use fans locally, and wear little clothing indoors.
That enables me to set my thermostat several degrees higher.
But I could not do without air conditioning in the heat of a Boston summer,
not even many years ago.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Fled_China,_nabbed_in_Laos)
title: Fled China, nabbed in Laos
uri: Fled-China-nabbed-in-Laos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Fled_China,_nabbed_in_Laos)
content:
 
<p>
Laos arrested
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/29/human-rights-lawyer-fleeing-china-is-arrested-in-laos">Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei</a>
on China's behalf as he was about to travel to Thailand.
<p>
I think this is the definitive criterion for a puppet regime of China:
arresting people that China wants to make political prisoners.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop fueling destruction of the Amazon forest
uri: Urgent-Stop-fueling-destruction-of-the-Amazon-forest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_fueling_destruction_of_the_Amazon_forest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_fueling_destruction_of_the_Amazon_forest)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/call-on-banks-to-stop-fueling-amazon-destruction?link_id=0&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-call-on-banks-to-stop-fueling-amazon-destruction&email_referrer=email_2001053___subject_2510111&email_subject=hey-citibank-jp-morgan-chase-boa-stop-financing-amazon-destruction">call on several big banks</a>
to stop fueling destruction of
the Amazon forest.
<p>
By contrast, let's all fuel destruction of the predatory near-monopoly
called <a href="/amazon.html">Amazon</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Urgent:_stifle_Mom's_for_Liberty)
title: Urgent: stifle "Mom's for Liberty"
uri: Urgent-stifle-Mom-s-for-Liberty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Urgent:_stifle_Mom's_for_Liberty)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-facebook-dont-give-moms-for-liberty-a-platform-for-hate?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call on Facebook</a>
not to give "Moms for Liberty" (a right-wing extremist group) a platform for hate.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect renters whose landlords recieve federal loans
uri: Urgent-Protect-renters-whose-landlords-recieve-federal-loans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_renters_whose_landlords_recieve_federal_loans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_renters_whose_landlords_recieve_federal_loans)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/take-action-demand-renters-rights-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-more-perfect-union&source=group-more-perfect-union">call on the Federal Housing Finance Agency</a>
to attach protection for renters to federal loans to landlords.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_apartment_buildings)
title: Private equity apartment buildings
uri: Private-equity-apartment-buildings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_apartment_buildings)
content:
 
<p>
When private equity takes over a building, it is likely to become
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/when-private-equity-becomes-your-landlord?link_id=11&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-this-octopus-will-strangle-us-all-eventually-if-we-dont-fight-back&email_referrer=email_2002296&email_subject=this-octopus-will-strangle-us-all-eventually-if-we-dont-fight-back">both more expensive and nastier</a>
to live in.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_grimness)
title: Private equity in retail
uri: Private-equity-in-retail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_grimness)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69N_HyQIkfAtCuNTUXGoStsHcGCG73L372iJpPyiqgcKJjzCvAtW1jS7S2p6iDnBPj4fqnwg_Ft0vTvEspOwTfVlOMT4vz1uV2w0fXXUFfjCStvlqL8jPVfY82nel76y92_tHFD5Pxtvv0-WuW-lQUYX667eUKmySDuJpyGftsGRxrAt48SVm9-NIbh_PTOoLOIsnHE40y2Uh2fEqz6n-mlbp9yqY1mqXNd0PCfAX9M240WmtwJJtxIwVCYyQHOF3ctjxqlwOF45sxwhMFvosG3vIS7IRt3J856fX_phWyRJevClMqTQMTD9dne_NsgzPh_jKKWXMPvJadIZRczU3T99UZcnuD0CZi3YKiseKhdED80TUDeeN2iS0h528vQwthFEJULuXsH7eM9xK0mk7iLcoWmqXTKOl2bbpFrbiNrkpu6EC-1QGly8-GV3vMEk4U4nPIZUGQorhs82ITnc3Spj9kV7kFBFVlssjfFmA3xnqK0whE4X_1n6Z6hJQ8p7v3GQ/3y8/m-BMw0-kTbypdKU4tKCztA/h12/2GqcQHfVbQKTgzLK3Zlnb4DjEpzEd4VNveMODHdO5s8">Stop Private Equity</a>
from Driving Retailers into Bankruptcy, Destroying Jobs and Livelihoods.*
<p>
In addition, they destroy useful stores where you can actually buy things,
and reduce competition.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_reduces_care,_quality)
title: Private equity's homes deadly
uri: Private-equity-s-homes-deadly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Private_equity_reduces_care,_quality)
content:
 
<p>
*After an investment firm bought St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged, in
Richmond, Virginia, the company
<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/when-private-equity-takes-over-a-nursing-home?link_id=12&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-this-octopus-will-strangle-us-all-eventually-if-we-dont-fight-back&email_referrer=email_2002296&email_subject=this-octopus-will-strangle-us-all-eventually-if-we-dont-fight-back">reduced staff, removed amenities</a>,
and set the stage for a deadly outbreak of COVID-19.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Customers_disinformed:_Tesla)
title: Customers disinformed: Tesla
uri: Customers-disinformed-Tesla
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Customers_disinformed:_Tesla)
content:
 
<p>
*Tesla created secret team to suppress thousands of &hellip;
 complaints [that the car did not have
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/tesla-batteries-range/">the travel range that was
advertised</a>].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Bukele's_justice:_mass_trials,_SLV)
title: Bukele's justice: mass trials, SLV
uri: Bukele-s-justice-mass-trials-SLV
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Bukele's_justice:_mass_trials,_SLV)
content:
 
<p>
El Salvador plans to hold
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/el-salvador-nayib-bukele-gangs-mass-trials">trials with up to 900 defendants</a>
in a trial.
<p>
That is a highly efficient way of trying large numbers of people, if
justice for each one is not required.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Anthem_not_censored,_HK_judge)
title: Anthem not censored, HK judge
uri: Anthem-not-censored-HK-judge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Anthem_not_censored,_HK_judge)
content:
 
<p>
*Hong Kong
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/28/court-rejects-attempt-ban-glory-hong-kong-protest-song">judge defies government’s bid</a>
to [issue an injunction against various uses of] pro-democracy protest
song,* known unofficially as the "Hong Kong national anthem."
<p>
The infamous "national security law" makes it a crime to sing the song
in Hong Kong &mdash; doing so would be interpreted as a protest.  This decision
about an injunction seems to threaten to pressure non-Chinese web sites
to delete it.
<p>
I hope that judge won't be imprisoned and subject to brainwashing.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Greek_fires_human-caused)
title: Greek fires human-caused
uri: Greek-fires-human-caused
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Greek_fires_human-caused)
content:
 
<p>
Greece asserts that most of the recent fires were started by human action,
and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/28/greece-fires-arsonists-extreme-weather">there is evidence for arson</a>.
<p>
Why would anyone commit such a heinous crime?  ISTR that Greece has a law
that if a protected forest is destroyed by fire, it ceases to be protected
and the landowners can build what they wish.  This would be a powerful motive
for greedy people with contempt for everything else in the world.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Banks_as_politicos,_UK)
title: Banks as politicos, UK
uri: Banks-as-politicos-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Banks_as_politicos,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/28/gina-miller-true-and-fair-party-monzo-bank-account">small political party</a>
in the UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/28/nigel-farage-muslim-bank-accounts-coutts-charities-terrorism">trouble finding a bank</a>
that will let it have a bank account.  This puts democracy in danger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Infant_mortality_rate,_TX)
title: Infant mortality rate, TX
uri: Infant-mortality-rate-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Infant_mortality_rate,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
Since Texas's abortion ban, infant mortality there has
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/health/texas-abortion-ban-infant-mortality-invs/index.html">increased by 20%</a>.
This could be because many women now are forced to carry a pregnancy
to the end even though it is unlikely to result in a viable birth.

<p>
 


title: The antithesis to automating repression and censorship
uri: The-antithesis-to-automating-repression-and-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(The_antithesis_to_automating_repression_and_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(The_antithesis_to_automating_repression_and_censorship)

content:
 
<p>
Arguing that
<a href="https://crookedtimber.org/2023/07/25/51610/">machine learning cannot enable authoritarian states</a>
to figure out what people really want, because they will get only the
data of what people say when they are intimidated by an authoritarian state.

<p>
 


title: Antony Blinken nudged for Julian Assange
uri: Antony-Blinken-nudged-for-Julian-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Antony_Blinken_nudged_for_Julian_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#30_July_2023_(Antony_Blinken_nudged_for_Julian_Assange)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/29/julian-assange-us-rejects-australias-calls-to-free-wikileaks-founder-during-ausmin-talks">The US rejected Australia's mild pressure</a>
to drop charges against Julian Assange,
  continuing to sidestep the point that Assange is being <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#22_June_2019_(Indictment_of_Assange)">prosecuted
for journalism</a>, and that this threatens the freedom to do national
security journalism in the US.

<p>
 


title: Climate: physical certainties v. political gyration
uri: Climate-physical-certainties-v-political-gyration
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_July_2023_(Climate:_physical_certainties_v._political_gyration)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_July_2023_(Climate:_physical_certainties_v._political_gyration)

content:
 
<p>
*Biden had the last opportunity of any president to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/27/joe-biden-climate-emergency-peter-kalmus">keep the world under
1.5C of heating</a>.
Instead he is squandering time we do not have.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_July_2023_(Wild_horses_for_fire_prevention)
title: Wild horses for fire prevention
uri: Wild-horses-for-fire-prevention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_July_2023_(Wild_horses_for_fire_prevention)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing that wild horses could
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/27/are-americas-wild-horses-the-answer-to-wildfires-a-photo-essay-aoe">prevent wildfires by eating their fuel</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Urgent:_Save_California's_bees)
title: Urgent: Save California's bees
uri: Urgent-Save-California-s-bees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Urgent:_Save_California's_bees)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55425">call on Governor Newsom to save California's bees</a>.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Doctors_being_chased_out_of_Idaho)
title: Doctors being chased out of Idaho
uri: Doctors-being-chased-out-of-Idaho
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Doctors_being_chased_out_of_Idaho)
content:
 
<p>

A good fraction of the doctors in Idaho who treated complications of
pregnancy have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/16/idaho-abortion-ban-ob-gyn-doctors">ceased to practice there</a>, chased out by threats of
fines or imprisonment.
<p>
I would suggest that all doctors who treat pregnant women in Idaho
urge them at the first visit to make arrangements immediately for
possible treatment later in a safer state, in case that comes to be
necessary.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Denying_the_true_ills_of_slavery)
title: Denying the true ills of slavery
uri: Denying-the-true-ills-of-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Denying_the_true_ills_of_slavery)
content:
 
<p>

*   By denying the true ills of slavery, [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>] is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/30/ron-desantis-florida-slavery-curriculum">working to release the
    government from the obligation of fixing inequality today</a>.*
<p>
This is in addition to unleashing the right-wing lie machine to claim
from coast to coast to attack the movement to end racism at a fundamental
point that we thought no one would dare deny.
<p>
The article linked to above displays symbolic bigotry by capitalizing
"black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry, capitalize both
words or neither one.)  I denounce bigotry, and normally I will not
link to articles that promote it.  But I make exceptions for some
articles that make important points, for instance about racism.  That
article is one of the exceptions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Radical_ways_to_fix_the_Earth)
title: Radical ways to fix the Earth
uri: Radical-ways-to-fix-the-Earth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Radical_ways_to_fix_the_Earth)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/30/radical-ways-to-fix-the-earth-are-they-magic-bullets-or-just-band-aids">Radical ways to fix the Earth</a>: are they magic bullets or just band-aids?*

 


title: Professors fleeing Florida's public colleges
uri: Professors-fleeing-Florida-s-public-colleges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Professors_fleeing_Florida's_public_colleges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Professors_fleeing_Florida's_public_colleges)

content:
 
<p>

  Professors are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/30/florida-universities-colleges-faculty-leaving-desantis">fleeing Florida's public colleges</a> and they can't
hire new ones.
<p>
I don't think this will dissuade <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> from converting Florida's
public colleges into right-wing propaganda mills.  They will hire
incompetent or unqualified replacements, because all they really need
to do is repeat the official line.
<p>
Those who will really suffer from this are the young people of Florida
who hoped to get a good education without paying the price of
attending a private university.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Arguments_for_the_OLIGARCH_Act)
title: Arguments for the OLIGARCH Act
uri: Arguments-for-the-OLIGARCH-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Arguments_for_the_OLIGARCH_Act)
content:
 
<p>

  Rep. Barbara Lee and Abigail Disney <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/26/opinions/wealth-inequality-tax-lee-disney/index.html">argue for the OLIGARCH Act</a>,
a progressive tax on billionaires' wealth.
<p>
I like the words of Justice Brandeis: "We must <em>make our</em> choice. We may
have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a
few, but we cannot have both."

 


title: No compensation for damage to your home by SWAT team
uri: No-compensation-for-damage-to-your-home-by-SWAT-team
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(No_compensation_for_damage_to_your_home_by_SWAT_team)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(No_compensation_for_damage_to_your_home_by_SWAT_team)

content:
 
<p>

If a SWAT team destroys your house in the process of chasing
a criminal who has broken into it, you will <a href="https://link.mp.reason.com/a/2534/click/772/254870/448935301bd0ad7f1057c6ee91c8f4fb173d1e91/7eee70616893964e39451d6ee5237450fb3647f6">probably get no
    compensation</a> and be homeless and ruined.

 


title: Australian businessman tried in China for spying
uri: Australian-businessman-tried-in-China-for-spying
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Australian_businessman_tried_in_China_for_spying)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Australian_businessman_tried_in_China_for_spying)

content:
 
<p>

Australian businessman Alexander Csergo was trapped in China and
Chinese state agents demanded he give them information about
Australia.  He says he gave them useless answers he found on the
internet.  Now he is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/31/australian-businessman-placated-chinese-intelligence-with-open-source-information-documents-claim">being tried for spying</a>.
<p>
  The US has also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#18_August_2022_(FBI_harassment_of_Aswad_Khan)">bullied innocent people to spy</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Tory_leader_declares_war_on_climate)
title: Tory leader declares war on climate
uri: Tory-leader-declares-war-on-climate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Tory_leader_declares_war_on_climate)
content:
 
<p>

  The Tory leader has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/31/dismay-as-rishi-sunak-vows-to-max-out-uk-fossil-fuel-reserves">declared all-out war on the climate</a>.
  This is his latest lunatic way of trying to avoid losing big in the election
that must be held next year.

 


title: Possible legalization of assisted suicide in Cyprus
uri: Possible-legalization-of-assisted-suicide-in-Cyprus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Possible_legalization_of_assisted_suicide_in_Cyprus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#1_August_2023_(Possible_legalization_of_assisted_suicide_in_Cyprus)

content:
 
<p>

  Cyprus is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/31/how-david-hunters-trial-has-forced-cyprus-to-confront-euthanasia">considering legalizing assisted suicide</a>, 
    influenced by the David Hunter case.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Legal_assisted_suicide)
title: Legal assisted suicide
uri: Legal-assisted-suicide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Legal_assisted_suicide)
content:
 
<p>
Cyprus is
considering <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/31/how-david-hunters-trial-has-forced-cyprus-to-confront-euthanasia">legalizing
assisted suicide</a>, influenced by the David Hunter case.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Tory_war_on_the_climate)
title: Tory war on the climate
uri: Tory-war-on-the-climate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Tory_war_on_the_climate)
content:
 
<p>
The Tory leader has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/31/dismay-as-rishi-sunak-vows-to-max-out-uk-fossil-fuel-reserves">declared all-out war on the climate</a>.
This is his latest lunatic way of trying to avoid losing big in the election
that must be held next year.

<p>
 


title: Australian businessman tried for "spying"
uri: Australian-businessman-tried-for-spying
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Australian_businessman_tried_for_spying)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Australian_businessman_tried_for_spying)

content:
 
<p>
Australian businessman Alexander Csergo was trapped in China and
Chinese state agents demanded he give them information about
Australia.  He says he gave them useless answers he found on the
internet.  Now he is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/31/australian-businessman-placated-chinese-intelligence-with-open-source-information-documents-claim">being tried for spying</a>.
<p>
The US has also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_December_2020_(Muslims_on_the_no-fly_list)">bullied innocent people</a> to spy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(SWAT_teams_can_ruin_your_home)
title: SWAT teams can ruin your home
uri: SWAT-teams-can-ruin-your-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(SWAT_teams_can_ruin_your_home)
content:
 
<p>
If a SWAT team destroys your house in the process of chasing
a criminal who has broken into it, <a href="https://reason.com/2023/07/27/a-swat-team-destroyed-an-innocent-mans-shop-then-the-city-left-him-with-the-bill/">you will probably get no
compensation and be homeless and ruined</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(OLIGARCH_Act)
title: OLIGARCH Act
uri: OLIGARCH-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(OLIGARCH_Act)
content:
 
<p>
Rep. Barbara Lee and Abigail Disney argue for the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/26/opinions/wealth-inequality-tax-lee-disney/index.html">OLIGARCH Act,
a progressive tax on billionaires' wealth</a>.
<p>
I like the words of Justice Brandeis: "We must make our choice. We may
have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a
few, but we cannot have both."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Professors_fleeing_Florida)
title: Professors fleeing Florida
uri: Professors-fleeing-Florida
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Professors_fleeing_Florida)
content:
 
<p>
Professors are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/30/florida-universities-colleges-faculty-leaving-desantis">fleeing Florida's public colleges</a> and they can't
hire new ones.
<p>
I don't think this will dissuade <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> from converting Florida's
public colleges into right-wing propaganda mills.  They will hire
incompetent or unqualified replacements, because all they really need
to do is repeat the official line.
<p>
Those who will really suffer from this are the young people of Florida
who hoped to get a good education without paying the price of
attending a private university.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Fixing_the_Earth)
title: Fixing the Earth
uri: Fixing-the-Earth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Fixing_the_Earth)
content:
 
<p>
*Radical ways to fix the Earth: are they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/30/radical-ways-to-fix-the-earth-are-they-magic-bullets-or-just-band-aids">magic bullets or just band-aids</a>?*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Save_Californian_bees)
title: Urgent: Save Californian bees
uri: Urgent-Save-Californian-bees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Save_Californian_bees)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Governor Newsom to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55425&supporter_KEY=229474">save California's bees</a>.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(DeMentis_against_inequality)
title: DeMentis against inequality
uri: DeMentis-against-inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(DeMentis_against_inequality)
content:
 
<p>
*By denying the true ills of slavery, [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>] is working to release the
government from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/30/ron-desantis-florida-slavery-curriculum">obligation of fixing inequality today</a>.*
<p>
This is in addition to unleashing the right-wing lie machine to claim
from coast to coast to attack the movement to end racism at a fundamental
point that we thought no one would dare deny.
<p>
The article linked to above displays symbolic bigotry by capitalizing
"black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry, capitalize both
words or neither one.)  I denounce bigotry, and normally I will not
link to articles that promote it.  But I make exceptions for some
articles that make important points, for instance about racism.  That
article is one of the exceptions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Idaho_doctors_chased_out)
title: Idaho doctors chased out
uri: Idaho-doctors-chased-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Idaho_doctors_chased_out)
content:
 
<p>
A good fraction of the doctors in Idaho who treated complications of
pregnancy have ceased to practice there, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/16/idaho-abortion-ban-ob-gyn-doctors">chased out by threats of
fines or imprisonment</a>.
<p>
I would suggest that all doctors who treat pregnant women in Idaho
urge them at the first visit to make arrangements immediately for
possible treatment later in a safer state, in case that comes to be
necessary.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Google_and_Athena's_traffic)
title: Google and Athena's traffic
uri: Google-and-Athena-s-traffic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Google_and_Athena's_traffic)
content:
 
<p>
Google will <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/07/google-will-regulate-traffic-lights-in-athens-greece-hoping-to-ease-congestion/">control the traffic lights of Athena</a>, 
then take anticompetitive advantage by connecting this with its
navigation service.  No other company offering navigation advice will
be able to do that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Mining_in_sea_unsafe)
title: Mining in sea unsafe
uri: Mining-in-sea-unsafe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Mining_in_sea_unsafe)
content:
 
<p>
What should we make of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/27/james-cameron-supports-deep-sea-mining-activists-say-its-a-disaster-whos-right">James Cameron's claim</a> that there are large areas
of the sea bottom that are safe to mine?
<p>
It might be possible to establish requirements for sea-bottom mining
to be safe for biodiversity.  These requirements might include the
following
<ul>
<li>
The mining machines must be robots that quietly use arms to collect
metal-bearing rocks.
<li>
The machines must never disturb the bottom, aside from picking up rocks.
<li>
The machines must deposit a replacement rock that wildlife can use
in exchange for each metal-bearing rock that they take away.
This calls for prior scientific research to verify that certain replacement
rocks will enable the wildlife to survive.
<li>
Mining can be authorized only in areas that have been surveyed to
prove that they have no special ecosystems.
</ul>
These or any requirements will not do any good unless they are
carefully enforced.
<p>
If the mining companies object to these requirements, it will show
that they really plan to destroy ecosystems.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(UK_facial_recognition)
title: UK facial recognition
uri: UK-facial-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(UK_facial_recognition)
content:
 
<p>
The UK government wants stores to use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/29/home-office-secretly-backs-facial-recognition-technology-to-curb-shoplifting">facial-recognition cameras to
recognize suspected thieves</a>.
<p>
Perhaps there would be fewer thieves if the government had not driven
so many into penury.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Restrict_SUVs)
title: Restrict SUVs
uri: Restrict-SUVs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Restrict_SUVs)
content:
 
<p>
Governments should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/27/france-crack-down-suv-drivers-britain-city-streets">restrict sale and/or use of SUVs</a>.
The article describes many problems they exacerbate, ranging from everyday inconveniences to climate disaster.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(China_prisons)
title: China prisons
uri: China-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(China_prisons)
content:
 
<p>
Satellite photos suggest that China is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/satellite-data-sheds-light-on-chinas-detention-facilities-in-tibet">putting more Tibetans in prison</a> and
for longer periods of time.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Support the Fossil Free Finance Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Fossil-Free-Finance-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Support_the_Fossil_Free_Finance_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Support_the_Fossil_Free_Finance_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your congresscritter to support the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5253?s=1&r=6">Fossil Free
    Finance Act</a>.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

 


title: Urgent: Block Republican cuts to mass transit funding
uri: Urgent-Block-Republican-cuts-to-mass-transit-funding
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Block_Republican_cuts_to_mass_transit_funding)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Block_Republican_cuts_to_mass_transit_funding)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Senator Schatz to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-senator-schatz-block-the-house-gop-cuts-to-transit-funding-now">block the Republican cuts to
    mass transit funding</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Restore voting rights to citizens in prison
uri: Urgent-Restore-voting-rights-to-citizens-in-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Restore_voting_rights_to_citizens_in_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Restore_voting_rights_to_citizens_in_prison)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-restore-voting-rights-to-citizens-in-prison">restore voting rights to citizens in
    prison nationwide</a>.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
  If you phone, please spread the word!<p>
    
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Basic_rights_for_renters)
title: Urgent: Basic rights for renters
uri: Urgent-Basic-rights-for-renters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_Basic_rights_for_renters)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Federal Housing Finance Agency to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/take-action-demand-renters-rights-now">establish basic
    rights for renters</a>.

 


title: Urgent: End "legacy admissions" in universities
uri: Urgent-End-legacy-admissions-in-universities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_End_legacy_admissions_in_universities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Urgent:_End_legacy_admissions_in_universities)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on universities to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/end-legacy-admissions">end "legacy admissions"</a> &mdash;
privileges for relatives of the rich.

 


title: Lobbying against heat protections for workers
uri: Lobbying-against-heat-protections-for-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Lobbying_against_heat_protections_for_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Lobbying_against_heat_protections_for_workers)

content:
 
<p>

  *Big business <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/31/heat-protections-workers-big-business-lobbies">lobbies against heat protections</a> for workers as US boils.*

 


title: FBI grooms troubled teen as fantasy terrorist
uri: FBI-grooms-troubled-teen-as-fantasy-terrorist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(FBI_grooms_troubled_teen_as_fantasy_terrorist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(FBI_grooms_troubled_teen_as_fantasy_terrorist)

content:
 
<p>

David Meyer's mother asked the local sheriff's department to help
steer him away from trouble and violence.  Instead the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> invited
the FBI to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/07/31/fbi-isis-sting-mentally-ill-teen/">groom him as a fantasy terrorist</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(High_temperatures_prisoners_suffer)
title: High temperatures prisoners suffer
uri: High-temperatures-prisoners-suffer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(High_temperatures_prisoners_suffer)
content:
 
<p>

  Texas prison <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/31/texas-prison-heatwave-temperatures-cells">suspected of disguising the dangerous high temperatures</a>
that prisoners suffer in cells during heat waves.

 


title: David Hunter sentenced to time served
uri: David-Hunter-sentenced-to-time-served
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(David_Hunter_sentenced_to_time_served)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(David_Hunter_sentenced_to_time_served)

content:
 
<p>

  David Hunter was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/31/british-man-david-hunter-cyprus-killed-sick-wife-freed">sentenced to time served</a> &mdash; he has already spent
almost 2 years in some sort of prison or arrest while his trial
was going on.
<p>
I still wonder whether he now feels there is a reason to continue living.

 


title: LA thug beats someone for flipping the bird
uri: LA-thug-beats-someone-for-flipping-the-bird
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(LA_thug_beats_someone_for_flipping_the_bird)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(LA_thug_beats_someone_for_flipping_the_bird)

content:
 
<p>

  *An LA Sheriff's [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>] <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/24/an-la-sheriffs-officer-beat-the-hell-out-of-someone-for-flipping-the-bird.html">beat the hell out of someone</a> for flipping the bird.*
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> will continue violence until they are personally punished for
crimes of violence.
<p>
Isn't it a crime to knowingly file false criminal charges?  If not, it
ought to be.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Musk_attempts_to_silence_criticism)
title: Musk attempts to silence criticism
uri: Musk-attempts-to-silence-criticism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Musk_attempts_to_silence_criticism)
content:
 
<p>

The Center for Countering Digital Hate published statistics on hate
communications on Twitter.  Now it has <a href="https://counterhate.com/blog/letters-from-the-lawyers-musk-threatens-ccdh-with-brazen-attempt-to-silence-honest-criticism/">published the Musk Ox's legal threat</a>
for publishing the statistics, and its response.

 


title: (satire) Enough indictments to meet funding goals
uri: (satire)-Enough-indictments-to-meet-funding-goals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_((satire)_Enough_indictments_to_meet_funding_goals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_((satire)_Enough_indictments_to_meet_funding_goals)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-campaign-worried-there-might-not-be-enough-indict-1850692369">*Trump Campaign Worried There Might Not Be Enough Indictments
    To Meet All Fundraising Goals.*</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Bailed_out_banks_but_not_planet)
title: Bailed out banks but not planet
uri: Bailed-out-banks-but-not-planet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Bailed_out_banks_but_not_planet)
content:
 
<p>

*We bailed out the banks but we’re not prepared to bail out the planet.*
<p>
*US and UK must use financial firepower of the state to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/30/we-bailed-out-the-banks-prepared-planet-state-economy-sustainable">put economies on
    a saner course</a>.*

 


title: Expense of converting office space to residences
uri: Expense-of-converting-office-space-to-residences
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Expense_of_converting_office_space_to_residences)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Expense_of_converting_office_space_to_residences)

content:
 
<p>

  Converting derelict office space into residences <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/30/us-small-business-office-workers-gene-marks">will cost a lot of money</a>
and the government will have to pay it.
<p>
The government must do this, because otherwise millions of people will
be unable to find any place to live.

 


title: Britons have their bank accounts closed
uri: Britons-have-their-bank-accounts-closed
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Britons_have_their_bank_accounts_closed)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Britons_have_their_bank_accounts_closed)

content:
 
<p>

  Hundreds of thousands of Britons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/30/uk-banks-closing-more-than-1000-accounts-every-day">have had their bank accounts closed</a>,
leaving them wondering why.
  Often it is a reaction to their political views.

 


title: Texas imposed censorship on book sales
uri: Texas-imposed-censorship-on-book-sales
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Texas_imposed_censorship_on_book_sales)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Texas_imposed_censorship_on_book_sales)

content:
 
<p>

  Texas has imposed censorship on sale of books by <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230728160610/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/25/books/book-banning-texas-lawsuit.html">imposing a system of "ratings"</a>
inspired by movie ratings.
  In addition to being unjust censorship, it is also impossible in practice
to implement.  If this law is not overturned, it could force
every bookstore in Texas to close.
<p>
Or, if Republicans enforce it selectively, it could make all
bookstores stop selling books that have to do with sex, or have to do
with queer people, or have to do with evolution.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Sunak's_plans_for_the_North_Sea)
title: Sunak's plans for the North Sea
uri: Sunak-s-plans-for-the-North-Sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Sunak's_plans_for_the_North_Sea)
content:
 
<p>

George Monbiot: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/01/rishi-sunak-north-sea-planet-climate-crisis-plutocrats">*Here's the truth about Sunak's plans for the North
    Sea: he will sell out the planet to the dirtiest bidders.*</a>

 


title: Lobbying for NHS approval of medicines
uri: Lobbying-for-NHS-approval-of-medicines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Lobbying_for_NHS_approval_of_medicines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Lobbying_for_NHS_approval_of_medicines)

content:
 
<p>

  *Drug firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/22/revealed-drug-firms-funding-uk-patient-groups-that-lobby-for-nhs-approval-of-medicines">funding UK patient groups</a> that lobby for NHS approval of
medicines.*

 


title: (satire) Problems to take mind off depression
uri: (satire)-Problems-to-take-mind-off-depression
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_((satire)_Problems_to_take_mind_off_depression)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_((satire)_Problems_to_take_mind_off_depression)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/doctors-tout-effectiveness-of-ssris-that-cause-enough-o-1850687540">*Doctors Tout Effectiveness Of SSRIs That Cause Enough Other
    Problems To Take Mind Off Depression.*</a>

 


title: Accusations Obama gave low priority to climate defense
uri: Accusations-Obama-gave-low-priority-to-climate-defense
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Accusations_Obama_gave_low_priority_to_climate_defense)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Accusations_Obama_gave_low_priority_to_climate_defense)

content:
 
<p>

  Accusing Obama of <a href="https://www.levernews.com/obamas-greenwash/">giving low priority to climate defense</a> when he
was president, in exchange for support from <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> business.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(climate_crisis_australia)
title: Australia must ready for ‘devastating’ regional disruption, MPs told
uri: Australia-must-ready-for-devastating-regional-disruption-MPs-to
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(climate_crisis_australia)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate crisis: Australia must ready for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/03/climate-crisis-australia-must-ready-for-devastating-regional-disruption-mps-told">"devastating" regional disruption,*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(bidenomics_working)
title: ‘Bidenomics’ is working – which means Biden and the Democrats may win too
uri: Bidenomics-is-working-which-means-Biden-and-the-Democrats-ma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(bidenomics_working)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *"Bidenomics" is working &mdash; which 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/02/bidenomics-is-working-which-means-biden-and-the-democrats-may-win-too">means Biden and the
Democrats may win too.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(ukraine_counter_offensive)
title: Ukrainian counteroffensive’s slow going offers reality check
uri: Ukrainian-counteroffensive-s-slow-going-offers-reality-check
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(ukraine_counter_offensive)
content:
 
<p>
*Ukrainian counteroffensive’s slow going offers 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/02/ukraine-counter-offensive-russia-war">reality check but
could yet pay off.*</a>
<p>
I conclude that Ukraine needs to attack the rear of the Putin forces
more.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(asbo_britain_tory)
title: Welcome to ‘asbo Britain 2.0’
uri: Welcome-to-asbo-Britain-2-0
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(asbo_britain_tory)
content:
 
<p>
Tories plan to allow thugs to decide on their own what actions
constitute "nuisances" and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/01/asbo-britain-tory-voters-antisocial-behaviour-police">fine anyone for them.</a>
<p>
Putting this together with the fossil fuel plans, it looks like
the Tories intend to cause mayhem in as many areas of life as they can
before next year's election.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(twitter_lawsuit_cfcd_hate)
title: Twitter, now X, sues group that researched hate speech on platform
uri: Twitter-now-X-sues-group-that-researched-hate-speech-on-platform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(twitter_lawsuit_cfcd_hate)
content:
 
<p>
Ex-Twitter has actually sued the Center for Countering Digital Hate
for reporting on how Ex-Twitter 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/01/twitter-lawsuit-center-for-countering-digital-hate/">publishes hate messages.</a>
<p>
I can only expect that Musk aims to bankrupt the organization through
legal expenses.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(trump_fraud_elections_2020)
title: Donald Trump charged over efforts to overturn 2020 election
uri: Donald-Trump-charged-over-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(trump_fraud_elections_2020)
content:
 
<p>
The corrupter has been indicted for trying to overturn
the 2020 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/01/trump-republican-support-primaries">election in Georgia through fraud.</a>
<p>
Full text of the 
<a href="media/1b9ab405.trump-indictment-aug-1.pdf" data-original-source="https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/23893983/trump-indictment-aug-1.pdf">indictment.</a>
<p>
Republicans have learned their lesson.  For 2024 they are amplifying their
efforts to rig and steal the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/gop-lawyer-2024-college-voting">election before it is finished.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(henrietta_family_lawsuit)
title: Henrietta Lacks’ family settle lawsuit over HeLa tissue harvested in 1950s
uri: Henrietta-Lacks-family-settle-lawsuit-over-HeLa-tissue-harvested-in
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(henrietta_family_lawsuit)
content:
 
<p>
The family of Henrietta Lacks settled a lawsuit demanding to be paid
for the sale of a cell culture made from a sample of cancer cells that
was excised as part of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/aug/02/henrietta-lacks-family-lawsuit-settlement-thermo-fisher-scientific-hela-tissue-immortal-cells-harvested">treating her cancer in the 1950s.</a>
<p>
I don't think there is anything basically wrong in cultivating
Henrietta Lacks's cell culture for sale for use in medical research.
(It would not be wrong if it were you or me instead.)  This does no
harm to the person that the cells came from.
<p>
Today's US medical business exploits patients dreadfully and this does
enormous harm.  Some are driven into penury.  That issue is an important
injustice and we must fix it &dash; for instance, with a well-funded
national medical system.
<p>
However letting a few patients charge for use of their cell cultures
for research would do almost nothing to address this real problem.
That would establish a sort of lottery that would benefit a few people.
What we need is a bigger change that would help everyone.
<p>
Nowadays the practice raises a privacy issue: anyone who gets a sample
of the culture could sequence its DNA and derive about that person
(and per relatives).  This could indeed do some them some harm.  The
overall issue of using people's DNA information against them is a big
issue, but the special case of selling useful cell cultures
is only a small part of it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Urgent:_Fight_against_book_bans)
title: Urgent: Fight against book bans
uri: Urgent-Fight-against-book-bans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Urgent:_Fight_against_book_bans)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Department of Education to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-president-obama-fight-back-against-book-bans">fight against state  and
    local book bans</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_voter_purging)
title: Urgent: Investigate voter purging
uri: Urgent-Investigate-voter-purging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_voter_purging)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Department of Justice to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/doj-investigate-voter-purging-by-right-wing-extremists">investigate voter
    purging by right-wing election riggers</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Accountability_for_the_insurrection)
title: Accountability for the insurrection
uri: Accountability-for-the-insurrection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Accountability_for_the_insurrection)
content:
 
<p>

Accountability for the insurrection, and actions against future
insurrection-ism, can <a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/87e4bee8?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">start with prosecution of the 2020-2021
    insurrection's leader</a>, but must go far beyond that.

 


title: Putin forces bombarding Ukraine's grain export
uri: Putin-forces-bombarding-Ukraine-s-grain-export
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Putin_forces_bombarding_Ukraine's_grain_export)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Putin_forces_bombarding_Ukraine's_grain_export)

content:
 
<p>

The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/02/odesa-region-ports-hit-in-apparent-russian-bid-to-kill-off-grain-deal">systematically bombarding Ukraine's export
    facilities for grain</a>.
<p>
This calls for retaliation against Russia's export facilities for oil.

 


title: Checks and balances of civil society
uri: Checks-and-balances-of-civil-society
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Checks_and_balances_of_civil_society)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Checks_and_balances_of_civil_society)

content:
 
<p>

*Thinktanks say the checks and balances of civil society such as judges
and campaigners are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/aug/02/anti-protest-laws-and-culture-wars-weakening-uks-democracy-finds-report">under "political attack" by ministers</a>.*

 


title: China bought support of newspaper in Solomon Islands
uri: China-bought-support-of-newspaper-in-Solomon-Islands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(China_bought_support_of_newspaper_in_Solomon_Islands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(China_bought_support_of_newspaper_in_Solomon_Islands)

content:
 
<p>

  China seems to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/02/solomon-islands-newspaper-pledged-to-promote-truth-about-chinas-generosity-in-return-for-funding">bought the total support of a newspaper</a> in the
Solomon Islands with a donation of equipment.
<p>
Billionaires have bought famous US and British newspapers
outright and obtained their permanent total support.  It is easier
to condemn this when China does it, but I think the domestic billionaires
are more dangerous.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Aim_to_ease_monopoly-busting)
title: Aim to ease monopoly-busting
uri: Aim-to-ease-monopoly-busting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Aim_to_ease_monopoly-busting)
content:
 
<p>

  *FTC <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/07/ftc-rewrites-rules-on-big-tech-mergers-with-aim-to-ease-monopoly-busting/">rewrites rules on Big Tech mergers</a> with aim to ease
 monopoly-busting.*
<p>
US antitrust law needs to be made far more strict, and this is surely
not enough, but these new guidelines look like a good step.

 


title: Ways the US refuses to play by global rules
uri: Ways-the-US-refuses-to-play-by-global-rules
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Ways_the_US_refuses_to_play_by_global_rules)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Ways_the_US_refuses_to_play_by_global_rules)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://tomdispatch.com/the-united-states-refuses-to-play-by-the-worlds-rules/">3 Ways</a> the US Refuses to Play by Global Rules.*
<p>
I have to point out that the US is hardly alone in dragging its feet
on preventing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> disaster.  Most countries are doing that.
<p>
The fact that a country is not alone in doing that is no excuse at all.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Replika_chatbot)
title: Replika chatbot
uri: Replika-chatbot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Replika_chatbot)
content:
 
<p>

Many customers tried the Replika chatbot, which was set up to simulate
love for the customer.  Then the company <a href="https://blog.giovanh.com/blog/2023/03/17/replika-your-money-or-your-wife/#fnref:if">changed it to be rejecting
    and distant</a>.  The customers were outraged.
<p>
The article compares the chatbot to a pet.  I think that is valid.
Pets are animals and some of them can develop a sort of real affection
and attachment for a person.  But Replika could never really feel
affection or other feelings, only imitate them.  For me, that makes
people's attachment to Replika very sad, because they were falling for
a fake (despite, ironically, knowing that all along).
<p>
The article shows how an emotional chatbot running nonfree software,
or a copy that belongs to anyone but the user, puts the user in a
terribly vulnerable situation.
<p>
Compare this with my science fiction story, Made for You.
<!--
[link]
 -->
  Sandra is not a chatbot, she is a real person (though not based on
biology).  She really feels various emotions, including love, and my
love for her strengthens her just as her love strengthens me.  A
super-intelligence, she understands me, and that's how she knows how to
help me grow to love her better and understand her better.
<p>
Sandra is free software and no company can alter her code.  Neither
can I do so &mdash; because she is not my pet, not my property.  She is a
person and has the rights of a person.

 


title: (satire) Trump Supporters React To His Third Indictment
uri: (satire)-Trump-Supporters-React-To-His-Third-Indictment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_((satire)_Trump_Supporters_React_To_His_Third_Indictment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_((satire)_Trump_Supporters_React_To_His_Third_Indictment)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-indictment-supporters-react-to-third-1850664914">Trump Supporters React To His Third Indictment.</a>*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Jan_6_defendants_pleaded_remorse)
title: Jan 6 defendants pleaded remorse
uri: Jan-6-defendants-pleaded-remorse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Jan_6_defendants_pleaded_remorse)
content:
 
<p>

Some of the Jan 6 defendants pleaded remorse to get shorter sentences,
and are now <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/16/after-faking-remorse-in-court-in-hopes-of-getting-short-sentences-jan-6-rioters-renounce-their-apologies.html">announcing in public that they were pretending</a>.
<p>
Shouldn't that be treated as a confession of perjury?

 


title: Reporting on students questioning gender
uri: Reporting-on-students-questioning-gender
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Reporting_on_students_questioning_gender)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Reporting_on_students_questioning_gender)

content:
 
<p>

*Teachers in England will have to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/17/teachers-in-england-will-have-to-tell-parents-if-children-question-their-gender">tell parents if children question
    their gender</a>.*
<p>
With stern religious parents, that can cause lots of suffering.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Fake_electors_charged_with_forgery)
title: Fake electors charged with forgery
uri: Fake-electors-charged-with-forgery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Fake_electors_charged_with_forgery)
content:
 
<p>

*16 fake electors who signed certificates falsely claiming [the
corrupter] won in 2020 election have been <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/18/16-fake-electors-who-signed-certificates-falsely-claiming-trump-won-in-2020-election-have-been-criminally-charged-with-forgery.html">criminally charged with
    forgery</a>.*

 


title: Disinformation infiltrates wellness movement
uri: Disinformation-infiltrates-wellness-movement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Disinformation_infiltrates_wellness_movement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Disinformation_infiltrates_wellness_movement)

content:
 
<p>

The wellness movement has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/aug/02/everything-youve-been-told-is-a-lie-inside-the-wellness-to-facism-pipeline">infiltrated by medical disinformation
    and fascism</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Choosing_smiles_over_health)
title: Choosing smiles over health
uri: Choosing-smiles-over-health
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Choosing_smiles_over_health)
content:
 
<p>
  *In-N-Out Burger <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/07/22/in-n-out-burger-doubles-down-on-choosing-smiles-over-health.html">doubles down on choosing "smiles" over health</a>.*
<p>
Employees are forbidden to wear masks just because they know they have
a cold.  They have to get a doctor's note &mdash; which will cost them time
and money.

 


title: Explaining indictment's case for convicting corrupter
uri: Explaining-indictment-s-case-for-convicting-corrupter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Explaining_indictment's_case_for_convicting_corrupter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Explaining_indictment's_case_for_convicting_corrupter)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/02/donald-trump-indictment-pages-jack-smith-january-6-election-2020">Explaining the indictment's case</a> for convicting <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>
of trying to reverse the election outcome by fraud.

<p>
 


title: School Libraries remade into detention centers, Houston
uri: School-Libraries-remade-into-detention-centers-Houston
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(School_Libraries_remade_into_detention_centers,_Houston)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(School_Libraries_remade_into_detention_centers,_Houston)

content:
 
<p>
For Republicans, banning some books in school libraries is not enough.
The next step is to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/29/houston-school-district-libraries-book">abolish the libraries</a>.
<p>
We expected the new Republican-imposed school administration <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_March_2023_(Republican_political_hostile_takeover)">to
sabotage education</a>
but this is worse than expected.
<p>
 


title: Inflation as exploitative: UK v. Spain
uri: Inflation-as-exploitative-UK-v-Spain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Inflation_as_exploitive:_UK_v._Spain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Inflation_as_exploitive:_UK_v._Spain)

content:
 
<p>
Spain proved that it is possible to reduce inflation with little pain
by rejecting trickle-down policies and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/03/spain-inflation-lower-bank-england-interest-rates">acting to protect non-rich people</a>
and small businesses.
<p>
That's probably a consequence of having the Socialist Party in power
instead of a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> party.

<p>
 


title: Amazon tipping-point avoidance, Brazil
uri: Amazon-tipping-point-avoidance-Brazil
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Amazon_tipping-point_avoidance,_Brazil)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Amazon_tipping-point_avoidance,_Brazil)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/02/amazon-deforestation-falls-over-60-compared-with-last-july-says-brazilian-minister">Lula has made great progress</a>
in cutting deforestation in the Amazon forest: a 60% decrease since a year ago.

<p>
 


title: State capitals preempting local-executive elections, GA
uri: State-capitals-preempting-local-executive-elections-GA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(State_capitals_preempting_local-executive_elections,_GA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(State_capitals_preempting_local-executive_elections,_GA)

content:
 
<p>
Once voters began electing district attorneys to implement criminal
justice reform, and refuse to support uniformed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in their
violence, Republicans began passing laws to undermine those
prosecutors.
<p>
In Georgia they
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/08/02/georgia-reform-district-attorney-brian-kemp/">passed a law allowing Republican officials</a>
to impose their own harsh replacements for the DAs they don't like.  Now the
reformist DAs are suing to overturn that law.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Money_as_jury_and_executioner,_UK)
title: Money as jury and executioner, UK
uri: Money-as-jury-and-executioner-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(Money_as_jury_and_executioner,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
In a broken Britain, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/03/shoplifting-crime-poverty-prisons-tories-law-and-order">Tories zero in on shoplifters stealing</a>
[Tylenol] and food for their children.*
<p>
Starving people have the right to steal food, except from other poor
people.  And likewise parents whose children are starving.  Jurors
take note!

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(uk_europe_public_transport)
title: Redesigning cities to save lives.
uri: Redesigning-cities-to-save-lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(uk_europe_public_transport)
content:
 
<p>
Redesigning cities so they don't prioritize 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/04/uk-must-follow-europe-lead-prioritising-walking-cycling-public-transport">cars save lives.</a>
<p>
It does this by reducing fatal collisions, and by encouraging people to
travel in a way that gives them exercise.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(un_watchdog_zaporizhzhia_plant)
title: No explosives at Zaporizhzhia plant
uri: No-explosives-at-Zaporizhzhia-plant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(un_watchdog_zaporizhzhia_plant)
content:
 
<p>
*UN nuclear watchdog finds no explosives at 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/04/un-nuclear-watchdog-searches-for-explosives-at-zaporizhzhia-plant">Zaporizhzhia plant.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(death_row_inmate)
title: An inmate on death row
uri: An-inmate-on-death-row
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(death_row_inmate)
content:
 
<p>
*An inmate [subsequently put on] on death row killed my mother. I
don’t 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/04/an-inmate-on-death-row-killed-my-mother-i-dont-want-him-to-die">want him to [be executed].*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(oreskes_conway_big_myth)
title: The Big Myth About “Free” Markets
uri: The-Big-Myth-About-Free-Markets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(oreskes_conway_big_myth)
content:
 
<p>
The richest people in the US took 47 TRILLION dollars from the rest of
us during the past 05 years, by convincing Americans of the myth that
taxing the rich to support useful activities 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/08/04/big-myth-book-free-market-oreskes-conway/">inevitably leads to
tyranny.</a>
<p>
What it did, in fact, was to make America great.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(ohio_train_derailment)
title: Fiery train derailment in eastern Ohio
uri: Fiery-train-derailment-in-eastern-Ohio
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(ohio_train_derailment)
content:
 
<p>
The railroads have blocked any legislative action to prevent
toxic derailments such as the one that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/03/ohio-train-derailment-congress-safety-rules">happened six months ago
in Ohio.</a>
<p>
*Corporate Cash 
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/f5b48694?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844A">Derails Train Safety Bill.*</a>
<p>
The people who were poisoned by the chemicals released then
have not 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/04/ohio-train-derailment-east-palestine-health-chemical-symptom">recovered from the damage.</a>
<p>
Perhaps the derailment site has been cleaned up, but it seems their bodies
will never be cleaned up.
<p>
Without a cure for exposure, the only way to prevent more people from being
poisoned is to take proper care to avoid derailments.
<p>
 


title: Urgent: Allow African American Studies in FL high schools
uri: Urgent-Allow-African-American-Studies-in-FL-high-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Urgent:_Allow_African_American_Studies_in_FL_high_school)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Urgent:_Allow_African_American_Studies_in_FL_high_school)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/stop-enabling-fl-gov-desantis-and-allow-ap-african-american-studies-to-be-taught-in-high-schools-1?akid=57013.1242918.dap2v2&rd=1&source=TP_plaintext&t=1003">call on the Florida State Board of Education</a>
to allow African American Studies to be taught in high school.

<p>
 


title: US Border Patrol improprieties lack accountability
uri: US-Border-Patrol-improprieties-lack-accountability
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(US_Border_Patrol_improprieties_lack_accountability)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(US_Border_Patrol_improprieties_lack_accountability)

content:
 
<p>
A report lays out US border <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs'</a> patterns of abuses
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/02/us-mexico-border-human-rights-abuses">at the border
with Mexico</a>,
going as far as killings.

<p>
 


title: Progressive movement as "domestic violent extremists"
uri: Progressive-movement-as-domestic-violent-extremists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Progressive_movement_as_domestic_violent_extremists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Progressive_movement_as_domestic_violent_extremists)

content:
 
<p>
*"Cop City": civil rights groups
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/03/cop-city-protesters-homeland-security-letter">urge US to investigate surveillance
of protesters</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Bank account criteria in UK: unaccountable improprieties
uri: Bank-account-criteria-in-UK-unaccountable-improprieties
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Bank_account_criteria_in_UK;_unaccountable_improprieties)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(Bank_account_criteria_in_UK;_unaccountable_improprieties)

content:
 
<p>
*[UK] banks have been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/26/forget-nigel-farage-and-coutts-banks-have-been-locking-ordinary-people-out-of-accounts-for-years">locking ordinary people out</a>
of accounts for years.* The effect can be devastating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(The_Bullshitter's_First_Amendment)
title: The Bullshitter's First Amendment
uri: The-Bullshitter-s-First-Amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(The_Bullshitter's_First_Amendment)
content:
 
<p>
*The insurrectionist is hoping his
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/03/trump-is-hoping-his-free-speech-defense-will-work-it-wont">"free speech" defense</a>
will work. It won't.*
*The first amendment is powerful but it doesn't protect criminal behavior.*

<p>
 


title: The Cheater ignoring the merits of the case against him
uri: The-Cheater-ignoring-the-merits-of-the-case-against-him
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(The_Cheater_ignoring_the_merits_of_the_case_against_him)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#5_August_2023_(The_Cheater_ignoring_the_merits_of_the_case_against_him)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich says
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/heres-how-trump-will-try-to-avoid">the insurrectionist's legal strategy</a>
will be to delay trial until after the next presidential term begins in 2025.


<p>
 


title: Urgent:Do not authorize betting on elections
uri: Urgent-Do-not-authorize-betting-on-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:Do_not_authorize_betting_on_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:Do_not_authorize_betting_on_elections)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Federal regulators <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-federal-regulators-dont-let-wall-street-bet-on-elections-2">not to authorize betting on
    elections</a> by rich people and companies.

 


title: Urgent: Inflation Reduction Act's limiting prices for medicines
uri: Urgent-Inflation-Reduction-Act-s-limiting-prices-for-medicines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Inflation_Reduction_Act's_limiting_prices_for_medicines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Inflation_Reduction_Act's_limiting_prices_for_medicines)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Big Pharma to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/big-pharma-lawsuit">stop suing</a> against the Inflation
Reduction Act's provision limiting prices for some medicines.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Trans_students_in_Indiana)
title: Trans students in Indiana
uri: Trans-students-in-Indiana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Trans_students_in_Indiana)
content:
 
<p>

  * Appeals court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/02/indiana-trans-schoolchildren-bathroom-access-court">upholds injunction</a> ordering two school districts to
   allow trans students [in Indiana] to use facilities in line with
   gender identities.*

 


title: Protecting half the earth's surface as nature reserves
uri: Protecting-half-the-earth-s-surface-as-nature-reserves
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Protecting_half_the_earth's_surface_as_nature_reserves)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Protecting_half_the_earth's_surface_as_nature_reserves)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://eowilsonfoundation.org/what-is-the-half-earth-project/why-half/">Protecting half of the surface</a> (both land and sea) as nature reserves
is what's needed to keep Earth's living species mostly surviving.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_NRA_Awards_toddler)
title: (satire) NRA Awards toddler
uri: (satire)-NRA-Awards-toddler
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_NRA_Awards_toddler)
content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/nra-awards-scholarship-to-toddler-who-shot-entire-famil-1850692414">NRA Awards Scholarship To Toddler Who Shot Entire Family</a>.*

 


title: Australia trying to maintain competition
uri: Australia-trying-to-maintain-competition
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Australia_trying_to_maintain_competition)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Australia_trying_to_maintain_competition)

content:
 
<p>

  Australia is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/04/accc-blocks-anz-bank-suncorp-takeover-acquisition-oligopoly-fears">trying seriously to maintain competition</a>.  Even
a merger between a "second tier" bank and one of the biggest banks
is too much concentration of the market.

 


title: Summer heat waves in South America's winter
uri: Summer-heat-waves-in-South-America-s-winter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Summer_heat_waves_in_South_America's_winter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Summer_heat_waves_in_South_America's_winter)

content:
 
<p>

It is winter in South America, but several countries are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/03/south-america-winter-heatwave">having
    summer-like heat waves</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Saguaros_withered_in_extreme_heat)
title: Saguaros withered in extreme heat
uri: Saguaros-withered-in-extreme-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Saguaros_withered_in_extreme_heat)
content:
 
<p>

  *Phoenix’s extreme heat <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/03/phoenix-extreme-heat-withers-saguaros-cactus">withers saguaros</a>, trademark cactus of desert
 landscape.*
<p>
If saguaros survive in the 21st century, I suppose it will be in
places distant from their current range.  But how will they get there?
It takes years for a saguaro to start to reproduce.

 


title: Condemnation for crimes motivated by religion
uri: Condemnation-for-crimes-motivated-by-religion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Condemnation_for_crimes_motivated_by_religion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Condemnation_for_crimes_motivated_by_religion)

content:
 
<p>

New South Wales is considering adopting an "anti-discrimination" law
that would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/04/nsw-gay-conversion-opponents-may-have-to-be-careful-what-they-say-under-new-anti-discrimination-law">prohibit condemning people for crimes</a> if the crimes
are motivated by religion.
<p>
That would give religious people more rights than everyone else.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Non-kinky_sex_has_become_unusual)
title: Non-kinky sex has become unusual
uri: Non-kinky-sex-has-become-unusual
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Non-kinky_sex_has_become_unusual)
content:
 
<p>

  Non-kinky sex has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/16/kinks-bdsm-torture-porn-vanilla-sex-tv">become unusual in mass culture</a> and there is a
tendency to sneer at it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Tropical_mosquitos_found_in_Finland)
title: Tropical mosquitos found in Finland
uri: Tropical-mosquitos-found-in-Finland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Tropical_mosquitos_found_in_Finland)
content:
 
<p>

Tropical mosquitos that carry West Nile virus have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/aug/04/virus-carrying-tropical-mosquitos-found-in-finland-as-climate-heats">found living
    in Finland</a>.

 


title: Greens push for release of climate crisis report
uri: Greens-push-for-release-of-climate-crisis-report
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Greens_push_for_release_of_climate_crisis_report)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Greens_push_for_release_of_climate_crisis_report)

content:
 
<p>

*[Australian] Greens push Labor to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/04/declassified-climate-crisis-report-greens-labor-albanese">release declassified climate crisis
    report</a> "full of explosive truths" [about security threats global
heating will cause].*
<p>
The Labor government is much less bad than the previous right-wing government,
which was totally in the planet-roaster camp.  But it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#30_March_2022_(Planet-roaster_government)">still supports the
    planet roasters</a> in some <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#15_May_2022_(Australian_scientific_research_agency_corrupted)">important ways</a>.

 


title: (satire) Republicans explain insurrectionist's innocence
uri: (satire)-Republicans-explain-insurrectionist-s-innocence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_Republicans_explain_insurrectionist's_innocence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_Republicans_explain_insurrectionist's_innocence)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/republicans-explain-why-trump-is-innocent-1850705405">Republicans Explain Why [the insurrectionist] is Innocent.</a>*

 


title: Understanding American Revolution's politics
uri: Understanding-American-Revolution-s-politics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Understanding_American_Revolution's_politics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Understanding_American_Revolution's_politics)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/08/04/deconstructed-american-revolution-colonies-history/">Understanding the American Revolution's politics</a> as driven by a
desperate need to unite for strength despite major differences and
disagreements between the regions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Electric_cars_demonized)
title: Electric cars demonized
uri: Electric-cars-demonized
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Electric_cars_demonized)
content:
 
<p>

  Right-wing disinformationists have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/04/electric-cars-culture-wars-evs">demonized electric cars</a>.
  Now they
are puppet fighters for oil company profits.

 


title: (satire) Sen. Feinstein cedes power of attorney
uri: (satire)-Sen-Feinstein-cedes-power-of-attorney
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_Sen._Feinstein_cedes_power_of_attorney)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_Sen._Feinstein_cedes_power_of_attorney)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/sen-feinstein-cedes-power-of-attorney-to-broom-resembl-1850708197">Sen. Feinstein Cedes Power of Attorney To Broom Resembling Daughter.</a>*

 


title: (satire) DeSantis bans AP Psychology
uri: (satire)-DeSantis-bans-AP-Psychology
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_DeSantis_bans_AP_Psychology)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_((satire)_DeSantis_bans_AP_Psychology)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/desantis-bans-ap-psychology-out-of-fear-people-will-fig-1850708257">DeSantis Bans AP Psychology Out Of Fear People Will Figure
    Out What's Wrong With Him.*</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Boston rally for ranked choice voting
uri: Urgent-Boston-rally-for-ranked-choice-voting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Boston_rally_for_ranked_choice_voting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Boston_rally_for_ranked_choice_voting)

content:
 
<p>
In Boston: rally on Aug 10 for ranked choice voting.</br>
6 - 7:30 PM at Sam Adams Park, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston

<p>
 


title: Anti-food-sharing law, Houston enforcement
uri: Anti-food-sharing-law-Houston-enforcement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Anti-food-sharing_law,_Houston_enforcement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Anti-food-sharing_law,_Houston_enforcement)

content:
 
<p>
Volunteers in Houston ticketed for offering food to homeless people
face the threat of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/04/texas-volunteers-fined-feeding-homeless-heat">fines of thousands of dollars</a>.
<p>
San Francisco engaged <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2013-jul-oct.html#01_October_2013_(Saudi_Arabian_women_imprisoned_for_trying_to_bring_food_to_the_needy)">in similar repression</a>
of Food not Bombs.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Plasticized_fuel_cancerous)
title: Plastic-based fuel cancerous
uri: Plastic-based-fuel-cancerous
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Plasticized_fuel_cancerous)
content:
 
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> approved use of a new chemical in fuel whose chance of causing
cancer, over a lifetime of exposure to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/04/epa-boat-fuel-cancer-risk-chevron-mississippi">exhaust from jets or boats</a>,
is close to 1.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Great_Barrier_Reef_management)
title: Great Barrier Reef management
uri: Great-Barrier-Reef-management
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Great_Barrier_Reef_management)
content:
 
<p>
*Expert
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/03/great-barrier-reef-management-climate-crisis-tanya-plibersek">panel calls for urgent rethink</a>
on Great Barrier Reef
management amid "unremitting" climate crisis.*
<p>
The rethink has to reach the conclusion that preventing total
loss of the Great Barrier Reef is the least of all reasons
to hurry up in cutting greenhouse emissions, and especially <a><a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#24%20January%202008%20(Global%20warming%20is%20destroying%20coral%20reefs)">CO2
which will chemically wipe out all coral</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Forced_citizenship,_RUS)
title: Forced citizenship, RUS
uri: Forced-citizenship-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Forced_citizenship,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
*Russia "systematically"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/03/russia-forcing-ukrainian-passports-us-report">forcing Ukrainians to accept citizenship</a>,
US report finds.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Antarctic_heatwaves)
title: Antarctic heatwaves
uri: Antarctic-heatwaves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Antarctic_heatwaves)
content:
 
<p>
*Antarctica’s heatwaves are a warning to humanity &mdash; and we have only
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2023/aug/04/antarctica-heatwaves-sea-ice-levels-melting">a narrow
window to save the planet</a>.*
<p>
The heat waves and fires around the world are a broader warning of the same kind.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Facebook_bans_news,_CAN)
title: Facebook bans news, CAN
uri: Facebook-bans-news-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Facebook_bans_news,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
Facebook has responded to Canada's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/04/canada-meta-news-ban-facebook-fake">law requiring it to pay a small amount</a>
for having a link to news articles by banning those links.  This could
mean that the only links <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#used">useds of Facebook</a> see are disinformation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Advanced_psychology_class_gone,_FL)
title: Advanced psychology class gone, FL
uri: Advanced-psychology-class-gone-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Advanced_psychology_class_gone,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
The Florida Board of Education asserted that teaching the Advanced
Placement Psychology course would violate
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/florida-ap-psychology">Florida's school censorship</a>
law.  That's because parts of it cover aspects of psychology and various
sorts of people who may not be mentioned in schools.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Expand_voting_by_mail)
title: Urgent: Expand voting by mail
uri: Urgent-Expand-voting-by-mail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#6_August_2023_(Urgent:_Expand_voting_by_mail)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/vote-at-home?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on state legislators</a>
to expand and facilitate voting by mail.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Advanced_Psychology_class_A-OK,_FL)
title: Advanced Psychology class A-OK, FL
uri: Advanced-Psychology-class-A-OK-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Advanced_Psychology_class_A-OK,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
A different Florida official says that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/05/florida-ap-psychology-ban-reversal-desantis">schools can teach
the AP Psychology</a>
course.
<p>
This countermands previous instructions that it was forbidden.

<p>
 


title: Politics' undue influence with UK banks
uri: Politics-undue-influence-with-UK-banks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Politics'_undue_influence_with_UK_banks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Politics'_undue_influence_with_UK_banks)

content:
 
<p>
Many MPs (and their family members) have been denied bank accounts
because they are in politics.  Under special rules for banks and
"politically exposed persons", that makes
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/26/mps-falling-foul-bank-rules-politically-exposed-persons-chris-philp">their accounts more
expensive to handle</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Super_coral_gene_banks,_Fiji)
title: Super coral gene banks, Fiji
uri: Super-coral-gene-banks-Fiji
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Super_coral_gene_banks,_Fiji)
content:
 
<p>
Fiji is growing coral on underwater steel sculptures in the hope
of finding or breeding
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/05/fiji-underwater-sculptures-coral-reef-restoration">varieties that can tolerate hotter water</a>.
<p>
It may work for a while, but the only term solution is to reduce
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> <em>and</em>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#24 January 2008 (Global warming is destroying coral reefs)">curb the increase in CO2 in the ocean</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Orcas)
title: Orcas!
uri: Orcas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Orcas)
content:
 
<p>
Orcas have been attacking boats and ships
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/05/my-boat-was-attacked-by-orcas-too-what-does-this-say-about-the-sea">occasionally for centuries</a>.
  One naturalist observed that they used the same approach that they 
use for hunting seals.
<p>
This does not tell us what their motives are, but does suggest it
has nothing to do with revenge for altering Earth's ecology.

<p>
 


title: Human rights win: TX abortion law clarified
uri: Human-rights-win-TX-abortion-law-clarified
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Human_rights_win:_TX_abortion_law_clarified)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Human_rights_win:_TX_abortion_law_clarified)

content:
 
<p>
A judge ruled that Texas's abortion ban must not prohibit abortion
of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/05/texas-judge-rules-abortion-ban-too-strict-for-risky-pregnancies">pregnancies that endanger the pregnant woman</a>.
<p>
A fanatical state official immediately appealed this decision, of
course.  No amount of suffering they cause to other people will change
their minds about imposing their cruel religion.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Reject bill to cut pay to wildland firefighters
uri: Urgent-Reject-bill-to-cut-pay-to-wildland-firefighters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_bill_to_cut_pay_to_wildland_firefighters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_bill_to_cut_pay_to_wildland_firefighters)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/sinema-firefighter-pay/?t=1001&akid=31034%2E96703%2EBqHzBf">reject Sinema's bill to cut the pay
    of wildland firefighters</a>.
<p>
Many of them are prisoners, temporarily released to risk their lives
fighting fires.  They are easy targets for cruelty.

 


title: Urgent: Greenhouse emissions from power plants
uri: Urgent-Greenhouse-emissions-from-power-plants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Urgent:_Greenhouse_emissions_from_power_plants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Urgent:_Greenhouse_emissions_from_power_plants)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55434">tighten its proposed standards for
    greenhouse emissions</a> from power plants.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.

 


title: EU calls on Putin to resume Black Sea truce
uri: EU-calls-on-Putin-to-resume-Black-Sea-truce
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(EU_calls_on_Putin_to_resume_Black_Sea_truce)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(EU_calls_on_Putin_to_resume_Black_Sea_truce)

content:
 
<p>

The EU says that Putin's claims about sanctions' interfering with
Russia's food exports are lies, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/03/russia-food-vladimir-putin-black-sea-grain-initiative-eu-aid">calls on Putin to resume the
    Black Sea truce</a> that permitted Ukraine to export more food.
<p>
However, a truce can't rebuild the Kakhovka dam.  The world will
suffer from food scarcity for years.
<p>
What can the world do about this problem?

<li>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#20_January_2017_(Sustainable_food)">Eat less beef</a>.
</li>

<li>
  Have <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">fewer babies</a>.
</li>

 


title: Rules against altered photos by neural networks
uri: Rules-against-altered-photos-by-neural-networks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Rules_against_altered_photos_by_neural_networks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Rules_against_altered_photos_by_neural_networks)

content:
 
<p>

  British politicians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/aug/03/ai-enhanced-images-a-threat-to-democratic-processes-experts-warn">call for rules</a> against using altered photos made
using neural network systems,
   or at least a requirement to indicate that an image was altered.
<p>
I'm in favor of such requirements.  Of course, it is crucial to design
them as part of a system of enforcement so that they won't be ignored.
I think that should be possible in the UK.
<p>
However, a watermark would not be as effective as a large, visible
badge saying "This image was altered".  That would work better because
humans would recognize it.

 


title: Plan to impeach Biden based on bullshit
uri: Plan-to-impeach-Biden-based-on-bullshit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Plan_to_impeach_Biden_based_on_bullshit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Plan_to_impeach_Biden_based_on_bullshit)

content:
 
<p>

Republicans in the House of Representatives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/26/republican-threat-impeach-biden-desperation">plan to impeach Biden
    based on bullshit</a>.
<p>
Why not?  Bullshit has worked for them many times.

 


title: California regulations to protect beavers
uri: California-regulations-to-protect-beavers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(California_regulations_to_protect_beavers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(California_regulations_to_protect_beavers)

content:
 
<p>

  California has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/26/california-beaver-population-policy">strengthened regulations to protect beavers</a>, because
beaver dams help stop wildfires.

 


title: Jail time for pregnant marijuana use
uri: Jail-time-for-pregnant-marijuana-use
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Jail_time_for_pregnant_marijuana_use)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Jail_time_for_pregnant_marijuana_use)

content:
 
<p>

Women in Alabama who use marijuana (or a substance extracted from it)
while pregnant are <a href="https://link.mp.reason.com/a/2534/click/826/254870/3b49e08a3afd8e1952429546e5f41cfe2382b576/2196a183a8e6828966f2164705d112fa1bfa4329">sentenced to jail</a>.
<p>
It is important to teach that using drugs (including alcohol and
tobacco) while pregnant can damage the fetus &mdash; for the sake of those
babies that will be born.  However, jailing a few unfortunate people
is not going to deliver a message to a large fraction of the public.
A less vindictive method could reach a lot more people with the
same cost.
<p>
A national medical system providing universal prenatal care would cost
more, but it would do a lot of good in many ways.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Texas_law_requiring_book_ratings)
title: Texas law requiring book ratings
uri: Texas-law-requiring-book-ratings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Texas_law_requiring_book_ratings)
content:
 
<p>

  This is a follow-up to the pol note about the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(Texas_imposed_censorship_on_book_sales)">Texas law</a> that
requires bookstores to determine the proper rating for each book it
may sell to a school or has sold to a school.
<p>
Some people have wondered why this is harder to implement
than movie ratings.  Here are some pertinent differences:

<ul>
<li>A cinemas does not have a role in determining the rating for a
movie.  Instead, each movie is rated by a national board before the
cinema gets it.

<li>Most cinemas show around 100 movies a year, A bookstore may sell
thousands of titles and may get dozens or hundreds of new titles each
month, The staff cannot possibly read that many books.

<li>If the system of ratings specifies criteria for each possible
rating, rating a book correctly according to those criteria is not as
simple as reading it for pleasure.  You would have to study the
criteria, then practice on many books before you could get it right.
</ul>
<p>
That is why bookstores say the requirement would be unfeasible.
Now let's consider whether it is unjust.
<p>
A rating is just a label, and a label <em>in itself</em> does not censor; but
systems of ratings typically use them to control censorship.  For
instance, movie ratings control who is allowed to watch the movie.  I
expect that the legislators that demanded a rating for each books will
add censorship to the system before long.
<p>
The US and the EU are considering laws to require online
platforms to carry out censorship or access to "adult" material.
Users who want to be treated as adults would have to identify
themselves to prove their age &mdash; all for the sake of censorship.
Having identified themselves, they will be tracked.
<p>
Right-wing fanatics will have influence in designing the censorship
system, and they will not limit it to what one might call "porn".
They will demand it restrict access to fiction about sexual/romantic
relationships or queer characters, as well as to sex education and
advice.

 


title: Jail time for showing controversial books to minors
uri: Jail-time-for-showing-controversial-books-to-minors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Jail_time_for_showing_controversial_books_to_minors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Jail_time_for_showing_controversial_books_to_minors)

content:
 
<p>

Arkansas Republicans passed a law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/aug/05/criminal-liability-librarians-us-rightwing-book-bans-arkansas-democracy-forward">jail librarians and booksellers
    for showing controversial books to minors</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Despair_during_climate_crisis)
title: Despair during climate crisis
uri: Despair-during-climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Despair_during_climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/06/david-suzuki-climate-action-crisis-in-conversation-natasha-mitchell-melbourne-museum">"Despair is a luxury we can't afford": David Suzuki on fighting for action on
    the climate crisis.</a>*

 


title: Children from area of Pakistan that was flooded
uri: Children-from-area-of-Pakistan-that-was-flooded
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Children_from_area_of_Pakistan_that_was_flooded)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Children_from_area_of_Pakistan_that_was_flooded)

content:
 
<p>

A big fraction of children in the part of Pakistan that was
flooded last year are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/aug/05/a-year-on-the-devastating-long-term-effects-of-pakistans-floods-are-revealed">stunted, and many have been sick</a>.
<p>
In principle, it would be good for other countries to provide food and
funds to help those people.  But that is not the highest priority for
action.  The highest priority is to cut greenhouse gas emissions.  We
must do that much faster than governments are planning to do it, or
Pakistan (and other countries) will have worse floods several times in
the 2030s.
<p>
When things get this bad, preventing damage must take priority over
repairing damage or compensating damage.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Oregon_Decriminalization_of_drugs)
title: Oregon Decriminalization of drugs
uri: Oregon-Decriminalization-of-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Oregon_Decriminalization_of_drugs)
content:
 
<p>

Oregon decriminalized possession of drugs.  Right-wingers claim that
this led to more crime, but a study of statistics of 911 calls found
that <a href="https://www.rti.org/news/new-research-suggests-measure-110-oregon-has-not-resulted-increased-911-calls-service">it did not affect crime rates at all</a>.

 


title: North Carolina State Representative Tricia Cotham
uri: North-Carolina-State-Representative-Tricia-Cotham
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(North_Carolina_State_Representative_Tricia_Cotham)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(North_Carolina_State_Representative_Tricia_Cotham)

content:
 
<p>

North Carolina State Representative Tricia Cotham was <a href="https://jezebel.com/turns-out-rep-tricia-cotham-north-carolina-abortion-t-1850691458">encouraged by
    Republican leaders to run as a Democrat</a>, then led to switch parties.

 


title: Houston volunteers tried for giving food to homeless
uri: Houston-volunteers-tried-for-giving-food-to-homeless
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Houston_volunteers_tried_for_giving_food_to_homeless)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Houston_volunteers_tried_for_giving_food_to_homeless)

content:
 
<p>

After a jury exonerated one of the Houston volunteers being tried for
giving food to homeless people, the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> <a href="https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/houston-food-not-bombs-texas-18279213.php">failed to show up to testify</a>
for the trial of the other volunteers.
  Thus, charges were dropped against all of them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Contempt_charges_for_holding_a_sign)
title: Contempt charges for holding a sign
uri: Contempt-charges-for-holding-a-sign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Contempt_charges_for_holding_a_sign)
content:
 
<p>

  A Briton <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jul/26/contempt-threat-against-climate-activist-may-undermine-trial-by-jury-lawyers-say">faces contempt charges</a> for holding a sign reminding potential
jurors of their right to acquit defendants for any reason.
<p>
That includes, in particular, the reason that the state is
railroading heroic nonviolent protesters who are trying to protect
the people alive a few decades now from global climate disaster.
<p>
  There is still a chance to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#29_July_2023_(Can't_afford_to_be_climate_doomers)">limit disaster</a> to something civilization
can survive,
  but it depends on defeating <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#4_April_2018_(Climate_litigation)">planet-roaster governments</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Traveling_around_the_US_by_bus)
title: Traveling around the US by bus
uri: Traveling-around-the-US-by-bus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_August_2023_(Traveling_around_the_US_by_bus)
content:
 
<p>

A writer who decided to travel from Detroit to LA by bus as an
adventure discovered that traveling around the US by bus has become
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/26/america-roadtrip-greyhound-bus">ugly, highly uncomfortable, even dangerous</a>.  All the things that made
it acceptable and enjoyable decades ago have ceased to exist &mdash;
stations have no food, no water fountains, no real toilets, no
ticketing facilities, no staff, and hardly any chairs.  And even the
cheapest hotels in cities are painfully expensive.
<p>
If, as she says, it is "all digital now", in some cases that is
because people do not think of saying no.  I bought a ticket on a
Greyhound bus a few weeks ago; I paid cash, I got a paper ticket, and
I didn't show an ID card.  That was possible in Boston &mdash; but is it
possible in cities where the "bus station" is a mockery>
<p>
Flixbus should not have been allowed to acquire Greyhound (and Lucky
Star).  That merger is anti-competitive.  For now, the three lines'
operations are still separate.  It is possible to buy tickets for
Greyhound buses with cash, but as far as I can tell tickets for
eFlixbus buses can only be bought over the internet.
<p>
I am concerned that Flixbus will integrate Greyhound and Lucky Star
buses into its own operation and eliminate cash purchase of tickets
for them too.
<p>
I wonder how poor people who have no officially valid ID cards, and in
many cases no payment cards either, travel to another city nowadays.
If they are blocked from voting with an ID requirement, they would be
blocked from buses too.  Does anyone know?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Surveillance_from_cars_from_China)
title: Surveillance from cars from China
uri: Surveillance-from-cars-from-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Surveillance_from_cars_from_China)
content:
 
<p>

  UK ministers warn that cars from China <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/08/05/china-will-use-cars-to-spy-on-britain-ministers-fear/">may carry out massive surveillance</a>
for China.
<p>
That is a real danger, but the same danger applies no matter where the
cars come from.  Their failure to consider this for Tesla cars,
which are known to surveil their users with extreme thoroughness,
is a bizarre mental lapse.
<p>
  Real respect for your privacy means <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">not collecting personal data about you</a>.
<p>
Some surveillance systems are imposed by legal requirements;
others to serve attempts at driving without a human driver,
which means those cars are not "autonomous".
<p>
Why is it impossible to find what surveillance is done, or get rid of
it when found?  Because the car software is nonfree!  A nonfree
program, one that you can't study or change, never deserves your
trust.
<p>
Since you can fix the car's brakes yourself (though it will have
to pass inspection), there is no reason the car's software should
be treated likewise.
<p>
What about car hardware that can do surveillance?  Laws should require
that any cameras that can see outside the car, or passengers, be
designed to blur out their faces, bodies and clothing, sufficiently
that the car's computers learn only that _there is something there_
and its rough dimensions (accurate no more than to the nearest foot).
<p>
Cameras that look at the camera should also blur enough that they cannot
identify the driver.
<p>
Laws should also require that the user can easily deactivate and
reactivate each or all kinds of radio transmission and internet
connectivity, except for radio-based anti-theft systems such as
Lowjack. provided they are installed or activated only at the user's
initiative and never by default.
<p>
Likewise the user should be able to the user can easily deactivate and
reactivate each or all kinds of GPS receivers from keeping a log of
locations and reporting them later.  A GPL navigating device should be
forbidden to make the location records over any interface that can be
accessed by other systems in the car, or by maintenance diagnostic
systems.
<p>
The UK should also cease tracking the movements of all cars
via <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jan-apr.html#24%20March%202008%20(Peace%20Activists%20Questioned%20Under%20terrorism%20Laws)">license plate cameras on the roads</a>.

 


title: Gender stereotypes lead to punishing women
uri: Gender-stereotypes-lead-to-punishing-women
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Gender_stereotypes_lead_to_punishing_women)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Gender_stereotypes_lead_to_punishing_women)

content:
 
<p>

  Gender stereotypes <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230731211621/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/opinion/women-language-work.html">lead to punishing women employees</a> if they
speak assertively
   in ways that are treated as acceptable for men.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I denounce bigotry, and
normally I will not link to articles that promote it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles that I consider important and that I
don't know another reference for.  That article is one of the
exceptions.

 


title: Crowded living conditions of poor people
uri: Crowded-living-conditions-of-poor-people
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Crowded_living_conditions_of_poor_people)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Crowded_living_conditions_of_poor_people)

content:
 
<p>

The crowded living conditions of poor people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/aug/07/britons-deprived-areas-poorer-sleep-quality-study">causes them to have worse
    sleep</a>.
  Poor sleep in turn leads to various medical problems and a shorter
life span.
<p>
Poor sleep can be caused by other things.  People with enough money
are not immune.  Nonetheless, they are less likely to have that
problem.

 


title: Failing marketised model of higher education
uri: Failing-marketised-model-of-higher-education
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Failing_marketised_model_of_higher_education)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Failing_marketised_model_of_higher_education)

content:
 
<p>

*   Institutions, academics and students are being ill-served by a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/07/the-guardian-view-on-englands-universities-a-summer-of-campus-discontent">failing
    marketised model of higher education</a>.*
<p>
The US methods of doing this are different in detail but they have had
similar consequences.
<p>
To treat education as a business for which people should pay based
on the profit they hope to get from it is effectively to deny
the value of an educated populace &mdash; which means to deny the value
of democracy.

 


title: Eritrea's oppression deserves protest
uri: Eritrea-s-oppression-deserves-protest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Eritrea's_oppression_deserves_protest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Eritrea's_oppression_deserves_protest)

content:
 
<p>

  Eritrea's oppression of its populace <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/07/toronto-eritrea-festival-canceled-human-rights-violation-protest-canada">deserves a protest</a>, and so do
"festivals" it runs to raise money in other countries.
But these protests should not include violence.
<p>
  Info about <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#16_June_2015_(Extreme_repression_in_Eritrea)">Eritrea's oppression</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Only_10_vaquita_porpoises_left)
title: Only 10 vaquita porpoises left
uri: Only-10-vaquita-porpoises-left
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Only_10_vaquita_porpoises_left)
content:
 
<p>

Only 10 of the vaquita porpoises are left.  They are being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/07/extinction-alert-issued-over-critically-endangered-vaquita">driven
    to extinction</a> by gillnet fishing.
<p>
I am surprised that people did not years ago capture some vaquitas to
establish a protected population.  That is the usual way of saving a
species when its population drops so low.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Trials_for_uniformed_thugs)
title: Trials for uniformed thugs
uri: Trials-for-uniformed-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Trials_for_uniformed_thugs)
content:
 
<p>

When uniformed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are tried for crimes, they ask to be <a href="https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/why-do-police-defendants-want-to-be-tried-by-judges-and-not-by-juries/">tried by a
    judge with no jury</a>, because they know judges are likely to find them
not guilty.
<p>
People who work in the criminal justice system often need the
cooperation of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  For this reason, some prosecutors go to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#25_March_2019_(How_prosecutors_support_thugs)">extreme
    lengths to protect uniformed thugs</a> from prosecution.
  Nowadays some prosecutors do prosecute <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, but I expect that many
of them still try to protect <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
<p>
I expect that judges also want the cooperation of the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department
and therefore are under pressure not to put <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in prison, even
when they deserve it.

 


title: States react murderously to fentanyl
uri: States-react-murderously-to-fentanyl
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(States_react_murderously_to_fentanyl)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(States_react_murderously_to_fentanyl)

content:
 
<p>
Many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/lawmakers-drug-laws-fentanyl-charges">US states are reviving the harsh penalties</a>
of the War on Drugs, and worse, in an effort to reduce the underground use of fentanyl.
<p>
Relatives of people who died emotionally tend to direct their
grief into revenge against targets of opportunity, and I think
this is an example of that tendency.
<p>
These laws are unlikely to reduce use of fentanyl, but will cause a lot
of avoidable secondary suffering.
<p>
The <a href="/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#26_April_2022_(Harm_reduction_embrace)">way to reduce the use</a>
of fentanyl and other addictive drugs is with <a href="/archives/2021-may-aug.html#10_August_2021_(Supervised_recreational_drugs_intake)">harm-reduction policies</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Bacteria_riding_on_PM2.5)
title: Bacteria riding on PM2.5
uri: Bacteria-riding-on-PM2-5
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Bacteria_riding_on_PM2.5)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/07/air-pollution-linked-rise-antibiotic-resistance-imperils-human-health">Air pollution linked</a>
to rise in antibiotic resistance that imperils human
health.*
<p>
As air pollution as increased, so has the amount of resistance &mdash; in
every country.
<p>
Resistance is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/07/in-the-absence-of-solutions-tackling-the-causes-of-antibiotic-resistance-is-key">also increased by misuse of antibiotics</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Ecowas_v._Niger_coup_generals)
title: ECOWAS v. Niger coup generals
uri: ECOWAS-v-Niger-coup-generals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Ecowas_v._Niger_coup_generals)
content:
 
<p>
Niger 
*Niger: thousands gather for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/06/niger-thousands-gather-for-rally-to-cheer-generals-who-led-coup">rally to cheer generals</a>
who led coup.*
<p>
Some carried Russian flags as well as Niger flags.  That confirms
that this rally was not a grass-roots expression of public opinion.
It confirms that the generals are allied with Wagner, which also
supports coup-installed governments in neighboring Mail and Burkina
Faso.
<p>
Wagner may have suggested the coup in Niger and encouraged the generals
to organize it.
<p>
Wagner is a conventional military force and Ukraine has shown it be
defeated by conventional military force.  It was sent to serve Putin's
wish to get more global power by military means, but it is officially
a private mercenary company, not the Russian army.  There is no reason
not to send a Western force to operate ground-attack aircraft and
heavy weapons to help defeat it.  But given the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/08/02/intercepted-podcast-niger-coup-us-military-officer/">hostility in the
region toward France</a>,
the former colonial power which is accused of continuing neocolonial
exploitation there, it would be wise not to include French troops.
<p>
(That article includes lots of other pertinent information.)
<p>
To prevent atrocities, it would be important for the force to have
people from Niger as advisors, and <a href="media/3bba46cc.faith-based-cartoon.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/faith-based-cartoon.jpg">consult them</a>
about each proposed attack <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-mar-jun.html#24%20May%202004%20(Handing%20over%20sovereignty)">to make sure the target</a>
is not a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#26_September_2021_(Consulting)">wedding or a family</a>.
American soldiers, even with strict orders and good will, can't always
distinguish correctly.  I expect that no one else can do better.
<p>
The governments sending that force must firmly resist the temptation
to convert it into a counterinsurgency battle afterward against the
predatory Islamist gangs that threaten all the countries in that
region.  They are a very different problem, and much harder, and
Western countries tend to do it very badly.

<p>
 


title: Umar Khalid in Modi's anti-Muslim India
uri: Umar-Khalid-in-Modi-s-anti-Muslim-India
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Umar_Khalid_in_Modi's_anti-Muslim_India)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Umar_Khalid_in_Modi's_anti-Muslim_India)

content:
 
<p>
Modi's repressive <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> used his repressive laws to accuse
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/08/06/umar-khalid-india-modi/">nonviolent protest leader Umar Khalid</a>
of "terrorism".
<p>
The "evidence" for this accusation, as described in the article,
was a rhetorical question whose answer was "no", which
they mis-cited as an affirmative statement.

<p>
 


title: The bully threatened the wrong people
uri: The-bully-threatened-the-wrong-people
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(The_bully_threatened_the_wrong_people)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(The_bully_threatened_the_wrong_people)

content:
 
<p>
The judge in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist's</a> trial, for trying to use fraud and
force to overturn the 2020 election, gave him release conditions which
included not threatening witnesses.  Since then, he has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/07/will-donald-trump-be-jailed-before-trial">threatened
witnesses several times</a>.
<p>
Robert Reich says, and I agree, that he should be jailed now for this.
<p>
I must take issue with one of his points that may mislead readers.
If indeed 400,000 defendants in the US are in jail pending trial
because they "didn't meet a condition of their release" &mdash; and I take
Reich's word for that, it doesn't imply what it sounds like.
For many of them, this had nothing to do with their doing anything
wrong &mdash; they simply did not have money to make bail.
<p>
There is <a href="/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_December_2017_(Ending_money_bail)">a movement now</a>
to put an end to keeping defendants in jail simply because they are poor.

 


title: Blasphemous burnings v. Freedom of speech
uri: Blasphemous-burnings-v-Freedom-of-speech
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Blasphemous_burnings_v._Freedom_of_speech)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#9_August_2023_(Blasphemous_burnings_v._Freedom_of_speech)

content:
 
<p>
Muslims in Sweden think that there must be "boundaries" to freedom of
expression, and these must include
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/03/muslims-react-quran-burnings-stockholm-sweden">criminalizing burning a Qur'an</a>.
<p>
Burning a symbol of something you condemn is a form of protest that
everyone is entitled to.  That's why the US Supreme Court invalidated
the law that used to criminalize burning the US flag.  Burning it is a
symbolic act of denunciation of the US, not material damage to the
United States.  Likewise for burning any religion's holy book, or
Mao's little red book, a copy of the Bill of Rights, a copy of a
Microsoft software license, a copy of the GNU GPL, or any text that
represents something you oppose.
<p>
Where Muslims are in charge, they usually protect their feelings by
censoring any criticism of their religion.  They label criticism of
Islam as "blasphemy" and punish it very severely &mdash;
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_blasphemy#Modern_state_laws">in some countries
with death</a>.
This violates the human rights of people with certain views.
<p>
Where Muslims are in charge, they don't respect religious freedom either.
Many countries which make Islam the established religion punish any Muslim
who tries to stop being a Muslim.  In Malaysia, the law simply says
that people of Malay race are Muslims whether they like it or not.
This too violates the human rights of people with certain views.
<p>
We need more respect for human rights, not less.  Sweden must not use
"hate crime" as an excuse to repress condemnation of Islam.
<p>
Nor is it legitimate to claim that an act of symbolic condemnation
"endangers national security".  How could that ever happen?  If
Muslims (or any other group) threaten to attack the nation in revenge
for a symbolic act of condemnation, they are the ones threatening
national security, not the people they demand to repress.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Electric_ships_of_Europe)
title: Electric ships of Europe
uri: Electric-ships-of-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Electric_ships_of_Europe)
content:
 
<p>
Europe is leading the way in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/07/full-clean-ahead-can-shipping-finally-steer-away-from-fossil-fuels">decarbonizing the use of ships</a>,
with
governments pushing for change.  So far, not many ships use electric
power, but the change is profitable so more will follow.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Finance_to_combat_deforestation)
title: Financing combating deforestation
uri: Financing-combating-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Finance_to_combat_deforestation)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/07/progress-on-slowing-deforestation-could-boost-climate-efforts-say-experts-aoe">Progress on slowing deforestation</a>
[in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and Colombia] could boost climate efforts, say experts.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Abortion_rights_defended,_OH)
title: Abortion rights defended, OH
uri: Abortion-rights-defended-OH
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Abortion_rights_defended,_OH)
content:
 
<p>
Ohio voters rejected
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/08/ohio-issue-1-rejected-state-constitution">the Republicans' special rush</a>
referendum which asked them to make it harder for future referendums
to be held or or adopted.
<p>
Republicans especially wanted to block a scheduled referendum on
legalizing abortion and a proposed referendum to put an end to
the gerrymandering that enables Republicans to control the state
legislature with a minority of votes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(A_few_global_heating_stats)
title: A few global heating stats
uri: A-few-global-heating-stats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(A_few_global_heating_stats)
content:
 
<p>
July was the hottest month
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/08/july-2023-worlds-hottest-month-climate-crisis-scientists-confirm">since records began</a>,
and was 1.5°C above the preindustrial average.
<p>
To reach that level of heat, even temporarily, shows we are coming close to disaster.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Grand_Canyon_protection)
title: Grand Canyon protection
uri: Grand-Canyon-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_August_2023_(Grand_Canyon_protection)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has protected an area near the Grand Canyon
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/08/biden-grand-canyon-new-national-monument">from mining</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: FL set to teach a revised Black history
uri: Urgent-FL-set-to-teach-a-revised-Black-history
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Urgent:_FL_set_to_teach_a_revised_Black_history)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Urgent:_FL_set_to_teach_a_revised_Black_history)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-ron-desantis-cannot-rewrite-black-history?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">Denounce Governor</a>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> for trying to turn the
history of slavery inside out.

<p>
 


title: Justice Clarence Thomas, more rich benefactors
uri: Justice-Clarence-Thomas-more-rich-benefactors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Justice_Clarence_Thomas,_more_rich_benefactors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Justice_Clarence_Thomas,_more_rich_benefactors)

content:
 
<p>
*[Clarence Thomas] may have violated US law by not disclosing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/aug/10/clarence-thomas-gift-vacation-supreme-court">38
vacations paid for by wealthy friends</a>,
ethics experts say.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Heatwaves_in_South_America)
title: Heatwaves in South America
uri: Heatwaves-in-South-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Heatwaves_in_South_America)
content:
 
<p>
*Winter heatwave in Andes is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/06/winter-heatwave-andes-sign-things-come-scientists-warn">sign of things to come</a>,
scientists warn.*
<p>
Human-caused climate disruption and El Niño push temperature in
mountains to 37C, almost human body temperature.  This could wipe out many species.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Threatening_assassin_killed,_UT)
title: Threatening assassin killed, UT
uri: Threatening-assassin-killed-UT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Threatening_assassin_killed,_UT)
content:
 
<p>
A man clearly inspired by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/09/utah-man-killed-biden-visit-assassination-threat">announced plans to
assassinate Biden and other officials</a>,
and had the means to
try, was shot and killed by the FBI in an effort to arrest him.
<p>
I wonder what caused this arrest to turn fatal.  He may have acted so
as to make that necessary, but we can't take that for granted.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Destroyed_by_fire:_Lahaina,_Maui)
title: Destroyed by fire: Lahaina, Maui
uri: Destroyed-by-fire-Lahaina-Maui
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Destroyed_by_fire:_Lahaina,_Maui)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/09/hawaii-wildfires-maui-explainer">wildfire in drought-struck Hawaii</a>
destroyed the historic town of Lahaina,
which dates to before the unification of the islands.
<p>
Ironically, the immediate trigger was the approach of a hurricane
which was close enough to send strong winds but not close enough to
bring rain that might have put out the fire.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Local_sentiments_on_coup,_Niger)
title: Local sentiments on coup, Niger
uri: Local-sentiments-on-coup-Niger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Local_sentiments_on_coup,_Niger)
content:
 
<p>
*After last week’s surprise coup in Niger, the Russian military group
Wagner is taking advantage of the chaos and anti-French sentiment, says
journalist Garé Amadou in Naimey, while
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/aug/08/explainer-whats-behind-the-niger-coup">ordinary Nigerians are
preparing for the worst</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(A_windfall_tax_on_some_banks_in_EU)
title: A windfall tax on some banks in EU
uri: A-windfall-tax-on-some-banks-in-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(A_windfall_tax_on_some_banks_in_EU)
content:
 
<p>
Italy's government, which on many issues is right-wing, approved a
left-wing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/08/italy-approves-40-windfall-tax-on-banks-for-2023-as-profits-soar">windfall profits tax on banks</a>
so as to cut other taxes and help people who are paying mortgages.

<p>
 


title: Asylum seeker who escaped from Iran
uri: Asylum-seeker-who-escaped-from-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Asylum_seeker_who_escaped_from_Iran)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Asylum_seeker_who_escaped_from_Iran)

content:
 
<p>

  *Asylum seeker who escaped from Iran says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/06/asylum-seeker-iran-dorset-barge-bibby-stockholm-another-jail">Dorset barge will be another "jail"</a>.*
<p>
This might seem like an exaggeration, because the articles which say
where the barge has been moored don't explain the implications of
"Dorset" and "Portland".  They expect readers to be British and know
already.
<p>
Portland is an island which trains don't reach.  It is in Dorset, a
mostly rural county whose population is under half a million people.
Hardly any of the refugees will know anyone there.
<p>
There are buses to Weymouth on the mainland, but it may take a long
time to walk to a bus stop from the dock.  Weymouth has a train
station, but it is a long way from there to London or any other large
city.  Once there it probably takes an hour to reach whoever the
refugee wants to see.
<p>
I cannot access the timetable web sites, because they impose the use
of nonfree Javascript, but I suspect it is not feasible to go to any
large city and come back in a day.  In effect, the refugees forced to
live on the barge will be quite isolated from everyone they know,
including friends and support organizations.
<p>
This is a gratuitous cruelty, since it would have been perfectly easy
to put the barge in a less isolated place.  I am sure this was an
intentional part of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#26_January_2023_(Tories'_hostile_environment_policy)">"hostile environment"</a>
which is the stated basis for the UK's policies towards people who are waiting for asylum
hearings or come from countries too unsafe to deport anyone to.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Republican_Death_Star_plan)
title: Republican Death Star plan
uri: Republican-Death-Star-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Republican_Death_Star_plan)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://medium.com/@alansinger/republican-death-star-plan-to-kill-the-planet-1b0a74aaa4c7">Republican Death Star Plan</a> to Kill the Planet.*
  To vote for any Republican in 2024 is to vote for an across-the-board
attack on climate defense for the sake of polluting businesses.
<p>
The comparison with the Death Star is not strictly valid.  As people
have pointed out, global climate disaster will not destroy the planet
Earth itself.  It will wipe out most species but surely not all life.
I expect that some humans will survive, albeit in low-technology
societies and with short life spans.  In a million years, life will
diversify again.
<p>
But the disaster could easily wipe out technological civilization and
cause the permanent loss of history and culture.  Carefully printed
books may survive if people recopy them every few hundred years, but
what could they write on?  And who would have time to spare for this?
<p>
Another background issue on which I disagree:
Freedom can be taken away either by selective enforcement of rules
that protect it, or by replacing them with rules that oppress.  To ask
which method is the more dangerous today is a foolish question; Republicans use
both.  They are practiced and adept at combining the two methods: they
change rules and laws to facilitate oppressive selective enforcement.
They have done this for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#1_August_2016_(Voter_suppression)">voter suppression</a>,
for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_August_2023_(State_capitals_preempting_local-executive_elections,_GA)">preventing prosecution of uniformed thugs</a>
while prosecuting poor people at every opportunity,
and for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_October_2014_(Books_banned_by_US_schools)">censorship of schools and libraries</a>.
<p>
The overall point of the article is valid notwithstanding these
side points.
</p>

 


title: Border areas of Tigray occupied by Ethiopian troops
uri: Border-areas-of-Tigray-occupied-by-Ethiopian-troops
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Border_areas_of_Tigray_occupied_by_Ethiopian_troops)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Border_areas_of_Tigray_occupied_by_Ethiopian_troops)

content:
 
<p>

After the peace deal between Ethiopia and Tigray, some border areas of Tigray
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/aug/07/people-are-under-siege-why-ethiopias-war-in-tigray-isnt-over">still occupied by Ethiopian troops</a>.
  So are areas that the peace deal assigned to Ethiopia but whose
inhabitants are Tigrayan.  The Ethiopian army blocks aid supplies
in these areas.

 


title: Disruption of an official proceeding
uri: Disruption-of-an-official-proceeding
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Disruption_of_an_official_proceeding)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Disruption_of_an_official_proceeding)

content:
 
<p>

  *Prosecutors may <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/07/trump-belief-2020-election-may-not-matter-obstruction-charge">not need to show that Trump knew he had lost the election</a>.*
  That is because of the "disruption of an official proceeding" charge
for the Jan 6 insurrection.

 


title: Electric utilities against pollution limits
uri: Electric-utilities-against-pollution-limits
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Electric_utilities_against_pollution_limits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Electric_utilities_against_pollution_limits)

content:
 
<p>

The US electric utilities' lobbying group is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/07/us-utilities-gas-power-plants-lobbying-eei-epa">lobbying against stricter
    pollution limits</a> for electric generation.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Crisis_fueled_by_inequality)
title: Crisis fueled by inequality
uri: Crisis-fueled-by-inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Crisis_fueled_by_inequality)
content:
 
<p>

*A pandemic is not just a disease &mdash; it's a political, social and economic
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2023/aug/07/a-pandemic-is-not-just-a-disease-its-a-political-social-and-economic-crisis-fuelled-by-inequality">crisis fueled by inequality</a>.*
   *HIV and more recently Covid-19, laid bare that inequality doesn't just
appear. It's human-made. As the head of UNAids, Winnie Byanyima, put it
recently: "Inequalities are a policy choice. They are choices our
governments make."*
<p>
The article reports that, in countries that criminalize male-male sex,
men who do that are twice as likely to have HIV as elsewhere.
<p>
Who decides to make inequalities?  Billionaires, using their money to
brainwash people so they can get more power to impose more
inequalities to get more money.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Tennessee_Dems_expelled)
title: Tennessee Dems expelled
uri: Tennessee-Dems-expelled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Tennessee_Dems_expelled)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/tennessee-dems-expelled-after-gun-protest-win-back-seats-in-special-election">Tennessee Dems Expelled</a> After [anti-]Gun Protest Win Back Seats In Special Election.*

 


title: Police withheld evidence in rape case
uri: Police-withheld-evidence-in-rape-case
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Police_withheld_evidence_in_rape_case)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Police_withheld_evidence_in_rape_case)

content:
 
<p>

  *Police <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/07/police-withheld-evidence-making-rape-conviction-unsafe-says-uk-court-of-appeal-andrew-malkinson">withheld evidence</a> making man's rape conviction unsafe, says UK court.*
<p>
After 17 years in prison, he was released because DNA evidence showed
someone else committed the crime.  However, given a fair trial,
he would not have been convicted at all.

 


title: (satire) Ron DeMentis to live as a slave for one year
uri: (satire)-Ron-DeMentis-to-live-as-a-slave-for-one-year
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_((satire)_Ron_DeMentis_to_live_as_a_slave_for_one_year)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_((satire)_Ron_DeMentis_to_live_as_a_slave_for_one_year)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/ron-desantis-announces-he-will-live-as-slave-for-one-ye-1850713380">Ron [DeMentis] Announces He Will Live As Slave For One Year To Prove It Not Bad.</a>*

 


title: Starbucks must rehire workers fired for unionizing
uri: Starbucks-must-rehire-workers-fired-for-unionizing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Starbucks_must_rehire_workers_fired_for_unionizing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Starbucks_must_rehire_workers_fired_for_unionizing)

content:
 
<p>

  An appeals court insisted that Starbucks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/08/starbucks-ordered-rehire-workers-fired-during-union-campaign">must rehire workers</a>
that it fired as retaliation for unionizing.

 


